EC's Going For It

[Electric Chicken]

Ontario is so brilliant they make them put license plates on the back of the tractor. I don't recall seeing that on a truck from any other state or province once I took notice.

One place I worked we would all play a bit of musical trucks between two tractors two straight trucks and a boom truck depending what needed done and who was around at the shop. One of the guys told the boss one of the tractors was missing a back plate and he absolutely would not believe that until the guy showed him the other tractor. To be fair though you could've stood there and stared at it all day and not see a sign it ever had one, or even a spot to mount one, never mind a light.

I dunno what ever came of that. Personally, I wouldn't have been so concerned about it long as it had a front one. The only time it was ever not under a trailer was to go across the road to get worked on.

Also, I know a guy that alleges that New York fucked him for those exact reflectors you just replaced. On one hand something something truckers' tall tales something something grain of salt. On the other hand given my experience with New York there could definitely be something to that one.

I think NJ also has front and rear plates for bobtails. Can't recall seeing any others but y'all know I don't get out much.

 

[Electric Chicken]

Speaking of rear plates. Since we don't have one, I finally ordered this.

 

[Electric Chicken]

Slapped another 3800 onto the principal of the truck note. It's only a few clicks since my business account is with the same bank as the truck loan. Its also instant so don't do it unless you're serious.

 

[Electric Chicken]

Finally got off my soft ass to replace the ring pad thing on the 5th wheel. It was a lot easier than expected. Functionally I knew it wasn't complicated but I thought it might fight me but it didn't. Bolts came out easy and it popped right out.

It was a nasty greasy mess so no pictures but the rubber was almost gone. I adjusted the latch all the way to default just in case. I don't want that impossibly tight on a trailer. I can always adjust it back again if it has play.

That rubber in the new one made the hole a LOT smaller compared to the almost non existent old one.

Anyway, planning to work tomorrow so I'll see how it feels soon enough.

 

[Electric Chicken]

So here's the new one installed. Usually you don't even see it because of all the grease. I didn't even know it was a thing until I looked up the rebuild kits.

The 4 bolts hold down a metal horseshoe which has a hard rubber u shaped bushing inserted into it. That's supposed to cushion the pin against the 5th wheel itself.

 

[Electric Chicken]

That extra play along with the old shocks could, in theory, maybe explain some of my strange tire wear. IMHO.

That bushing being worn out that much could introduce lateral movement in the trailer as well.