tire inflation kit question

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Truckingbiker, Dec 17, 2014.

  1. Truckingbiker

    Truckingbiker Bobtail Member

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    I have an inflation kit but dosent seem to be working. It's one that hooks into where the air lines hook. Does it matter which one I use?
     
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  3. heyns57

    heyns57 Road Train Member

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    Use the trailer supply glad hand on the tractor air hose, not the service brake line. I have been out of it for a long time, but as I recall, the supply line is the red one on the left as you are facing the trailer. The blue supply line has smaller piping because it only sends an air pressure signal to the relay valve. As you unplug the tractor's supply line from the trailer, the trailer spring brakes will set. Then, push in the red button after you have hooked up your kit.
     
    Last edited: Dec 17, 2014
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  4. Truckingbiker

    Truckingbiker Bobtail Member

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  5. 201

    201 Road Train Member

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    high plains colorado
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    When I MADE my own tire inflator years ago, before they were in truckstops, I found if I hooked the inflator to the service line and pulled the johnny bar down and held it down with a bungee strap, I seemed to get more air faster than with the emergency side. Maybe it was just the way the ol' Pete was plumbed. Man, I should have patented that. Someone did.:biggrin_25512:
     
  6. KMac

    KMac Road Train Member

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    Connect to the red glad hand and apply the trailer air.
     
  7. tucker

    tucker Road Train Member

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    Make sure you hook it to the red one ON the tractor, NOT the trailer
     
  8. Starboyjim

    Starboyjim Road Train Member

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    OP, the replies are right on. I use my glad hand air supply all the time, it might be my most important tool. I pick up trailers with underinflated tires all the time, about 1 in 100 is OK at the start. Pull both buttons, connect the glad hand to your tractor side red/trailer air supply (don't worry if some dark night you connect it to the trailer side - your truck will let you know) and push in the trailer/red button. Leaving the tractor parking brake engaged. I have inflated supersingles to 110lbs/sqin with mine. (was brushing my teeth and let it go a little long) Last thing, if you connect the glad hands as well centered/matched as you can, this process will go better for you. Your truck compressor will run @125lbs/sqin, but there's not a lot of volume. Pressure/volume - ask any plumber about their relationship. I hope you use your air supply as much as I do, which is often. The benefits are extensive. Safety is one, fuel economy, tire life, control of your semi, and more follow correct tire inflation practices. I just bought 2 new Michelin steers, only had just over 200K on my used ones. I'll try to better that on this set.
     
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  9. White Dog

    White Dog Road Train Member

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    He could hook it to the blue one, and sit there and pump the brakes. LOL!
     
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  10. stabob

    stabob Heavy Load Member

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    Sad someone is one the road without knowing how to do this.
     
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  11. 201

    201 Road Train Member

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    Hi stabob, you know, that was my 1st thought too, but, we are here to help (at least I am) and NOTHING should surprise us.
     
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