Need advice for freezing air hoses on trailer

Nowadays, dry air is the better solution. The ABS valves aren't overly fond of the alcohol. It'll get you going, but get the dryer working.

 

The remedies above will get you going if you're in a jamb, but the ultimate solution is to service your air dryer regularly. If you run up north a lot, I would service the air dryer every Fall. If not, then every other Fall if you don't ever want to have trouble. Personally, I service mine every three to four years and it works for me. I know guys that haven't serviced their air dryer EVER and their trucks are 10+ years old.

Also, I drain my air tanks weekly out of old school habit (we used to drain them every night) and if I notice any moisture, for me at least, it's time to service the air dryer. When it's working properly I never get any moisture.

 

Well I would need to double check but I seem to recall that it will ruin the trailer ABS.

 

Methyl is like zapping your heart during a heart attack. If you'd maintain your air system you wouldn't need it. If you wouldn't eat bad food and no exercise everyday you wouldn't need to zap your heart!

How's that for an analogy?

 

yes you see this is what I recall.....around here we just do one line not both.

 

Has nobody mentioned the trailer relay valve? In my time, the freeze was in the relay valve, not actually in the hoses. The relay valve is located ahead of the tandems with hoses going to the brake chambers. Occasionally, ice in the relay valve will cause air pressure to leak at the discharge port, or cause the brake chambers to hold air pressure and not release the brakes. Add a small amount of air system alcohol to each hose. Cycle the red button a few times, pump the brake peddle, and be on your way.