Winter Brakes

Ok when it's freezing we should not set the trailer brakes, but if we release the air from the tanks to prevent the lines from freezing won't the spring brakes set themselves because there isn't any air? This has me confused. Can you guys clear this up for me.

Probably a good idea to put some air line anti freeze in your evaporator and carry a can of de-icer in your truck just to u stick anything frozen?

Would this be safe. As far as I know, de-icer is ethanol based, not oil based so it shouldn't be a problem with causing slippage on your brakes, would it?

When you drain the moisture from the tanks then there is no more moisture in them to freeze. Crank the engine up and build your air pressure back up.

You aren't draining the tanks so that the lines don't freeze up. You are draining them on a regular basis to make sure you are keeping moisture out of the lines which is what makes them freeze. The tanks are designed to trap the moisture, so If you drain them regularly that will keep the moisture from ever reaching the air lines and the brake system.

When you drain the moisture from the tanks then there is no more moisture in them to freeze. Crank the engine up and build your air pressure back up.

You aren't draining the tanks so that the lines don't freeze up. You are draining them on a regular basis to make sure you are keeping moisture out of the lines which is what makes them freeze. The tanks are designed to trap the moisture, so If you drain them regularly that will keep the moisture from ever reaching the air lines and the brake system.

I figured that was the case old school. It's been boggling my mind the last few days. I been spoiled with running in the desert, but I need to be prepared. Thanks!

Hey Gladhand, most of the time when people have trouble with their brakes being frozen in the winter it is due to the brake shoes freezing to the drums. This phenomenon has nothing to do with having moisture in the lines. What causes this is driving through all that slushy mess that is on the roads sometimes, and the brake components end up getting all soaking wet from the road. Then when you go take a ten hour break at a truck stop with your brakes set that slushy mess on your brakes ends up turning to ice because of the freezing temperatures. One of the ways to avoid that problem is to not set your trailer brakes. Another thing that the veteran drivers will do is to ride their brakes for a short distance as they are approaching the truck stop that they will bed down in. This heats everything up and causes all that moisture to evaporate.

Yeah, that is why I was suggesting the can of windshield de-icer, that way if the brakes do get frozen to the drums, just spray then down and good to go.

I don't know if it's a good idea as the alcohol may turn the brake material brittle since it will dry it out....just wondering if guess.