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Compressor CFM

Does anyone know the CFM rating for the air compressor in the vintage 1997 Foretravels?  Reason being, I'm interested in comparing the engine compressor's rating to that of an off the shelf small compressor which are typically 3 to 5 CFM.  (for airing up tires)
Peter & Beth Martin
No Forrest? What have you done?
MC# 15890 until Dec 2016; FMCA #F329677
Cincinnati, OH

Re: Compressor CFM

Reply #1 –
Peter,
Most Highway air compressors start at 11 CFM for the typical 18 wheeler and normal for a (my) MCI was 16 CFM, there are many variables for these compressors.
My Guess would be in the 12-14 CFM range on the coach.
Would take a large 120 VAC to be equal CFM wise.
Enjoy
Dave M

Re: Compressor CFM

Reply #2 –
Thanks, Dave.  Just rying to figure out if a 120VAC compressor may be a better option to air up the tires w/o having to take into considereation the cycling from 80 to 120 psi from the engine compressor...which can be a pain the bee...hind  ;D
Peter & Beth Martin
No Forrest? What have you done?
MC# 15890 until Dec 2016; FMCA #F329677
Cincinnati, OH

Re: Compressor CFM

Reply #3 –
Yes  a small 120 V compressor would work fine, slow most likely.  I purchased the Power Tank setup, used it a fair amount, still has about 50%, Best part, it is very quick to fill, bad Part, bulky to handle.  Have the 15 lb model, cost $1.00 a pound to fill, standard is the 10 lb, plenty large, I got the 15 so can run some air tools from it too.
No end to play toys for our toy  ;D
Dave M

Re: Compressor CFM

Reply #4 –
Have you tried turning up the D2 governor to 130?
Regards,
Brett

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

Re: Compressor CFM

Reply #5 –
Quote from: amos.harrison –
Have you tried turning up the D2 governor to 130?
I haven't changed the D2 settings, Brett.  I'm hesitant to do so.  The minute I increase the operating max pressure I'll develop 101 leaks, I'm afraid.  But, then again, maybe not.  Any experience in this area?
Peter & Beth Martin
No Forrest? What have you done?
MC# 15890 until Dec 2016; FMCA #F329677
Cincinnati, OH

Re: Compressor CFM

Reply #6 –
Of course you have a spare D-2 in your parts bag, if not, would be a good idea as you just may need one after playing with it. :o

Re: Compressor CFM

Reply #7 –
Where is it?

best, paul

Quote
Have you tried turning up the D2 governor to 130?
1999 U320 40' 1200 watts on roof. 12cf AC/DC Cold plate fridge/freezer. VMS 240 CL Honda Element

Re: Compressor CFM

Reply #8 –

@Peter Like Dave I went with a CO2 tank. Bought one off of Amazon for $85 Amazon.com: 10 lb. Aluminum Co2 Tank: Kitchen & Dining. All you need is a regulator to go with it. I found one for $40 bucks but it's no longer on the market. The problem with the cheap ones is that it can freeze up if your using it for extended periods. The problem with the more expensive ones is they can go north of $250! POWERTANK - CO2 Air Systems I've done a lot of searching for something in between without much luck. Maybe someone on here has some suggestions. I've only managed to freeze mine up once so far. I use a 25' hose with a quick connect and can reach all 4 tires without removing it from the bay. The 10lb tank can be stored standing up in the bay so doesn't take much room. Haven't tried it with any air tools yet.

I did spring for the super cool Digital Tire Inflator from PowerTank POWERTANK - CO2 Air Systems. Just because it's DIGITAL! :) It makes checking tire pressure so easy I do it before every trip and that's a good thing.

I carry a compressor but haven't used it to inflate tires.

see ya
ken

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
The selected media item is not currently available.ken & dori hathaway & Big Agnes
🍺1992 U300 GrandVilla WTBI #4150 FOT FBP 2011
✨6V-92TA DDEC Parlor Coach 350HP Series 92
🏁2011 Nissan XTerra Pro-4X

Re: Compressor CFM

Reply #9 –
My Governor setting is high 128 low 110.With the engine air filter , air dryer, a wet tank and  front and rear tanks I look at that system as the best air I can have on the road.I use it to air up the tires,run impact wrenches. die grinders even a blow pipe. To me it's a good dry, high volume ,high pressure, source of compressed air. At home I use my shop air compressor .But on the road I see no reason to carry the added weight or take up the storage space for a small compressor that will only fill a tire very slowly and can't run an air tool.Gam
joseph gambaro
1999 U295 36'

Re: Compressor CFM

Reply #10 –
On the original question ... I think (not sure) that 1997 uses one of the TA series compressors, but if so here is the performance data for them (03 uses the ta41xx) The selected media item is not currently available. .... most produce ~2.0 CFM at 0 PSI and drop from there.
2000 / 36' / U320 / WTFE
WildEBeest / "Striving to put right what once went wrong"

Re: Compressor CFM

Reply #11 –
All kinds of choices for 120V compressors, the one we use to run the Plasma cutter is rated at 9 cfm@ 60 psi, little costly North of $500.00, but does What is needed, portable with small pancake tank and carry handle, does need a 20 amp 120 V outLet, not light weight.
Dave M

Re: Compressor CFM

Reply #12 –
Quote from: Steve –
On the original question ... I think (not sure) that 1997 uses one of the TA series compressors, but if so here is the performance data for them (03 uses the ta41xx) The selected media item is not currently available. .... most produce ~2.0 CFM at 0 PSI and drop from there.
Wow!  Eye opening indeed!  I did not think the compressor output was that low!  I thought it was more in line with 11 CFM.  But, in retrospect, once the system is aired up, the CFM requirement is really very low.  Thanks.

(edit)  Now I know why it takes so long to air up the tires...
Peter & Beth Martin
No Forrest? What have you done?
MC# 15890 until Dec 2016; FMCA #F329677
Cincinnati, OH

Re: Compressor CFM

Reply #13 –
Steve, are these the auxiliary compressors for the coach rather than the engine driven air compressor/drier?
Peter & Beth Martin
No Forrest? What have you done?
MC# 15890 until Dec 2016; FMCA #F329677
Cincinnati, OH

Re: Compressor CFM

Reply #14 –
Can someone point me in the right area to locate my auscillary air compresor? My air presure bleeds off after 4 days and then have to start engine to build air presure. I was under the impresion there is a 12 volt on board to maintain presure for the leveling when parked, correct me if I am wroung, Thanks Adam
Adam Byler
1999 U320 M4200 DGFE Build #5389
2014 Sundowner 26 ft Enclosed
2015 Ford F150 King Ranch crew cab

Re: Compressor CFM

Reply #15 –
Quote from: Peter & Beth –
Does anyone know the CFM rating for the air compressor in the vintage 1997 Foretravels?

Not nice to identify 1997 as 'Vintage'. Can't we just say 1997?

I looked up the word Vintage and in addition to Old, other explanations are: Characterized by excellence, maturity, and enduring appeal; classic. One Of the best

One Of the most distinctive

So probably that is what Peter & Beth meant when they called their coach Vintage.

Re: Compressor CFM

Reply #16 –
Quote from: Barry & Cindy –
RE: . . . the air compressor in the vintage 1997 Foretravels

Not nice to identify 1997 as 'Vintage'. Can't we just say 1997?

I looked up the word Vintage and in addition to Old, other explanations are: Characterized by excellence, maturity, and enduring appeal; classic. One Of the best

One Of the most distinctive

So probably that is what Peter & Beth meant when they called their coach Vintage.
Absolutely!!!!!

Quote from: Adam Byler –
Can someone point me in the right area to locate my auscillary air compresor? My air presure bleeds off after 4 days and then have to start engine to build air presure. I was under the impresion there is a 12 volt on board to maintain presure for the leveling when parked, correct me if I am wroung, Thanks Adam
It is located behind the batteries accessible through the storage compartment next to the inverter covered by a screwed-in board.
Peter & Beth Martin
No Forrest? What have you done?
MC# 15890 until Dec 2016; FMCA #F329677
Cincinnati, OH

Re: Compressor CFM

Reply #17 –
Quote from: Adam Byler –
Can someone point me in the right area to locate my auscillary air compresor? My air presure bleeds off after 4 days and then have to start engine to build air presure. I was under the impresion there is a 12 volt on board to maintain presure for the leveling when parked, correct me if I am wroung, Thanks Adam
Please indicate the coach for which you want information. Your signature block is a good place to put information about you and your coach. Compressors were placed in many different locations over the years.

On our 1997 U295, the 12V compressor is in a cubby on the forward side of the big storage bay. It is behind the inverter/converter.

The pressure on our dash gauges drop to zero after a few days. Those gauges don't indicate pressure in the HWH system when the coach is parked. The 12V compressor can add pressure to the leveling system as required while parked.
J D Stevens
1997 U295 CAI 36' Build #5085
2002 Subaru Outback
Motorcade 16869
Bellville, TX

Re: Compressor CFM

Reply #18 –

When I saw this thread I thought I would post what I have been working on to install in the coach this spring – for us owners of older coaches w/o 12 VDC compressors.

I rent parking indoors for our coach along with several other coaches and I want to be able to "air up" with the engine off, and then be ready to pull out soon after starting the engine – to avoid filling the garage with diesel fumes.

I used the VIAIR 2.54 CFM model 40040 with a 33% duty cycle vs 100% duty cycle and a smaller CFM.

I made the air tank from 4 inch SCH 40 PVC pipe. It is 18 inches long and the pressure rating is 220 psi.

I have everything mounted on some 2X4s. My plan is to keep this portable so I can use it outside of the coach for various things – and the reason I made the small tank for it.

A few words of caution:

Use solid core PVC pipe with ASTM D1785/D2665 stamped on it – rated to 220 psi (don't use lighter "cellular core" PVC made for drain/waste/vent use only)
Use pressure rated end caps (these have the curved dome shape vs flat shape)
Use the 2 step PVC glue with the purple primer

Here are the links for the main parts (isn't Amazon Prime wonderful...)

Viair 40040 400C Air Compressor Kit : Amazon.com : Automotive

VIAIR 90113 Pressure Switch with Relay : Amazon.com : Automotive

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
Peter and Tammy Fleming
1991 U300 GV 40 - Sold, owned for 4 years
Downsized to Roadtrek Popular 210 class B

Re: Compressor CFM

Reply #19 –
Quote from: Peter & Beth –
Steve, are these the auxiliary compressors for the coach rather than the engine driven air compressor/drier?
Yes thats the aux compressor ... Did you want the data for the Haldex main one?

Quote
When I saw this thread I thought I would post what I have been working on to install in the coach this spring – for us owners of older coaches w/o 12 VDC compressors.
Very Nice! :) ... looks a lot like an item I was thinking of building to create a vacuum press for applying wood veneer to larger/not flat pieces.  Thanks for the information and the links.

2000 / 36' / U320 / WTFE
WildEBeest / "Striving to put right what once went wrong"

Re: Compressor CFM

Reply #20 –
Steve, I was discussing the engine driven compressor/drier used to air up tires.
Peter & Beth Martin
No Forrest? What have you done?
MC# 15890 until Dec 2016; FMCA #F329677
Cincinnati, OH

Re: Compressor CFM

Reply #21 –
I thought I would post an update on my compressor adventures. I have tried the VIAIR 40400 2.54 CFM unit in my coach and it just doesn't have enough uummph to do the job. It will reach 60 psi fairly quickly, but really struggles to get to 80 psi and beyond. I have ordered a larger unit - the ExtremeAire Magnum - which has a much larger 12 volt motor (95 amp draw vs 30 amp draw), higher 6.0 CFM capacity, and it is continuous duty.

Product : Extreme Outback ExtremeAire Magnum

I will post again when I try this bad boy out.

Peter and Tammy Fleming
1991 U300 GV 40 - Sold, owned for 4 years
Downsized to Roadtrek Popular 210 class B