bleeding air breaks

bluwtr49 wrote:

mowermech wrote:
Thank you. Now we know that in Ontario we can't adjust our own air brake slack adjusters. IF that rule applies to owner-operated, non-commercial vehicles, and IF that rule also applies to non-residents who may not have to have such a certification.
That may seem like a silly question, but here in the United States quite often the rules for commercial vehicles do not apply to the operators of Recreational Vehicles.
In fact, some states do not require an air brake endorsement on the driver license of the operator of an air brake equipped motorhome.

I've heard of an air brake endorsement. Wonder why that would be necessary.

After having taken the required training (two day course) to get the air brake endorsement I fee it is worthwhile. It is a totally different braking system from normal hydraulic based systems. Among many things it allows you to correctly identify and measure travel on the adjusters, bleeding tanks, air dryers/compressors etc.
Blindly driving a rig with air brakes and not knowing what to check or maintain could have negative consequences.

I also had to upgrade my drivers license as my MH exceeds 26000lbs. That included a written and road test. I also agree with that a being able to drive a car does not automatically mean you know who to drive a heavy vehicle.

While both were a PITA, I'm glad I know about my braking system and also know I am legal to drive it anywhere.

And we all know different jurisdictions have different requirements, with many not requiring air brake endorsements and many allowing you to drive a big air brake equipped rig with an ordinary license.

Thankfully we all only have to worry about the requirements where we are licensed/registered to be legal in all jurisdictions.

To the OP, sorry for hi-jacking the thread, but my personal recommendation is that if an air brake course/training is offered in your area,take it.

Chris