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Gladhand Removal

8/1/2015

Gladhand Removal
Bob Cochran 17 April 2011 01:22 AM	When removing and plugging the gladhands what did you do. Remove the gladhand lines from the top of the protection valves (I think they are called 2 of them) and cap with a flare type brass one on each? Or remove the protection valve as well and plug what looks like black pipe that is threaded into the bottom side of the protection valve protection valve?
Mark & Dale Bruss 17 April 2011 05:45 AM	On a Volvo, that black line is the line that goes to the brake light switch. That way the brake light switch senses any braking action from the foot valve or the trailer brake valve.
motormike 17 April 2011 06:37 AM	I removed the two lines and screwed in two air quick couplers, like the ones in a garage. Of course mine were 3/8 pipe as I'm sure yours is. This allows a couple of things. Combined with a 50 ft. hose that I keep in storage, this allows you to pump up a flat tire on your coach, toter, or toad; use air tools, or blow out the interior of your tutor. The emergency line can be used to back fill the trucks air system in case you get stuck somewhere, low on air and won't start for some reason. This will allow you to release your breaks so someone can tow you to start, saving lots of tow bills. The starter snout broke on my tractor, starter would not engage, battery was good; stuck, and I hate to pay tow bills. We filled the truck air system by backfilling, used my dually to pull to start, then drove it to mechanic. The great part of this is once system aired up, everything works perfectly, like BRAKES. The old way is backing off spring brakes to get it to roll, then hope you have a big field to tow it in and a smart tow driver.
Jack Mayer 17 April 2011 10:48 AM	I would not remove the protection valve. I'd just cap the holes after removing the gladhands. Actually, I'd extend the emergency one to a convenient location and put an air line quick connect on it with a shutoff valve. Don't remove the protection valve if you can help it. If you ever want to do an air/hydraulic system on your trailer (BluDot) you will need that valve on the truck.
Bob Cochran 18 April 2011 04:03 PM	I kind of like this idea as the connections for the gladhands are on a bracket on the left outside rails just under the sleeper easy access. Be better later closer to the new hitch I install. Though I think the connections are not 3/8" but larger and the pipe threaded end of the adapter is at least 1/2" pipe to the protection valve it looks like. I have to get another reducer to replace what is there. I am thinking I need some kind of rubber boot or something to go over the air quick couplers to keep dirt out and this could be a good fix tell I move to a better location. if as I suspect, maybe Jack can confirm, the protection valves also act as check valves though I don't recall seeing directional arrows on them. Something to ponder. If so the idea of pushing air back into the system with a compressor, etc. will not work but sure sounds like a good idea. I don't see I have to remove the protection valves unless something else comes up and later when doing a bed build down the road will move the emergency one to another location being more convenient.
motormike 18 April 2011 06:09 PM	BOB; You are right they were 1/2 inch. I used 3/8 quick couplers and had to use 1/2 to 3/8 bushings to connect. Mine were on back of cab about a foot above where bed rails stopped. I just turned them to down position so water and dirt would not enter.
Bob Cochran 18 April 2011 10:48 PM	Thanks for the help I may look for a metal box to cover them maybe!!!
rickeieio 19 April 2011 06:42 AM	Other than wanting to give the appearance that the truck can't be used commercially, is there a reason for removing the air lines? I just tucked mine in beside the new toolbox, and carry a gladhand with a quick-coupler in the box. Makes it easy to air tires, kids toys, etc.
Bob Cochran 19 April 2011 10:54 PM	I can think of no other reason to remove gladhands except to avoid DOT question. Specially as this is an Arizona truck and had to maintain commercial registration even though it also says for personal use. In addition I am putting decals on each side in 2" block letters that state. PRIVATE NOT FOR HIRE NO COMMERCE Cannot register as an RV hence PRIVATE instead of PRIVATE RV Overkill probably!!!! But should lead to less questions.
Bob Cochran 19 April 2011 10:59 PM	Pic's of gladhands and protection valves before modification for no other reason than to see if I can post pics!!!!
Bob Cochran 25 April 2011 01:23 AM	I removed the gladhands and where they connected used 2 quick disconnects. I cannot get a pic right now because wife has the camera and won't be back next week. I still need to find something to cover the disconnects or build a metal hinged box or something to keep the junk out of them. This will work until I find a better place back by the hitch. Then again maybe where it is currently is gonna be best. We will see.
Bob Cochran 02 May 2011 03:51 PM	Here is what it looks like after glad hand removal. Anyone care to guess what I used for protective covers? .
HERO Maker 02 May 2011 04:27 PM	Have you been taking the anti-slip bottoms off of the little old ladies walkers again?
Jack Mayer 02 May 2011 06:59 PM	Same thing I used on mine originally. And still use on my front air quick connect....
Bob Cochran 02 May 2011 09:40 PM	HERO Maker, on 02 May 2011 - 04:27 PM, said: Have you been taking the anti-slip bottoms off of the little old ladies walkers again? Yes but at least I replaced with some new tennis balls!! Jack Mayer, on 02 May 2011 - 06:59 PM, said: Same thing I used on mine originally. And still use on my front air quick connect.... And here I thought I had a original idea; hard to be ahead of you guys.