PRETRIP BY JERRY "THE CDL WHISPERER"

Pre-Trip Inspection Overview

Introduction to Pre-Trip Inspection

• The session focuses on conducting a pre-trip inspection, detailing the various forms (A, B, C) required at the Department of Public Safety (DPS).

• Emphasis is placed on performing coupling checks, light checks, and end cap inspections as part of the process.

Exterior Checks: Lights and Leaks

• Start with cab clearance lights; ensure they are properly mounted, secured, clean, clear, and amber in color.

• Headlights should also be checked for proper mounting and cleanliness; signal lights must be amber.

• Inspect underneath the truck for leaks or puddles; confirm that the truck is level to avoid suspension issues.

Engine Compartment Inspection

Alternator and Belts

• Check alternator for secure mounting; it should not be cracked or broken. Ensure it's belt-driven.

• Inspect the condition of the alternator belt for cuts or frays; it should have no more than ¾ inch play.

Coolant System Components

• Examine coolant reservoir for secure mounting without cracks or leaks; fluid level must be between ADD and full.

• Check hoses and clamps for abrasions or leaks. Water pump should also be securely mounted without damage.

Oil and Power Steering Systems

Engine Oil System

• Identify engine oil fill cap and dipstick; check oil level between ADD and full marks.

Air Compressor & Power Steering Pump

• Locate air compressor ensuring it's gear-driven with no leaks.

• Power steering pump must also be securely mounted without any fluid leakage.

Steering Linkage & Suspension System

Steering Components

• Confirm that power steering hoses are properly secured without abrasions or leaks.

• Describe three-piece steering linkage components (pitman arm, drag link, tie rod); ensure they are greased properly.

Suspension Elements

• Inspect spring mounts for secure attachment. Leaf springs need to be intact without cracks or shifts.

• U-bolts must also be checked for security while shock absorbers should not show signs of leaking.

Brake System Examination

Brake Hose & Chamber

• Brake hose needs to be free from abrasions or cuts while being securely mounted. No air leakage is acceptable.

Push Rod & Slack Adjuster

Vehicle Inspection Process: Key Steps and Considerations

Front Wheel Inspection

• To check the movement of the wheel, use a tape measure to ensure it does not exceed one inch of play. Inspect the brake drum for oil, grease, and cracks.

• Verify that the brake lining has at least a quarter-inch of pad material; replace brakes if below this threshold. Check the inside rim for secure mounting without cracks or illegal welds.

• Examine both inside and outside walls of the tire for abrasions, bulges, cuts, and ensure tread depth is no less than four thirty-seconds. The tire must match its counterpart on the opposite side.

• Ensure all lug nuts are present and secure; look for signs of looseness indicated by rust trails or shiny metal threads. Confirm that hub seals are intact without leaks.

• Check valve stems for cracks or leaks and verify tire pressure is approximately 100 PSI. This concludes Form A inspection covering front vehicle components.

Side and Rear Vehicle Inspection (Form B)

• Begin with mirrors ensuring they are properly mounted without cracks or breaks. Check door functionality including hinges and weather seals to prevent wind/rain intrusion.

• Entry steps should be secure, free from debris, and not cracked or broken.

• Inspect DEF fuel tank for proper mounting without leaks; ensure cap is tight. Similarly check fuel tank area for security against cracking or leaking.

• Review exhaust system connections ensuring they are secured without cracks or leaks around clamps; look out for soot accumulation as an indicator of potential issues.

• Assess drive shaft integrity connecting transmission to rear end; confirm it’s securely mounted without any shifts in position.

Suspension System Overview

• Catwalk should be clear of objects while being properly mounted and secured. Frame cross members need to be intact with no holes or illegal welds present.

• Examine suspension components such as spring mounts which must be securely attached without damage; leaf springs should also show no signs of shifting or breakage.

• U-bolts must be checked similarly for secure attachment while shock absorbers require inspection at both ends to ensure they’re not leaking fluid.

Brake System Checks

• Start with brake air hose confirming it’s free from abrasions/cuts while being securely mounted with no leaks detected.

• Brake chamber needs verification against cracking/breaking while ensuring clamps are in place to prevent leakage behind it.

This structured approach ensures thorough vehicle safety checks across critical systems before operation.

Vehicle Inspection Process Overview

Brake System Inspection

• The push rod and slack adjuster are located behind a bracket, often overlooked by students during inspections.

• Brake lining or pads should be no less than a quarter of an inch; if they fall below this threshold, replacement is necessary.

• Inspect both the inside and outside of the rims for cracks and illegal welds; ensure tire sidewalls and tread depth meet safety standards (minimum two thirty-seconds of an inch).

• Check lug nuts for proper mounting, securing, and absence of rust trails or shiny metal indicating looseness.

• Ensure axle seals are intact without leaks, and verify valve stems on dual tires are properly secured with correct PSI (approximately 100 PSI).

Rear Vehicle Components

• Communicate to the examiner that all inspected components on one axle apply to the other axle as well to avoid losing points.

• Mud flaps must be securely mounted at a height no more than eight inches off the ground; check brackets for security.

• Multi-function lights should be operational in their respective roles (signal light, four-way flasher, brake light, tail light), ensuring proper color (red).

Coupling Procedures

• Properly secure blue and red airline connections to the back of the tractor; electric cord must also be checked for secure attachment.

• Inspect Glad hands for secure mounting without leaks; ensure rubber seals are not torn or split to prevent air leakage.

• Confirm that electric cords are securely plugged into their respective boxes on the trailer.

Trailer Components Examination

• Check apron condition—ensure it is mounted securely with no illegal welds—and inspect skid plate for cracks while confirming it is adequately greased.

• Verify there’s no gap between apron and skid plate; check mounting platform integrity against cracks or missing bolts.

Coupling and Pre-Trip Inspection of a Trailer

Checking the Locking Jaw and Kingpin

• The locking jaw, which wraps around the kingpin, must be properly mounted and secure. It should not be cracked, broken, or overly worn.

• Ensure proper spacing between the mud flap and landing gear for turns by adjusting the fifth wheel with locking pins.

Inspecting the Trailer Header Board

• The header board should be checked for proper mounting, security, and absence of cracks or missing rivets.

• Verify that the corner clearance light is amber in color and securely mounted.

DOT Tape and Frame Condition

• DOT tape must cover 50% of the trailer's sidewall; ensure it is properly displayed.

• Check frame and cross members for secure mounting without illegal welds; they should not be cracked or broken.

Landing Gear and Crank Handle Checks

• Confirm that landing gear is properly mounted, secured, and fully raised to avoid hazards like getting caught on railroad tracks.

• The crank handle must always be locked to prevent it from swinging loose during transit.

Suspension System Overview

• Inspect suspension mounts on axles for secure mounting without cracks or breaks; airbags should also show no signs of leaks or damage.

• Ensure torque arm brackets are properly secured without any cracks or bends; check shock absorbers for leaks.

Brake System Inspection

• Brake hoses need to be free from abrasions, bulges, cuts, and air leaks.

• Brake chambers must be securely mounted without cracks or leaks; clamps should remain in place.

Brake Drum and Lining Condition

• The brake drum needs to be free of oil/grease while being securely mounted.

• Brake lining (pads), which must measure at least a quarter inch thick, should also be inspected for proper mounting.

Wheel Rims and Tire Conditions

• Both inside/outside rims require checks for illegal weldings/cracks; tire conditions need assessment for abrasions/bulges/cuts.

• Tread depth on tires should not fall below 2/32 inches. Bud spacing between tires must also remain clear of debris.

Lug Nuts and Hub Seal Verification

• Lug nuts need to be properly secured with none missing; signs of looseness can include rust trails or shiny metal surfaces.

• Hub seals require inspection for cracks/breakage/leaks while valve stems on both tires need checking as well.

Final Checks Before Departure

• Mud flaps must not exceed eight inches off the ground while ensuring they are properly monitored.

Vehicle Inspection and Safety Check Procedures

Pre-Docking and Light Checks

• Ensure the door is open during docking; mention the door tie.

• Inspect ABS light, which is the only amber light at the rear of the vehicle.

• Check top clearance lights for proper color (red), functionality, and security.

• Confirm that all doors are properly mounted, secured, and latching correctly.

Weather Seal and Bumper Inspection

• Verify that weather seals on doors are intact to prevent product damage from moisture.

• Ensure DLT tape is fully displayed across the rear of the vehicle for compliance.

Safety Equipment Verification

• Check safety equipment: fire extinguisher must be mounted, secure, and charged; ensure three reflective triangles are present.

• Confirm presence of six spare fuses in a designated pack.

Interior Checks Before Starting Vehicle

• Fasten seatbelt; check it’s properly mounted, secured, and free from cuts or frays.

• Mention that ABS light activates upon starting; confirm windows and mirrors are clean, clear, and adjusted.

Dashboard Indicators and Gauges

• Test signal indicators (left/right/4-way); ensure bright light indicator functions correctly.

• Monitor oil pressure gauge to ensure it rises within normal range (30 to 60 PSI).

Additional Gauge Monitoring

• Water temperature should rise to normal operating range (160 to 200°F).

• Check volt meter for alternator charging status (12 to 14 volts).

Fuel Levels and Air Pressure Checks

• Ensure fuel level exceeds an eighth of a tank; verify adequate DEF fluid levels.

• Confirm air pressure is between 120 to 140 PSI after running truck for a while.

Climate Control Functionality

Brake Testing Procedure

Initial Steps for Brake Testing

• Begin by ensuring the gauge is sweet, then release both the tractor and trailer valves.

• Inform the examiner to time your brake test, monitoring gauges to ensure no more than 4 PSI is lost in one minute.

• Check for a low-pressure alarm that should activate before reaching 55 PSI; pump brakes to confirm.

Continuing the Brake Test

• During the brake test, both valves should pop out between 20 to 45 PSI when pumping down the brakes.

• Restarting the engine is necessary to build pressure for checking each brake individually: tractor, trailer, and service brakes.

Building Pressure and Checking Brakes

• Idle the truck above 1000 RPM to expedite pressure buildup towards 120 to 140 PSI.

• Once at desired pressure (120 PSI), begin testing trailer brakes by releasing tractor brakes (yellow valve).

Testing Trailer and Tractor Brakes

• After releasing tractor brakes, put truck in first gear and perform a light tug; if it doesn't move, trailer brakes are functioning properly.

• To check tractor brakes, release trailer brakes (red valve), pull yellow valve out, and again perform a light tug in first gear.

Finalizing Brake Tests

• Push both valves in to test service brakes using foot pedal while moving at five miles per hour; ensure no pulling left or right occurs during braking.

Pre-trip Inspection Overview

Instructor's Perspective on Pre-trip Inspections