In this day and time, everyone is in a hurry and strapped for time. Trying to get to your destination on time to deliver a load or making it on time to pick up a load can be stressful. Often, drivers may not think about the importance of inspecting a dry van trailer between trips, as they do their tractor. The last thing a driver wants to happen is to have a problem with the semi-trailer, especially when it is loaded, or to have a DOT stop and receive a ticket for a violation that was easily preventable.
Here are some things to look at when inspecting your trailer before your next trip:
- Has the trailer had its annual inspection? It is up to the motor carrier to ensure that any trailer they pull has an up-to-date inspection with a sticker on the trailer and the paperwork in the registration holder on the trailer. Make sure to schedule time before the sticker runs out to get this renewed.
- Lights – Are all lights on the trailer in working order? Make sure that all the rear taillights, tag lights, and marker lights are working. Check the pigtail connection between the tractor and trailer to ensure that the lights are working. This will ensure that all the lights have the proper power supply from the truck/power unit.
- Tires – Inspect all tires to ensure that they have enough tread and are aired to the required PSI. The DOT requires that semi-trailers have at least 2/32” tread depth for tires. Tires with any bubbles or tread bulging should be replaced immediately, as they are not safe for driving.
- Air Leaks – Take a look at all airline connections and listen for any audible air leaks. Also, be sure to press and hold the brakes and watch the air pressure gauge in the truck to see if it holds position. This will check the service side of the trailer brake air system.
- Roof – Check the trailer when it is empty to ensure no holes in the roof by looking for sunlight coming in. Look for any water stains from previous rains and check for any holes or old patches that were repaired or sealed.
- Brakes and Connections – Check the service and emergency lines to ensure a good connection between both lines. Replace gladhand washers. All lining and hoses should be checked. Slack adjusters and Scams should be inspected and greased. Look at wheel and brake chambers, along with shoes and the ABS anti-lock system. It is also a good idea to evaluate air dryers monthly.
- King Pin / Coupling – Take a look at the king pin to ensure it is in decent shape and secure. You don’t want any issues when it engages with the 5th wheel since this keeps the trailer secured to the tractor. If needed, add grease to the 5th wheel top plate.
- Doors – Semi-Trailers have either swing doors (barn doors) or roll-up doors. It is important to make sure that they are in working order. The locks need to work correctly, and the seals need to be good. The hinges on a swing door dry van need to be in good shape to avoid gaps on the sides, creating contamination and energy loss within the trailer. For roll-up doors, check the cables and rollers to ensure that they are moving freely.
- Landing Gear – Look over the support frame for the landing gear. Make sure that it does not have any damage or missing parts. Check all braces, brackets, and welds. The timing of the landing legs needs to be checked so that the trailer is sitting correctly on the ground and not leaning to one side. The crank handle needs to be secured and stowed away properly.
- Reflective Tape – The DOT has tape requirements for trailers. Be familiar with the location requirements/lengths and walk the trailer to ensure that the tape has not come off, is peeling away from the trailer, or is in bad shape.
Taking the time to check these few items can save a lot of time and headaches in the future, plus keep you and other drivers around you safe. Keep a checklist in your truck of the items that need to be maintained so that you don’t miss anything. Make sure to complete your pre-trip today!
If you need to rent a trailer or need trailer service, please contact us. We look forward to working with you!
