Originally Posted by celticwolf

One of my instructors hated the phrase 'properly mounted'. His reason if it's where it's supposed to me on the truck you are inspecting it's 'properly mounted'. Question then becomes is it secure.. I found it fascinating that the treadle valve is not part of the required things to check during the DMV PTI test.

We have been give ABC=abrasions, bubbles,cuts (if there is fluid or air add leaks) and BLM=broken, loose or missing. ABC if its rubber and BLM if its metal...

Now I need to ask - what is a treadle valve and what does it do?

Originally Posted by NoCoCraig

Actually, you can say "this thingy here" as long as you point at it

I sure hope so!! Control rod/Control arm - Spring hanger/Spring mount - <running around in circles screaming )

Originally Posted by NoWayNoHow

This is one of the things that put me off on commercial trucking. I run my own straight trucks out at my ranch, schlepping fill dirt and water around the place. I really enjoy ripping around in my own trucks, and I'm good on inspections and maintenance, based on how many hours I'm running my stuff.

Then I got into the CMV pre-trip checklist, and thinking if I'm going to drive for a living and do this right, it's a daily routine. Nah, no fun to be found there, just another job. And then I'll find some crap that needs to be attended to, and they'll want me to run with it. I'm kind of picky about my own gear; I hate to think about being responsibile for running somebody's load in somebody's gear, when I have no control other than saying yes I'll run or no I won't. And I guess that may be an advantage of running with a big carrier; they'll keep their stuff straight because they're being watched.

Good luck, if you've been bitten by the trucking bug, it'll be good!

I think I have - but we will see after Monday - that is my airbreak test which will flow into the in cab inspection and the PTI...

If/when I pass I will then be able to MOVE the truck and not just 'gently rock it' when doing the parking break test...

Originally Posted by celticwolf

And tell what it is supposed to... 'this thingy right here adjusts the slack in the brakes'

I know that one its the slack adjuster!! Woo Hoo!! I got one!!

Originally Posted by PainNdaNeck

Hey good news all I start my CDL schooling March 7th....lol

Hot Diggity!! That is GREAT news

Originally Posted by Trilleth

I have just sat and read through almost all of the posts in this thread straight.

Wow.

My boyfriend has been driving OTR for two years, flatbed for one. There have been times when we've gone six weeks or so without seeing each other. I'm having trouble with employment. Solution? Get my CDL.

Making it work seemed a bit rough (although we have shared the truck on occasion), but following your journey, K-Team, has really been helpful. I especially like the "man gets the outside, woman gets the inside" and I think my SO will, too.

Need to drag a little more together to make my downpayment, but hoping to start school on Valentine's Day and will prolly start my own thread at that time. (I was blogging, but the blogs are pretty dead here). I'm going to continue following this thread eagerly, as well.

Keep up the posts and the great work!!

- Trill (who needs to get around to a signature line)

Most excellent!! Let me know where 'your' thead is so I can keep up with your adventures I haven't had as much time to read and post like I want - but I want to drive MORE so I'm spending my 'spare' time studying... tonight though I am taking some ME time to let my head unmush - roommate is with 'her' trainer and I have the room to myself - probably only until tomorrow - so I'm taking advantage of it!! My music, LONG soak in the tub - using the motel shampoo as bubble bath - and sleeping in until 7!! (meeting other students for breakfast and more study before the Super Bowl Game)