Phillips Industries redesigned their OEM 3-in-1 and 4-in-1s. All 3-in-1 and 4-in-1 electrical and air combination assemblies with a QCP trailer side connection have been redesigned to relieve strain placed on the cable lead and coupled trailer 7-way electrical connection. That strain was due to pull from the weight of the combination assembly on certain trailer applications.
Previous design: Some trailer connection applications can cause the 7-way cable to be pulled taut, especially where electrical noseboxes are higher than the coupled gladhand connections. This tension places strain on the cable and plug, which can weaken the connection and lead to possible continuity issues or damage to the cable at the back of the plug.
Redesign: As a solution to reduce fatigue and strain on the plug and cable, the trailer side lead on the 7-way electrical cable has been extended out an additional 6” and the spiral wrap on this same side has been reduced by 6”. By doing so, more slack on the 7-way cable was created in order to relieve strain.
The gladhand connections, which are a solid mechanical means, will now better aid in the support of additional assemble pull-weight with a metal-to-metal connection (coupling plates). Additionally, the rubber air hoses act as a shock absorber versus the electrical cable that shouldn’t be stretched or stressed. The redesign also allows for more rotation in the lines during a severe jack-knife.
Phillips Industries will implement the redesigned 3-in-1 and 4-in-1s through a rolling change as existing inventory becomes depleted.
