What Are Glad Hands on a Truck?
What are glad hands, how do they work, and why should Canadian truck drivers and fleet managers invest in them? Operating heavy-duty or commercial trucks requires trailers to be properly equipped to meet the demands associated with these vehicles. Essential for maintaining safety and compliance, the glad-hand connection is not just an option but a requirement for efficient operation of your truck and trailer.
If you value durability, efficiency, and cost-effective solutions, read on to find out how glad hands can help you operate your truck and trailer with ease.
What Are Glad Hands?
In a nutshell, glad hands refer to connectors designed to join the air brake systems between your truck and its trailer. They are found on both your truck and trailer, intended for transferring air from your compressor to the brake system of your trailer. It is termed “glad hand” because of its resemblance to a handshake, as the two parts click together in a similar manner.
The main purpose of the glad hand truck feature is to ensure seamless airflow between the truck and trailer, providing essential pressure so that the braking system functions correctly. The lack of proper glad handed connections can cause the entire brake system to fail, resulting in dangerous driving conditions. It is necessary to understand how glad hands work and ensure they are in optimal condition.
Types of Glad Hands and Their Importance in Canadian Fleets
Glad hands have two colours: red glad handle for the emergency brake system, and the blue glad handle for the service brakes. These distinctions help drivers stay safe in Canadian weather conditions, where cold winters and icy roads need quick response times from braking systems. Before hitting the road, truck drivers and owners need to ensure that the right glad hands are properly installed to prevent brake failure.
Reliable glad hands are essential in Canada’s varied terrain where coastal routes and mountainous highways are common. When glad hands malfunction, it could spell disaster when transporting valuable goods across provinces. Therefore, it’s critical to invest in durable, high-quality glad hands for your truck systems to reduce maintenance costs and improve the overall safety of your truck. Heavy-duty glad hands also guarantee efficiency and reliability.
How Glad Hands Work
Glad handles are a straightforward, no-frills feature that is highly effective in keeping you safe while on the road. With each glad hand containing a rubber gasket, you can be sure of an airtight seal once the two glad handles are connected. The glad hands are pressed together and twisted until they lock in place. The airtight seal they form enables air to flow freely between the truck and the trailer.
To explore truck accessories, visit the following pages:
Key Components of Glad Handles
- Rubber Gasket – Ensures no air leaks during braking operations by providing an airtight seal.
- Glad Hand Lock – Secures the connection and prevents accidental disconnection while traveling, especially important in situations where road vibrations or harsh weather might cause a loose connection.
- Dust Cover – Protects against dirt, grime, and road salt, essential for reducing wear and tear and extending the life of your glad hands.
Maintenance and Best Practices for Glad Hand Systems
Maintaining your trailer glad hand involves routine pre-trip checks, especially for the rubber gaskets that are exposed to Canada’s diverse climate. Regular inspection can prevent air leaks or brake failures.
- Regular Inspections – Check rubber gaskets for signs of wear and tear. Replace cracked or damaged gaskets immediately.
- Clean Connections – Keep glad hands clean and free of debris to prevent malfunctions.
- Use Glad Hand Locks – Especially valuable for rough conditions, glad hand locks prevent accidental disconnections during long hauls.
- Winterizing Glad Hands – Ensure glad hands are moisture-free in colder months. Use a moisture-resistant sealant and drain the air brake system of water before trips.
Purchase Essential Glad Hand and Accessories For Your Truck And Trailer at Verduyn Tarps
Safe operation of heavy vehicles like trucks requires extra layers of protection. Verduyn Tarps offers a wide range of truck accessories, including glad hands, to enhance vehicle performance and provide peace of mind.
Now that you know what glad hands are and the choices available, it’s time to choose options that save time, reduce unplanned expenses, and ensure smooth operations on the road. For reliable truck accessories that check all the boxes, Verduyn Tarps is the company you can trust. Contact 888-277-7787, visit our two locations in Canada, or explore our shop page for more details.