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Topic: 110V Aux Air Compressor Install (Read 3887 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: 110V Aux Air Compressor Install

Reply #20 –
UPDATE -SAFETY NOTICE

I am sorry to report that my California Air Tools Model 2010A has died an untimely death.  I wanted to get this info out to the Forum for anyone who has purchased this compressor (Craneman) or is thinking about buying one.  I can no longer endorse this product.

The sad story:  I went out to our coach yesterday morning, as usual.  Going inside, I noted the air pressure gauge was down to about 60psi - not a good sign.  For the last couple weeks, the compressor has been keeping system air pressure between 90 and 120psi.  So I went outside and opened my "tool chest compartment" bay door, and was met with the distinctive aroma of burned electrical components.  Unplugged the power cord, pulled all the junk out of the bay from the other side, and crawled in to take a look.  Found the smoke had been let out of the compressor motor.  Photos below.  It must have been a quick death.  Thankfully, there was no evidence of flame or prolonged combustion.  Just the bad smell, and the streaks of black on the motor housing.  I removed the compressor, and set up a fan blowing through the bay to air it out.

Can't tell why the motor failed.  It was certainly not being over-worked - only ran 5 minutes at a time, several times a day (Yes, I have a pesky air leak that I cannot find - working on that).  The compressor supposedly has a thermal fuse that would shut it down if it over-heated.  I can only guess that there was a critical internal electrical failure of some sort.  I was very lucky that there was no fire.  I can envision other scenarios in which the consequences were much more serious.  I hope I get the word out to other members before they suffer any similar problems.

So, what to do now.  I can return the compressor to Walmart for a refund under their "90 Day Satisfaction Guaranteed" policy, so I'm not out any cash.  I DO still want to pursue the objective of having a aux compressor permanently plumbed into the air system.  I just need to find a SAFER, more reliable compressor.  I will look into some other 110V compressors, or possibly a high performance 12V model like the one Don has.

Back to the drawing board!

Re: 110V Aux Air Compressor Install

Reply #21 –
Chuck,
It looks like the windings shorted out - probably due to the varnish being too thin.  Manufacturing defect IMO.
I would try to contact the manufacturer.  They might have a silent recall.  If anything, it lets them know there's a problem; you could be the one in 10,000 that fails but there are probably more.  The squeaky wheel does get the grease.

Re: 110V Aux Air Compressor Install

Reply #22 –
I feel for Chuck, one of my favorite things to do, is sit on the phone all day trying to get someone who knows what to do!

Re: 110V Aux Air Compressor Install

Reply #23 –
I think I would be inclined to give them another chance if they will exchange it for a new one. The company has a good reputation and you have everything in place for an easy change out... The safety issue is of concern of course, maybe install a circuit breaker right before that outlet.
Don

Re: 110V Aux Air Compressor Install

Reply #24 –
Quote from Chuck

 (Yes, I have a pesky air leak that I cannot find - working on that)


YES; don't we all !!

Re: 110V Aux Air Compressor Install

Reply #25 –
Chuck, it is unlikely that you will get the same volume of air from a 12v compressor as you are getting from your 120v compressor.
The reason is the amount of current required with 120v is 10% of what would be required using 12v.

I have also replaced my 12v compressor with a 120v compressor for the greater air volume but my setup is simple because it provides air to the HWH control for the air bags only or to a quick connect hose for airing up tires. I did not include an air tank in my setup. It works very well for levelling the coach which is the main purpose.

With my setup the air is cooled between the compressor and the manifold with aluminum fins on the 3 foot long copper tube. I have an air cleaner and desiccant included.

Re: 110V Aux Air Compressor Install

Reply #26 –
Would I replace a failed low hour air compressor with the same unit?  No.

But I was in the burn ward long ago.

Re: 110V Aux Air Compressor Install

Reply #27 –
Quote from: Caflashbob –
Would I replace a failed low hour air compressor with the same unit?  No.
Bob, I'm with you on this one.  I have decided to return the C.A.T. compressor to Walmart next week for a full refund.  After I have my cash in hand, I will send a email to the manufacturer explaining what happened and why it was returned.  They can follow up as they see fit.

I am already looking at a slight modification of my original setup, using the other portable compressor I had on hand.  It is a Kobalt 3-gallon, 1.5hp, belt drive, 155 max psi unit that moves 2.6 cfm @ 90 psi.  It has a low, flat design that will actually fit in the available space better than the C.A.T. unit.  (See photo below)  I will have to rework my plumbing a bit, but nothing major.

I think the higher pressure rating of this Kobalt compressor will be advantageous for the following reason.

The C.A.T. unit had a operating range between 90 and 120 psi (max).  I had the output regulator screwed all the way in so it would cut off when the coach air system (and the compressor tank) was at 120 psi.  Then the coach air pressure would bleed down to 90 psi, and the compressor would cut back on.  It then had to pump the entire coach air system back to 120 psi, which required running for about 5 minutes.

The Kobalt will work differently.  It is designed to cut-in at 125 psi, and cut-out at 155 psi.  If I set the output regulator to 120 psi, then the coach air system will never vary - it will stay at a constant 120 psi.  The pressure in the compressor tank will vary between 125 and 155 psi.  When the compressor runs, it will only have to recharge the 3 gallon tank, rather than the total coach system.  This takes about 35 seconds.  Another plus: short running times produce less heat in the compressed air stream.

SO, if my preliminary testing holds up, this means the compressor will run more times per day, but for a much shorter interval each time.  Even though it IS louder, I am willing to accept that for more safety and reliability.

I will be testing this new setup over the long weekend, and will report back with results next week.

Re: 110V Aux Air Compressor Install

Reply #28 –
Ah shucks... I wanted to like that company! The concept of a quiet air compressor is a compelling one. But not at the cost of safety or reliability. I am pretty happy with my 12V ARB Twin compressor which has similar specs to the Kobalt (3cfm @90psi). I pretty much just use it manually since auto always starts by trying to lower the high side. I will try some noise reduction with some vibration isolating mounts, but I mainly just want to reduce air leaks so that the coach won't settle and lose level as quickly. The more there is no reason to run it, the longer it will last. I would like to find a compact 3 gallon aluminum tank with appropriate fitting bosses to remote mount. Projects abound!
Don

Re: 110V Aux Air Compressor Install

Reply #30 –
Quote from: John Morales –
I just searched Lowes and it says this compressor is no longer available.
Yes, I also noticed that.  I bought mine a year ago in Oregon on our last trip to the Pacific NW.

If you go to the link you posted, and scroll down the page a bit, they show a Kobalt Quiet Tech 4.3-gallon twin-stack compressor.  Click it, look at the 360 degree view, and spin it around to see the back side.  The 2-piston compressor/motor assembly looks almost identical (in design) to the ones on the California Air Tools units.  I'd guess both compressor units are being built by the same manufacturer.  Interesting.

Re: 110V Aux Air Compressor Install

Reply #32 –

Chuck,
Viair makes a series of portable and on board air compressors that would work for your application.  Their medium duty air compressor would work for your application.
John M.

OnBoard Air Systems | VIAIR Corporation

Amazon.com: VIAIR Medium Duty Onboard Air System: Automotive

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.

Re: 110V Aux Air Compressor Install

Reply #33 –
That ExtremeAire Magnum looks interesting, but pricey!  And, like Wyatt said, being 12V powered, it takes a big power draw (82 amps @ 100 psi) to produce the same results as the cheap 120V compressors.  I would, however, like to hear one running just to see what it sounds like.

The 12V Viair compressors seem mainly geared to airing up tires.  They don't move much CFM, so I don't think would be ideal for this application.

Re: 110V Aux Air Compressor Install

Reply #34 –
8 gal. 2 HP 125 PSI Oil Lube Air Compressor
Been using one of these for years, pretty reliable. Had a coupon so got it for $80. Will bring your tires up to 120 psi. Did think of removing the tank and plumbing directly into system. It is noisy.

Re: 110V Aux Air Compressor Install

Reply #35 –
Oil lube compressors supposedly have a longer life span, but they also introduce oil into the compressed air stream.  This requires a additional specialized filter to remove the oil.  Just another complication that I would like to avoid.

Re: 110V Aux Air Compressor Install

Reply #36 –
Chuck,
VIAIR makes a wide variety of compressors.  AC, DC 12V & 24V, variety of psi & cfm, from light duty to extreme duty.  Not just for filling tires.
John M.

Re: 110V Aux Air Compressor Install

Reply #37 –

This is the one I have, high pressure, reasonable volume, very low noise, low amps. No problem going to 120 on the big tires.  Stand up or lay flat.

Amazon.com: DEWALT DWFP55130 Heavy Duty 200 PSI Quiet Trim Compressor: Home...

If fits in my (new) bay behind the driver's side rear wheel (along with a bunch of other stuff including a 50' air line). I don't have to take it out to run it, I hook up an air dryer and air line right inside the bay. 

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.

Re: 110V Aux Air Compressor Install

Reply #38 –
Quote from: Roger & Susan in Home2 –
This is the one I have...
Roger,

That looks like a good one.  Perfect fit in your storage compartment!  If I was gonna carry it "loose" like you do, that would be a great choice.  But, the form factor and layout would not work with the space I am now committed to using, so not for me.

Re: 110V Aux Air Compressor Install

Reply #39 –
Returned the C. A. T. Model 2010A to Walmart today for a full refund.  It has gone to a better place, R.I.P.

Can't beat the Walmart 90-day money back return policy - absolutely minimum hassle.

Lady at the returns counter asked "What is reason for return"?

I said "All the magic smoke escaped".

She looked at me funny and said "So it's broken"?

I said "Yes".

She processed the refund.