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CDL · Inspecting Combination Vehicles

When inspecting the landing gear on a semitrailer during pre-trip, what must the driver verify?

Correct answer

Landing gear must be fully retracted and locked; crank handle stored or secured; legs show no cracks or bending; if air-operated, verify the release valve is in transport position

  1. A Only that the legs are visible
  2. B Landing gear must be fully retracted and locked; crank handle stored or secured; legs show no cracks or bending; if air-operated, verify the release valve is in transport position
  3. C Only check if there is a weight on the trailer
  4. D Landing gear only needs inspection annually

Why this is the answer

Landing gear inspection is critical pre-trip for semitrailers. Partially lowered landing gear that contacts the road during transport destroys the gear and can cause the trailer to swerve. Check: fully cranked up (no gap between pad and frame); handle secured (loose handles fall and become road hazards); structural integrity of the legs; for air-operated gear, release valve in the locked/transport position.
Source: FMCSA CDL Manual, Chapter 6, Combination Vehicles, Landing Gear Inspection

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