Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Leave Key in Ignition (Read 898 times) previous topic - next topic

Leave Key in Ignition

In the process of troubleshooting, it occurred to me that seller of my coach advised to leave the ignition key in the ignition after shutdown and at all times, for a reason I do not remember. I vaguely recall it had something to do with the air system, but could be wrong. Perhaps someone here can refresh my memory, as I have lost contact with the seller.

Thanks in advance!
1989 Foretravel U300 Grand Villa
Build #3410

Re: Leave Key in Ignition

Reply #1 –
"leave key in?" Nothing I know about. Have always removed the keys, and I still show air after a long time sitting. Different suspension, possibly, than ours, but, I don't get it!
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: Leave Key in Ignition

Reply #2 –
That's what I thought. It is always possible that I am "mis-remembering" the instruction. I know of no reason why FT or any other OEM would design a system that required leaving the key in.
1989 Foretravel U300 Grand Villa
Build #3410

Re: Leave Key in Ignition

Reply #3 –
I have a set that stays in the ingition all the time with all the keys for the bus. Then I have another set I carry with me. And Eileen has a ingition and bay door key with her. Works for us. It a preference .
Andy & Eileen
MONTROSE COLORADO
1992 U300  40' 6V92 TA
2016 4 Runner
1998 Jeep Grand cherokee

1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee) Build # 4135 Skp# 122921

Re: Leave Key in Ignition

Reply #4 –
I had a SOB that I had been told the same thing, once the key was removed, it was a bearcat to get back in!  When I had the switch replaced, the old-timer told me, "too many people have every key they own on the chain, the weight of all the keys trashes the switch." I never knew whether he was right, but, I always kept only the ignition key on the fob. ^.^d
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: Leave Key in Ignition

Reply #5 –
Not a good picture, but I think this is what he was talking about.
1994 U280, Build 4490
Deming, NM.

Re: Leave Key in Ignition

Reply #6 –
Me either Mike. I've seen how the coach behaves when I leave the key in, now I'll take it out and see if there appears to be any issue.

Thanks
1989 Foretravel U300 Grand Villa
Build #3410

Re: Leave Key in Ignition

Reply #7 –
I have that placard too and had forgotten it. Very likely that was what he was referring to.
1989 Foretravel U300 Grand Villa
Build #3410

Re: Leave Key in Ignition

Reply #8 –
Quote from: RandallBrink –
Me either Mike. I've seen how the coach behaves when I leave the key in, now I'll take it out and see if there appears to be any issue.

I don't know if a "dry" or "wet" lube would help, but, if the key sticks, wear it!  ^.^d  Not sure what the other posts are about, but, if you are towing, is not the switch on, always?
1993 U-240 "La Villa Grande"..CAT 3116 w/ Pacbrake PRXB...Allison 3060 6-speed..
Previous: 1983 Airstream 310 turbo diesel, 1979 Airstream 280 turbo diesel
                                      Build # 4297
                                      PNW natives
                      Home base:  'Cactus Hug' (Ajo, Arizona)
                        DW Judy & Chet the wonder dog
                        Full-Timers 'Sailing the asphalt sea'

Re: Leave Key in Ignition

Reply #9 –
Yes it would be while towing. This question, however, had to do with advice to just leave the ign key in all the time, and I couldn't remember why the PO had said that.
1989 Foretravel U300 Grand Villa
Build #3410

Re: Leave Key in Ignition

Reply #10 –
I leave a key in the ignition, cannot lose it that way.  DW has a complete set, I have another full set also in the coach and 1 full set in the safe at home.

John
John and Stacey Smith
Motorcade NO: 11973
1997 U295 CSGI 40'..Build No. 5036     
920 Watts on the roof..CAT Power w/fuel Inj. Programmer
2021 GMC Sierra AT4 1500
EX..2015 Jeep Wrangler Sahara
Ex 1990 U280 RSAI 36'..Build No. 3638

Re: Leave Key in Ignition

Reply #11 –
Once you shut down and "IF" you want to dump the air the ignition switch must be ON!!
Otherwise as above!!
Sorry I was not looking at your model.  I was thinking U320.  Old age!!!
Speedbird 1.
2001 U320 Build #5865
Daihatsu Rocky Toad
VW Touareg
'82 F100 Stepside
Beech' Debonair

Re: Leave Key in Ignition

Reply #12 –
Randall,
Your coach has a 100% manual leveling system; there is no voltage going to it (the one exception is the "air level" light on the dash to remind you to put the levers in the middle position before you drive off - the light is triggered by micro switches on the levers).  It does however need compressed air for the bags and while going down the road (towed or not) it "consumes" air as the ride height valves fill and dump with every bump in the road.  If your coach is like mine (and still stock) there is a 3/4 hp 120 VAC air compressor under the stairwell.  It's there to keep the coach level when parked and plugged in.  Leave the key in or take it out - it's your choice but the coach won't care.

If you ever have the coach towed, a supply of compressed air needs to be provided by the tow truck to keep the air bags up (unless it's a short distance and the coach tanks are enough).
Alternatively, you can leave the generator running so the 120VAC compressor will run when required.

Starting in 1992, U280s and U300s came with an HWH electronic leveling system that includes a 12 volt compressor that (I believe) needs the ignition to be left on so it will run when required.  On those coaches you'll find the warning label shown in Reply 5.  I don't have such a label on my 1991 U300.
John Fitzgerald
1991 U300 (SAI) Side Aisle Island Bed 40'
Detroit 6V92 with Allison Retarder
Meridian (Boise), Idaho

Re: Leave Key in Ignition

Reply #13 –
Thanks very much for this. I still don't know what the cause of my listing problem is, but have the coach scheduled into the service center to evaluate.

1989 Foretravel U300 Grand Villa
Build #3410
 

Re: Leave Key in Ignition

Reply #14 –
Just a little bit of caution about leaving you keys in the ignition.
In Ohio, if your key are in the ignition and you are parked and maybe having a few "adult" beverages, you maybe arrested for drunk driving.
This is from a brother-in-law who was taking a nap after leaving a bar and left his keys in the ignition. He was legally park and engine was off. That cost him over $10,000 including a night in the local "hotel".

I'm just saying, be very careful about leaving keys in the ignition. We always take ours out and put them in the cup holder.
Dick & Sue
'99 U320, 36'
2015 F150 4x4 Supercrew
M & G with brakeaway system
Blue Ox Avail 10,000# tow bar
Grosse Ile, Mi.