How Alkon Eliminated Air Leaks in Emergency Vehicles

Emergency response vehicles are built to save lives; thus, they need to perform under pressure. High-quality, dependable parts are critical to keeping fire trucks operational and ensuring firefighters are always ready to respond.

When this level of reliability is compromised, the consequences can be serious. For example, during the Palisades fires, the New York Post reported that more than 100 of the Los Angeles Fire Department’s 183 trucks were out of service.1 With lives at stake, ensuring reliable performance under extreme conditions was non-negotiable.

For one Northeastern metropolitan fire department, that expectation was put to the test when leaks began appearing in their emergency vehicles’ air systems. The cause? Alkon’s standard push-to-connect fittings met industry specifications but weren’t designed to withstand the extreme heat near the engine compartment. Over time, the heat damaged the fittings leading to air leaks that compromised the reliability of the vehicles and the department’s ability to do its job.

Alkon Corporation understood the urgency and partnered with the department to create a custom solution that restored dependability and kept their vehicles fully operational.

The Problem: Standard Fittings Failed, Compromising Reliability and Safety 

The fire department originally selected Alkon’s brass DOT fittings for their emergency vehicle air systems due to their superior durability compared to competitors. But after about a year of use, they noticed air leaks, especially near the engine compartment. The high temperatures in that area exceeded the limits of standard push-to-connect fittings, damaging the elastomers and causing performance issues.

Beyond short-term supply issues, the fire truck industry is evolving. Fire trucks are becoming increasingly advanced, and according to Global Market Insights, the global fire truck market was valued at $8.2 billion in 2024, with a projected annual growth rate of 6.4% through 2034.2 This growth reflects rising demand for more capable trucks, putting greater performance demands on every component, especially high-stress parts like air fittings.

The Alkon Solution: DOT Fittings Engineered for Extreme Conditions

The fire department turned to their partnership with Alkon Corporation for a lasting and efficient solution. Recognizing the vital role fittings play in the safe operation of emergency vehicles, Alkon used its expertise to identify the root cause of the failures. In response, Alkon engineered a solution built to endure.

The result was the XQ-DOT fitting, designed with Viton blended O-rings, higher-grade thread sealant, and enhanced support beyond the O-ring. These improvements eliminated leaks and delivered long-lasting performance across temperatures ranging from -40°F to 400°F.

The Result: Enhanced Reliability, Performance, and Safety 

By working with Alkon, the fire department resolved air system leaks in their emergency vehicles by replacing all affected fittings with the upgraded XQ-DOT design. Since then, they have continued to specify these fittings in all new orders to ensure long-term reliability and performance.

What began as a custom solution has evolved into a new fitting line for Alkon, the Extreme Fitting line, widely used across industries such as heavy machinery, agriculture, construction, public transit, and oil and gas.

Deliver Reliable Performance with Equipment Built for Harsh Environments

Alkon specializes in hydraulic and pneumatic solutions designed to keep your operations running smoothly, even in the most demanding environments. Whether for emergency vehicles, industrial machinery, or heavy-duty equipment, our products are engineered for extreme conditions, delivering maximum reliability and safety.

Need a solution that provides dependable performance? Contact your regional sales manager today to see how our products can enhance your equipment’s reliability and efficiency.

Contact Our Alkon Sales Team

 

Sources

  1. The New York Post. US Senators Probe Private Equity Over Soaring Cost of Fire Trucks. April 17, 2025. Retrieved from https://nypost.com/2025/04/17/business/us-senators-probe-private-equity-over-soaring-cost-of-fire-trucks
  2. Global Market Insights. Fire Truck Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report 2025 – 2033. December 2024 Retrieved from https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/fire-truck-market