Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Adding Tee in wet tank line for aux compressor (Read 833 times) previous topic - next topic

Adding Tee in wet tank line for aux compressor

I posted about my ARB Twin compressor install in a previous topic (link below). What I would like to do is tee the aux compressor into the air line that goes from utility air outlet in the propane compartment to the wet tank. To use the utility air to air up the tires or use air tools, it is necessary to run the engine. I am thinking that adding a tee and a check valve between the aux compressor and the tee, I could also air up the wet tank and thus the front tanks with my aux compressor as well as supply the utility air. I would also want to add a regulator before the tee and have it set of about 130lbs. The air tanks themselves are rated at 150 psi and have a pop off valve that lets go when the air reaches that psi. Or at least that is the information I currently have... I would also need to rig a switch. Well two, actually... one by the utility air and one in the dash area to fill the tanks from inside the coach, so probably need to add a relay as well. The aux compressor is fused with a 40amp fuse, though there is already a relay in the unit to control the on and off. I suppose I should also put a diode in the HWH compressor control wire to keep stray voltage out of the control box.
Comments, corrections, suggestions?
HWH lung transplant (or aux compressor upgrade)
Don

The selected media item is not currently available.
Don & Tys
1999 U270 3602 WTFE #5402
Xtreme Stage 1 w/Headlight, Step Conversion, etc.
2009 Honda Fit Sport with Navi
Freedom is NOT "just another word for nothing left to lose"... with apologies to Kris Kristofferson

Re: Adding Tee in wet tank line for aux compressor

Reply #1 –
I did the same thing, except used small 110v compressor in first bay and pexed it to the  air connection by the propane tk.
I also installed a check valve at the t, in case of tubing failure, and a shut off ball valve. I also bought a $20 remote wireless
ac switch that I plug the compressor into at the first bay ac outlet. That way I can turn the comp on from inside the coach
with the remote. Will work on the inverter, but normally only use it on shore power or generator.
You can barely hear it running with the bay doors closed, and is handy for airing up the coach before leaving a campsite.

Jim
Jim C.
coachfree, previous 1997, 1999, 2000, and 2003 Foretravels.

Re: Adding Tee in wet tank line for aux compressor

Reply #2 –
I frequently use the shop air to raise the coach when I do not want to run the engine, works fine, use a double male to male quick air chuck setup with ball valve to control volume.

Re: Adding Tee in wet tank line for aux compressor

Reply #3 –
Quote from: Don & Tys (AKA acousticart) –
I posted about my ARB Twin compressor install in a previous topic (link below). What I would like to do is tee the aux compressor into the air line that goes from utility air outlet in the propane compartment to the wet tank. To use the utility air to air up the tires or use air tools, it is necessary to run the engine. I am thinking that adding a tee and a check valve between the aux compressor and the tee, I could also air up the wet tank and thus the front tanks with my aux compressor as well as supply the utility air.
Comments, corrections, suggestions?
HWH lung transplant (or aux compressor upgrade)
Don
They added that feature to 2003 and later coaches but I understand they no longer do it on newer coaches. I think it was because of the moisture getting into the tanks using the aux compressor.


The selected media item is not currently available.Barry BEAM #16014
2003 U320 40' AGDS
Beamalarm, Foretravel technical help and specifications
"Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve"

Re: Adding Tee in wet tank line for aux compressor

Reply #4 –
Like Dave, If I connect an external compressor to the aux air line connection in the LP bay with a double ended male connector I can adjust coach height but it does not add air to the wet tank or either service tanks.  I use an inline air drier so I don't add any moisture. 

The 2001s have smaller compressor than the 03s and the plumbing for it doesn't let it feed the aux air line connection or the wet tank.

I would like to be able to add air to the wet and service tanks so that if they are low I could release the emergency brake or be ready to depart a campground sooner.  So in my 2001 coach I think I need to add a T and an air line connection before the check valve that prevents the small compressor from filling it.  They probably did it that way because the little compressor is too small for anything other than keeping the slide seal inflated and maintaining level.  So I need to figure out a way around that without defeating the original function. 

But it would be nice if the small comressor would charge the aux air connection in the LP bay (or maybe another one) for light duty jobs like filling bicycle tires. 

Another project on my list.  It is interesting to see the differences from year to year.  They seem minor sometimes but are functionally significant.

Roger
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Adding Tee in wet tank line for aux compressor

Reply #5 –
I often thought that if I were to do something like that I would want to route the air through the air drier.  We hear of many problems with the dessicant related to the aux compressor. Maybe get rid of the dessicant and just add another air drier. I have a double ended hose fitting like Dave M. for emergency use but refrain from using on a routine basis because of the moisture factor.
Good luck,
Rick

Re: Adding Tee in wet tank line for aux compressor

Reply #6 –

Here is a simple in-line water trap.  Seems to work well.  Roger

Amazon.com: TEKTON 4755 Oil/Water Separator: Home Improvement

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Adding Tee in wet tank line for aux compressor

Reply #7 –
I forgot to add to my starting post that I am planning to get something like;
DeVilbiss QC3 Desiccant Air Filter Dryer Auto Spray Gun w Free Filter...
To put in before the tee to make sure that no moisture or oil (though the compressor is oilless) gets to the tanks. I used the water separator with the blow off solenoid from the old Thomas compressor (our 270 did not come with any desiccant as part of the aux), though I have considered running an air line all the way back to the haldex dryer, but there is already such a mess with of plumbing back there that I decided better not to modify it. A dryer dedicated to the aux compressor won't add to the load on the Haldex dryer, and with the relatively less volume of air with aux compressor, should the added dryer's desiccant pack should last a pretty long time (I hope!).
Don
Quote from: Barry Beam –
They added that feature to 2003 and later coaches but I understand they no longer do it on newer coaches. I think it was because of the moisture getting into the tanks using the aux compressor.
The selected media item is not currently available.
Don & Tys
1999 U270 3602 WTFE #5402
Xtreme Stage 1 w/Headlight, Step Conversion, etc.
2009 Honda Fit Sport with Navi
Freedom is NOT "just another word for nothing left to lose"... with apologies to Kris Kristofferson

Re: Adding Tee in wet tank line for aux compressor

Reply #8 –
Great way to doing a quieter early morning departure, but will the compressor put moist wet air into three tanks.

Re: Adding Tee in wet tank line for aux compressor

Reply #9 –
Barry, see my post above...
Don
Quote from: Barry & Cindy –
Great way to doing a quieter early morning departure, but will the compressor put moist wet air into three tanks.
The selected media item is not currently available.
Don & Tys
1999 U270 3602 WTFE #5402
Xtreme Stage 1 w/Headlight, Step Conversion, etc.
2009 Honda Fit Sport with Navi
Freedom is NOT "just another word for nothing left to lose"... with apologies to Kris Kristofferson

Re: Adding Tee in wet tank line for aux compressor

Reply #10 –
We need to warm up our big diesels before adding load.  Airing up is adequate warm up time for me.
Regards,
Brett

'99 42' Foretravel Xtreme
'14 Brown Motorsports Stacker
'05 Chevy SSR
'02 BMW R1150R

Re: Adding Tee in wet tank line for aux compressor

Reply #11 –
Quote from: amos.harrison –
We need to warm up our big diesels before adding load.  Airing up is adequate warm up time for me.
Sometimes I like to be considerate and move outside the camping area, rather than idle for 10 min.
In this case, I air up with the 110v compressor, start and move to an area where my idling will not
wake up anyone. [of course, I have a resonator, which is a little louder than a stock muffler.]
I too have a water separator on the aux comp.

Jim
Jim C.
coachfree, previous 1997, 1999, 2000, and 2003 Foretravels.
 

Re: Adding Tee in wet tank line for aux compressor

Reply #12 –
Don, very clean install.
As posted earlier I used this compressor to add 12V aux air:

ExtremeAire Magnum 12V Compressor

A larger single may be quieter than 2 smaller cylinders...not sure - probably just a different frequency of the noise. I mounted it on a 2X4 frame so I can easily remove to use away from the coach, and used a 2 gal wet tank to collect moisture. I used a 175 amp winch plug/socket, connecting it to the house batteries with a 100 amp fuse and 4 Ga copper wire - or jumper cables to a car battery. When in the coach I set it on a bed of bubble wrap. When running I can hear it inside, but not objectionable. Airs up the coach to 100 lbs in about 6 minutes. I have 2 selectable cutoff switches - 105 psi for airing up the coach, and 145 psi if I need extra to air up the tires. Like others I use it to quietly air up before leaving camp.
Peter and Tammy Fleming
1991 U300 GV 40 - Sold, owned for 4 years
Downsized to Roadtrek Popular 210 class B