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Topic: Aux Air Compressor and leaking slide bladder (Read 395 times) previous topic - next topic

Aux Air Compressor and leaking slide bladder

I was doing my usual pre-trip checks on our 2002 U295. Ran slides (2) in and out - no issues.  While working on something else I noticed Aux Air pump would not cut off.??  Then I heard a "Very" noticeable air leak from bladder at top of living room slide. Tried sticking some tape on it - but no joy. I then went into the bay and pulled a 5 amp fuse from a power wire on the Aux Compressor.. It was attached to an air line running from a Port marked  76.
Was this the right thing to do?  Does this mean that I cannot and/or should not attempt to use the slides??
Is the coach safe to drive? --  meaning, the slides will not pop out.  Will the main compressor, HWH, take care of the air suspension, ride control, etc ?  Is there anyone in Central Florida qualified for this repair or should I immediately contact MOT ,  or maybe Foretravel, and take my coach there.  The slides are currently in the CLOSED position  Greatly appreciate any help or suggestions.  Tanks.
2002 U295
Build  # 5989
Former:  Alpine Apex (2006 Prototype), Fleetwood Discovery LXE, Berkshire 40 XL

Re: Aux Air Compressor and leaking slide bladder

Reply #1 –
If you close the quarter-turn valve for the front slide, you can continue to use the aux compressor and operate the rear slide.  That quarter-turn valve will isolate the front bladder.  This will also allow the HWH system to maintain level when parked.  You do need the aux compressor running to operate the slides.

The slide bladders merely seal the gap.  You can drive the coach just fine. 

ETA:  some guidance on how to fake out the system so you can use the front slide as well using vice grips to clamp off the line when necessary to move the slide:

Slideout Bladder First Aid Kit
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Aux Air Compressor and leaking slide bladder

Reply #2 –
Do a search for my thread on patching the bladder. When I get to a computer I will look it up.
2014 ih45  (4th Foretravel owned)
 1997 36' U295 Sold in 2020, owned for 19 years
  U240 36' Sold to insurance company after melting in garage fire
    33' Foretravel on Dodge Chassis  Sold very long time ago

Re: Aux Air Compressor and leaking slide bladder

Reply #3 –
If you try to extend the slide with the bladder leak it may not pull enough vacuum to satisfy the vacuum switch and turn the yellow flashing light solid. I would just close the valve to that slide until repair is done. If you need to you can fool the vacuum switch by jumping the connector coming from the switch and turn the yellow light solid.
FYI. I just had a LR slide seal replaced at MOT. $4500. 😨
2008 Nimbus 342
Build# 6464
ISM 500
Allison 4000 w/retarder
2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Re: Aux Air Compressor and leaking slide bladder

Reply #4 –
Thank you very much for your reply.  That is exactly the info I was looking for. I had heard there is a valve to turn off the slide bladders - just didn't know where it was. In the different bay - I found the main HWH compressor. To the side (close to outside of coach.) I found one valve.  The other is located to the left and below of the HWH compressor.  Is this what you are talking about?  If these are the right ones - do you know which one does the front slide?   
Then, I should just reinstall the fuse I took out - correct?
Thanks,  Bob Andrews
 In the pictures - the valve with several RED clips nearby is the one to the left and below the HWH compressor
2002 U295
Build  # 5989
Former:  Alpine Apex (2006 Prototype), Fleetwood Discovery LXE, Berkshire 40 XL

Re: Aux Air Compressor and leaking slide bladder

Reply #5 –
You could put the fuse in and turn the valves off one at a time to see which one stops your leak. Then the pump should build pressure and shut off.
2008 Nimbus 342
Build# 6464
ISM 500
Allison 4000 w/retarder
2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Re: Aux Air Compressor and leaking slide bladder

Reply #6 –
Thats what I did to find our leak. Once you determine which valve turns off which bladder you can isolate it until you change the bladder.
Richard & Betty Bark & Keiko our Golden Doodle
2003 U320T 3820 PBDS
Build # 6215
MC # 16926
2016 Chevrolet Colorado 4X4 diesel

Re: Aux Air Compressor and leaking slide bladder

Reply #7 –
Found the thread. "Just joined Need to replace bladder" thread where I talk about patching the bladder leak.  It has been a year and the repair is still going strong. My coach has the newer bladders where the bladder does a pretty good job sealing with air pressure on the bladder.  I do not know if your coach has this newer bladder and if my patch would work on the older ones, I might be worth a try.

Just Joined Need to replace Bladder Club 
2014 ih45  (4th Foretravel owned)
 1997 36' U295 Sold in 2020, owned for 19 years
  U240 36' Sold to insurance company after melting in garage fire
    33' Foretravel on Dodge Chassis  Sold very long time ago

Re: Aux Air Compressor and leaking slide bladder

Reply #8 –
Quote from: bobkathy95 –
To the side (close to outside of coach.) I found one valve.  The other is located to the left and below of the HWH compressor.  Is this what you are talking about? 

Do you not have a manifold that has 2 solenoids and 2 quarter-turn valves on it mounted together?
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Aux Air Compressor and leaking slide bladder

Reply #9 –
Paul Yasbeck 815 three eight two 0869 in Leesburg Fl. He just replaced my bedroom seal. Great work and reasonable
Tom and Nancy Johns
2003 U320 38ft. build #6223
Motorcader 17343
2024 Silverado trail boss
Carolina Shores, Nc