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Getting air back into tandems after sliding--what am I missing?

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by GreenMonster9669, Jun 30, 2016.

  1. Jun 30, 2016 #1
    GreenMonster9669

    GreenMonster9669 Medium Load Member

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    Aug 16, 2014
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    I just took a job on a dedicated local run and make a daily delivery to a place that requires that I slide tandems to the rear and after bumping the dock I disconnect from the trailer and pull forward. Fine, no problems

    When it's time to leave I connect to the trailer, hook up the lines and pull forward enough to close the trailer doors. When I pull the air control knob to retract the tandem pins, nothing happens. How do I go about getting air back into that system? I've tried releasing the trailer brakes and pumping the service brake, nada.

    By the time I get to the gate there will be plenty of air to slide normally. So what am I missing? How can I get those pins to retract while I'm at the dock?
     
    GreenMonster9669, Jun 30, 2016
    GreenMonster9669, Jun 30, 2016
    #1
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  3. Jun 30, 2016 #2
    tinytim

    tinytim Road Train Member

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    I think you answered your own question. By the time you get to the gate it's aired up. In other words, it takes a bit of time. You just need a little patience.
     
    tinytim, Jun 30, 2016
    tinytim, Jun 30, 2016
    #2
    25(2)+2 Thanks this.
  4. Jun 30, 2016 #3
    25(2)+2

    25(2)+2 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    the road less travelled
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    The air release draws pressure from.the main tank, which is exhausted when you pull the supply knob.

    When you push the knob back in, the spring brakes are released first, and not always immediately, then the tank gets up to operating pressure, the airbags come back up to ride height, and the pin release will work again.

    Immediacy is an advantage to a properly functioning manual release, there are other advantages, as well.
     
    25(2)+2, Jun 30, 2016
    25(2)+2, Jun 30, 2016
    #3
  5. Jun 30, 2016 #4
    JPenn

    JPenn Road Train Member

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    Does your trailer require the brakes to be set to pull that knob to slide the tandems? Does it also dump all its air when the trailer brake is set? Seems to be most of the newer trailers with air slide tandems operate that way. It's a nuisance like that...here's my routine.

    1. Release brakes, pull forward, set tractor brake only, go shut doors. Trailer will continue to air up.
    2. Set trailer brake, pull tandem slide knob, adjust. There should now be enough air in the system to move the pins. Takes about 100 psi, maybe less if the pins are well lubed or the trailer is brand new.
    3. Release trailer brake, which should lock the pins as well as the system airs back up. Check pins and roll out.
     
    JPenn, Jun 30, 2016
    JPenn, Jun 30, 2016
    #4
  7. Jun 30, 2016 #5
    STexan

    STexan Road Train Member

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    Longview, TX
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    They generally need 100-110 PSI to actuate and hooking up and having to inflate the bags [with lots of weight?] and recharge the complete system can take a bit of time for the trailer reserve tank to reach 105+ PSI in addition to all the other systems demanding air.
     
    STexan, Jun 30, 2016
    STexan, Jun 30, 2016
    #5
    Ryan423 Thanks this.
  8. Jul 1, 2016 #6
    GreenMonster9669

    GreenMonster9669 Medium Load Member

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    Aug 16, 2014
    St Louis
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    Thanks guys, that's exactly the info I was hoping for.
     
    GreenMonster9669, Jul 1, 2016
    GreenMonster9669, Jul 1, 2016
    #6
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