Air brake test

[stuhly]

Anything much over 125# you are looking for some airleaks to start. All that plumbing is plastic.

[TXBart]

My second time doing the air brake test was with an examiner next to me. It worked as advertised, after the initial drop it was very stable. The examiner was pleased with my check and the system on the coach.

The Spartan manual indicates the normal range for air pressure is 100-140 psi. My right gage tends to run a little higher than my left gage, Spartan said that is normal.

BTW, I am Texas' newest non-CDL Class B license holder!

[ShadowBolt]

Originally Posted by TXBart

My second time doing the air brake test was with an examiner next to me. It worked as advertised, after the initial drop it was very stable. The examiner was pleased with my check and the system on the coach.

The Spartan manual indicates the normal range for air pressure is 100-140 psi. My right gage tends to run a little higher than my left gage, Spartan said that is normal.

BTW, I am Texas' newest non-CDL Class B license holder!

Can you give me an idea what you used for study material? I have been driving an RV that requires class B for over ten years and I just found out I needed it three months ago. I guess I should go get it done or at least learn about the air brake system.


JJ

[ShadowBolt]

Originally Posted by stuhly

Anything much over 125# you are looking for some airleaks to start. All that plumbing is plastic.

I just sent Scott an e-mail. I will let you know his response.

JJ

[TXBart]

The written test is 20 questions, 100% on Chapter 14 of the CDL handbook. Page 5-5 has the air brake check procedure.

http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/interne...orms/DL-7C.pdf

If they try to give you a 50 question test it is the CDL test, not the non-CDL test.

[ShadowBolt]

Originally Posted by TXBart

The written test is 20 questions, 100% on Chapter 14 of the CDL handbook. Page 5-5 has the air brake check procedure.

http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/interne...orms/DL-7C.pdf

If they try to give you a 50 question test it is the CDL test, not the non-CDL test.

THANKS! I just printed out section 14 (and 5-5). Anything else I need to know?


JJ

[rebelcarm]

Here in Canada the air brake licence is required to drive any vehicle with air brakes. One thing that is mentioned is to never use the foot brake with the parking brake set, has something to do with the extra pressure may damage the wheel brake parts.

[loisjop]

There is nothing wrong with your air brakes. You will have an initial drop in air pressure due to pressurizing all the cans. What matters is that you not have more than the 3psi drop after that. Noel

[loisjop]

Originally Posted by ShadowBolt

How much pressure does your Entegra hold? I keep reading most vehicles it is 125 psi. My coach holds about 135 on the left (front) gauge and 145 on the right (rear) gauge. Maybe the gauges are not accurate but that's what mine show. I would like to hear from others before I bother Scott with an e-mail.


JJ

Mine read the same as yours when fully pressurized. After I park it takes mine a few days to go down to 65 psi, it will then hold that pressure for weeks. Noel

[TXBart]

Noel - Thanks! I figured it out by a combination of responses here, reading the text closer and doing the test again.

JJ - I turned in a copy of the exemption form. DMV in Weatherford seemed to want it, others have said their DMV didn't. I'm not sure what it does for you but it takes a couple minutes to print it and fill it out. It can't hurt.

http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/interne...orms/CDL-2.pdf

I had to back about 40' and parallel park on an empty street. The book recommends you always have a guide when backing so the examiner got out and guided me. The driving test was no big deal. Actually, neither is the written test if you read Chapter 14 more than once. ;-)

[DSL417]

I was going to ask if you had to parallel park...you're a pro now...ready to drive downtown in Ft Worth for dinner...or at least as far as Angelos BBQ

[TXBart]

I would hesitate to call what I did parallel parking but the examiner did so that's all that counts. I don't know if I said already but I told her that was the second time I parallel parked my coach and it would be the last; if all that is available is parallel parking I will go someplace else. She said most MH drivers seem to feel that way and she agreed.

We have Railhead, Mesquite Pit and my backyard so never have a need to eat the mediocre BBQ at Angelo's 😉

[brobox]

Originally Posted by TXBart

My second time doing the air brake test was with an examiner next to me. It worked as advertised, after the initial drop it was very stable. The examiner was pleased with my check and the system on the coach.

The Spartan manual indicates the normal range for air pressure is 100-140 psi. My right gage tends to run a little higher than my left gage, Spartan said that is normal.

BTW, I am Texas' newest non-CDL Class B license holder!

Congratulations Vance, and thanks for the report. You could have fooled me with Spartans report as both of my gauges have always been right on at 125 PSI unless I had an air leak. I am sure the calibration and quality have changed over the years too.

[TXBart]

Thanks for the congratulations!

With the markings at 0, 65 and 150 it's hard to tell exact pressure. I would say my right gage runs at 135-140 and left at 110-125. Both a little lower on rough roads or traffic.

BTW, the "dde09" in my post above is what you get if you try to use an Apple emoticon! It was supposed to be ;-)