Can I transfer air from one truck to another using the glad hands?

I’ve seen it done but I would recommend grabbing a couple air fittings and filling the tank directly.

if you’re going to do it this way, make sure the dead truck is the first to have the red nob in and first to be pulled. I think there is a release valve that can be damaged.

 

Check your air tanks, they may have a valve stem and can be aired up like a tire.

 

You can uncage the emergency/park brake. There is/should be a long threaded bolt on the outside of the chamber with a washer and nut. If not get or borrow some. The end that is not threaded has 2 fixed pins. This goes into the brake chamber end after the plastic cap is removed, push it all the way in and turn it until the pins engage and it won't pull out. Use the washer under the nut and run the nut down. This releases the brake and will need to be done on each wheel that has a piggy back chamber. Not on the front brakes. Truck will roll but no brakes to stop.

 

Check air governor, there might be a valve stem to connect a hose, or you might install one yourself

 

If you have 2 tractors connect both red gladhands together. Push in both trailer brake valves to fill. You will have to hold in the valve on the flat truck until you have enuf air for it to stay in. Then release the yellow. You will not have secondary, but you will be able to release the brakes.

 

Little late. I put fittings on my tire fill hose, made it more useful. Hose with preinstalled gladhand can be found at any truck stop or to save a few bucks truck parts supply for gladhand and harbour freight/ princes auto for fittings, adapters and hose.