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Topic: 12v air compressor?? (Read 772 times) previous topic - next topic

12v air compressor??

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?

2000 GV320 4010 build #5712  2019-?
1999 Bounder 2000-2008
Bardstown, KY
🥃The Bourbon Capital of the World🥃

Re: 12v air compressor??

Reply #1
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.
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: 12v air compressor??

Reply #2
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...
Peter    Alberta Canada
'98 U320 40'  Build 5359 M11 450 HP, Aqua hot, Blu Ox

Re: 12v air compressor??

Reply #3
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"

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

Re: 12v air compressor??

Reply #4
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...
Peter    Alberta Canada
'98 U320 40'  Build 5359 M11 450 HP, Aqua hot, Blu Ox

Re: 12v air compressor??

Reply #5
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.
1997 U270 36'
Build #5115
2014 Jeep Rubicon towed
1972 Boston Whaler 16'
Charlie

Re: 12v air compressor??

Reply #6
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.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport

Re: 12v air compressor??

Reply #7
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!
Peter    Alberta Canada
'98 U320 40'  Build 5359 M11 450 HP, Aqua hot, Blu Ox

 

Re: 12v air compressor??

Reply #8
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

2000 GV320 4010 build #5712  2019-?
1999 Bounder 2000-2008
Bardstown, KY
🥃The Bourbon Capital of the World🥃