Mobile trailer repair on I-57 in southern Illinois

The weigh stations on I-57 near Marion run in both directions, and a trailer light out or an air leak is an easy thing for an inspector to spot. Plenty of tractors that run fine get stopped because of what they are pulling.

Dry vans, reefers and flatbeds all pass through here, heading between the Chicago area and points south or turning onto I-24 toward Nashville and I-64 toward St. Louis or Louisville. Their trailer problems tend to look alike: lights first, then air, brakes, suspension and doors.

Trailer repairs a field mechanic can take on

• Clearance, marker, stop and turn light faults
• Seven-way plug, pigtail and harness repairs
• ABS warning lamp and wheel sensor problems
• Gladhands, air lines and leaking valves
• Brake chambers, slack adjusters and adjustment
• Air bags and height control valves on air-ride trailers
• Landing gear legs and cranks
• Swing door hinges and latches, roll-up door repairs

Check it before Marion

If you are headed toward the scales near Marion, a ten-minute walk-around at the Trail of Tears rest areas northbound or at Benton or Ina southbound can catch a light or an air leak while you can still fix it on your own schedule.

Out-of-service rules

Roadside inspectors use the CVSA out-of-service criteria. Fixing a trailer to those standards is what keeps you from being parked a second time.