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Topic: HWH Aux air pressure tank (Read 670 times) previous topic - next topic

HWH Aux air pressure tank

My auxillary air tank has developed a pin-hole leak.  I saw Sven & Kristi posted about this last year but did not follow-up with their solution.  What have you replaced your tank with?
Dan & Lauren - Pine Ridge, FL
2000 U320 42 CAI
Build #5766

Re: HWH Aux air pressure tank

Reply #1 –
Check out the ViAir lineup.  Many sizes to choose from. Easy to mount too,
Mark & Bev
2001 U295 36' Slide
Cummins ISC 8.3 350HP
Build #5802
Jeep Wrangler Toad

Re: HWH Aux air pressure tank

Reply #2 –
replacement truck air tank - Google Search

Easy google search will produce many similar replacements. Can be a little smaller or bigger is always okay. Need to re-evaluate the water separation/removal system. My slide bladder tank was almost completely full and had never been drained prior im guessing. Installing remote drains is nice to keep me from crawling under to have drain fluid in my face. The aux air compressors dont have a robust separation system like the air brakes do. Probably dont get maintained as well either. So in typing this , my shop air has an automatic drain, why couldnt the bladder tank have the same incorporated? Let it put out a 3 second burst of air every hour of operation?

Re: HWH Aux air pressure tank

Reply #3 –
Just helped a friend install one of these.
https://www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/Firestone/F9242.html?feed=npn&msclkid=fa44d617a26f116a5760b269d8e270b8&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Bing%20%7C%20Shop%20-%20All&utm_term=4577266908256271&utm_content=Catch%20All%20Products

It wasn't the exact size as OEM but it fit the hole.

Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: HWH Aux air pressure tank

Reply #4 –
After many attempts to find an air leak at connections throughout the coach I came across a pinhole leak in the auxiliary air tank (slide bladder) that I could not physically see.  The air tank (photo) looked like new but as I found out later when looking through one of the ports, the lower part was rusty on the inside.  Since we were going to the Durango rally I made a temporary patch which is obvious in the photo (it did its job). There is no water drain or purge valve on this OEM part.  After a long search I found an aluminum tank which was about the same size (1 gallon) and it had 4 ports, including a valve.  I ordered it last November but didn't get around to installing it until last week.  I'm including photos of my receipt which has all the info needed to order one.
I have a rare mid entry coach so the location of the tank may be different from others.  Mine is located in the cabinet under slide above the opening, which makes the drain valve easily accessible.  If yours is floor mounted, you may want to raise it accommodate the drain.  As seen in the photos, the two air lines are on either end of the tank and I used a plug for the unused port.  The tank came with mounting brackets which required new holes for the bolts.  The bottom ones are into a metal frame while the top two are mostly into insulation.  I used a self taping hex head screw to fasten to the metal frame on one hole (I was able to use orig. hole on the other).  Last photo shows the only parts I needed to buy (Lowe's).  I was able to use the original air fittings on the air lines.  Be sure to use Teflon tape.
Good Luck.
2000 U320 mid entry  #5688
2006 Jeep Liberty


USMCR retired
SDFD retired
FEMA US&R TF8

Re: HWH Aux air pressure tank

Reply #5 –
Sven - thank you for the excellent write up.
Dan & Lauren - Pine Ridge, FL
2000 U320 42 CAI
Build #5766

Re: HWH Aux air pressure tank

Reply #6 –
With just a pin hole I would try welding it or put a patch over the hole. Some times that's the
only place that's thin. I've had good luck doing that.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport

Re: HWH Aux air pressure tank

Reply #7 –
The problem with a pinhole in this case is that it was rusting from the inside.  I used a flashlight over one hole while looking in the other and saw what resembled a "stream of rust" along the bottom.  A mound of rust had formed over the spot where the pinhole is and there were a couple of smaller ones working their way through.  There was also loose rust inside.  Welding would be a temporary fix like the one I came up with.  I will never have to worry about rust in an aluminum tank or have to revisit this problem on the road.  My cost was well under $100.
2000 U320 mid entry  #5688
2006 Jeep Liberty


USMCR retired
SDFD retired
FEMA US&R TF8

Re: HWH Aux air pressure tank

Reply #8 –
Quote from: Sven and Kristi –
The problem with a pinhole in this case is that it was rusting from the inside.  I used a flashlight over one hole while looking in the other and saw what resembled a "stream of rust" along the bottom.  A mound of rust had formed over the spot where the pinhole is and there were a couple of smaller ones working their way through.  There was also loose rust inside.  Welding would be a temporary fix like the one I came up with.  I will never have to worry about rust in an aluminum tank or have to revisit this problem on the road.  My cost was well under $100.
Not to mention having rust particles in your air system
1987 Grand Villa ORED
2001 U320 4010

Not all that wander are lost... but I often am.

Re: HWH Aux air pressure tank

Reply #9 –
Installed the new bladder air tank....and it's held pressure for 24hrs!  I bought the same all aluminum tank that Sven posted above and it fit the space perfectly.  On mine, the tank is mounted on the same frame as the 12v compressor - overhead in the big center compartment.  Here is a photo of the original tank.  No water came out, but it does sound like a maraca...  In any event, I've been chasing this one for a long time...that is my 12v compressor running about every 40 minutes, but not anymore!  The leak wasn't obvious and neither HWH or FOT could find it when I've been in for service over the last couple of years...but adding valves and gauges, working backwards from the bladder, one section at at time, I was able to isolate the leak down to the tank.
Dan & Lauren - Pine Ridge, FL
2000 U320 42 CAI
Build #5766

Re: HWH Aux air pressure tank

Reply #10 –
Quote from: Sven and Kristi –
I was able to use the original air fittings on the air lines.  Be sure to use Teflon tape.


Actually, teflon tape is not recommended for use in the air leveling system.  Yellow gas tape is a better option.
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: HWH Aux air pressure tank

Reply #11 –
I only use pipe dope for air/gas lines.
Dan & Lauren - Pine Ridge, FL
2000 U320 42 CAI
Build #5766

Re: HWH Aux air pressure tank

Reply #12 –
And, I am a fan of RectorSeal #5 for threaded connections.

If you do use teflon tape on any connection, make absolutely positive that it is not wrapped to the very end of the male fitting where it could break loose and get into the system.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020
 

Re: HWH Aux air pressure tank

Reply #13 –
Quote from: wolfe10 –
If you do use teflon tape on any connection, make absolutely positive that it is not wrapped to the very end of the male fitting where it could break loose and get into the system.

... and end up on the seat of a solenoid valve, preventing it from sealing  ;)
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320