Foretravel Owners' Forum For owners and Fans of Foretravel Motorcoaches September 11, 2025 ...

Air tanks draining procedure

October 09, 2023, 11:07:49 am

Okay I have two tanks. Is there a way to do it properly? I'm about to winterize it.  Engine running? Engine off and aired up? How long do you let it shoot air out? How often? Etc.
Thanks

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Re: Air tanks draining procedure

Reply #1 – October 09, 2023, 11:13:58 am

You should have 3 tanks, one in the rear and 2 up front. My suggestion on draining is to have the tanks full and open the drain valve until no moisture is observed then close the valve while air is still in it. Not a good idea to leave it open.

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Re: Air tanks draining procedure

Reply #2 – October 09, 2023, 11:16:02 am

Draining the engine compressor supplied air tanks is not a normal part of winterizing.

It IS a normal part of "making sure that the air dryer if functioning properly.

Just pull the lanyards/open the ball valves with air pressure up.  Engine does not need to be running.

If the air dryer is good, all you will get is clean, dry air.  Oil, water of worse white powder indicates a failed air dryer.

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Re: Air tanks draining procedure

Reply #3 – October 09, 2023, 02:30:54 pm

Awesome. Thanks. How often should I do this!

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Re: Air tanks draining procedure

Reply #4 – October 09, 2023, 02:39:44 pm

Once a month or so is fine-- perhaps more often if the air dryer has not been replaced/serviced within the last 3 years.

Be aware that one of the more common air dryer failures for the desiccant to break down. That sends white desiccant powder into the air system.  It can clog up any air system components it reaches.  That is why routing (like every 3 years or so) the air dryer should be either serviced (new filters) or better, a factory reman (from the factory that made it, not a cheap "made to replace...." one.  The reman has all new components-- filters, valves and heater.

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