345 classic air compressor location

[Jim Keaty]

Can anyone tell me where the air compressor motor is in my 345 classic?

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by Jim Keaty

Can anyone tell me where the air compressor motor is in my 345 classic?

Depends on the bed arrangement. On an 86 345 with the east/west bed the compressor was under the bed on the passenger side of the coach.

Brad

[Jim Keaty]

Thanks brad! What kind of compressor is it? And Where can I pick one up? Do u think auto-zone would have it?

[tevake]

Here is a thread I posted while rebuilding mine a few years ago.
While I don't seem to get all that much info in my posts, others do add along the way.

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f160...ts-127308.html

Hope this is of some help.

Cheers Richard

[Waipio Rim]

Mine was beyond repair, so i bought one of these:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I have not gotten back to the coach to install it yet, but others here report good results with a heavier duty Viair model. If you haven’t done so already, you might want to try running 12v straight to your compressor to make sure that it is the problem and not some other part of the system like the pressure switch, relay, or a fuse.

[92landyacht]

What is the reason that you think you need to change out the compressor? In many cases it's not a problem with the compressor but a problem with power source or leaks.


I just repaired my compressor system. I originally thought that the problem was with my compressor only to find out that I had a high resistance connection in the fuse box. After I routed a fused connection straight from the battery I found I had a bad check valve, a leaking pressure switch and a severe leak at the air chuck. Once fixed the compressor worked like a dream.


If you do need a new compressor, the Viair compressors and accessories have been proven reliable. I used the Viair check valve on mine. The air filters even fit my old compressor. Keep in mind that the stock system was designed for a 105 psi max pressure and an 85psi turn on pressure. Don't get too crazy with max pressure since the reserve tank and subsequent components were not designed for 200psi.

[Toddnazus]

Interesting Post thanks all !

We have a compressor in our 1985, 345. While I haven't tested it yet, it does have power etc. and I'm thinking its ok.

I'm just curious. What is the capabilities/purpose of the compressor? is it to simply blow up water-toys? or is it powerful enough it can be used for inflating tires?

Its another great AS feature, I'm just not sure what the capabilities are.

Thoughts? and Thanks in advance!

Todd

[Jim Keaty]

The air compressor on my 1988 classic can blow up toys and tires but the air tank must be a low pressure tank because it can take an hour to blow up 1 tire. I was thinking of getting a high pressure tank but not sure if that will work with the air bags? Any advice?

[tevake]

Originally Posted by Toddnazus

Interesting Post thanks all !

We have a compressor in our 1985, 345. While I haven't tested it yet, it does have power etc. and I'm thinking its ok.

I'm just curious. What is the capabilities/purpose of the compressor? is it to simply blow up water-toys? or is it powerful enough it can be used for inflating tires?

Its another great AS feature, I'm just not sure what the capabilities are.

Thoughts? and Thanks in advance!

Todd

The main function is to supply pressurized air to the rear airbags in the air ride suspension,
With a long hose it can also top off the front airbags that are filled manually.
The compressor when working well is adequate for topping off the tires up to pressure.

Cheers Richard

[Toddnazus]

Thanks Richard,

Unfortunately, I've gone from interesting/curious to a bit concerned ! :-)

Can you please educate me on the "airbags" within our Bus? I've heard about them, but have not done anything since owning our 1985 345....

How to the airbags operate? and when/how do they need to be maintained?

Thank You for your time and VALUABLE information !

Todd

[Waipio Rim]

There are a bunch of threads here on airbags, try searching to get detailed information. The rear ones are kind of critical. On both of our coaches, they leak down over a period of days. When I start the coach, the compressor starts and inflates them, and turns itself off when they get up to pressure. For a quick check, you can crawl under the coach, find the bags on top of the rear axle (black rubber, cylindrical, about the size of a big coffee can) and poke them with your finger. They should have about 90 PSI of air in them. If they give when you poke them, they are flat.

[Jim Keaty]

Todd,
On my 1988 345 Classic, I have a tag axil and airbags in the back and I also have Air Bags on the front axil.

The compressor will control the level of the airbags in the rear and adjust based on load and the road. It's an automatic function and will go up and down depending on the load and road condition. When I turn on my Key or engine it will start to inflate the airbags in the back and you can hear the compressor. The compressor will stop when it gets to the correct level.

However, my front airbags are separate and are not connected to the compressor. I can fill the front airbags to about 80 lbs and they do not change. The airbags will significantly improve your ride.

[Smartstream]

This is the system you have.





They basically cut off the back of the leaf springs and hung this unit to add air cushion. On the 345 they used a trailer torsion axle for the tag. Then they moved the air leveling valve from the drive axle to the tag axle to control ride height. Somebody had a better idea.

[choctawmel]

It you think it is the compressor, you can get a rebuild kit. I just googles the name and came up with a supplier for the kit.
Like others have said, more than likely you have a air leak. The air bags should not go flat even after months if sitting.