The CVSA Enhanced Inspection Standard Section 8 – Body (4)(h) “NOTE” was updated last year as a result of an Issue Request from Torc. The NOTE was added to this section stating that the measurement cited originate from research that CVSA conducted to define the term “bent” since a bent lower rail is common in today’s fleets and not a roadside violation currently. Now that the lower rail bend has been defined there is a need to define “bent” when it comes to cross members. Section – 8 Body (4)(d) & (4)(h) both refer to a bent crossmember as a defect in the Standard

Reference: Section 8 – Body (4)(h)

NOTE: “Bends of less than ½” or (12.7mm) distortion from original position, at any location on the rail, are not to be considered a defect”.

With the definition now set in the standard on bent lower rails, it is time to define “bent” when it comes to crossmembers that are attached to those rails. When the rail becomes bent, even at ½” or less there is a possibility that the adjoining crossmember is also bent. With CVSA’s acknowledgement in their Roadside Inspection Training & Current OOS Manual, that a bent lower rail is common and does little to affect the structural integrity of the rail, we should anticipate some bent crossmembers are also seen as non-defective.

Either match the definition of "bent" used on the body rail (Bends of less than 1/2"
(12.7 mm) distortion from original position, at any location on the rail, are not to
be considered a defect."

OR

Research into the exact point where a “bent” crossmember is considered to be defective. Once obtained, the Enhanced Inspection Standard should be updated to reflect the findings.