pre trip inspection checklist

1. engine compartment (engine off)

leaks/hoses- look for puddles on the ground or dripping fluids in the engine compartment, make sure all hoses are secure and not cracked, worn, or leaking

oil level- check it

coolant level- inspect reservoir, if engine is cold, remove cap, check the coolant level

power steering fluid- make sure reservoir is secure and not leaking and fluid is above refill mark

engine compartment belts- no more than 3/4 inch play at the center of belt, no cracks or frays

alternator- make sure it is secure, not damaged, the wire connections are secure and not damaged

water pump/engine fan- make sure it's secure, not leaking, the fan is not missing blades or damaged

Air compressor- make sure it is secure, not leaking, damaged or missing parts

2. steering and drives

steering box/hoses- make sure steering box is secure, no leaks, hoses are secure, not damaged or leaking

steering linkage- make sure it's secure, make sure steering shaft, pitman arm, drag link, upper/lower control arms, and tie rod are not worn, cracked or bent, check for missing castle nuts or cotter keys

springs/air/torque- make sure there are no shifted, cracked, missing, or broken leaf springs, make sure airbag is secure, not damaged or leaking

mounts- check u bolts on leaf springs, make sure they are not cracked or damaged and there are no broken, loose, or missing bolts

shocks- make sure they are secure, not damaged or leaking

brakes and tires

slack adjusters- check for loose or missing parts, when pulled by hand, the brake rod should not move more than 1 inch with brakes released

brake chambers- check for leaks,cracks or damage and that they are mounted secure

brake hoses- check for cracked,worn or leaking hoses and coupling are secure

brake drums- make sure they are not cracked, dented, or damaged

brake linings- make sure they are not worn thin and are free of grease and oil

rims- check for bent or damaged rims

tires- make sure tread depth is no less than 4/32 and that there are no abrasions, bulges, or cuts, check tire pressure

axle seal- check for leaks

lug nuts- make sure they are all present, and there is no sign of them being loose

splash guards- make sure they are secure and not damaged

3. cab check/engine start

clutch/gear shift- depress clutch, make sure gear shift is in neutral

Start engine

gauges- check oil pressure, temperature, volt meter, fuel and def level, and make sure they are in normal operating range

mirror/windshield- make sure mirrors are clean and adjusted from the inside and not damaged, make sure windshield is not damaged and view is not obstructed

emergency equipment- make sure you have 3 red reflective triangles, and a securely mounted, charged, and rated fire extinguisher

steering play- not to exceed 10 degrees

wipers/washer- make sure arms and blades work on all speeds, and the washer works properly also

lighting indicator- make sure left and right turn signal indicators, 4 way flashers, and high beam indicator lights on the dashboard work

heater/defroster- Make sure both operate at all speeds and levels

parking brake check- push in red valve, put in low gear and do an easy tug to confirm parking brake is working

Air lose brake check- turn engine off, turn key on, with both brakes released, hold foot pedal down. must not lose more than 4 psi in 1 minute

low air warning test- pump brakes until low air warning signal comes on

horn- Make sure City and highway horns work

trailer pop out valve- pump brakes until valve pops out

seatbelt- make sure it's securely mounted, and latches properly

4. lights/reflectors

lights- turn on all lights, make sure they are all working, secure, clean and not damaged, check high beams, fog lights, brake lights, left and right turn signals and 4 ways

reflectors- make sure trailer has reflective tape on both sides and rear of the trailer

5. sides of vehicle

doors/mirrors- doors should not be damaged, should open and close properly from the outside and inside, check the hinges and seals

mirrors- should be securely mounted and not damaged

fuel tank- make sure it's securely mounted, not damaged, cap is tight, and there are no leaks from the tanks or lines

battery box- make sure connections are tight and there is no excess corrosion and the cover is secure and not damaged

driveshafts- make sure they are secure and not bent, or cracked, make sure the couplings are secure and for from foreign objects

exhaust system- Make sure it is mounted secure

frame- check for cracks, broken welds, damage to the frame or cross members

6. tractor coupling area

air/electric lines- check for leaks, cuts, shafed or worn areas, make sure electric line is seeded and locked in place, not dragging against tractor parts

catwalk- make sure it's securely bolted and clear of objects

5th wheel mounting bolts- make sure it is secure and there are no missing bolts or nuts

locking jaws- must be locked around kingpin

5th wheel platform- check for cracks or breaks

release arm- make sure it is in the locked position

kingpin/apron/gap- make sure kingpin is not bent, the apron is not distorted or cracked, and there is no visible gap

sliding 5th wheel locking pins- make sure they are in the locked position

trailer brakes and tires

springs/air/torque- make sure there are no shifted, cracked, missing, or broken leaf springs, make sure airbag is secure, not damaged or leaking

mounts- check u bolts on leaf springs, make sure they are not cracked or damaged and there are no broken, loose, or missing bolts

shocks- make sure they are secure, not damaged or leaking

brakes and tires

slack adjusters- check for loose or missing parts, when pulled by hand, the brake rod should not move more than 1 inch with brakes released

brake chambers- check for leaks,cracks or damage and that they are mounted secure

brake hoses- check for cracked,worn or leaking hoses and coupling are secure

brake drums- make sure they are not cracked,dented, or damaged

brake hoses- check for cracked,worn or leaking hoses and coupling are secure

brake drums- make sure they are not cracked, dented, or damaged

brake linings- make sure they are not worn thin and are free of grease and oil

rims- check for bent or damaged rims

tires- make sure tread depth is no less than 4/32 and that there are no abrasions, bulges, or cuts, check tire pressure

axle seal- check for leaks

lug nuts- make sure they are all present, and there is no sign of them being loose

7. trailer front

air/electrical connections- make sure glad hand connections are not leaking, or damaged and electrical plug seeded and locked in place

header board- inspect for cracks, bulges or holes

8. side of trailer

landing gear- make sure it is fully raised, the crank handle is fully secure and the support frame, and landing pads are not damaged

frame- inspect the cross members and floor for missing or damaged pieces or holes in floor

sliding trailer tandems- make sure arm is in lock position, pins are fully engaged and locked in place

9. rear of trailer

doors/ties- doors and hinges must not be damaged, they should open and close and latch properly from the outside, make sure the door ties are secure and not damaged

splash guards- make sure they are mounted secure and not damaged.