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How to test trailer service brakes...

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by mistermino, Jul 16, 2011.

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  1. Jul 16, 2011 #1
    mistermino

    mistermino Medium Load Member

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    I'm studying for my CDL permit and have a question about how to check the service brakes on a trailer...

    I live in Maine and have been studying the Maine handbook for a while now but it looks like I'll be getting my CDL in Texas. There are many differences in the CDL manuals and this is one of them.

    In the Maine book: drive slowly and use the hand valve.

    In the Texas book: use hand valve and pull lightly.

    I've taken multiple practice tests online and both have been listed as correct answers. I'm guessing it really depends what state I'm taking my test in...? o_O
     
    mistermino, Jul 16, 2011
    mistermino, Jul 16, 2011
    #1
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  3. Jul 16, 2011 #2
    WRIGHTRACING

    WRIGHTRACING Heavy Load Member

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    Iuka MS/Muscle Shoals AL
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    They are the same answer....They are just worded different. Don't worry the test are super easy. I saw every guy in class studying for them and stressing about it. I started to study with them, but I knew if I stressed it, I would possibly flunk it. So I went in their and tried my best and passed it the first time. If I had failed one part, then I had planned to come back and cram for that section...Good luck
     
    WRIGHTRACING, Jul 16, 2011
    WRIGHTRACING, Jul 16, 2011
    #2
  4. Jul 16, 2011 #3
    123456

    123456 Road Train Member

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    and if you have NO hand valve ???
     
    123456, Jul 16, 2011
    123456, Jul 16, 2011
    #3
    Ranger70 Thanks this.
  5. Jul 16, 2011 #4
    WRIGHTRACING

    WRIGHTRACING Heavy Load Member

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    Iuka MS/Muscle Shoals AL
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    Then hope they work and drive it anyways...I haven't seen a truck without one, but since you brought it up I'm sure there are some.

    So what is the answer then?
     
    WRIGHTRACING, Jul 16, 2011
    WRIGHTRACING, Jul 16, 2011
    #4
  7. Jul 16, 2011 #5
    Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    He just needs to answer the ?, which is pull the hand valve (while creeping along). With no hand valve you would pull the red valve on dash.
     
    Allow Me., Jul 16, 2011
    Allow Me., Jul 16, 2011
    #5
    Panhandle flash, otherhalftw, shriner75 and 2 others Thank this.
  8. Jul 16, 2011 #6
    johnday

    johnday Road Train Member

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    Most big company trucks I've had did not have a spike. I just rolled ahead very slowly and popped the trailer brakes with the knob.:yes2557:
     
    johnday, Jul 16, 2011
    johnday, Jul 16, 2011
    #6
  9. Jul 16, 2011 #7
    123456

    123456 Road Train Member

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    Pulling out the hand valve checks the emergency brakes, not service brakes, right...
     
    123456, Jul 16, 2011
    123456, Jul 16, 2011
    #7
  10. Jul 16, 2011 #8
    Digitalwarrior

    Digitalwarrior Light Load Member

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    Ontario, Canada
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    Right! Two different systems....emergency brakes deploy when air is evacuated...service brakes when air applied. Many newer trucks do not have a trailer hand valve....Not sure how to test them???

    I am sure that with a loaded trailer and you were moving slowly forward....apply service brakes....and if they were toast you would feel it....but that cannot be a "by the book" test method.

    Ineresting indeed.
     
    Digitalwarrior, Jul 16, 2011
    Digitalwarrior, Jul 16, 2011
    #8
    123456 and BigJohn54 Thank this.
  11. Jul 16, 2011 #9
    johnday

    johnday Road Train Member

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    Uhuh, you're right. Well, at least I knew they worked!:biggrin_25522:
     
    johnday, Jul 16, 2011
    johnday, Jul 16, 2011
    #9
    123456 Thanks this.
  12. Jul 16, 2011 #10
    123456

    123456 Road Train Member

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    I am just trying to come up with the correct answer......
     
    123456, Jul 16, 2011
    123456, Jul 16, 2011
    #10
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