Foretravel Owners' Forum

Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: Tommy D on November 12, 2020, 01:39:20 pm

Title: 12v air compressor??
Post by: Tommy D on November 12, 2020, 01:39:20 pm
My 12v air compressor has not worked since I purchased the rig in January of 2019.  I have not noticed any problems/issues with not having it operational.  I usually turn off the HWH system after I level the coach. (got tired of hearing it expel air at random times at night).  I inquired about fixing the compressor once and seem to remember it was pretty pricey.


What was its original purpose?  Does it just supply air to the slide bladder when needed if the tanks are low?

When am I going to miss it?
Title: Re: 12v air compressor??
Post by: Michelle on November 12, 2020, 02:26:51 pm
What was its original purpose?  Does it just supply air to the slide bladder when needed if the tanks are low?


It is also the source of air to relevel as needed when parked/camped (when the coach engine is not running).

I know on newer coaches it is required to create the vacuum level needed to deflate the air bags so you can safely extend/retract the slide.
Title: Re: 12v air compressor??
Post by: Peter on June 26, 2021, 09:52:22 am
Tommy D,
Did you ever get your air compressor fixed/replaced?
My compressor does NOT work either, and I would really like to investigate. Started another post looking for solutions, but still am looking fro doable solutions...
Title: Re: 12v air compressor??
Post by: Roger & Susan in Home2 on June 26, 2021, 10:31:44 am
Rebuild kits for the smaller Thomas compressors run about $200.  If the compressor runs but no air these work well.  I got mine at zoro.com, not sure which one Results for "Thomas service kit" (https://www.zoro.com/search?q=Thomas%20service%20kit)

Compressed air is required to level the coach and to deflate nd inflte the slide seal bladders. This is the only source of air for the bladder function.  You can level your coach in manual mode and leave it in manual mode with the ignition off and still level manually later on.  You still need a compressor to make one side or one end come up if the service tank pressure is below 90 psi.

A new 1/10 hp Thomas compressor is about $700 last time I looked.  The bigger 1/3 hp compressor used starting 2002 is about $1100. An alternative is an ARB ckmta12 compressor for about $525.  Shop for price and availability.
ARB 12V Twin Compressor | CKMTA12|Northridge4x4 (https://www.northridge4x4.com/part/compressors/ckmta12-arb-twin-compressor)
Title: Re: 12v air compressor??
Post by: Peter on June 27, 2021, 07:41:48 pm
Looking at the drawings and schematic for my 12 volt air compressor it states that there is a 15 amp fuse on the positive out  on the compressor. Checking my line thoroughly over I could not locate any in line fuse anywhere. Did all the Foretravels come with this in line or am I missing something.  Oh...and still trying to get the thing working.  See my previous posts and (still) woes...
Title: Re: 12v air compressor??
Post by: Want2rv on June 27, 2021, 07:48:51 pm
On my 97 there is an inline fuse around 2 feet away from the compressor.
Don't know if your's is the same, but worth checking.
Title: Re: 12v air compressor??
Post by: oldguy on June 28, 2021, 01:09:39 pm
Peter if you take a jumper from  a power source to the hot wire that goes to
the compressor you will know if the compressor is good. Looking at mine it
is a little difficult as they insulated the nut the wire is connected to.
Title: Re: 12v air compressor??
Post by: Peter on June 28, 2021, 02:28:01 pm
Eureka!  Found the fuse and it was slightly popped out of the cover.  I must of bumped it when I installed the new magnum2812. Works like a trooper now!!
Thanks to all.    This forum rocks!
Title: Re: 12v air compressor??
Post by: Tommy D on June 28, 2021, 08:36:17 pm
Tommy D,
Did you ever get your air compressor fixed/replaced?
My compressor does NOT work either, and I would really like to investigate. Started another post looking for solutions, but still am looking fro doable solutions...
Sorry just saw this.  No I haven't.  At this time I don't see a need for it for me.  I usually stop at a site and level it and then turn the HWH system off because it wakes me up when it levels at night.

See you got your working, Great!  Think mine let the smoke go