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Topic: Parked long term/ accessory air compressor for operating air step and step cover (Read 338 times) previous topic - next topic

Parked long term/ accessory air compressor for operating air step and step cover

I'd prefer the step function all the time but I lose most of my air after 2 days.  Has anyone added an air compressor to keep tanks full so they can use the step slide while parked long term? It's a great place to put the dog bed, would love to utilize that space in the evenings when winding down.  Our dog takes up a lot of real estate 😂

1996 u270
Eric and Lisa; Milwaukee, Wi
1996 Foretravel U270

Re: Parked long term/ accessory air compressor for operating air step and step cover

Reply #1 –
What kind of coach do you have? On my coach to retract the step the ignition must be on. I recall someone talking about this prior. Have you used the search function.

Re: Parked long term/ accessory air compressor for operating air step and step cover

Reply #2 –
What coach do you have? Most FT's have a 12V compressor already. Have you tried to track down your air leaks? They all leak down a bit over time but two days is pretty fast.
1993 U300 40ft GV SE
Build # 4344

Re: Parked long term/ accessory air compressor for operating air step and step cover

Reply #3 –
Quote from: dsd –
What kind of coach do you have? On my coach to retract the step the ignition must be on. I recall someone talking about this prior. Have you used the search function.
Yup, pages and pages of how to repair slide step and whatever I use, nothing about being parked long term and using it.  I found the how to on wiring the outside step to work all the time and plan to do that soon
Eric and Lisa; Milwaukee, Wi
1996 Foretravel U270

Re: Parked long term/ accessory air compressor for operating air step and step cover

Reply #4 –
Quote from: Jeff & Sandy –
What coach do you have? Most FT's have a 12V compressor already. Have you tried to track down your air leaks? They all leak down a bit over time but two days is pretty fast.

I've been chasing air leaks with soapy water, slow but sure.  It's a 96 u270, the on board 12v compressor is for the leveling system I believe.
Eric and Lisa; Milwaukee, Wi
1996 Foretravel U270

Re: Parked long term/ accessory air compressor for operating air step and step cover

Reply #5 –
Quote from: theGreenLarkin –
Has anyone added an air compressor to keep tanks full so they can use the step slide while parked long term?
Yes, several Forum members have added 110V (AC) powered air compressors to their coaches.  Some are installed in a way that they can be used at any time to air up the whole coach air system.  The key to keep in mind is that when using any external air compressor you want to run the air through a drying filter to remove moisture before it goes into the system.  This is fairly easy to accomplish using readily available commercial air filtering devices.

I have had one of these compressors mounted in our coach for several years.  It can be powered from shore power or generator.  I can use it to bring the whole air system from zero pressure to 120 psi in about 10 minutes.  The write-up linked below covers my initial installation, including my mode of running the air through a "cooling loop" of copper tubing before it gets to the drying filter.  Since then I have had to replace my onboard air compressor twice due to mechanical failures in the first two compressor motors.  I don't think they liked the heat generated from running in an enclosed space without adequate air circulation.  I am currently using a Makita MAC700 mounted on the Joey bed so I can pull it out into the open air when running,  It has so far proved totally reliable.  See photos below:

110V Aux Air Compressor Install

1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Parked long term/ accessory air compressor for operating air step and step cover

Reply #6 –
Roger put a fitting at the inlet of the dryer on the coach to add air.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Parked long term/ accessory air compressor for operating air step and step cover

Reply #7 –
As did I. Works great.
Richard & Betty Bark & Keiko our Golden Doodle
2003 U320T 3820 PBDS
Build # 6215
MC # 16926
2016 Chevrolet Colorado 4X4 diesel
 

Re: Parked long term/ accessory air compressor for operating air step and step cover

Reply #8 –
Be aware that after air is gone, the step slide can be moved both directions manually. Maybe add a temporary handle to facilitate movements. I could see a couple of slats or board mounted to bottom of dog bed and placed over steps with slide open (or closed). Adding an auxiliary external compressor can introduce moisture & dust into air system if not carefully designed. And would need a pressure regulator and pressure switch to turn off & on.