Detailed Inspection Procedures
Follow these structured procedures to ensure a thorough pre-trip inspection of your bobtail truck. These procedures fulfill the requirements for a proper Driver Vehicle Inspection Report (DVIR).
Complete Air Brake Check
- Start with air tanks fully charged (120-140 psi)
- With engine off, press brake pedal firmly and hold for 1 minute; check for air pressure drop (should not exceed 3 psi)
- Start engine, place in low gear, release parking brake
- Apply and hold foot brake, then release parking brake to test service brakes
- Fan brake pedal to reduce air pressure until low air warning activates (approx. 60 psi)
- Continue fanning brakes until spring brakes activate (20-45 psi)
- Restart engine and check air pressure build-up time (should reach 85-100 psi within 45 seconds)
Fifth Wheel Inspection
- Check for damaged/missing mounting brackets, bolts, or welds
- Verify proper lubrication of fifth wheel plate
- Check for cracks in fifth wheel platform
- Ensure release arm is properly secured in locked position
- Verify all locking pins are in place and in good condition
- Examine kingpin locking jaws for wear or damage
- Check for proper gap between fifth wheel and frame
Slack Adjuster Inspection
- With brakes released, check for damaged, loose, or missing parts
- With wheel chocks in place and brakes released, mark push rod where it exits brake chamber
- Apply service brake and measure push rod travel (should not exceed manufacturer specs)
- Verify equal travel on all slack adjusters
- Check that adjusters are properly greased
- For automatic slack adjusters, ensure adjustment mechanism functions
Engine Start Safety Check
- Ensure parking brake is set and transmission in neutral
- Depress clutch while starting engine
- Check all gauges for proper operation
- Observe oil pressure gauge rises within seconds
- Listen for unusual noises
- Check for exhaust leaks or unusual smoke
- Verify all warning indicators function and turn off appropriately
FMCSA Compliance Guidelines
These guidelines outline the federal requirements for Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports (DVIRs) as mandated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
DVIR Legal Requirements (49 CFR §396.11)
- Every driver must submit a written DVIR at the end of each workday
- Report must identify the vehicle and list any defects that affect safety
- If no defects are found, driver must certify this on the report
- Motor carriers must maintain DVIR records for at least 3 months
- Carriers must certify that repairs were made or deemed unnecessary
Pre-Trip Inspection Requirements (49 CFR §396.13)
- Review the last DVIR before operating the vehicle
- Verify that any required repairs have been completed
- Sign the previous DVIR if defects were reported and corrected
- Conduct thorough pre-trip inspection before driving
- Be satisfied vehicle is in safe operating condition
Required DVIR Inspection Components
- Service brakes (including trailer brake connections)
- Parking brake system
- Steering mechanism
- Lighting devices and reflectors
- Tires and wheels
- Horn and windshield wipers
- Rearview mirrors
- Coupling devices
- Emergency equipment
Roadside Inspection Preparation
- Keep copies of daily DVIRs for the current trip accessible
- Ensure annual inspection documentation is in the vehicle
- Maintain records of all maintenance and repairs
- Be prepared to demonstrate brake function during inspection
- Know how to present electronic DVIRs if using digital systems