freezing brake lines question

I don't see a reason to "drain the tanks." I'll bleed it a second to check for watery mist, and if it's dry then the dryer is doing its job. If I do see water then there's a problem. Dryers are cheap to replace, and you don't want water in your system. That air services everything from your brakes to your transmission, even the air ride seats.

 

Condensation, recall this is created when outside air temperature is colder. Your air tanks should contain warmer air than (freezing temps) outside air temp. During cooling down periods will create condensation...drain ur tanks.

 

Condensation is the change from gas to liquid. If you have a closed dry environment at shut down, then there is no wet gas to condense back into a liquid. A quick bleed of the tank will immediately let you know your dryer is in working order. A full drain is an unnecessary old timer practice from before the use of air dryers.

On an additional note, if you shut down for the night and evacuate all the pressure from your system, your trailer brakes will engage. You shouldn't immediately set your trailer brakes in cold weather.

 

Within a closed air system: Gases can also be changed to a liquid or solid if the temperature is too low or the pressure is too high. (ideal gas law)

 

Okay, so we are stuck in Butte MT. Our air lines are frozen. Both the trailer and tractor needles are stuck right at around 25PSI.

What is the best method for unfreezing them? There have been several mentioned, but since we are new drivers...I'd like the most basic and simple solution.

Can we buy an anti-freeze at the Flying J? How do we introduce it into the system? Once introduced into the system....what do we do to facilitate it working its way through the brake system?

Should we also, as a matter of course, put in new glad hand seals?

 

I have to use airline antifreeze all the time.
The truck I usually drive in the winter I just disconnect the airline to the compressor use an old ketchup bottle and shoot some down it, then for the trailer I just disconnect the Glad hand pour a little bit of air line antifreeze in it then hook it back up an cycle my break some.

 

Is your air blowing out the bottom of the air dryer continuously?
If so the purge valve is frozen open. It can be removed and serviced.