Real World Quiz for Newbies.

Another winter time scenario; You hook to your trailer , connect up your air and electrical lines, charge the trailer air, do your pre trip . On the pre trip you notice that the trailer air bags are not inflating yet it is an auto dump/inflate trailer. You cannot hear an audible air leak, you do a leak down test of the air system and there is no drop in air pressure. The trailer brakes have released and are not frozen up. What is a very simple solution ? ( A hint: think "moisture + cold temps").

 

Pour some alcohol (type for air line use) in the service and supply lines. Might be some ice blocking the hoses

Ethan

 

Correct, good answer. These are very simple problems that occur yet I have seen drivers tearing their hair out trying to figure out the problem. Best way to approach majority of problems on the road is to not over think it! Keep it simple, also learn how the different systems on your rig work. You don't have to become an expert but get a basic understanding of the air, electrical and mechanical operations of the rig. Use this basic knowledge to troubleshoot a problem.
If your trucks in the shop see if the mechanic will let you watch wat he's doing and ask questions. I have had mechs explain all kinds of things to me while they do the fixing and I do the listening. Another good habit is to learn what the guages in the truck are telling you and what to look out for. If you have a fuel filter vac gauge its good to keep an eye on it during very cold weather, it can give you an early warning of your fuel gelling as it becomes thicker and therefore the gauge will rise. A couple bottles of anti gel or 911 at this point could save you from bigger problems later on down the road.

 

you have some new systems you will trash components on if you start putting alcohol into the air lines like that.. I forget the details from talking with my mechanic shop. I do know it's related to the ABS system though. I just know I went and put a new desiccant cartridge and purge valve on my air dry as a result of the discussion.

Something that should be done a lot more frequently than once every 6 years though I know that. My 07 was still the original cartridge. Since, my system has started to dry up very nicely.

 

Thanks for the heads up there MN. I usually pull older trailers so it's good to know that air line anti freeze can damage the newer trailers. I will be sure to find out before putting any in a new trailer.

 

You start a truck up and the engine runs away screaming up to the governor, what do you do?

Anyone who's been around old two-stroke Detroits knows the answer to this one.

 

i missed a gear going down parleys years ago

you learn from that mistake, NEVER EVER downshift going down hill, you miss a gear and you may have the roller coaster road of your life

(ok, never say never, if you have control and you can downshift, its ok)

 

carry a shovel, not a dirt shovel, but one of those straight edged ones that can chop ice, and get beneath the tires if you start spinning on ice

 

Cover the exhaust pipe.

Brakes. If you have auto adjusters do not adjust them manually if you can get to the shop. Besides, a driver is not authorized unless trianed and documented to do any adjustments manually. The Manufactures have all issued safety bulletins stating that if you adjust them manually they will get out of adjustment faster and more frequent then you would like. Chocking the wheels and applying around 60 lbs of air a few times should work. But as we know it's critical that you need all the brakes working when going down grades loaded. If I had to I'd adjust them even thou FMCSR §396.25 states a driver can only inspect the brake system. But then I'd go into the shop.

Smoking brakes- If the brakes are smoking and you've reached the bottom of the grade do not stop. Drive until they are cool and then inspect for damage. If you have to stop, pray the tire does not catch fire. Because all you can do then is watch it burn. You'll have to use common sense here. If you try to cool them with watch after you stop then there's a chance you crack the drums and have other damage. The whole trick is to come down the grade slow enough to not smoke the brakes.

My question- You look in the mirrors and they are vibrating a little more then normal. What do you look for?

 

My jakes went out on mounteagle before. You bet I downshifted. I knew the alternative was wait to lose my brakes (stabbing every 10 seconds) and then enjoy the ride. I also made the decision fast, as to avoid trying that when my brakes were already hot. Like I said, it can be done, but only when you know its your only option.