Is your air brake system on your Great Dane trailer up to the task? You’re used to the hiss of your air brakes. Compared to the hydraulic braking systems on smaller cars, air brakes are reliable, powerful, and easier to maintain. These are just a few of the many reasons they’re relied upon by the trucking industry to large, heavy vehicles.
Air Brake Performance Blows Hydraulic Systems Out of the Water
Unlike hydraulic braking systems, which require manual maintenance and specialized fluids, the air used in the braking system of your Great Dane trailer is readily available. Your compressor collects it, filling it into your storage tank to the set pressure of your governor. Valves maintain one-way pressure, ensuring in the event of a leak your tank is protected. As you put pressure on your brakes, air pressure is fed through the lines, moving the necessary system components to apply the amount of braking force you require.
In contrast to hydraulic brake systems, your air brake system will not experience a full system failure in the event of a leak. Such an event would pose extreme danger in a heavy, loaded down semi. Your air brakes are instead designed to engage automatically in the event of a pressure drop. This emergency system on your Great Dane trailer is activated by a simple dashboard switch, offering strong, reliable braking power that can be applied to all trailers at once.
There are Few Downsides to Properly Maintained Air Brake Systems
When a hydraulic system line opens and leaks, the line must be replaced, and the entire system flushed out and bled to remove air bubbles. Fortunately, the air brake system on your Great Dane trailer isn’t anywhere near this high maintenance. Air brake system repairs are fast and easy, only requiring the replacement of the leaking/faulty line. Brake system problems are easily avoided with proper fleet trailer maintenance, including:
- Checking the function of your air dryer.
Check your air dryer annually, verifying the proper function of desiccant, purge, and check valves. - Routinely changing your compressor filter.
A clean filter keeps moisture, dirt, and oil out, safeguarding your air brake system. - Regularly releasing moisture from the air tank drain valve.
Drain this valve regularly as part of your pre and post-inspection maintenance duties. - Employing the use of gladhand clamps.
Clean the rubber seals on gladhand clamps regularly, replacing them when they get brittle. Always use “dummy” gladhands when your truck and trailer are disconnected. These components are essential to keeping dirt and debris out of your air brake system.
Are your air brakes ready to spring into action? Give the air brake system on your Great Dane trailer the attention it deserves. Contact Ainsworth Trailer Repair to schedule a contaminant test and professional inspection with our trailer brake repair experts today.
