Driven Women

A stubborn kingpin problem

GG—I’m a single, female driver. I’ve been driving solo for two years, and for the first time ever I asked for help when I couldn’t release the kingpin. I didn’t think I was doing bad as a solo driver until the other driver, a man, said, “If you can’t pull it, you shouldn’t be driving it!” I kept my cool because I needed the help, but man was I upset. And we drive for the same company!

The driver tried prying it loose and couldn’t. Then he had the nerve to say to me, “If you had done a proper PM, you wouldn’t be stuck.” And a PM wouldn’t have told me if my kingpin was going to be stuck. This guy was just looking for an excuse to be mad, and there I was angry with a stuck kingpin.

After a while another driver came over, and he brought a kingpin puller tool that yanked it out in no time. This driver said that there would have been no way for anyone to yank it out without help, and that the other driver was being a (bleep). He even gave me the puller! Thank goodness there are a few gentleman left on the road.

Carol G., Syracuse, NY

At some point, Carol, all drivers (people) need help. Unfortunately, you discovered that not all drivers (people) are created equal. Some lack the acceptance gene and are condemned to a life of ignorance. You’re right—a PM would not have revealed a kingpin problem.

For those looking for a kingpin puller, truck stops usually carry them, they can be found online, or your maintenance department may keep a few on hand.

Happy pulling!

GG

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You can e-mail Golden Girl at goldengirl@otrprotrucker.com or mail your letter to Over the Road Magazine, P.O. Box 549, Roswell, GA 30077-0549.