Do air bags level coach for extended periods without running the engine?

Topic: Do air bags level coach for extended periods without running the engine? (Read 1620 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Do air bags level coach for extended periods without running the engine?

Reply #25 – May 21, 2016, 10:07:25 am

Quote from: craneman – May 21, 2016, 09:42:04 am

Does the auxiliary air compressor bypass the air system of the coach?

Check your air system schematic (if you have one). The 12 volt aux air compressor output (on non-slide coaches) is routed directly to the 6-pack manifolds and height control valves. It is only intended to maintain the level condition of the coach over extended time periods, so it is not a high volume pump. If everything in the air system is tight, like in John H's coach for instance, then the aux compressor may never come on. On most coaches, however, after sitting several days (with HWH in Auto Level mode) you may hear the compressor run momentarily several times a day. This is perfectly normal - the system is working correctly, and all is well in the world.

Coaches with slides are plumbed differently, and the aux compressor has additional functions.

Re: Do air bags level coach for extended periods without running the engine?

Reply #26 – May 21, 2016, 11:09:00 am

When the engine air compressor won't build air pressure (mine wouldn't get above 30psi when the air dryer failed), the aux compressor can (if it has enough volume and can run long enough without over heating) can put air in the air springs which have check valves to keep them from leaking through the failed air dryer. If have an portableA/C powered compressor that has enough volume and psi, along with a male to male fitting, you could use the service air line to add air to the wet tank which would then supply the front and rear air tanks and thus put air in the bags to raise the coach.
Don

Quote from: craneman – May 21, 2016, 09:42:04 am

Does the auxiliary air compressor bypass the air system of the coach? I wondered why there was a portable air compressor in one of the storage bays when I bought my Foretravel, seemed a waste so I stored it in my shop.

Re: Do air bags level coach for extended periods without running the engine?

Reply #27 – May 21, 2016, 11:17:05 am

I was told at MOT only difference in coach with slides is six pump also keeps slide bladder(s) inflated. Not sure but at some point I think the factory went to 115v pump as standard

Re: Do air bags level coach for extended periods without running the engine?

Reply #28 – May 21, 2016, 11:18:09 am

Tim,
I got the ARB CKMTA12. It is packaged in a couple of variants like a portable with a case or in 24vdc version. There is also one that had just one of these compressors, but obviously doesn't have the CFM of the twin version. Here is a picture of the unit installed on the forward wall of the storage compartment after I first put it in before doing the attendant cable management.
http://store.arbusa.com/ARB-On-Board-High-Performance-12-Volt-Twin-Air-Compressor-CKMTA12-P21341C9.aspx

Quote

lots of ARB compressors out there
which one did you get?
Tim Fiedler
2000 U-320 4010
2000 Chevy Tracker 2 Door Convertible 4WD

Re: Do air bags level coach for extended periods without running the engine?

Reply #29 – May 21, 2016, 02:07:48 pm

Tim:
I put in this compressor from ExtremeAire, with similar specs to Don's, it has worked well. I added a 2 gallon "wet" tank. I can air up the entire coach before starting the engine when leaving a campground early.

ExtremeAire Magnum Compressor

Re: Do air bags level coach for extended periods without running the engine?

Reply #30 – May 21, 2016, 03:11:32 pm

Nice!!!

$%89.xx from a lot of places - $517.xx here - plus they make a 3/4HP one for those not inclined to go 80 amps draw of the Magnum 1.5 HP one

KMW Performance - Air Suspension, Bags, Cylinders, Struts

Re: Do air bags level coach for extended periods without running the engine?

Reply #31 – May 22, 2016, 12:34:37 pm

Quote from: goldbehen – May 19, 2016, 09:02:45 pm

The procedure I follow is, I park with the engine still running. I hit the air button twice and the auto leveling does its thing. I'm on level ground so it takes less then a minute.I shut the motor off and that's it.

You have a later coach than mine, so it is probably different, but similar in many aspects. I use the same procedure that you use to level, except I hit the off button after it is level, the coach will stay level if there are no leaks in the leveling system (valves, air lines, fittings, air bags or air springs for the correct term). If there is a leak the coach will not stay level. The factory supplied aux compressor can handle a very minor leak to keep the coach level, it is not very good at doing anything else. When auto level is left on it sometimes releases air when a person moves from one side of the coach to the other side, then has to refill when you move again. That is why I turn it off, but if I had a minor leak I would leave it on. The aux compressor will shut off on my coach after 30 min of continuous running and will not come back on until the system is cycled off and on at the control panel.
Edit: If you are on level ground it is okay to dump all the air and let the suspension sit on the stops. The wheels will contact the top of the wheel well, but the weight of the coach is really still supported by the suspension system, it just looks like the coach is resting on the wheels. However to find out if you have a leak, don't dump the air. It does sound like you have a leak/s though.
2nd edit: When checking for leaks, don't forget the 2 exhaust ports on the six packs.

Re: Do air bags level coach for extended periods without running the engine?

Reply #32 – May 22, 2016, 02:40:57 pm

Edit: If you are on level ground it is okay to dump all the air and let the suspension sit on the stops. The wheels will contact the top of the wheel well, but the weight of the coach is really still supported by the suspension system, it just looks like the coach is resting on the wheels. However to find out if you have a leak, don't dump the air. It does sound like you have a leak/s though.
2nd edit: When checking for leaks, don't forget the 2 exhaust ports on the six packs.

So, where we park our coach is very close to level already. I'm just wondering how un level in can rest at without any damage to the fridge happening. We just leave the refrigerator and the stove pilot light on ( mostly cause I forget to shut it off). Can I / should I be letting it rest on the "stops" so that the air bags get a rest along with the other air system stuff getting as rest too. Or. Is it like most other stuff, better on and exercised than off and dormant.
I never really catch the 12 volt compressor running to keep coach level , if left on.

Re: Do air bags level coach for extended periods without running the engine?

Reply #33 – May 22, 2016, 03:43:22 pm

Quote from: Bob & Sue – May 22, 2016, 02:40:57 pm

So, where we park our coach is very close to level already. I'm just wondering how un level it can rest at without any damage to the fridge happening. Can I / should I be letting it rest on the "stops" so that the air bags get a rest along with the other air system stuff getting as rest too? Or is it like most other stuff, better on and exercised than off and dormant?

Refer to your fridge manual for guidance on "How level is level enough?"

http://www.hwhcorp.com/ml20635.pdf Page M140.026A (24SEP99), on the subject of "Automatic Air Leveling" says,

"Pressing the AIR button one time turns the system on. The AIR LEVEL light will be on steady. The "TRAVEL" light will be out. The four red WARNING lights will be on and one or two yellow LEVEL lights may be on.

DO NOT dump all the air from the air bags at this time. Allow the system to level the vehicle from travel height.

Press the air button a second time. The AIR LEVEL light will start flashing and the system will start leveling the vehicle."

HWH seems to believe it is better to leave pressure in the bags. You will undoubtably get differing opinions from Forum members. Some like to dump the air bags before leveling, in order to keep the entry steps as close to the ground as possible.

Personally, I think it is better to keep at least some pressure in the bags when parked for long periods. It only takes about 10 or 15 psi for them to appear fully inflated. Seems to me better for them to retain their "normal" shape, as opposed to being totally deflated and flabby. But it's your coach, so do what makes you happy.

Re: Do air bags level coach for extended periods without running the engine?

Reply #34 – May 22, 2016, 03:46:10 pm

Quote from: Bob & Sue – May 22, 2016, 02:40:57 pm

So, where we park our coach is very close to level already. I'm just wondering how un level in can rest at without any damage to the fridge happening. We just leave the refrigerator and the stove pilot light on ( mostly cause I forget to shut it off). Can I / should I be letting it rest on the "stops" so that the air bags get a rest along with the other air system stuff getting as rest too. Or. Is it like most other stuff, better on and exercised than off and dormant.
I never really catch the 12 volt compressor running to keep coach level , if left on.

I was not suggesting that the coach should be unlevel when the refrigerator is on. You should read the manual for your refrigerator about how unlevel it can be. My refrigerator is mounted on the driver side and fore and aft is more critical than side to side. Also I do not believe that there is any reason to give the air system a rest or to exercise it. It's easier to get in and out of the coach when it is low, but also easier to hit your head on the outside mirror. Do what you think is best.

Re: Do air bags level coach for extended periods without running the engine?

Reply #35 – May 22, 2016, 05:04:34 pm

Hi Robert,

From what I have heard in the past, it is OK to park off level up to 5 degrees and it is not supposed to hurt the absorption refrigerator boiler of refrigerators made in the last +/-15 years. By the way the boiler tubes are arranged in a zig-zag pattern it would seem the greater danger is from being off level in the forward-backward direction. For peace of mind, obviously it is better always to be level when the coach is not moving.

The Paul Unmack at ARPrv | ARP Control | RV Refrigerator | Dometic Recall | Norcold Recall | RV... sells an economical controller that senses higher boiler temperatures. If parked off level, it will shut down your refrigerator before it causes boiler tube damage from over heating.

Jim

Re: Do air bags level coach for extended periods without running the engine?

Reply #36 – May 22, 2016, 05:56:31 pm

Robert and others,

Warning...I stand corrected...the maximum slope allowed for absorption refrigerators is

degrees and even less in hot weather.

Jim

Re: Do air bags level coach for extended periods without running the engine?

Reply #37 – May 22, 2016, 06:01:59 pm

The fresh fridges don't care anymore: As Dometic says, "as long as one is comfortable moving around the coach, the fridge is fine" Even so, we level as best we can, but no bubble level, as in the old days.

Re: Do air bags level coach for extended periods without running the engine?

Reply #38 – May 22, 2016, 06:22:22 pm

Mike,

According to Paul Unmack of www.arprv.com...you still need to pay attention to being off level for Norcold and Dometic absorption refrigerators.l. If anybody should know, he should.

Better safe than sorry!
Jim

Re: Do air bags level coach for extended periods without running the engine?

Reply #39 – May 25, 2016, 10:02:08 pm

did find this on ARB compressors

Re: Do air bags level coach for extended periods without running the engine?

Reply #40 – May 25, 2016, 10:02:16 pm

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: James Frerichsfrerichs@rcom-ne.com>
Date: Sun, May 22, 2016 at 5:22 PM
Subject: Re: [ForeForums] Do air bags level coach for extended periods without running the engine?
To: ForeForums foreforums@foreforums.com>

Mike,

According to Paul Unmack of www.arprv.com...you still need to pay attention to being off level for Norcold and Dometic absorption refrigerators.l. If anybody should know, he should.

Better safe than sorry!
Jim

Wow, in my correction I posted everything but the important number of three (3) degrees that you is considered safe to be off level.

Jim

Foretravel Owners' Forum For owners and Fans of Foretravel Motorcoaches September 14, 2025 ...

Re: Do air bags level coach for extended periods without running the engine?

Reply #25 – May 21, 2016, 10:07:25 am

Re: Do air bags level coach for extended periods without running the engine?

Reply #26 – May 21, 2016, 11:09:00 am

Re: Do air bags level coach for extended periods without running the engine?

Reply #27 – May 21, 2016, 11:17:05 am

Re: Do air bags level coach for extended periods without running the engine?

Reply #28 – May 21, 2016, 11:18:09 am

Re: Do air bags level coach for extended periods without running the engine?

Reply #29 – May 21, 2016, 02:07:48 pm

Re: Do air bags level coach for extended periods without running the engine?

Reply #30 – May 21, 2016, 03:11:32 pm

Re: Do air bags level coach for extended periods without running the engine?

Reply #31 – May 22, 2016, 12:34:37 pm

Re: Do air bags level coach for extended periods without running the engine?

Reply #32 – May 22, 2016, 02:40:57 pm

Re: Do air bags level coach for extended periods without running the engine?

Reply #33 – May 22, 2016, 03:43:22 pm

Re: Do air bags level coach for extended periods without running the engine?

Reply #34 – May 22, 2016, 03:46:10 pm

Re: Do air bags level coach for extended periods without running the engine?

Reply #35 – May 22, 2016, 05:04:34 pm

Re: Do air bags level coach for extended periods without running the engine?

Reply #36 – May 22, 2016, 05:56:31 pm

Re: Do air bags level coach for extended periods without running the engine?

Reply #37 – May 22, 2016, 06:01:59 pm

Re: Do air bags level coach for extended periods without running the engine?

Reply #38 – May 22, 2016, 06:22:22 pm

Re: Do air bags level coach for extended periods without running the engine?

Reply #39 – May 25, 2016, 10:02:08 pm

Re: Do air bags level coach for extended periods without running the engine?

Reply #40 – May 25, 2016, 10:02:16 pm

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