testing trailer emergency brakes versus testing trailer service brakes

Discussion in 'Experienced Truckers' Advice' started by expedite_it, Feb 2, 2021.

  1. expedite_it

    expedite_it Road Train Member

    1,633
    848
    Sep 8, 2012
    0
    testing trailer emergency brakes versus testing trailer service brakes.jpg

    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:

    trucking brake knobs.jpg

    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?
     
  2. Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.

  3. ZVar

    ZVar Road Train Member

    10,911
    23,825
    Sep 10, 2010
    Flint, MI
    0
    Most, but not all, trucks have a trailer break lever one uses to test service breaks.
     

    Attached Files:

    MOBee and expedite_it Thank this.
  4. expedite_it

    expedite_it Road Train Member

    1,633
    848
    Sep 8, 2012
    0
    I've drove in at least 20 different trucks in my career, and the only time I have seen one of those trailer brake levers is in the photograph you posted on this thread.
     
  5. AModelCat

    AModelCat Road Train Member

    28,842
    154,214
    Jul 7, 2015
    Canuckistan
    0
    Trailer park brakes are the red knob, trailer service brakes just pull the spike. It'll apply trailer service brakes only.
     
  6. Mattmanstroked

    Mattmanstroked Light Load Member

    185
    278
    Nov 24, 2019
    0
    I have driven Mack, International, Freightliner, Peterbilt, and Kenworth all have had a trailer brake handle...
     
    MOBee Thanks this.
  7. Numb

    Numb Crusty Curmudgeon

    3,934
    8,733
    Jan 30, 2012
    Charlotte, N.Carolina
    0
    in over 35 yrs never saw a truck without a lever.
     
    Suspect Zero, Dave1837, Hatt91 and 2 others Thank this.
  8. TJB15

    TJB15 Light Load Member

    67
    115
    Apr 29, 2020
    0
    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.
  9. Studebaker Hawk

    Studebaker Hawk Road Train Member

    2,962
    9,546
    Oct 18, 2010
    NW Indiana
    0
    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.
     
  10. expedite_it

    expedite_it Road Train Member

    1,633
    848
    Sep 8, 2012
    0
    I have driven International, Freightliner, Peterbilt and Kenworths, and none have had a trailer brake handle.
     
  11. expedite_it

    expedite_it Road Train Member

    1,633
    848
    Sep 8, 2012
    0
    In seven years, I never saw a truck with a lever. I am on hometime right now. I might take a photograph of the interior of my truck and show you how i don't have a lever when i go back from hometime.
     
    Numb Thanks this.
  • Truckers Report Jobs

    Trucking Jobs in 30 seconds

    Every month 400 people find a job with the help of TruckersReport.