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The above photograph comes from the Georgia CDL Manual. I'm confused because the description of how to test the trailer emergency brakes looks so similar to the description of how to test the trailer service brakes. My only guess as to how there might be a difference between "how to test the trailer emergency brakes" and "how to test the trailer service brakes" is that to test the trailer service brakes, you pull a knob or valve that is different from the (red colored) TRAILER AIR SUPPLY knob. The description for how to test the trailer service brakes says to apply the brakes with the hand control (trolley valve). At first, it did not occur to me that the "hand control" could be something different than the TRAILER AIR SUPPLY knob, so I was totally baffled. I still am not 100% sure that the hand control is something distinct from the TRAILER AIR SUPPLY knob.
Here is a photograph of the only "brake knobs" on my truck:
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In the instructions for how to test the trailer service brakes, is the hand control (trolley valve) something different than the (red colored) TRAILER AIR SUPPLY knob in the photograph above?
testing trailer emergency brakes versus testing trailer service brakes
Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by expedite_it, Feb 2, 2021.
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Most, but not all, trucks have a trailer break lever one uses to test service breaks.
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MOBee and expedite_it Thank this. -
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Trailer park brakes are the red knob, trailer service brakes just pull the spike. It'll apply trailer service brakes only.
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I have driven Mack, International, Freightliner, Peterbilt, and Kenworth all have had a trailer brake handle...
MOBee Thanks this. -
in over 35 yrs never saw a truck without a lever.
Suspect Zero, Dave1837, Hatt91 and 2 others Thank this. -
Seems as though you need to spend some more time understanding how air brakes work. Once accomplished it should make sense what the difference is between supply and service and what the lever does vs emergency or parking brakes.
Studebaker Hawk Thanks this. -
The brake chambers on a trailer have 2 diaphragms and 2 completely independent actuating methods. Either will then move the s-cam and actually put the brake shoe against the drum.
They are used for 2 different reasons.
Service brakes are the usual method of actuation and is done by applying air pressure to that system, through the "trolley valve" if so equipped, or the foot pedal.
The big red knob does the opposite, it removes(exhausts) air from the other section of the chamber and a huge spring inside actually moves the s-cam. -
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Numb Thanks this.
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