Getting To Know Your Air System: Gladhands

The Importance of Semi-Truck Gladhands

The gladhands in your semi-truck are an incredibly important component when talking about your air system. If you've been studying up on the air system in your commercial vehicle, then it's likely you have a few questions about gladhands and their role within the system. For those looking to expand their knowledge base, you've come to the right place. To help you learn as possible, our experts have put together the following article for you to look through. Keep reading to learn more!

What is a Semi-Truck Gladhand?

Gladhands are coupling devices that are designed to connect the service and supply lines of your semi-truck's trailer to the truck or tractor. Gladhands are made with a snap-lock position and a rubber seal that prevents air from escaping. Gladhands use an interlocking hose coupling that is fitted to the lines that provide pressurized air to the air brakes.

Simply put, gladhands connect the air brake system of your heavy-duty vehicle to the air brake system of the trailer.

What is the Purpose of Gladhands?

Gladhands allow commercial truck operators to disconnect without the need for a mechanic or the use of complex tools. Semi-trucks come complete with two gladhands. The first gladhand is made for service brakes and the other is designed for emergency brakes. Gladhands are always color coded. For trucks designed to operate in North America, service lines are blue and emergency brake lines are red.

Why are they Called Gladhands?

In order to keep your lines connected over potholes, through long hours, and into hard turns, gladhands need to work together, interlocking like a pair of interlocking hands.

What is a Gladhand Seal?

Gladhand seals are designed to fit standard gladhands, preventing air from escaping the air lines connecting semi-tractors to trailers. They are often colored blue or red to match service or emergency gladhands, while silver or black can be used in either kind. Multiple styles, including open, closed, and partial are available on today's market.

What are the Different Types of Gladhand Seals?

There are a few different gladhand seal options to consider when choosing your next truck. Different Types of gladhand seal include:

1. Rubber, single lipped.

2. Rubber, tapered.

3. Polyurethane, tapered.

In terms of popularity, tapered seals are typically preferred over single lipped seals. Each type of seal is universal, fitting into either type of gladhand. Polyurethane seals are self-lubricating and are designed to last longer than gladhand seals made using rubber.

Read More About Air Systems

If you are interested in learning more about the air system in your semi-truck, then you've come to the right place. To help you learn as much as possible, our expert team of trucking industry specialists have put together the list of articles below. Click on any of the links below to read more about air systems and the role they play in your semi-truck's overall health.

· Getting to Know Your Air System

· Getting to Know Your Air System: Air Tanks

· Getting to Know Your Air System: Air Dryers

· Getting To Know Your Air System: Air Compressors

Shop Air Systems Today!

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