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Installing a shut-off valve to the air brakes for trailer???

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by SHC, Dec 11, 2011.

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  1. Dec 11, 2011 #1
    SHC

    SHC Spoiled Rotten Brat O/O

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    Feb 26, 2011
    Westville, IN
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    I pull super light trailers. J&L Vac tanks that weigh 10,500 empty and I only weight 15,000 when I'm loaded. I have a lot of problems with the trailers in the winter time with the brakes locking up in the snow/ice and slidding and to be honest, it scares the crap out of me.

    Just thinking, as I saw a truck with this last week.... what about putting a shut-off valve on the brake supply side?? That way the brakes release but they WILL NOT APPLY when I hit them. My truck is more than sufficent to stop the load (loaded I am 35,000 gross combo) and then when and IF i get inspected, i can just turn the handle back on and i would only use the shut-off in the winter time up north and when it snows/ice's. I know it's not completely safe, but I don't see it as a huge problem and will save my butt more than anything. I have had the brakes adjusted about 10 times now but they are just so light all they do is lock (on dry pavement even)

    I have been driving 9 years now and these things are by far the worst I have ever ran in the winter time. I live outside Chicago and used to run regionally so it's not that I don't have experience or that I'm, scared, just trying to be cautious.
     
    SHC, Dec 11, 2011
    SHC, Dec 11, 2011
    #1
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  3. Dec 11, 2011 #2
    Pablo-UA

    Pablo-UA Road Train Member

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    it would be easier to retrofit ABS system. I advce you WABCO VCS-II. all in one box - accelerating valve+ modulators + ecm. 12V and 24V are available on market. VCS-II may be configurated as 2s/2m, 4s/2m and 4s/3m depending on trailer type
     
    Pablo-UA, Dec 11, 2011
    Pablo-UA, Dec 11, 2011
    #2
  4. Dec 11, 2011 #3
    Higgy

    Higgy Light Load Member

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    Dec 11, 2011
    Akron, OH
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    NOT A GOO IDEA. Learn to keep your distance and jakes accordingly. I have been driving 22 yrs and 12 of that was tanker. I had the same issue with the trailers and back then the trailers did not have ABS on them. Currently in bad chicago weather ( which I run cleveland to chicago 3 times a week, so I know and I am from MN). I can drive in bad weather without using alot of brakes, you can too. KEEPING YOUR "Idiot Space" is the key. If you put a shut of valve on, you will wear out yout tractor brakes in no time. And your trailer will still jack knife in a panic situation. And lets not forget the human error as well, forgetting to turn the switch back on. DON'T DO IT.
     
    Higgy, Dec 11, 2011
    Higgy, Dec 11, 2011
    #3
  5. Dec 11, 2011 #4
    Pablo-UA

    Pablo-UA Road Train Member

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    Borispol, Ukraine
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    Old school driver's opinion...

    Yep. U R right about safely driving, but IMO ABS + Trailer brake force regulator is better idea.

    All axes are ABS ready from '95. Just add sensors and tone rings. it is the really safe way
     
    Pablo-UA, Dec 11, 2011
    Pablo-UA, Dec 11, 2011
    #4
  7. Dec 11, 2011 #5
    keepitsimple

    keepitsimple Light Load Member

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    Aug 2, 2011
    ontario, Canada
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    so, on the service side????

    turn off your supply side, me thinks ya won't get far.......

    or am I confused?

    ( mmmm, now me mind is playing games.........someone help me..........:biggrin_2552:

    might be a difference in regional talk.........:biggrin_25525:
     
    keepitsimple, Dec 11, 2011
    keepitsimple, Dec 11, 2011
    #5
  8. Dec 11, 2011 #6
    Pablo-UA

    Pablo-UA Road Train Member

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    really, retrofiting ABS is about $1000
     
    Pablo-UA, Dec 11, 2011
    Pablo-UA, Dec 11, 2011
    #6
  9. Dec 11, 2011 #7
    Jfaulk99

    Jfaulk99 Road Train Member

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    Just stick a quarter between the blue glad hands. Will do exactly what your wanting and requires zero work. When I first read your post I figured to see 50 guys preaching the laws to you. Unlike some I'm not here to play daddy, you ask how to do it and if I know I'll tell you. I'm sure you have your reasons, just be prepared for the crybabies to find this thread. If using the quarter works you can put an electric solenoid valve on the truck and kill them with a switch.
     
    Jfaulk99, Dec 11, 2011
    Jfaulk99, Dec 11, 2011
    #7
    07-379Pete, SHC and josh.c Thank this.
  10. Dec 11, 2011 #8
    Prairie Boy

    Prairie Boy Road Train Member

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    Edmonton, AB
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    THAT IS A GOOD RESPONSE from someone who is located on the couch and knows nothing about trucking as listed as a STUDENT. As a STUDENT, you have a lot to learn.


    ABS brakes on the trailer is what this guy needs.
     
    Prairie Boy, Dec 11, 2011
    Prairie Boy, Dec 11, 2011
    #8
  11. Dec 11, 2011 #9
    Gambi80

    Gambi80 Medium Load Member

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    Jan 31, 2010
    Fried Chicken Capital of the Midwest
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    Haha...I think 'student' and 'couch' are tongue in cheek.
     
    Gambi80, Dec 11, 2011
    Gambi80, Dec 11, 2011
    #9
    SHC, SL3406 and American-Trucker Thank this.
  12. Dec 11, 2011 #10
    Prairie Boy

    Prairie Boy Road Train Member

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    Edmonton, AB
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    Hopefully his response was also. lol
     
    Prairie Boy, Dec 11, 2011
    Prairie Boy, Dec 11, 2011
    #10
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