Posted: 08/26/2022
As a trucker, you know that your glad hands and hoses are two of the most important parts of your rig. These heavy-duty truck parts are essential for keeping your brakes in good working order. But how do you know if the glad hands and hoses on your truck are in good condition? We've got some tips to help you out. But first, let's all get on the same page.
Glad hands are a coupling device that connects the supply and brake lines from your truck to the trailer. They're usually made of aluminum or steel and have two handles that you use to connect and disconnect the lines. There are also glad hand seals that help to keep the air in and dirt and moisture out, ensuring your brakes don't fail due to debris within the line.
Hoses are the air lines that connect your glad hands to the rest of your braking system. They're usually made of rubber or PVC and can be either rigid or flexible.
Glad hands and hoses are important because they help to keep your truck in good working order. If your glad hands or hoses are damaged, it can cause your brakes to fail, among other disasters, and with as much weight as you're hauling, you'll need every pound of stopping power you can get. They're every bit as critical as things like your fuel pump or your alternator, you're simply not going to be able to drive correctly, fi at all, without them. That's why it's important to inspect them regularly and replace them if they're damaged.
You may have noticed that glad hands come in different colors. The most common colors are red and blue, but you may also see green, black, or white. The color of the glad hand corresponds to the type of hose it's connected to. The red line represents the air line for the trailer's emergency brake. The green line is the electrical line. The blue line is the air line for the trailer's service brake. The other colors of glad hands for semi trucks are less generally defined, but you may be able to find resources that explain it for your specific setup.
You should check your glad hands and hoses every time you do a pre-trip inspection. This is to ensure that they're in good working order and to catch any damage before it becomes a problem. Make sure it’s a critical component of your pre-trip inspection, as the potential risks are far too high to overlook this vital step.
1. Check the glad hands for cracks or wear. If you see any damage, it's time to replace them.
2. Inspect the hoses for leaks or cracks. If you find any damage, make sure to replace the hose right away.
3. Make sure the glad hands and hoses are properly secured. Loose or damaged glad hands and hoses can cause brake problems.
4. Check the glad hands and hoses regularly. Inspect them before each trip to make sure they're in good condition.
By following these tips, you can help keep your glad hands and hoses in good condition. These heavy duty truck parts are essential for keeping your truck in good working order. So make sure to inspect them regularly and replace them if they're damaged.
