Air brakes

I do not want to hijack this thread, but am going to put up some information that people operating RV's with air brakes really need to pay attention to.

Failing to know your braking system will get you into deep deep trouble.





And it is YOUR responsibility to know.

You have heard the news reports of the truck that lost it's brakes...it didn't 'loose' them, they either were not propely adjusted, over-heated, or the driver ran out of air. And when that happens, things get worse from that moment on.

The driver needs to know about what to look for when you start the engine..the air gauge does certain things and you need to know what those things are and what they mean. And it will tell you when you are about to have a really bad day. But you need to know how all that comes to be.


This is a YouTube course using a simple presentation.


http://youtu.be/_gmoIkP8ywI



Gary Haupt

et2...I am not being critical here...but please consider taking a air brake course. They have much different braking characteristics than what you are used to. For instance, when desending a steep, long grade, you maintain a constant braking pressue, not fan them like 'normal' brakes.

A person that operates air brake equipped vehicle needs to have some awareness of the workings and how to check and set your brakes.

When they dynamite, for instance. What that buzzer sound means. Where the compressor is and yes, your wet and dry tanks.


Gary Haupt

mbopp wrote:
Most likely they're automatic drains. Did the dealer mention them in the PDI?

No, that is what has me wondering. But I wouldn't be surprised if they didn't tell me. They showed where to check the oil and everything else though.

Most likely they're automatic drains. Did the dealer mention them in the PDI?

Surely your manual will cover this. On mine, I have two tanks and two drain valves. One is in the generator compartment, the other in the back next to the hitch receptacle.

There is an air dryer that requires service. It has desiccant filters for moister. On my freight liner XC, I have three wire strands that require occasional pulling to release moisture from the air dryer and tanks? Something like that. I'm sure a expert will chime in if I'm off base. Your RV is new so I don't know how yours works specifically.

Yes there is a storage tank. It probably has a automatic drain on it. It needs to be checked to make sure it does not have water every so often, as it is possible for the automatic drain to get clogged with dirt.

There should be something in the owners manual. Because it is so new, I would call a local RV dealer, and ask them about it.

Fred.