Ep 11. Big Rig Myths

In season 5, episode 11 of Mythbusters, titled "Big Rig Myths," the team of Adam Savage, Jamie Hyneman, Tory Belleci, Kari Byron, and Grant Imahara are back to test out some common myths and misconceptions surrounding big rig trucks.

The episode starts off with the team testing the theory that a semi-truck's tires will explode if shot at with a bullet. They set up a scenario in which they fire a bullet at a tire from a safe distance, but it does not explode. However, when they fire a tracer round at a tire, they find that it does indeed explode, setting off a chain reaction that causes the rest of the tires to blow as well. They then move on to testing another myth about semi-trucks: if a car gets stuck underneath a big rig, it will be dragged for miles. To test this, they attach a car to the back of a semi-truck and attempt to drag it. However, when the car comes loose, it proves to be too dangerous, so instead they create a mock-up scenario using a specially designed sled.

Next, the team takes on the myth that semi-trucks can jackknife if the driver slams on the brakes too hard. They use a remote-controlled truck to simulate a jackknife, explaining how this phenomenon occurs when the trailer of the truck loses traction with the road and swings out to the side. They then move on to testing the hypothesis that a truck with three trailers, or a "triple," is more stable than one with two trailers, or a "double." They set up a contraption to simulate the weight of the trailers and drive the truck around while measuring its stability.

Throughout the episode, the team also looks at some of the safety features built into big rig trucks, such as the extended front bumper designed to prevent cars from going underneath the truck in the event of a collision. They also take a look at the "underride guard," a metal bar that is supposed to prevent a car from getting stuck under the truck, and test its effectiveness. Finally, they examine some of the possibilities for alternative fuel sources that could be used in big rig trucks, as well as the potential for autonomous trucks to take over the roadways in the future.

Overall, "Big Rig Myths" is an entertaining and informative episode of Mythbusters that takes a closer look at the world of big rig trucks and the myths that surround them. The team's experiments and explanations are clear and concise, making it easy to understand the science behind each test. Fans of the show will appreciate the high production value and attention to detail that are hallmarks of the Mythbusters brand, while newcomers to the series will find plenty to enjoy and learn from.