Page 105 - Draft 2023 2024 CDL Manual w Modernization Info
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Inspection: • Inspect that the drawbar ring or eye is secured to
• Inspect that the fifth wheel skid plate is securely the trailer tongue and there are no loose or
mounted to the vehicle by the fifth wheel missing bolts, broken welds, or cracks.
platform. • Inspect that the drawbar ring or eye is not worn.
• Inspect for cracks, breaks or excessive wear. • Inspect the trailer tongue for dents, twists, cracks,
• Inspect for proper lubrication, if applicable. and broken welds and that the trailer tongue can
support the weight of the load. If extendable,
Kingpin, Apron & Gap inspect that bolts, locking pins and cotter pins are
Description: Pin that attaches the semi-trailer to in place.
tractor (kingpin) and the metal plate attached to the OR
kingpin that provides the surface for resting the trailer
on the fifth wheel (apron). ALL OTHER TYPES OF COMBINATIONS
Why Inspect: Wear or damage to the kingpin can Note: Coupling systems vary. If you have another type
result in handling problems, rollover, or separation of of coupling system, you will need to describe to the
the tractor and trailer leading to a crash. examiner how it works and what you are inspecting.
Inspection: Tow Hitch
• Inspect that the kingpin is in place and not bent,
damaged or worn. Description: Tow or receiver hitch and trailer ball,
• Inspect that the visible part of the apron is not which the trailer coupler rests on.
bent, cracked, or broken. Why Inspect: A faulty or damaged tow hitch or other
• Inspect that the trailer is lying flat on the fifth mechanism and an improper connection between the
wheel skid plate and there is no space between power unit and the trailer can result in handling
the apron and fifth wheel (no gap). problems, rollover, or separation of the power unit and
• Inspect for proper lubrication, if applicable. trailer leading to a crash.
OR Inspection:
• Inspect that the tow hitch or other mechanism is
FOR PINTLE HOOK COMBINATIONS ONLY securely mounted to the vehicle frame. Inspect
Pintle Hook sway bar/control, if equipped.
• Inspect for loose or missing parts including
Description: Tow hitch or receiving coupling which mounting bolts, nuts, pins, brackets and clamps,
the trailer drawbar ring/eye locks into. including the trailer ball or other mechanism.
Why Inspect: A faulty or damaged pintle hook and an • Inspect for cracks, breaks or excessive wear.
improper connection between the power unit and the Trailer Coupler & Tongue
trailer can result in handling problems, rollover, or
separation of the power unit and trailer leading to a Description: Trailer coupler attached to the front of
crash. the trailer tongue that latches to the trailer hitch and
trailer ball. The trailer tongue that extends from the
Inspection: trailer's main body frame to allow for coupling and
• Inspect that the pintle hook is securely mounted turning.
to the vehicle frame.
• Inspect for loose or missing parts including Why Inspect: Wear, damage, cracks or improper
mounting bolts, nuts, pins, brackets and clamps. welds in the trailer coupler and trailer tongue may
• Inspect for cracks, breaks or excessive wear. result in loss of the trailer, leading to a crash.
Trailer Drawbar Ring & Tongue Inspection:
• Inspect that the trailer coupler is not bent or
Description: Trailer drawbar ring or eye attached to twisted.
the front of the trailer tongue that secures into the • Inspect that the trailer coupler is secured to the
pintle hook for coupling. The trailer tongue that trailer tongue and there are no loose or missing
extends from the trailer's main body frame to allow for bolts, broken welds, or cracks.
coupling and turning. • Inspect that the trailer coupler is not worn.
Why Inspect: Wear, damage, cracks or improper • Inspect the trailer tongue for dents, twists, cracks,
welds in the drawbar ring and trailer tongue may result and broken welds and that the trailer tongue can
in loss of the trailer leading to a crash. support the weight of the load. If extendable,
inspect that bolts, locking pins and cotter pins are
Inspection: in place.
• Inspect that the drawbar ring or eye is not bent or
twisted.
Section 11 M - Vehicle Inspection
Version: September 9, 2022 106