Dumbest question you've heard...draining air tanks?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by emaja, Feb 27, 2016.

  1. Big Don

    Big Don "Old Fart"

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    Utah's DIXIE!
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    Hell, I was turned loose with a reefer trailer, without any idea how the reefer worked. Not hard to figure out, but if there had happened to be a problem with that first load...
    I actually found another reefer driver at a truck stop, and had him explain it to me.
     
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  3. blairandgretchen

    blairandgretchen Road Train Member

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    Bottom line is, you get dirty, find the air tanks under the truck and discover either tap valves, or squirt valves with a cable.
     
  4. rwdfinch50

    rwdfinch50 Medium Load Member

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    What nobody has fully explained, probably because it's obvious to someone who knows is that the drain cord is connected to the valve on the end of the air tank under the truck. Pulling on the cord will cause the valve to open and discharge any water that has accumulated in the tank. Look for more than one drain cord.
    If the truck isn't equipped with a drain cord, which isn't likely, you would have to open the valve manually to drain the water. if this is the case, DO NOT get close to the valve when you open it, as the water will shoot out under pressure.
    I hope this answer helps.
     
    Last edited: Feb 28, 2016
  5. ajohnson

    ajohnson Medium Load Member

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    Nope not me, never had a trainer
     
  6. scottied67

    scottied67 Road Train Member

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    california norte
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    My trainer had a brand new T2000. He went in to 'wash his hands' meanwhile I did a full pretrip and air brakes tests and when he came out caught me draining the air tanks. Told him what all I was doing to stay fresh on my training so I could pass the pretrip and road test coming up- he said never do air brake checks on his truck or drain air tanks again, something might break.
     
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  7. GasHauler

    GasHauler Master FMCSA Interpreter

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    Vegas/Jersey
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    You should never assume that a question is dumb and wait to get it answered. The way we look at it any driver that asked any question about the truck is a driver worth keeping. After awhile you'll see that doing the daily checks and routine inspections will save you money and time even if you are a company driver. You make money by driving and getting paid every mile. So for you to make the money the truck has to be working. Catching a part before it explodes or delays you will save you money.
     
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  8. Yves kanevil

    Yves kanevil Medium Load Member

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    Nighthawk
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    Laying underneath and figuring it out would have been my first thought.
     
  9. melsno

    melsno Light Load Member

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    Well look for the tanks first on my 2011 its under the steps on the driver side but to drain those completely it took 30mins. But just look for the tanks and follow any string coming from. Them.
     
  10. tucker

    tucker Road Train Member

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    IN
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    I just looked on my 2011, they are behind th driver step, mine don't even have a string, had to use a hook.
    No water in them
     
  11. melsno

    melsno Light Load Member

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    Yeah you either going to have to lay flat on your back. Or pretty much pull the step off then do them. Believe me i dont think i will drain them daily... i had no water also.
     
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