When you are driving a tractor trailer, there are many things you need to know to ensure proper operation of this large vehicle. Along with making sure that the vehicle is in tip top working order, everything that needs to be connected to make sure the truck is supplying the trailer with electricity, among other things. A pigtail is the connection that goes from the truck to the trailer to allow for electrical power.
The pigtail connector, so named because it resembles a pigs tail, is only one component of all the connections that need to be made. However, it is the connection that supplies all the electrical needs to the trailer. The coil in the cable allows the truck to turn without the cable being disconnected.
The cable itself is green in color, and has a plug in at the end of it which consists of many holes. The plug fits into the corresponding outlet on the front of the trailer. The plug and the outlet are known as female and male; the female plug fits into the male outlet.
The pigtail line is approximately two to three feet long when it is uncoiled. When the vehicle is moving, the coils allow for the truck to make turns without the connections coming disconnected. If an operator is traveling and notices in his mirrors that there are no lights on the trailer, then more than likely the pigtail has been disconnected.
In order to get the electric power into the trailer, the pigtail is connected to the tractor, which is connected to the alternator inside the engine. It is the alternator that is responsible for all of the the electrical power to the entire vehicle. The connector on the truck is hardwired to the truck, usually on the back of the cab.
With a trailer supplied with power, this ensures that the running lights and brake lights will be operational while the truck is moving. It will also supply lighting to the inside of the trailer. It is very dangerous to operate a tractor and trailer without it being properly lit.
A tractor trailer operator is very well educated in the operation of their vehicle. Making sure that the pigtail connection is properly secure is only one of the many checks that are to be done prior to operation. In order to have a properly functioning trailer, all connections from the tractor must be secure.
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