CDL Drivers Test

[Saber77]

I have a 2009 Newmar Ventana with the Cummins 350 ISB. I'm preparing to take the CDL drivers test and one of their pre-trip inspection requirements is to identify whether the air compressor is belt driven or gear driven. I also have to check the drive belt tension, but can't find a way to reach or touch any of the belts. Does anyone know how the air compressor is driven? Does anyone know of an easy way to access the drive belts?

I also have to check the slack adjusters -- does anyone know if they are manual or automatic and how to check them?

I could not find any of these answers in any of the Spartan/Cummins manuals.

Thanks,

[Latitude]

Roger

I am about 99% sure your compressor is gear driven!! It will be bolted to the side of the block and driven internally.

Where do you check your oil?? You should be able to get to the belts. On mine I have to stand on the Hitch receiver and look into engine compartment from here I can see and touch the belts.

You will have a short V belt to drive the dash A/C compressor and a long serpentine belt for the rest.

The slack adjusters again I am about 99% sure they are self adjusting!! As for the check you for your test will likely have to check the maximum travel when brakes are applied, T know what the max travel is you will need to know the Pot/Chamber size , this will be stamped on the brake pot/chamber,

They are likeley 30 but the front could be smaller.

You have to crawl under with a tape measure and get someone to push on brake peddle you measure distance from not applied to full application, full application will be about 2 1/2" to 3" as I said depending on chamber size.

There could be marker pins/indicaters that will tell you if there is too much travel this is for easier reference so you do not have to use the tape measure, but for your test you might need to do the check with the tape, OR you might just have to tell the instructor how you do it!!!

Hope this Helps
Rick

[85Eagle]

Roger are you taking the CDL test just so you can drive your Motor home or for something else? The reason I ask is because you DO NOT need a CDL to drive your personal coach.

[Saber77]

I'm actually getting a Class-B endorsement on my license, which is almost the same as the CDL. It is required here in Nevada to operate RVs weighing over 26,000 lbs.

[FlyingDiver]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saber77 I'm actually getting a Class-B endorsement on my license, which is almost the same as the CDL. It is required here in Nevada to operate RVs weighing over 26,000 lbs.

Class B Exempt (non-CDL) is also needed in Texas for that weight rig. However, if you're taking the non-CDL test, I bet the examiner never asks you to do any of those things. The pre-trip inspection is a CDL requirement. In Texas, anyway.

joe

[Saber77]

Thanks and I hope you're right because getting to the drive belts and slack adjusters on my rig is next to impossible!

[RVhauler]

I would e-mail the chassis manufacturer and question them. As for automatic slack adjusters I have never heard of them (tho they may exsist- lots of things exsist i never heard of or seen) and as for belt tension if you can press it a half inch between pulleys then if is classed as being correct for inspection purpose. One thing most CDL examiners do check is making sure your air pressure is built up and holding. In your case I would think as long as you can explain adjustment check/procedure that would be sufficent. I have never seen an examiner ask to actually get under there and do the adjustment. Just as a footnote I have held a class A CDL for over 55 years and mine is still current including the medical which is another point that you may be required to have a current medical with a class B. Not sure on that

[FlyingDiver]

Quote:

Just as a footnote I have held a class A CDL for over 55 years and mine is still current including the medical which is another point that you may be required to have a current medical with a class B. Not sure on that

You only need a medical if you're actually working commercial. You don't need it to drive a personal vehicle, even if that vehicle requires a Class A or B license.

joe

[gknott]

RV Hauler- automatic slacks have been standard equipment on m/h and OTH trucks for at least 10 to 15 years now.They are very reliable but travel should still be checked visually with a tape measure.

[Clonetrooper]

In Texas you have to have a Class B if rig is under 26000 but trailer is over 10000.
Other states require pretty much the same but there is the mutual respect license thing=e, if your license is enough for you rig in your state then it will cover you in the other states.
Last time I looked anyway.
Air comp on my 275 Cummins IS gear driven and located on the passenger side of engine towards the top. I have a rubber type belt tensioner that automatically keeps the main drive belt tight. Rick is right, dash A/c is a smaller v-belt, not sure about the tensioner, can't remember if it's auto or manual (thinking manual). I agree with the gentleman with the 55 year old Class A before me about the 1/2 " of play in belts. I lift my queen bed and engine cover for access to the top of my engine and belts and yeah it is a pain. You also have manual air tank drains they may ask about, even though your rig might have auto air tank drains, mine does. This is because the brakes are the most important thing on big vehicles and there really is no back up. I have Class A CDL with Hazmat and tanker endorsments and the more you know the better. Not sure how tough Nevada is but I get pulled over regularily in my big haul/work truck by DOT for saftey inspections, which is great because it keeps truck correct. Never been pulled over in RV. Good luck and just tell the inspector more than they ask for if you know the info. I remember my CDL driving test was with an armed Trooper. Made me a little nervous but I passed the first time. There is a web site that gives license info by state. Will try to find and post link. Hope all your questions were answered by these posts.
KC

[FlyingDiver]

Quote:

In Texas you have to have a Class B if rig is under 26000 but trailer is over 10000.

I think you mean you need a Class A for that configuration. You need a Class B if the MH is over 26000. You need a Class A if the trailer is over 10000, no matter what the tow vehicle is.

joe

[Clonetrooper]

Yes sorry, I meant class A for that cofiguration 26000 and 10000. The trailer is the deal breaker. Sorry for any confusion. Still looking for web site with state by state info.
Thanks
KC

[max49]

My experience with the CDL test in regard to safety of the vehicle is. Just remember what you are suppose to be checking and the general area of where it is. Grab the Pitman and tie rod ends, say they feel tight. The brake adjusters are automatic and and working well and the ppads or shoes are in good shape. The air compressor is gear driven and no oil leaks. the tires have more than 4/32 on the front and more than 2/32 on the rear. Know how long your air compressor is suppose to build up air and at what psi the buzzer should go off, etc etc etc. It does'nt really matter the condition of the vehicle, as long as you act like you know what you are suppose to check. Study the air brake requirements as to when the buzzer should come on and off and at what PSI the parking brakes should apply. It does'nt matter if your coach works perfectly, he is testing your knowledge, not inspecting your vehicle for you. He will be standing behind you writing what you are checking, not actually checking it. Be sure to tell him every thing you are checking or looking at. Act like you do this all the time You'll be fine. Just be glad you don't have to 'chain up' your tires in front of him. Oh yes, be sure to check all your gauges and fire extinguisher and emergency triangles and tell him. Even if they are'nt there.
I seriously doubt he will crawl up tio see your belts or if you have automatic slack adjusters or not. All newer truck have automatic adjusters.

[Wayne M]

Here we go again!
Nope: Don't know why Texas came up as Nevada is the poster's residence, but:
For TEXAS
==========
CLASSIFIED DRIVER LICENSE (Texas Transportation Code, Section 521)
The following listed Class A, B, C, and M licenses will be issued to persons
who are exempt from obtaining a Commercial Driver License or persons who
are not required to obtain a Commercial Driver License:

1. Class A driver license permits a person to drive any vehicle or combination
of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 pounds or
more, provided the gross vehicle weight rating of the vehicle(s) being towed
is in excess of 10,000 pounds; including a vehicle included in Class B or
Class C, except a motorcycle or moped.
Minimum Ages: 18, or 17 with completion of an approved driver education
course including classroom and practical training or approval of minor’s
hardship application.
Fee: $24.00 for 6 years. Applicants under the age of 18 are charged $5.00
for a license to expire on the next birthday.

2. Class B driver license permits a person to drive the following vehicles,
except a motorcycle or moped:
a. a single unit vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001
pounds or more, and any such vehicle towing either a vehicle with a
gross vehicle weight rating that does not exceed 10,000 pounds, or a
farm trailer with a gross vehicle weight rating that does not exceed
20,000 pounds;

b. a bus with a seating capacity of 24 passengers or more, including the
driver; and

c. a vehicle included in Class C.

Minimum Ages: 18, or 17 with completion of an approved driver education
course including classroom and practical training or approval of a minor’s
hardship application.

Fee: $24.00 for 6 years. Applicants under the age of 18 are charged $5.00
for a license to expire on the next birthday.
==========
Please note that they are Class A, and Class B respectively and DO NOT apply to a CDL. There will be no reference on the drivers license to the word "exempt." If you are NOT driving commercially you are exempt from obtaining a commercial drivers license. If you have a CDL you can have "endorsements." You cannot have "endorsement" with a straight Class A or Class B. You do not need a CDL for a recreational vehicle if that recreational vehicle is not being use for any commercial means. If you are running a business out of it, it is commercial. There is even a Class C CDL. That does not mean that every one driving a car has to have a CDL, but, if you are running a car or van for commercial reasons, carrying 16 to 23 people, you need a Class C, or if you are carrying hazardous material in your car, you are required to have a Class C CDL with hazmat endorsement.

It's all black and white.