AIR BRAKES WON'T RELEASE

Yes it is rust on the drum that is the problem. After they break free, when you apply the brakes the first couple times while driving you will usually hear a bunch of squealing. After a couple applications they are back to normal. Some types of brake shoe are more prone to this than others. My coach does this quite often.

As I understand air brakes, the air pressure actually releases them. Big-ass springs apply them when the air pressure is vented. It might be that the air isn't getting through to the actuating cylinders to release them.

When I drove OTR I carried a small sledge hammer just for this reason.

It's not guess work. My Monaco did it a few times over the years. Rain or heavy moisture will cause the brakes to rust to the drums. Usually, a little rocking forward to reverse will get them to release. If not, the hammer on the drums will do.

For those that don't think brake pads stick to the drum from moisture around the pad and drum, speak to a few folks that drive 18 wheelers and you will find one that has seen this problem. Its common when the air brakes are applied and there is moisture within the drum normally from rain and it sits for a while. People call it rust, but whatever the reaction that happens, the pads will stick to the drums.

I have several buddies that drive big rigs and they say it happens a lot, not just freezing. They even say it will cause the brakes to grab or jerk at slow speeds applying the brakes even after the pads break free until it finally clears whatever is causing the issue. They have told me drive it like I stole it and it will clear.. LOL None of them I have talked to have ever pulled the drum off to see if it is actually rust, but do use the hammer method with the wheels chalked and the air brakes off until they hear the pop of the pads breaking free.

This just happened to me a few weeks ago and thus the reason I started calling my buddies to find out if they knew what it was. :)

Who manufacture the frame? Then take it to a good company. everything here is guess work. Freezing in 40 degrees? Water, rust? You must live in a very bad climate for that to happen. Clogged air line? Stuck air valve? When you pulled the E-brake handle - did you hear anything? You also gave very little information as to specifically what you were doing and how you were doing it.

I've had rear shoes rust to the drums in as short a time as 7-8 days. DO NOT try to put in drive and force the issue, you'll only break something $$$$. First try reverse but don't jam the throttle wide open, just a little throttle. If that doesn't work. BLOCK the wheels and leave the parking brake knob in the release position, then take a 4-6lb hammer and smack the brake drums a time or two. You'' hear it when the brakes release.

Your rear pads rusted to the drums in the month it sat. It was probably raining when you parked it. This had nothing to do with moisture in your air system at 40 degrees.

Very much doubt this is caused by moisture in the air system.

Much more likely that it is moisture on the brake shoes/drum.

But moisture in the air system CAN be a problem-- usually with different sympoms. When you opened the air tank drains, what came out?

Temp was in the mid 40's.
I purged a few days before this.

I have only had this coach less than a year and don't know how often the previous owner had it serviced.

I just purchased an air dryer replacement cartridge this morning and will install it this afternoon.