Heavy Duty Truck Driving Into Sunset

Operating a heavy-duty truck is a significant responsibility, and ensuring the safety of your vehicle and those around you is paramount. One critical component of this responsibility lies in abiding by regulations set by the Department of Transportation, particularly when it comes to your air brake systems.

 

Why DOT Compliance Matters

Air brake systems are vital for the safe operation of heavy trucks. Air brake tube, tube fittings and hoses for large commercial vehicles must be compliant with Type A and Type B SAE J844 and DOT FMVSS 49CFR 571.106 specifications. Using non-compliant components can have severe consequences, including:

Fines: Significant fines can be imposed on operators who use non-compliant parts.

Vehicle Confiscation: In some cases, vehicles may be confiscated if found to be operating with non-compliant air brake systems.

Increased Accident Risk: Non-compliant parts may malfunction, significantly increasing the risk of an accident, which may in turn cause serious injuries or fatalities for drivers, passengers, and others on the road.

Legal Liability: In addition to safety concerns, operators can face significant legal liability for accidents resulting from the failure of non-compliant air brake components.

 

Key Components for Compliance

Air Brake Tubing:

Compliant air brake tubing will have a DOT indicator on the layline. As the largest manufacturer of DOT air brake tubing, Parker’s Parflex Division offers Series 1120 tubing, which conforms to SAE J844 standards and is available in many sizes and colors.

Tube Fittings:

Parker’s Fluid Systems Connectors Division (FSC) makes fittings that are compatible with Parflex DOT Tubing. These DOT compliant tube fittings come in two types:
•  Air Brake NTA Fittings: A special type of brass compression fitting that includes a DOT tube insert, which helps to hold tubing open and in place during assembly. These fittings will designate tubing size and DOT compliance on the flat of the nut.
•  PTC/PTCR Push-to-Connect Fittings: Fittings made from either brass or glass reinforced nylon composite materials that include a tube support and are marked with “DOT” on the release sleeve.

Hose and Hose Fittings:

Air brake systems often utilize hoses to transport compressed air from tubing on the truck’s trailer to the rear axle. This allows trailers with movable rear axles to optimize weight distribution. Parker Hose Products Division manufactures the 271 Series hose to accomplish this task while meeting the rigorous SAE J1402/DOT FM SS 106 Air Brake-A standards. This hose series is compatible with 25 Series crimp fittings or brass field-attachable fittings.
 

Utilizing DOT-compliant components in your heavy truck's air brake system is not just a regulatory requirement - it's a crucial step in ensuring the safety of your vehicle, your cargo, and others on the road. Contact Triad Technologies today to speak to a qualified professional about your air brake compliance, shop products, or to ask about the latest DOT regulations for your application.