Failed Pre-trip Class B

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Generation Follower, Apr 9, 2008.

  1. Skunk_Truck_2590

    Skunk_Truck_2590 Road Train Member

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    Feb 16, 2007
    Stonewall, LA.
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    I don't know of any place that allow's a cheat sheet. It's really something you need to know on the fly. Study study study.
     
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  3. Lurchgs

    Lurchgs Road Train Member

    2,122
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    Feb 13, 2008
    Denver, CO
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    A number of states allow "cheat sheets"... basically just a diagram of a truck, though - not a list of things to check.

    One thing to remember about the PTI, though, is that while they say it's "108" or so items, there's a lot of repetition. So, for example, on an 18 wheeler checking the brake adjusters would appear 10 times on the list - but it's still just the same action. Just a different place.

    Ditto for virtually all the suspension parts.

    That cuts the list down a TON.

    Then, of course, there's the in-cab. Ok, that one is still complex. Still.. if you break it down... glass (mirrors, windows, wipers), Gauges (oil, coolant, voltage,air), that part rolls by pretty easily, too.

    All that's left is the stand-alone stuff - compressor kick-in and kick-out, etc.

    I forget who mentioned it, too - but set up a pattern and use it every time. The instructors at my school suggest going system by system, top down, left to right. I find that - so far - it works better for me to simply go top down/left - right in the engine compartment.. then front to back on the driver's side, and back to front on the passenger side.

    The important bit there is the pattern.

    Work up mnemonics to help... BACH (Belts, Alternator, Coolant, Hoses) (ok, I can't help it if I like classical music)

    I don't know that you need a truck - or even a picture of a truck - to study from. Once you know the items, finding them is pretty simple.

    If you can, give somebody the list and get them to help you memorize the stuff.
     
  4. BigDaddyJollyRob

    BigDaddyJollyRob <strong>"El Oso"</strong>

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    Nov 10, 2007
    WARWICK,RI
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    Heres your cheat sheet( how I did it & taught others). broken down into sections of 4.
    Fluids= oil,power steering,windshield washer, radiator fluid
    Attached to engine= alternator,water pump,belts,compressor/governor(check radiator
    Steering= steering column,steering box, pitman arm, drag link(in that order) also check tire rod(not bent or damaged)
    Suspension= frame,spring hangers,leaf springs,shock absorber
    Brakes= brake hose,,brake chamber, slack adjuster,brake drum
    Rim= Lip (not bent,no cracks or illegal welds)Lug Nuts(tight,no rust trails or shiny metal)Medal Cap & Stem,Hub Seal(not leaking)
    Tire= No inflation's cuts or damages,4/32nd tread depth(front) can not be a recapped tire, must match the other side, tire pressure 95 to 105 psi. Check the spindle(push against the tire it shouldn't wobble),2/32nd (rear tires) can be recapped ,
    check all hoses= not cut,damaged or frayed,check motor mounts=engine not leaning to the either side,check air cleaner,check fuel filter,check air drier,exhaust or smoke stack, drive shaft properly connected to transmission and rear differential no shiny metal to indicate wear,seals not leaking, check bellows(air bags) more leaf springs (if it has 3 leaf springs top is auxiliary,2nd is main, last is torque(spring or rod) front of box no damage or missing ribs or rivets,side has dot reflective tape, lights all working, back roll up door working,no hole in roof, protrusions on side,floor clean no damage or nails,icc bumper. follow down the other side of box. don't forget your fuel tanks,transfer hoses if you have them.

    There is your pre trip. check to see what's different for your state. If you can print this,get a truck and follow what I wrote you will be surprised how fast you will remember the info. Best of Luck Keep us posted.:biggrin_25520:
     
  5. Generation Follower

    Generation Follower Light Load Member

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    Jan 5, 2008
    indiana
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  6. bob cajun

    bob cajun Bobtail Member

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    Apr 11, 2008
    london on.
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    search pre trip inspection, lots of videos to choose from
    buy a toy truck from walmart too
    start from the exhaust stack on passenger side and work your way round anti clockwise
    oh and good luck
    :yes2557:
     
  7. bigrig

    bigrig Bobtail Member

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    Sep 21, 2007
    Rockford, MN
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    Like said by most everybody else, STUDY and if you get a chance practice on a truck, and then go STUDY SOME MORE!!!
     
  8. 1happywoman

    1happywoman Bobtail Member

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    Nov 4, 2007
    Cincinnati, Ohio
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    This might sound dumb, but just sit down and write it all out from memory and then compare to a list (like someone mentioned above). It can be time consuming but it works well for some people, just depends on what kind of learner you are. Maybe practice doing it with a buddy who can let you know what you are missing, and try to practice on the truck you will test on so you have in your mind where things are on that particular truck.

    The school I went to has a DVD available to copy. The instructors made it . Not the best quality but nevertheless, everything is there.
     
  9. durrty

    durrty Light Load Member

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    May 10, 2008
    east
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    wow this is some good information.:biggrin_25514:
     
  10. drummerwookie

    drummerwookie Light Load Member

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    Sep 18, 2007
    Piqua, Ohio
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    i dont know if its the same in every state or even every exam site, but we had to say this for EVERYTHING, unless it really was broken: "its securely mounted, not cracked damaged or broken" it was a pain, but after doing it over and over, it became very easy...hell, now, when i got to my new driving job, with out even thinking about it i check out all the suspension parts, tires, brake system, bud rims, the whole deal...

    but, i understand its a lot to remember. for a tractor trailer ther are 90 things to check. and on a class B truck, you got the same things just not as many axles, so not as many brake or suspension parts, and fewer lights to remember

    good luck with it all
     
  11. BigDaddyJollyRob

    BigDaddyJollyRob <strong>"El Oso"</strong>

    616
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    Nov 10, 2007
    WARWICK,RI
    0
    Thanks, If you have any questions let me know.:biggrin_25525:
     
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