I replaced the front air bags and put new front and back shocks on my 83 classic MH. In trouble shooting the rear air bags, I checked the compressor and discovered that altho it is running all the time it isn't putting out any air. A fellow air forums member suggested a thomas compressor from ebay. I found the one on the link below and am not sure if it will be big enough. I may have to replace the bags and maybe the tank. I can't troubleshoot any more until I get air pressure.
Any suggestions on a compressor and a ballpark price for me to expect to pay would be a great help. I have done a search on internet and only seem to be able to locate the type that plug into a cigarette lighter. I called Inland and the lady told me that they didn't carry them. I need a source to purchase if anyone can help.
My MH is a lot higher in front now that I have the new shocks and airbags done. She looks ready to leap with her back all crouched down. Gotta get her level.
Firestone makes a complete line of 12VDC compressors that they use for their suspension-assisting air bag products. You might check them out, or google 'Ride-rite'. You can also look into another suspension company called 'Airlift'.
Thanks for all the information. I have found a source to purchase a pump. They are pretty high dollar. Today we plugged the line from the compressor and put air into the tank with the bottom valve. The bags aired up and so far we have found no leaks. We put 90# in tonight and will check in AM to see how they held. Can I continue to air them this way and not replace the pump at this time. I can check that air when I check my tires. Kay
Yes you can run that way for a while. Depending on how rough the road is you're driving on and how many times the load leveling valve has to dump air to drop the height of the coach. Each time it dumps air the next time it has to put air back into the bags your reservoir drops in pressure. Eventually the rear of your coach will drop to the point where the load leveling valve stays open calling for air and then your tank will be emptied.
This is what happened to us when we first bought our motorhome and were driving it home the first time. You'll know when you're out of air because the ride will get REAL rough and the rear suspension will start banging on the frame.
If it was me I would drive as slow as possible and get the compressor fixed asap.
We bought a compressor like Guy99 uses. He seems to have had good success with it so far. We paid $60 at Harbor Freight for it. If you'd like more information on it let me now and I'll dig it up.
Brad
__________________ "Wherever you go... there you are." - Buckaroo Banzai
Air forums # 1674
1984 310 Limited Motorhome
1974 31' Excella 500 (future hauler for 2 Triumph race cars)
1974 20' Argosy Motorhome (future Excella 500 tow vehicle)
Thanks Brad,
I understand the concept , but not all the details. You made it clear why I need a compressor. Yes i would like a part # . I can handle that price. we have a HF store nearby or I can order online. My bags were empty this AM so I will look for my leak later today. I hope it is ony a fitting or line.
Check the schrader valve where you added the air. They often "crud up" and when you open the valve, the crud keeps the valve open. Get a new one from an auto parts store and the tool to remove them. Also, the tanks like to get pin holes in them from rusting from the inside out.
Thanks Brad,
I understand the concept , but not all the details. You made it clear why I need a compressor. Yes i would like a part # . I can handle that price. we have a HF store nearby or I can order online. My bags were empty this AM so I will look for my leak later today. I hope it is ony a fitting or line.
Kay
Kay,
Here is the link Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices to the compressor we bought. Its the same one used by Guy99. I haven't had time to install it yet, possibly sometime this summer. The compressor in our motorhome still runs but takes a LONG time to fill up the tank. We bought the Harbor Freight unit figuring ours wouldn't last much longer and the price is reasonable.
Hope this helps.
Brad
__________________ "Wherever you go... there you are." - Buckaroo Banzai
Air forums # 1674
1984 310 Limited Motorhome
1974 31' Excella 500 (future hauler for 2 Triumph race cars)
1974 20' Argosy Motorhome (future Excella 500 tow vehicle)
Just to clarify, (and to give credit where credit is due) it is pwhittle, not I, who is using this compressor for his rear suspension. Apparently bkahler also is having good luck with the Harbor Freight unit.
I do have one of these compressors which I carry for emergency tire inflation, etc. Seems to do that job fine but it does blow a fuse if I try to start it while it is connected to my MH tires.
Just to clarify, (and to give credit where credit is due) it is pwhittle, not I, who is using this compressor for his rear suspension. Apparently bkahler also is having good luck with the Harbor Freight unit.
I do have one of these compressors which I carry for emergency tire inflation, etc. Seems to do that job fine but it does blow a fuse if I try to start it while it is connected to my MH tires.
Guy, sorry for falesly attributing its use to you! I knew you had one and remember the thread where someone said they were using it as their suspension compressor.
Looking at PWhittle's latest post in that thread (Janurary) he states its still working fine.
Kay, I appologize if I misled you as to who was using the compressor in their coach. I knew someone was, I just thought it was Guy.
Sorry about that.
Brad
__________________ "Wherever you go... there you are." - Buckaroo Banzai
Air forums # 1674
1984 310 Limited Motorhome
1974 31' Excella 500 (future hauler for 2 Triumph race cars)
1974 20' Argosy Motorhome (future Excella 500 tow vehicle)
Guy, sorry for falesly attributing its use to you! I knew you had one and remember the thread where someone said they were using it as their suspension compressor.
...
Sorry about that.
Brad
No apology needed, I just felt guilty getting credit for a good idea which wasn't mine.
Guy
__________________
If you want others to be happy, practice compassion.
If you want to be happy, practice compassion - The Dalai Lama
1984 310 Limited Motorhome
Courtesy Parking (W/S/E/Wi-Fi) on I-5 in Northern California, 70 miles from Oregon border
Quick Links
Linear Mode
