Fast and/or proper way to check brakes during pre-trip?

No quick and proper way.. only proper.

that is get under the truck and pull on slack to check travel. Also visual look see at brake lining thru the slot in the dust cover.

Trolly valve to check your trailer brakes???
Please.

Same procedure I just outlined applys to trailer as well.

 

2 inches.

If you have them adjusted properly at a shop ( a shop not necessarily a TA or something ) when you have your PM done, and do your pump down everyday, the auto adjusters should keep you legal.

I hate the dust covers, I can't see jack through them, I do visually inspect mine a lot, I look for cracks and slop.

I don't have dust covers.

 

Yes .

I usually do it when I'm hooked to a trailer. So no need for chocks. Either set the maxis on truck or trailer.

If your auto slacks are working correctly you should never need to adjust your brakes. But you deffinatly need to check them and make sure they are doing there job.

 

Need 90 psi to fully actuate the maximum stroke, and the trolley valve usually provides 60 psi. Some trailer slacks now have indicators to show them in or out of adjustment. I can eyeball it, but a rule of thumb is if the angle is 90 degrees or past, it's out. If you can see any gap between the shoe and the drum, it's out. There are some YouTube videos to show it.

 

Standard Stroke Chamber: (Round air ports)
Type 20 chambers max stroke 1.75"...steer axle
Type 30 chambers max stroke 2"...drive axles

Long Stroke Chamber: (Square air ports)
Type 20 chambers max stroke 2"...steer axle
Type 30 chambers max stroke 2.5"...drive axles

You can look up the chart under
§393.47 Brake actuators, slack adjusters, linings/pads and drums/rotors.

 

Please chock your wheels...
I went to the hardware store and bought a dowel rod for a dollar, cut it, and place it between the brake pedal and bottom of the steering column on my International with the brakes released. When I had my freightliner, I would place the dowel between the brake pedal and base of the driver seat.
My carrier gave me adjustment indicator discs for the push rods. They are available for sale on the internet.

 

I put Brake Safe indicators on truck and trailer. Drivers and mechanics seem to love them, and haven't had a brake related issue on an inspection since. A quick look and you know where the brake is.

Brake Safe

 

Supply air to the cans put a zip tie on the threaded rod as far as you can closest to the can. Then when the spring break is applied it will show you how far the rod has traveled.