Flex Hose

A flex hose or flex pipe is a component in many vehicle systems that connects two distant points to transfer high-pressure fluids or gases. Flex hoses are made of versatile materials that allow more freedom of movement or better positioning for the installation and can handle changes in pressure or temperature more easily without cracking or breaking.

What Do Flex Hoses Do for Trucks?

Much like rigid exhaust pipes, flex hoses help exhaust gases travel from the engine through the muffler and out the tailpipe or stack. However, while rigid pipes have little wiggle room, flex hoses are able to move and expand. This means that flex piping can more easily absorb the shock from rough roads or engine vibration. They can also handle extreme temperature changes without compromising their gas-tight seal.

In this way, flex hoses help to relieve the stress on other parts of the exhaust bellows. This improves the overall durability of your exhaust system. When flex hoses handle the brunt of the vibrations and temperature fluctuations, it eases the load on more rigid components, protecting them from cracks, wear, or blown seals.

Benefits of Flex Hoses

While both flex hoses and rigid exhaust pipes have their place in a truck’s exhaust system, there are many benefits to flex pipes. The most obvious, of course, is their flexibility. Because they can bend and move, they can be installed in tough-to-fit places or around tight corners.

The flexibility of flex hoses also makes them good for shock and vibration absorption. This helps not only the flex pipe last longer, but also the adjacent rigid pipes and bellows, protecting the lifespan of the entire exhaust system.

Flex pipes are also made of high-quality materials like stainless steel. This makes them highly corrosion-resistant, ideal for handling caustic exhaust gases and byproducts.

How To Choose a Flex Pipe

To select the right flex pipe for your rig, first figure out where it will need to go and what it will connect to. Figure out the diameter and length of the pipe needed to meet the requirements for the exhaust flow. Then, check what kinds of connections are needed to secure the ends. 

Flex pipes come with a variety of end connections to fit any truck, including welded, flanged, or clamp-on connections. The most common type is clamp-on.

Flex hoses can be made of a variety of materials, but most comprise rings of galvanized or stainless steel for maximum durability. Truck exhaust systems may also require different pressure and temperature ratings, so make sure the hose you choose is correctly rated for your truck.

Some flex hoses also require separate clamps to ensure a proper fit. At Truck Pipes USA, we offer flex pipes in a wide range of diameters and lengths, both standard original equipment manufacturer (OEM) sizes and unique size combinations. Most of the flex pipe kits at Truck Parts USA include the correct clamps, but for kits without them, be sure to check the appropriate clamp measurements for a proper fit.