CDL Vehicle Combination Practice Test

How far should you crank the landing gear?

1. Until it is as high as possible

2. Until it cannot be moved anymore

3. Just until it is secure

4. Until the weight is fully supported by the gears

The correct answer is: Until it is as high as possible

Cranking the landing gear until it is as high as possible ensures that the landing gear is fully retracted and stored correctly when not in use. Properly retracted landing gear helps in preventing road hazards and avoids damage during travel. This practice also prepares the vehicle for a smoother connection with the fifth wheel and reduces the risk of the landing gear dragging on the ground once the trailer is in motion. While ensuring the landing gear is secure is important, merely securing it without full retraction could lead to complications during transportation. Not using the landing gear to its full extent could also mean that it might not function properly should the trailer need stabilization during loading or unloading. Cranking it until it cannot be moved anymore could indicate a structural issue or an improper technique that may not necessarily mean it’s ready for transit, as it may not account for variations in load or height adjustment. Therefore, the best practice is to crank the landing gear until it is as high as possible while ensuring that it is securely stowed.