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Topic: How Do I Operate Tag Axle Suspension? (Read 2252 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: How Do I Operate Tag Axle Suspension?

Reply #25 –
I've got a 1986 GV 33' on a p30 chassis with 454 cu in gmc/chevy engine with tag axle. The brakes and power steering are hydro -vac. The front suspension is air/spring (an air bag inside a coil spring manually inflated).  The tag suspension is real air bag suspension inflated by an electric compressor located back near the tag and actuated by the ignition switch. It shuts off automatically by a pressure switch and each side is manually pressurized by manual valves on the dash with a dual gauge. Your mileage may vary.

wantabe

Re: How Do I Operate Tag Axle Suspension?

Reply #26 –
Agree with John. Ft used a high dollar compressor and hid them, like Easter Eggs

all over the place. I doubt that there is  an engine driven compressor as they eat up

the output of  an engine and any gas engine in a FT needs all the horses it can muster.

Good luck in your redo,

Carter-

Re: How Do I Operate Tag Axle Suspension?

Reply #27 –
That is the brake booster for the tag axle. The compressor should be 12 volt and as had been mentioned may be in the area of the front  bumper area it should have 12 volts when the ignition is turned on  and I am thinking by pulling out on the knob for the controls for the tag axle may turn on the compressor.
previous 1984 35 ft ORED 250 HP 3208 Cat       
previous 1998 40 ft U295 CAI 325 hp Cummins
previous 2003 40 Ft u320 build #6140 450 Cummins M11.                                                         
1999 Mazda Miata
Ron, Nancy, Tipper the cat, Max The dog
1997 U 270 36 ft build number 5174 8.3 Cummins

Re: How Do I Operate Tag Axle Suspension?

Reply #28 –
UPDATE:

I managed to hook up an external air compressor to the hose in the storage cabinet. That fills the lines perfectly.

I get compression at both of the valves in the dash.

I can fill the left bag just fine. It holds air.

The right bag did pop back into place when air pressure was applied. But it doesn't hold air. When you put air to it, it just blows out. You can hear it when you try to fill the bag. So, it's either ruptured or it didn't pop fully back into place.

I haven't got the coach in a place where I can get fully under it to look around yet. (I don't trust the hydraulic lifts to get under it). I'll be taking it to my dad's this week. We should be able to safely lift it and get under it to see if the bag just isn't sitting right or it it needs to be replaced.

And hopefully we can find the damn air-compressor. Lol.
Husband & Wife Team. 3 Kids. 8 yo boy, 4 yo girl, 19 mth girl. Mostly Finished Renovating 1986 Grand Villa 3300 GVF SBI for a multi year trip around the country with the kids.

Re: How Do I Operate Tag Axle Suspension?

Reply #29 –
Quote from: AKATheAlchemist –
UPDATE:

I managed to hook up an external air compressor to the hose in the storage cabinet. That fills the lines perfectly.

I get compression at both of the valves in the dash.

I can fill the left bag just fine. It holds air.

The right bag did pop back into place when air pressure was applied. But it doesn't hold air. When you put air to it, it just blows out. You can hear it when you try to fill the bag. So, it's either ruptured or it didn't pop fully back into place.

I haven't got the coach in a place where I can get fully under it to look around yet. (I don't trust the hydraulic lifts to get under it). I'll be taking it to my dad's this week. We should be able to safely lift it and get under it to see if the bag just isn't sitting right or it it needs to be replaced.

And hopefully we can find the damn air-compressor. Lol.
The bag is bad they are sealed units, not open ended.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: How Do I Operate Tag Axle Suspension?

Reply #30 –
Quote from: craneman –
The bag is bad they are sealed units, not open ended.
That's too bad. Guess that means I need to figure out which bag it is and buy a new one.
Husband & Wife Team. 3 Kids. 8 yo boy, 4 yo girl, 19 mth girl. Mostly Finished Renovating 1986 Grand Villa 3300 GVF SBI for a multi year trip around the country with the kids.

Re: How Do I Operate Tag Axle Suspension?

Reply #31 –
If it were me, I'd buy two and replace both at the same time. If it is at all possible. If one went out, it's likely the other is close behind it.

Wantabe

Re: How Do I Operate Tag Axle Suspension?

Reply #32 –
Most of us replace all the air bags when we experience the first failure.  The only exception would be if an external hit damaged a bag.
Regards,
Brett

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

Re: How Do I Operate Tag Axle Suspension?

Reply #33 –
Quote from: wantabe –
If it were me, I'd buy two and replace both at the same time. If it is at all possible. If one went out, it's likely the other is close behind it.

That's the plan. Still gotta figure out which one it is.
Husband & Wife Team. 3 Kids. 8 yo boy, 4 yo girl, 19 mth girl. Mostly Finished Renovating 1986 Grand Villa 3300 GVF SBI for a multi year trip around the country with the kids.

Re: How Do I Operate Tag Axle Suspension?

Reply #34 –
Michelle has a huge amount of part numbers

and she may well have that one, too. She is a

great asset to all of us on here.

Carter-

Re: How Do I Operate Tag Axle Suspension?

Reply #35 –
UPDATE:

FOUND THE COMPRESSOR! It was in the metal box. Took the metal box off. Found the compressor in there.

Tested it out with a battery. It turns right on. Tested the cables with voltmeter. It's getting power. Looks like the Solenoid is bad on the thing.

Found the parts list for the Ridewell system here: http://www.ridewellcorp.com/content/uploads/files/Ridewell_Full_Parts_Pricing_List___Effective_07.01.2017.pdf

And the solenoid part number on that sheet: 1237652B000 - SOL VLV 3-WAY 12DC MAC

Gonna see if we can order that from Foretravel, or Ridewell, or maybe the local CAT dealer who's listed as a Ridewell dealer.

Also, It looks like ridewell makes the Airbags too.
Husband & Wife Team. 3 Kids. 8 yo boy, 4 yo girl, 19 mth girl. Mostly Finished Renovating 1986 Grand Villa 3300 GVF SBI for a multi year trip around the country with the kids.

Re: How Do I Operate Tag Axle Suspension?

Reply #36 –
Might want to check into the air intake filters also, but depending on threads these might be sourced locally. They look pretty nasty, but may still be good.
Old Phart Phred, EIEIO
89 GV ored 36' #3405 300 hp cat 3208 ATAAC side radiator, mountain tamer exhaust brake

Re: How Do I Operate Tag Axle Suspension?

Reply #37 –
 You can also match up the solenoid at NAPA. You want a plow controller solenoid. HD and rated for almost 100% duty cycle .  It is probably not  a Ford Starter solenoid( short duty) 

Re: How Do I Operate Tag Axle Suspension?

Reply #38 –
Looks like our boost solenoid would do the trick.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: How Do I Operate Tag Axle Suspension?

Reply #39 –
UPDATE:

We've now tested everything on the air compressor.

Good news... it all works. Solenoid is good. pressure switch is good. Wires are good. The problem is that the little wire thats running from the front of the coach isn't supplying power with the ignition switch. The big red wires are supplying power. But nothing from the little red one that closes the solenoid and gets the big power going.

This relates to another problem I'm having with the headlights. The headlight switch isnt getting power from the ignition switch either. So i can't turn on headlights. Powering headlights manually, they all turn on. Tested the switch, its good. Just not getting power.

So i need a wiring diagram to figure out where power is supposed to be coming from, but isnt. Probably a bad relay somewhere.

I'll start a new topic for that, since this tag axle topic is all basically solved. Found a place locally that both carries the bags and will install them. :)
Husband & Wife Team. 3 Kids. 8 yo boy, 4 yo girl, 19 mth girl. Mostly Finished Renovating 1986 Grand Villa 3300 GVF SBI for a multi year trip around the country with the kids.

Re: How Do I Operate Tag Axle Suspension?

Reply #40 –
Did you test the little red wire for continuity? Perhaps there's a brake in the wire.
Richard & Betty Bark & Keiko our Golden Doodle
2003 U320T 3820 PBDS
Build # 6215
MC # 16926
2016 Chevrolet Colorado 4X4 diesel

Re: How Do I Operate Tag Axle Suspension?

Reply #41 –
UPDATE:

Finally got the airbags replaced with new ones. Ordered from TruckSprings.com. W01-358-5311 - Firestone Reversible Sleeve Air Spring. $138/per for anyone who needs them.

I also opened up the Pressure Switch...  and parts fell out of it. It's super broken inside. All the wires are good though. So I just need to replace that. Also... inside there was a piece of paper with the wiring diagram and the part number for the switch. Square D 9013FHG Air Compressor Pressure Switch. I can order it from Grangers for about $50. So that will be all good.

While I'm waiting for the Pressure Switch to arrive, I ran a temporary ground switch into one of my side compartments so I can complete the circuit and fill the airbags when necessary.

I've got a pretty good understanding of the system now if anyone else has a similar system and runs into issues.
Husband & Wife Team. 3 Kids. 8 yo boy, 4 yo girl, 19 mth girl. Mostly Finished Renovating 1986 Grand Villa 3300 GVF SBI for a multi year trip around the country with the kids.

Re: How Do I Operate Tag Axle Suspension?

Reply #42 –
Zoro has it much cheaper
Square D Pressure Switch, DPST, 95/125psi, 1/4" FNPS 9013FHG12J52 | Zoro.com
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: How Do I Operate Tag Axle Suspension?

Reply #43 –
@craneman - Nice!  That'll save some bucks.
Husband & Wife Team. 3 Kids. 8 yo boy, 4 yo girl, 19 mth girl. Mostly Finished Renovating 1986 Grand Villa 3300 GVF SBI for a multi year trip around the country with the kids.