Illinois CDL Practice Exam

How are the service and emergency air lines typically connected from the truck or tractor to the trailer?

1. Magnetic connection

2. Vacuum seal

3. Hose couplers ("Glad Hands")

4. Hydraulic linkage

The correct answer is: Hose couplers ("Glad Hands")

The service and emergency air lines are typically connected from the truck or tractor to the trailer using hose couplers known as "Glad Hands." This connection method is specifically designed for air braking systems in combination vehicles. The Glad Hands are color-coded, with the blue one typically used for the service line and the red one for the emergency line, ensuring that drivers can easily identify and connect the lines correctly. Using hose couplers is crucial for maintaining a secure and leak-free connection that allows air to flow for the braking system to function effectively. This setup ensures that both the tractor and trailer share the same air supply, which is essential for activating the brakes on the trailer when the driver presses the brake pedal in the tractor. Other methods, like magnetic connections, vacuum seals, or hydraulic linkages, do not apply to the standard connection used for air brake systems in commercial vehicles, making Glad Hands the appropriate choice for this situation.