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Trailer disconnect switch.

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by LoneRanger, Apr 30, 2019.

Page 1 of 4
  1. Apr 30, 2019 #1
    LoneRanger

    LoneRanger Road Train Member

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    what in the world does it do?

    I tried it when parked and hoses disengaged just to see what it does and all it does is let air out of the red line.


    I’m scratching my head here.


    Any help appreciated.


    Also it’s a Fontaine 5th with air slide.
     
    LoneRanger, Apr 30, 2019
    LoneRanger, Apr 30, 2019
    #1
    D.Tibbitt Thanks this.
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  3. Apr 30, 2019 #2
    starmac

    starmac Road Train Member

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    Sounds like it should unlatch your fifth wheel.
    try it bobtail with it on and see if you have real brakes. I have never seen a switch for this, but I put valves o mine so I can charge the trailer brakes while bobtailing, so as to have real brakes.
     
    starmac, Apr 30, 2019
    starmac, Apr 30, 2019
    #2
  4. Apr 30, 2019 #3
    LoneRanger

    LoneRanger Road Train Member

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    I’m lost, what does charging trailer brakes while bob tailing mean?

    And what do you mean real brakes?


    Guess I’m in class now.
     
    LoneRanger, Apr 30, 2019
    LoneRanger, Apr 30, 2019
    #3
    roshea, booley and 86scotty Thank this.
  5. Apr 30, 2019 #4
    Casper88

    Casper88 Bobtail Member

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    If it's the one I'm thinking off it shoots air to the trailer brakes like a trolley valve, but only when your parked. It's so you can check for leaks and your lights. Also if your hooking a pre 1979 (might be wrong with the year) trailer without spring brakes.
     
    Casper88, Apr 30, 2019
    Casper88, Apr 30, 2019
    #4
    x1Heavy, gentleroger and D.Tibbitt Thank this.
  7. Apr 30, 2019 #5
    starmac

    starmac Road Train Member

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    Many trucks have less braking power to the tractor, a lot less, in other words when you are bobtailing you really have to mash the brake pedal. If you charge the trailer valve (push it in) it will restore your brakes to normal,but if you do not have the lines blocked off, the air just runs through and dumps.
    I put valves on mine.

    What year model is this truck that has that switch?
     
    starmac, Apr 30, 2019
    starmac, Apr 30, 2019
    #5
    Biomagnum and 86scotty Thank this.
  8. Apr 30, 2019 #6
    LoneRanger

    LoneRanger Road Train Member

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    2013 Cascadia.

    I’ve bob tailed with the truck and brakes are the same when connected to trailer.


    Maybe this is the reason.
     
    LoneRanger, Apr 30, 2019
    LoneRanger, Apr 30, 2019
    #6
  9. Apr 30, 2019 #7
    Cattleman84

    Cattleman84 Road Train Member

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    Picture??? Not that will help much but just curious.
     
    Cattleman84, Apr 30, 2019
    Cattleman84, Apr 30, 2019
    #7
  10. Apr 30, 2019 #8
    LoneRanger

    LoneRanger Road Train Member

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    I have to get it tomorrow, but I’m guessing my rig is equipped with a 5th wheel that has the capability of releasing the jaws from inside the Cab.

    But if that’s the case then why is air released out of the red line?
     
    Last edited: Apr 30, 2019
    LoneRanger, Apr 30, 2019
    LoneRanger, Apr 30, 2019
    #8
    Cattleman84 Thanks this.
  11. Apr 30, 2019 #9
    ZVar

    ZVar Road Train Member

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    It's not. If it was to release the jaws it would tun to a second air piston on the fifth wheel next the the piston that releases the slide.
     
    ZVar, Apr 30, 2019
    ZVar, Apr 30, 2019
    #9
  12. Apr 30, 2019 #10
    LoneRanger

    LoneRanger Road Train Member

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    It’s located next to the slide switch so im guessing it’s for the jaws, but why put air into the red line when turned on?
     
    LoneRanger, Apr 30, 2019
    LoneRanger, Apr 30, 2019
    #10
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