-15 degrees and brakes won't release

Was he driving in snow before he parked? if so the snow melted on the hot brakes then froze while parked.

drag your brakes while rolling through the TS looking for a spot to dry them off before you park, then when you park ONLY set the tractor brakes for a few hours then set the trailer brakes once they have cooled off.



American Trucker

 

What caused it? Harsh winter conditions, what could fix it? Alcohol, a 10 pound sledge hammer and being able to use the sledge on your back under a trailer. Oh, and warm clothes.

 

I've been trying to think up a good way to avoid this situation: Park on hard packed snow and ice in a truck stop with hot tires, and they nestle themselves into a cozy little spot so your drives are nicely chocked by ice in the morning.

 

what that will do is get you stuck Your better off parking a little to far forward then after the tires cool roll back all the way into your spot.



American Trucker

 

As your rig cools down, move it back and forth a few times. Yeah, it may interrupt your beauty sleep, but when you are ready to go, so is your truck. Having it frozen to the ground appears to not be any fun. I say appears, because I've never had it happen.

As for the brakes not releasing, don't set your trailer brakes in cold weather. They seem to freeze up easier than the tractor brakes do.

Edit: AT, I think you and I must have been posting at the same time here!

 

oh a little Butane Torch will unfreeze them in a few secounds as well, you can use the same bottle that you use for your grill and burner



American Trucker

 

they also have power to them to break them free (tractor brakes that is)




American Trucker

 

Hey AT, have you ever actually tried that little butane torch trick? Or have you just heard about it. I'm not saying it won't work, I'm actually looking for information.

 

Why would anyone use the trailer brakes when parked in a Truck Stop lot??? Use tractor on ly and if icy, move a couple feet 2 or 3 times and your tires will have cooled off so that you maintain your traction. If drive axle brakes freeze, lock up you axles with locker switch and/or power divider and rock slowly and they will brake loose. Don't just drop the clutch and step on it, you drop an axle or driveline.