Page 104 - Draft 2023 2024 CDL Manual w Modernization Info

• Inspect all electrical system cables and lines are 11 M.6 - Combination Vehicles
secure and not cracked or worn.
• Inspect that the battery box, cover or door is 11M.6.1- Combination Vehicles Only
secure, if applicable.
Air and Electric Lines / Connectors
Note: Inform the examiner if the batteries are not
visible or accessible. Description: Carry air and electricity from power unit
to trailer.
Fuel Tank(s)
Why Inspect: Air Brakes - Loss of air to the trailer will
Description: A container that holds fuel. result in a partial or total loss of braking to the towed
Why Inspect: Leaks are a fire hazard and can cause unit. A low air condition will cause sudden application
driving hazards to other traffic. Fuel on pavement can of the trailer's spring brakes, which may result in loss
be very slippery. of control and lead to a crash.
Electric Brakes - Loss of electrical connection to the
Inspection: trailer will result in total loss of braking and control to
• Inspect that all fuel tank(s), including Diesel the towed unit and can lead to a crash.
Exhaust Fuel (DEF) tank(s), if equipped, are Electric Lines - Damaged lines may result in loss of
securely mounted, cap(s) are tight, and that there the vehicle's ability to communicate its maneuvers to
are no leaks from tank(s) or lines. other drivers (no turn, or brake lights). Not being seen
by other traffic at night is a serious traffic hazard and
Frame(s) can lead to a crash.
Description: Structural members for supporting Inspection:
vehicle body or trailer body. • Inspect that air and electric connectors on the
Why Inspect: Loose or cracked frame members may power unit and trailer are seated and sealed, free
reduce vehicle stability, cause handling and cornering of damage and locked into place.
problems (e.g., wandering, possible rollover) resulting • Inspect that air hoses and electrical lines are not
in total loss of vehicle control. Cracks, breaks or holes cut, cracked, chafed, spliced, taped or worn
in the cargo area can result in possible loss of cargo. (steel braid/electrical conductor must not show
through). Listen for air leaks (air brake systems
Inspection:
• Inspect for cracks, broken welds, holes or other • only).
Inspect that electrical lines and air lines (if
damage to the frame members, including the equipped) are not tangled, crimped or pinched, or
trailer, if applicable.
• Inspect for cracks, breaks or holes in the cargo dragging against vehicle parts or the ground.
area or floor, including the trailer, if applicable. Note: You must inspect the connections on both the
• Inspect that trailer tandem release lever and pins power unit and trailer to receive credit.
are secure, if applicable.
For the remainder of this section (11 M.6.1 ), you
11 M.5.4 - Rear of Vehicle or Trailer will need to study the type of coupling system
your vehicle is equipped with - that you will be
Lenses and Reflectors using for your Vehicle Inspection test:
Description: Light lenses or covers and reflectors on • Fifth Wheel Combination, or
rear of vehicle or trailer (combination only). • Pintle Hook Combination, or
Why Inspect: Light lenses or covers must be free of • All Other Types of Combinations.
damage for lights to work properly. Reflectors allow
the driver of a commercial vehicle to be seen and to FOR FIFTH WHEEL COMBINATIONS ONLY
communicate presence with other traffic.
Inspection: Fifth Wheel Skid Plate
• Inspect that light lenses or covers are the proper Description: Plate on which the trailer rests and
color, clean, not broken and not missing. secures the trailer kingpin.
• Inspect that reflectors are the proper color, clean,
not broken and not missing. Why Inspect: A faulty or damaged fifth wheel skid
plate and an improper connection between the tractor
Note: on a combination vehicle, you need only inspect and the trailer can result in handling problems,
the rear of the trailer. rollover, or separation of the tractor and trailer leading
to a crash.

Section 11 M - Vehicle Inspection
Version: September 9, 2022 105