1991 Grand Villa Air step help

Topic: 1991 Grand Villa Air step help (Read 2547 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: 1991 Grand Villa Air step help

Reply #25 – October 04, 2020, 06:42:56 pm

Did you look at the check valve I mentioned in this prior post? 1991 U300-- bought it! - Page 5

Re: 1991 Grand Villa Air step help

Reply #26 – October 04, 2020, 09:52:46 pm

Quote from: JohnFitz – October 04, 2020, 06:42:56 pm

Did you look at the check valve I mentioned in this prior post? 1991 U300-- bought it! - Page 5

No, I haven't look at the check valve yet.

I complete bypassed the aux compressor. I am trying to find if the air compressor can be rebuild.
The model no is GAST 5HCD-10-M500X

@JohnFitz I searched the forum, you posted about 7 years ago regarding a rebuild. Do you happen to remember any detail of the rebuild?

Re: 1991 Grand Villa Air step help

Reply #27 – October 05, 2020, 09:26:07 am

Here's what I have on file. The manual has all the part numbers including the service kit.
I'm not sure you need to re-kit it. If it builds pressure in a reasonable time it should be ok. I did a service kit on mine but I'm not sure I really needed it.
BTW, in your photo it's missing the fan shroud.

Re: 1991 Grand Villa Air step help

Reply #28 – October 05, 2020, 01:05:04 pm

Quote from: Running Odometer – September 19, 2020, 11:49:32 pm

Apparently one of the cylinder is completely stuck. I can't push the rod back with my full body weight. The other one is still movable. I can push the rod back and forth. But when I push it, the air connector near the bottom will spit some rust color water out. I think both of the cylinder are broken. Reading few of the posts here, it seems like these kind of cylinder is special made for Foretravel. And it is really hard to find replacement. What options do I have here? Is there any way to rebuild it?

Thanks

Those are Standard industrial cylinders and an industry standard solenoid valve. My first choice, and Lynn concurs is Festo, after them there are any number of industrial sources to explore. You'll need measurements and to cultivate the good will of an experienced sales engineer. Buy Round cylinders online | Festo USA FWIW you can make that entire sub system pneumatic right down to the switches.

Automation Direct is another good source for industrial stuff to make things move.

https://www.automationdirect.com/adc/overview/catalog/pneumatic_components/pneumatic_air_cylinders/round_body_all_stainless_steel_air_cylinders_(f-series)?gclid=CjwKCAjwiOv7BRBREiwAXHbv3DlMWCZ-70lGeMSwUE1ADzptmnvpiTV4GgDh9d38hDSMXsFGDMqf_BoCFUEQAvD_BwE#bodycontentppc

Re: 1991 Grand Villa Air step help

Reply #29 – October 05, 2020, 04:44:20 pm

Quote from: JohnFitz – October 05, 2020, 09:26:07 am

Here's what I have on file. The manual has all the part numbers including the service kit.
I'm not sure you need to re-kit it. If it builds pressure in a reasonable time it should be ok. I did a service kit on mine but I'm not sure I really needed it.
BTW, in your photo it's missing the fan shroud.

I looked some of the GAST rebuild kit. The cost is typically around $100 ~ $200. and it is recommended to service every 2 years. For sure GAST is industrial grade compressor. For that price, I could buy a new air compressor. Many people mentioned California Air Tool air compressor for it low noise level. The cost of about a the rebuild kit. I am thinking about this one for $178

Might be overkill and too big heavy, but why not

Re: 1991 Grand Villa Air step help

Reply #30 – October 05, 2020, 05:42:32 pm

I tried a Calif. Air Tools compressor 3 years ago. Permanently mounted it in a storage bay. It worked fine until the motor burned up.

Mine was a totally different model so my experience might not have any bearing on your choice. But in case you are curious:

110V Aux Air Compressor Install

Re: 1991 Grand Villa Air step help

Reply #31 – October 05, 2020, 08:39:53 pm

No need to buy the tank too if you don't need it. I bought this one but haven't installed it yet. Amazon.com: California Air Tools MP100LF 1.0HP Ultra Quiet and Oil-Free Air...
I had read Chuck's experience and was leery of this brand. Upon research of their website California Air Tools
you will see they have different grades: consumer, contractor and industrial.
There is also a "minimum life" in hours on their models and sometimes they mention duty cycle maximums. The website doesn't seem to consistently provide all of these for each model for comparison, but I did choose a 4000 hour model and I hope it lasts.

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

Re: 1991 Grand Villa Air step help

Reply #32 – October 05, 2020, 10:42:43 pm

I would also consider going to a 12V compressor. I know a few other members have done this with good results.

I have built up 2, a 1.5 hp with 2 a gallon tank (80 amps) for the '91 Foretravel we had, and a .75 hp with a 1 gallon tank (45 amps) for our Roadtrek, using Extremeaire compressors.

Air Compressors | Product categories | Extreme Outback

These are an "oil-less" design and with a tank acting as a "wet tank", I have never had a problem with bad air.

It is nice to be able to air up at 6 in the morning without having to start the big engine or generator.

Here is a 3/4 hp ready to go with tank from Puma. Current draw is approx 45 amps.

Puma PD1006 3/4-HP 1.5-Gallon 12-Volt Continuous Duty DC Air Compressor

These all have cooling fans and a 100% duty cycle, beware of cheaper units that will overheat after a few minutes of continuous use.

Re: 1991 Grand Villa Air step help

Reply #33 – October 05, 2020, 11:25:26 pm

I must missed something. How come the one with tank is cheaper than the one without tank?

Both are 1hp.

With tank $179
Without tank $255

@JohnFitz I am interested to know how your installation goes. Please keep us updated.

Re: 1991 Grand Villa Air step help

Reply #34 – October 05, 2020, 11:27:45 pm

Where can you get power source for 12v air compressor.

We are talking about 80 amp current.
Probably needs at least 4awg wire.

Maybe I can take the old inverter out and reuse it's wire.

Re: 1991 Grand Villa Air step help

Reply #35 – October 05, 2020, 11:33:54 pm

Quote from: Running Odometer – October 05, 2020, 11:25:26 pm

I must missed something. How come the one with tank is cheaper than the one without tank?

Both are 1hp.

With tank $179
Without tank $255

With compressors you really need to study the specs carefully. The difference with these is the CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) capacity at 90 psi. Higher CFM means shorter time to get to the pressure you need- but that will cost more money.

Re: 1991 Grand Villa Air step help

Reply #36 – October 05, 2020, 11:42:17 pm

Quote from: Running Odometer – October 05, 2020, 11:27:45 pm

Where can you get power source for 12v air compressor.

We are talking about 80 amp current.
Probably needs at least 4awg wire.

Maybe I can take the old inverter out and reuse it's wire.

Yes, going to 12V will require some high current wiring, and proper fusing. I ran all new wires and fuse from the battery location to one of the bays. For the 80 amp motor I used 4 gauge wire. For the 45 amp motor I used 6 gauge wire. Also you will need to put terminals on the cables. Recently there was a good crimper discussion for more information.

Re: 1991 Grand Villa Air step help

Reply #37 – October 06, 2020, 09:42:32 am

Quote from: prfleming – October 05, 2020, 11:33:54 pm

With compressors you really need to study the specs carefully. The difference with these is the CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) capacity at 90 psi. Higher CFM means shorter time to get to the pressure you need- but that will cost more money.

Thanks, based on your suggestion, the difference is in CFM @90PSI

Model No

Pressure

CFM

Price

C.A.T. MP100LF Tankless

$255

C.A.T. Air Tools 8010A with 8 Gallon aluminum Tank

2.2

$198

GAST 5HCD

100

2.5

$900

Re: 1991 Grand Villa Air step help

Reply #38 – October 06, 2020, 10:42:55 am

That C.A.T. MP100LF has good specs. The 12V Extremeaire Magnum I used in our '91 does 2.6 CFM at 100 psi. In storage with the air bags flat, this would air the coach up to 95 psi in about 6 minutes - without running the engine or generator inside the shed.

I found a picture of it

Re: 1991 Grand Villa Air step help

Reply #39 – October 06, 2020, 09:05:51 pm

Quote from: Running Odometer – October 05, 2020, 11:25:26 pm

I must missed something. How come the one with tank is cheaper than the one without tank?

Both are 1hp.

With tank $179
Without tank $255

@JohnFitz I am interested to know how your installation goes. Please keep us updated.

The difference is in the quality. Consumer grade assumes very light usage. Professional: more usage. Commercial: even more.
I think Chuck's CAT unit that died an early life was rated for 3000 hours of life which I think makes it "Professional". It obviously didn't make it that far. It was either defective or the run times caused it to burn up. The CAC brand is still questionable in my opinion.
If price is any indicator, you can see the GAST unit is quite good and the kit price might not seem too bad now.
If the check valve I mentioned earlier is bad, even a new compressor will leak. Before investing in the kit, I would tear down the compressor to see how all the other parts are: bearings OK, motor turns smooth, the head isn't corroded such that the reed valves can't seal, etc.
IIR, the kit includes new reed plates for the valves in the compressor but not new crank or motor bearings. I agree it's a lot of money for what it is but it is a good compressor.

Re: 1991 Grand Villa Air step help

Reply #40 – October 06, 2020, 09:17:34 pm

I got new air cylinders for mine last week from foretravel, installed them today

Re: 1991 Grand Villa Air step help

Reply #41 – October 06, 2020, 11:30:11 pm

Quote from: JohnFitz – October 06, 2020, 09:05:51 pm

The difference is in the quality. Consumer grade assumes very light usage. Professional: more usage. Commercial: even more.
I think Chuck's CAT unit that died an early life was rated for 3000 hours of life which I think makes it "Professional". It obviously didn't make it that far. It was either defective or the run times caused it to burn up. The CAC brand is still questionable in my opinion.
If price is any indicator, you can see the GAST unit is quite good and the kit price might not seem too bad now.
If the check valve I mentioned earlier is bad, even a new compressor will leak. Before investing in the kit, I would tear down the compressor to see how all the other parts are: bearings OK, motor turns smooth, the head isn't corroded such that the reed valves can't seal, etc.
IIR, the kit includes new reed plates for the valves in the compressor but not new crank or motor bearings. I agree it's a lot of money for what it is but it is a good compressor.

I also think @chuck & Jennie's CAT died prematurely. It is more like an outlier rather than reflection of the quality of the brand.

I noticed that Foretravel used very heavy duty parts. Like the HEHR alternator, the GAST air compressor. Regular J-180 200 amp cost about $400, but Foretravel use heavy duty HEHR alternator cost about $800. Regular air compressor cost about $300, Foretravel use $800 one. It shows the quality of the build. It will last long time, but it is going to be expensive to replace.

Re: 1991 Grand Villa Air step help

Reply #42 – October 06, 2020, 11:32:35 pm

Quote from: hdff – October 06, 2020, 09:17:34 pm

I got new air cylinders for mine last week from foretravel, installed them today

Saw you post your air cylinder has hole on it. You have to change it.

Otherwise, I think the air cylinder are pretty durable. It is really not under any stress. Mine was stuck for a long time. After it was broken loose, it just works fine.

Re: 1991 Grand Villa Air step help

Reply #43 – October 06, 2020, 11:33:51 pm

Quote from: prfleming – October 06, 2020, 10:42:55 am

That C.A.T. MP100LF has good specs. The 12V Extremeaire Magnum I used in our '91 does 2.6 CFM at 100 psi. In storage with the air bags flat, this would air the coach up to 95 psi in about 6 minutes - without running the engine or generator inside the shed.

I found a picture of it

Does that blanket serve as vibration isolator?
Great idea!

Re: 1991 Grand Villa Air step help

Reply #44 – October 07, 2020, 03:35:00 am

Yes- that was an old moving blanket I had laying around. The original OEM 110V compressor like yours still worked- kept it as a backup.

Re: 1991 Grand Villa Air step help

Reply #45 – October 07, 2020, 04:17:05 am

I found this - a "blast from the past"...the other 12V compressor I built. This has been really handy to have in the Roadtrek, I have helped air up tires numerous times.

12V Air Compressor project

Re: 1991 Grand Villa Air step help

Reply #46 – October 07, 2020, 10:25:50 am

Quote from: Running Odometer – October 05, 2020, 04:44:20 pm

I looked some of the GAST rebuild kit. The cost is typically around $100 ~ $200. and it is recommended to service every 2 years. For sure GAST is industrial grade compressor. For that price, I could buy a new air compressor. Many people mentioned California Air Tool air compressor for it low noise level. The cost of about a the rebuild kit. I am thinking about this one for $178

Might be overkill and too big heavy, but why not

this one with the smaller aluminum tank might be a better fit for you. California Air Tools CAT-2010A SP Ultra Quiet & Oil-Free 1-HP 2-Gallon...

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