RAINBOW, CALIFORNIA — CHP commercial officers issued a safety reminder after finding a truck with a heavy fuel tank being held up by an improper strap at the Rainbow Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Facility.
CHP Rainbow said the issue is the kind of “MacGyver fix” that can quickly turn into an out-of-service violation or a dangerous highway failure.
Fuel Tank Held With Improper Strap
According to CHP Rainbow, duct tape and cargo straps may be useful for some temporary fixes, but they are not acceptable for supporting a heavy fuel tank underneath a commercial vehicle.
Officials said that if a manufacturer’s fuel tank strapping fails, replacing it with a nylon or cargo strap is not a safe repair.
CHP warned that the condition can lead to a DOT out-of-service violation or worse, a sudden disaster on the highway.
Pre-Trip Reminder for Truck Drivers
The agency used the stop as a reminder for drivers to inspect their equipment before getting on the road.
CHP advised drivers to check their tanks, shake them during inspections, and make sure any failed straps or mounting equipment are repaired properly.
“Keep the MacGyver fixes for yourselves, shake your tanks, and get it repaired right,” CHP Rainbow said.
Commercial Vehicle Safety Warning
CHP said properly maintained equipment is critical for commercial vehicles, especially when dealing with parts such as fuel tanks that can create serious hazards if they break loose.
No crash or injuries were reported in connection with the inspection.
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