Upper coupler inspection question

Any place that does DOT annual inspections can do an upper coupler inspection.

 

Ok, you lease the trailer...... is that not their responsibility or....yours by contract? And a warning...FYI: If they disturb the bolts holding the plate then new ones must be added back. None of this BS "oh their fine"..... so watch them. In my tanker ops, we remove the plate, do inspection and bolt back up.

I'm not saying that's a requirement although I think it is ( have to ask my guy ) but it's a real good idea to not be deeking around in such a critical area.


JMO

 

part of the inspection will involve a kingpin gauge. It's basically a plastic tool that will measure whether or not the king pin is perpendicular to the king section and will also check to see if the king section or wing plates are collapsing. It also checks for wear of the actual king pin. Then they will do a visual inspection on everything to check for cracks and/or rust/corrosion.

You should be visually checking the upper coupler every day as a part of the dvir, but I see a lot of drivers, who pull the same unit, who have not dropped their trailer since the last time they were in the shop.

I think I paid less than $30 for a kingpin gauge. Most people don't own one.

It is part of the annual DOT inspection. If it's a reputable shop, they are performing this step. If it's fleet maintenance, it's 50/50. If they are sending out notices, the are on the ball or at least covering their own.

 

You must be a HM183 certified inspector to do the inspection on upper coupler and fill out proper paperwork.