Skip to main content

Inflating an Air Bag on an Unladen Trailer

Entry DateOctober 8, 2004
Issue Number04-027-VEH
NameKerri Wirachowsky
AgencyOntario Ministry of Transportation
Address3-500 Weber Street, NorthWaterloo, Ontario, N2L 4E9United StatesMap It (opens in a new tab)
Phone(519)-885-
Fax(519) 885-9454
Email[email protected]
CommitteeVehicle Committee
StatusClosed
Summary of Issue

Representatives of the industry have raised the issue that it is an unsafe practice to deploy an air lift axle on an unladen trailer. Under the current Level I inspection procedure, all lift s are lowered prior to the inspection.. Are there any other jurisictions that have found this to be a problem? If so, what is the minimum amount of air pressure required to actuate a lift to inspect for proper inflation of the air bags and brake operation?

Justification or Need

Due to the response from other jurisdictions and their concern on this issue, it may be necessary to advise inspectors of the hazard and put the minimum air pressure in the preface of the criteria or it could be reflected in the Part B manual.

Request for Action

If the air bags have more of a tendency to explode when inflated on an unladen trailer, it is necessary to tell inspectors the minimum air presssure that is required for the inspection so that they don't over-inflate the air bags.