CDL · Inspection

What additional items must be inspected on a doubles or triples combination beyond a single trailer?

Correct answer

Each coupling point and converter dolly — pintle hooks, dolly fifth wheels, kingpins, safety chains, the air and electric lines between trailers, and the glad hands and shut-off (cut-out) cocks — must all be checked

  1. A Nothing extra is required
  2. B Each coupling point and converter dolly — pintle hooks, dolly fifth wheels, kingpins, safety chains, the air and electric lines between trailers, and the glad hands and shut-off (cut-out) cocks — must all be checked
  3. C Only the tractor
  4. D Only the first trailer's tires

Why this is the answer

Doubles and triples have more connections than a single trailer, and every one is part of the inspection. The driver checks each pintle hook (latched, not worn), every converter dolly (its fifth wheel, axles, tires, and lights), all kingpins and fifth wheel locks, the safety chains, and the air and electric lines running between the trailers. The glad hands must be connected and sealed, and the air shut-off (cut-out) valves at the rear of each trailer except the last must be open, with the very last trailer's shut-off closed. Any failure in these between-trailer connections can cause a breakaway or loss of trailer brakes.
Source: FMCSA CDL Manual 7.3.1 Inspecting Doubles and Triples

Practice more questions

This question is from our CDL Practice Tests practice test. Take the full practice test to test your knowledge across all Inspection and other topics.

Take the Doubles and Triples practice test →

New to this exam? Our CDL exam guide explains the format, scoring, and how to prepare.

Related questions

State-specific guides

Need information for your state? Our state guides cover local requirements, fees, and what to expect on exam day.