CDL Vehicle Combination Practice Test

With the trailer resting on the tractor, what should you confirm regarding the landing gear?

1. There is sufficient clearance between the tractor frame and landing gear

2. The landing gear is perfectly aligned

3. The trailer is fully loaded

4. The tires are properly inflated

The correct answer is: There is sufficient clearance between the tractor frame and landing gear

When a trailer is resting on the tractor, confirming that there is sufficient clearance between the tractor frame and the landing gear is crucial for safe operation. Adequate clearance ensures that as the vehicle encounters road irregularities or goes over bumps, the landing gear does not come into contact with the tractor frame, which could cause damage to both components or lead to a potential loss of control of the vehicle. Sufficient clearance is vital not only for the physical integrity of the equipment but also for overall safety. If the landing gear were to strike the tractor frame, it could lead to mechanical failures or impair the maneuverability of the vehicle. The other options, while important for vehicle operation, do not directly relate to the immediate concern of the trailer resting on the tractor. For example, confirming that the landing gear is perfectly aligned, that the trailer is fully loaded, or that the tires are properly inflated are all aspects that contribute to safer hauling practices but are secondary to ensuring clearance between the tractor frame and the landing gear in this scenario.