Trailer Pre-Trip Inspection

Trailer Pre-trip Inspection

Details on the daily pre-trip inspection procedures required for trailers leased through Palmer Leasing.

These are minimum standards for information purposes only; please refer to US DOT inspection guidelines.

1. Landing Gear
   1. Fully raised
   2. No missing parts
   3. Support frame not cracked, broken, or damaged
2. Frame
   1. No cracks, bends, or damaged
   2. No missing or damaged cross members
   3. No signs of holes or damage to trailer floor
3. Tandem Release
   1. Locking pins secure and locked in place
   2. Release handle is secure
4. Lights & Reflectors
   1. Working and proper color
      1. Front and side are amber
      2. Rear edge is red
   2. Not broken, cracked, or missing
   3. Conspicuously tape in place
5. Leaf Springs
   1. Not shifted or out of place
   2. Not cracked, broken or missing
6. Spring Mounts
   1. Mounted Securely – front, back and U-bolts
   2. Not cracked or broken
7. Torque Rod
   1. Mounted Securely
   2. Not bent, broken or damaged
8. Shock Absorber (if equipped)
   1. Mounted Securely
   2. Not bent, dented or leaking
9. Air Bags
   1. Mounted Securely
   2. Not leaking
10. Hoses and Lines
    1. Mounted Securely
    2. Not leaking
    3. Not cracked or frayed
11. Brake Chamber
    1. Mounted Securely
    2. Not dented or damaged
    3. Not leaking
12. Slack Adjuster
    1. 90 degrees with brakes applied
    2. No more than 1 inch of free play at the push rod with the brakes released
    3. No bent, broken, loose, or missing parts
13. Drums
    1. Not cracked, broken or dented
    2. No oil leaking from inner oil seal, free of debris
14. Linings
    1. No cracked, broken or missing parts
    2. Not less than 1⁄4 inch in thickness
15. Tires
    1. No bulges or cuts, can have retreads
    2. Minimum tread depth of 2/32″
16. Rims
    1. Not bent or cracked
    2. No welding repairs
17. Lug Nuts
    1. None missing
    2. Tight – no shinny threads, or rust trails
18. Outer hub oil seal
    1. Not leaking, no missing bolts
    2. Fluid level OK
19. Space or Spacer
    1. Check for objects between wheels
    2. Check for proper spacing
20. Doors
    1. Not bent, broken, or damaged
    2. Close and latch securely
    3. Hinges secure, no damage
21. Door ties
    1. Not missing, broken, and securely mounted
22. Splash guards
    1. Mounted properly
    2. Not missing, ripped or torn
23. DOT bumper
    1. Not bent or damaged
24. Lights & Reflectors
    1. Working and proper color
    2. Not broken, cracked, or missing

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