Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/56062
inspections. Zehrer is considering going beyond that: "I think the next thing I'll do is get one of those tire pressure monitoring systems that monitor pressure in real time. If you get 15 to 20 percent off on a dual, inspectors can write you up for that." If you enjoy the regularity of pulling your own trailer, it can be worth installing such systems to reduce time spent checking tire pressure and to alert you to a dangerous drop in pressure. The PressurePro system is available with automated drop-and- hook capabilities for connections with multiple trailers. "We give you 100 percent pressure monitoring," says Duane Sprague of PressurePro, "and about 99 percent of tire issues are related to pressure correction." Other systems are the Bendix SmarTire system and one from Esco. Zehrer priced these systems for 18 wheels at around $1,000. Sprague says the PressurePro system costs about $1,100. For more such products, find the "Dynamic dozen" feature via digitalmagazinetechnology.com/ current/overdrive. Select the September 2009 issue via the issues tab. Brakes NECESSARY EQUIPMENT • Spare hoses and end fittings • Recommended grease • Grease gun • Ruler (in inches) • A marker or sharp instrument to scribe the pushrod position • Wrench to rotate and adjust slack and/or replace hoses • Hand cleaner and rags Brake violations accounted for three of the top 12 most commonly cited infractions, in both all-violations and out-of-service lists. Automatic slack adjusters, standard equipment on new vehicles since 1994, take care of continuously adjusting brakes for operators, but an auto slack isn't maintenance-free. Checking push-rod travel will tell you when an auto slack has failed. Proper pushrod travel length is specified in the regulations as 80 percent of "the rated stroke listed in SAE J1817 … or 80 percent of the rated stroke marked on the brake chamber" by the manufacturer. As Texas tough on inspections While CSA is a nationwide program run by a federal agency, it's a mistake to consider it "a national safety operating model," says Drew Anderson of Vigillo Inc., which mines CSA data for fleet clients. "It's a 50-state operating model, and each state has its own unique issues to focus on. Texas is far and away in order of magnitude the worst for vehicle inspections and violations." California, too, is a standout, and beats Texas in inspections per lane-mile. Top states for enforcement States with most vehicle inspections Texas California Missouri Georgia Ohio 52,000 42,000 38,000 Inspections States with highest frequency of inspections Texas 0.41 California Missouri Georgia Ohio 0.54 0.20 0.17 0.14 Inspections per lane-mile 270,000 205,000 28 OVERDRIVE MARCH 2012 CSA-proof your rig Todd Dills Vigillo's Top Violations by State workbook / Federal Highway Administration