How to Perform a Pre-Trip (Pt 3) – The Trailer

To get started, open the Fleetio app on your phone. Using the search function, locate your trailer by entering the trailer number. Select your trailer from the list, tap the three dots in the bottom-right corner, and choose Inspection. Then select Trailer DVIR Pre/Post Trip and enter your name. Let's begin the inspection.

Coupling Chains

Begin by inspecting the trailer's safety chains. Verify all chains are present, properly attached, and securely fastened to the tow vehicle. Check for excessive wear, stretched links, cracks, rust, or other damage. Ensure the chains have enough clearance to prevent dragging on the roadway while still providing proper protection if the trailer becomes disconnected.

Brake Connections

Inspect all brake and electrical connections between the truck and trailer. Ensure connectors are properly seated, secured, and free from damage. Look for loose fittings, worn cords, cracked insulation, or corrosion. Any damaged or defective connections should be documented in Fleetio.

Hitch

Inspect the trailer hitch assembly. Verify the hitch is properly mounted and free from cracks, damage, excessive rust, or loose hardware. Ensure all mounting bolts are present and secure. The hitch should show no signs of movement or structural damage that could affect safe operation.

Coupling Pin

Inspect the coupling pin, cotter pin, and any locking devices used to secure the trailer to the tow vehicle. Verify all components are present, properly installed, and fully engaged. Look for signs of wear, bending, cracks, or missing hardware that could compromise the connection.

Trailer Legs/Landing Gear

Inspect the landing gear or trailer support legs. Ensure they are fully raised, secured, and free from damage before travel. Check the crank handle, mounting brackets, support structure, and foot pads for cracks, bends, or loose components. The landing gear should operate smoothly and safely support the trailer when disconnected.

Trailer Registration

Next, inspect the trailer registration. On most Service Sanitation trailers, the registration is located inside the tongue of the trailer beneath the protective plastic cap. Open the cap and verify that a valid registration is present and has not expired. Also verify the Illinois safety sticker is present and current. If the registration or safety sticker is missing, damaged, or expired, document the issue in Fleetio.

Lights

Inspect all trailer lights. Verify that clearance lights, marker lights, brake lights, turn signals, and license plate lights are functioning properly. Check that lenses are clean, not cracked, and securely mounted. Replace or report any damaged or inoperative lights.

Exposed Wiring & Abrasions

Inspect all visible wiring throughout the trailer. Look for exposed, frayed, pinched, cut, or damaged wires. Check for abrasions caused by rubbing against the trailer frame or moving parts. Ensure wiring is properly secured and protected from future damage.

Reflectors/Reflective Tape

Inspect all reflectors and reflective tape. Ensure reflectors are present, clean, and free from cracks or damage. Verify DOT reflective tape is securely attached, visible, and not peeling or missing. Proper reflective markings improve trailer visibility, especially during nighttime operation.

Wheels/Rims

Inspect each wheel and rim for cracks, bends, corrosion, or other damage. Verify all lug nuts are present and secure. Look for signs of looseness such as rust trails, shiny threads, or elongated bolt holes. Any wheel or rim defects should be reported immediately.

Tires

Inspect all tires for proper inflation and adequate tread depth. Look for cuts, punctures, bulges, exposed cords, sidewall damage, or uneven wear. Tires showing signs of damage should be repaired or replaced before the trailer is operated.

Trailer Brakes Visual and In Cab Check

Inspect the trailer braking system. This inspection is most effective if a trailer brake check is completed before leaving the yard. Look for visible damage to brake components and check for loose, broken, or missing parts. Listen for unusual noises from the wheel hubs or brake assemblies. If anything appears abnormal, document it in Fleetio and have it inspected before operating the trailer.

Side Chain & Rails

Inspect the trailer's side rails, removable bars, chains, and locking pins. Ensure all components are present, properly secured, and free from damage. Verify locking pins are fully engaged and that chains and rails are not bent, cracked, or excessively worn. Any damaged components must be repaired before the trailer is placed into service.

License Plate

Continue to the rear of the trailer and inspect the license plate. Ensure the plate is securely mounted, clean, legible, and current. Verify that the license plate light is functioning properly so the plate remains visible during nighttime operation.

Spare Tire

Next, inspect the trailer's spare tire. Verify the spare tire is securely mounted and properly inflated. Check for cuts, punctures, sidewall damage, dry rot, or excessive wear. A properly maintained spare tire can help minimize downtime in the event of a roadside tire failure.

Equipment Straps

Finally, inspect the trailer's equipment straps. All trailers should be equipped with two functional tie-down straps. Verify the straps are free from cuts, tears, excessive fraying, or damaged hardware. Ensure all straps are properly tightened and any excess slack is secured to prevent it from becoming a hazard while driving. Properly secured equipment helps prevent accidents, equipment damage, and DOT violations.

Completing the Inspection

Once all inspection items have been reviewed, document any defects found during the inspection and add photos when necessary. If no defects are found, submit the inspection through Fleetio and ensure the trailer is ready for safe operation.