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05-17-2003, 08:19 AM
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#1
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2 Rivet Member 
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 83
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Air compressor headaches.
Our compressor builds up the right pressure but lately seems to be blowing off a releif valve when the high pressure is met.
Where can I find additional info on this unit?
Any suggestions to correct the problem.
It seems to happen when we are driving down the road both air bags are at proper inflation.
Last fall I pulled the fuse on the compressor and stopped regularly and the air ride bags stayed up properly.
Thanks in advance for your thoughts
Ray
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05-17-2003, 01:07 PM
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#2
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Rivet Master 
1978 31' Sovereign
Texas Airstream Harbor
, Zavalla, in the Deep East Texas Piney Woods on Lake Sam Rayburn
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,435
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Relief Valve
Ray:
Check the pressure in your tank via the Schrader valve on the very bottom of the volume tank. If it is still holding pressure, everything is copasetic. There is a relief valve that exhausts to atmosphere whenever the compressor cuts out. This is designed so that the compressor does not start against a pressure head. The relief valve blows off the line to the volume tank, and a check valve on top of the volume tank holds pressure in the tank.
If you lose pressure thru the blow down valve, you might want to repair/replace the check valve. Mine on the ’87 was chock a block full of some sort of sticky substance. After cleaning, all is working OK.
__________________
Dennis
"Suck it up, spend the bucks, do it right the first time."
WBCCI # 1113
AirForums #1737
Trailer '78 31' Sovereign
Living Large at an Airstream Park on the Largest Lake Totally Contained in Texas
Texas Airstream Harbor, Inc.
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05-17-2003, 01:42 PM
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#3
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2 Rivet Member 
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 83
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Thanks Dennis,
The tank is holding pressure.
This occurs with the compressor running and the system is pressured up thats what is confusing. It will continue untill you pull the fuse. after replacing the fuse the compressor will run a very short while (seconds) and stop normally. Then later you will notice this air noise with the compressor running.
Thanks
Ray
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05-17-2003, 01:45 PM
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#4
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Rivet Master 

1966 26' Overlander
Woodstock
, Georgia
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 8,525
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ok, this brings up my older problem that I am getting nearer to be able to work on. Too many projects too little time!! Add a job and family to that and well....
If I jack up and support the back end with jack stands, can I disconnect the air bags from the compressor, and take the comp. out to see if I can fix it? And while at it, can I just put in a manual valve for input and forget the compressor? My bags don't have a leak I can find, but the comp is dead will blow a big fuse whenever it starts up. If I could safley manually add air, and check the level I would be ok.
Lastly. would it make more sense to go the over the spring air bags as additional help? I see these for about 300 installed.
Peter gave me some ideas on the compressor issue but I have not yet been able to do anything with it. I just bought a larger jack and some stands, so i am getting ready....
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05-17-2003, 02:17 PM
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#5
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Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 544
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I just happened to stumble unto that on another forum, I think it relates to your question:
"I had the air bags on my gas coach. I was too cheep to spend the $$$ for that system [compressor], so I bought a 12 volt air pump. not much adjustment is needed anyway"
Several people answered that they did the same, using a hand gauge, and bypassing their existing compressor. As long as they don't have any leak in the first place, not much adjustement was necessary.
Hope this helps.
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05-17-2003, 08:29 PM
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#6
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Rivet Master 
1978 31' Sovereign
Texas Airstream Harbor
, Zavalla, in the Deep East Texas Piney Woods on Lake Sam Rayburn
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,435
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Been there -- What I done
Alan:
I’m not sure how the linkage/airfill valve is set up on a single axel, but on a dual axel, whenever you put the drive axel on jacks, or even raise the rear end with the stabilizing jacks the air bags will blow the volume tank down. I don’t know if one of my valves is leaking, or it’s just doing what it’s supposed to do, but if I use the stabilizing jacks the air system slowly bleeds off. My owner’s manual states that it is normal for the compressor to come on when it is started, so I expect that Airstream built some sort of a slow leak into it since they made mention of the fact that compressor operation is normal at startup. When my air bleeds off totally the main spring (the rear of which is shortened for the tag axel) is actually is resting on the frame. Just putting air in the tank will not inflate the bag; it has to be driven s short distance before the bags fill. I assume this action is due to the way the level sense valves operate. Since to lose pressure appears to be normal, I would recommend installing a gauge somewhere on the system (my ’87 has none, only a “low pressure” idiot light), in order to monitor the system. As I stated earlier, without air in the bags, my springs are hitting the outside flange of the frame, so I really need air available at all times.
On another related note, the PO had installed an aftermarket compressor in my unit. It draws 22 amps (Info Plate), and was fed by a 12 gauge wire with a 25 amp fuse in the dash. I don’t think that I could afford enough 25 amp fuses for a long trip. When I cleaned the Electrical Contacts on the start/charge system I ran a 4 gauge wire to the compressor area, protected the new feed with a 30 amp flat mount circuit breaker, and installed a standard relay activated by the original 12 gauge feed.
No more blown fuses, plus some extra amperage available in the rear area to relay/fuse lights and electric brake for the Saturn Toad.
Ray:
The first thing I would check on your system would be the feed to the blow down valve and the pneumatic/electric switch contacts. Sounds as if maybe the blow down valve is not closing all of the time. My sympathies looking for a “sometimes” electric problem. It is so frustrating when everything works at checkout, then fails as soon as you get on the road.
__________________
Dennis
"Suck it up, spend the bucks, do it right the first time."
WBCCI # 1113
AirForums #1737
Trailer '78 31' Sovereign
Living Large at an Airstream Park on the Largest Lake Totally Contained in Texas
Texas Airstream Harbor, Inc.
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05-17-2003, 09:01 PM
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#7
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Airstream Driver
1994 30' Excella
1992 35' Airstream 350
Austin
, Texas
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 5,238
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Quote:
Originally posted by rdm
Thanks Dennis,
The tank is holding pressure.
This occurs with the compressor running and the system is pressured up thats what is confusing. It will continue untill you pull the fuse. after replacing the fuse the compressor will run a very short while (seconds) and stop normally. Then later you will notice this air noise with the compressor running.
Thanks
Ray
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Ray,
there is only one thing in the system that tells the compressor to turn on and off:
The pressure regulator
It's the grey or black box close to the compressor. It has a diaphram that is set by an adjusting screw to close or open contacts to feed 12v to the compressor.
Its a very inexpensive replacement item (less than $10.-) but make sure it has the proper cut-in/cut-out settings (80/100psi)
or you have to install an inline pressure gauge to set it.
__________________
1994 30' Excella Front Kitchen Trailer
1990 25' Excella Travel trailer
1992 350LE Classic Touring Coach
AIR #13
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05-17-2003, 09:20 PM
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#8
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Airstream Driver
1994 30' Excella
1992 35' Airstream 350
Austin
, Texas
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 5,238
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Quote:
Originally posted by ALANSD
......If I jack up and support the back end with jack stands, can I disconnect the air bags from the compressor, and take the comp. out to see if I can fix it? ....
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IF you are not under your rig, you don't have to jack it up to disconnect the compressor.
You may even find that the bags stay pressurized once the compressor is disconnected, which would indicate an inline check valve further down the line.
Just relief the pressure slowly!!!
__________________
1994 30' Excella Front Kitchen Trailer
1990 25' Excella Travel trailer
1992 350LE Classic Touring Coach
AIR #13
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05-18-2003, 12:32 PM
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#9
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Rivet Master 
1978 31' Sovereign
Texas Airstream Harbor
, Zavalla, in the Deep East Texas Piney Woods on Lake Sam Rayburn
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,435
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Ray - Air Blowing while Comp. is Running
Ray:
Further reflection indicates the possibility that your blow down valve could have a mechanical or electrical defect.
Like I said, the blow down valve opens when the compressor cuts off, this bleeds the air line from the compressor to the air tank to "0" psi. The check valve at the top of the holding tank is "supposed" to prevent the air leaking back from the volume tank, and out of the open blow down valve. When the compressor comes back on line the blow down valve closes, allowing air output from the compressor to pressurize the tank.
The purpose of the blow down valve is to prevent the compressor to have to come on line against 80 psi or so of pressure.
The compressor has a chance to come up to speed while pumping up (pressurizing) the line from the compressor to the check valve on the top of the volume tank. This eliminates part of the amperage surge required for compressor startup, and wear and tear on the normally pressurized parts of the compressor (discharge valve and piston rings if the discharge valve leaks).
On the '87 a separate line continues up from the aux air fill and feeds the pressure sensor on/off switch, as well as the electric "idiot light" low psi sensor.
__________________
Dennis
"Suck it up, spend the bucks, do it right the first time."
WBCCI # 1113
AirForums #1737
Trailer '78 31' Sovereign
Living Large at an Airstream Park on the Largest Lake Totally Contained in Texas
Texas Airstream Harbor, Inc.
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05-18-2003, 08:01 PM
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#10
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2 Rivet Member 
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 83
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Thanks for the ideas
Thanks everyone
your comments and ideas are welcomed.
This week we will check into the problem further
Once again thanks
Ray
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05-18-2003, 08:45 PM
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#11
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Rivet Master 
2004 28' Classic
Currently Looking...
huntsville
, Alabama
Join Date: Jul 2002
Posts: 866
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hi
i went thru a learning experience last year with my rear air bags. some units have one leveling valve and others have two. mine had one and it was a breeze to fix it after i looked at the mess for a while and got lots of help from the forum. when you start your unit up the pump/compressor comes on and the leveling valve or valves bring your unit to the pre set height. if this isnt happening you have something wrong with the leveling valve(s). when you jack the unit up to level the leveling valve will vent the air out of the bags. so you dont blow them. the compressor is not a big issue really any compressor that will pump the holding tank to 100 lbs is all that is required.or you can go to the bottom of the tank and put air in. the pressure switch turns the compressor on and off, YOU CAN CHECK MOST PRESSURE TANKS WITH A TIRE GUAGE ON THE BOTTOM OF THE TANK. the valve on the bottom of the tank needs to be vented some from time to time to get the water out of the tank. hope that makes sence my service manual isnt a lot of help.
i see compressors in some of the parts cats i get for 35 to 40 dollars that has a fan and the claim the unit can run for 8 hours and not damage the compressor. but you do need the current a small wire wont work. blown fuse in a hurry. lol
al
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07-20-2003, 06:02 PM
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#12
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2 Rivet Member 
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 83
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Compressor update
To day I had the chance to work on the air ride system.
The compressor fills the tank to 110 lbs (measured at the valve on the tank) then the relief valve blows off tank pressure goes down to 100 lbs but the compressor keeps running and running and keeps repeating thi s cycle never shutting off.
Does this mean the high pressure regulator needs replacing
Appreciate your help with this
This year has been the year of inside upgrades
New Dometic 2820
New Atwood water heater
We also installed a Fantastic Fan and new Winegard antenna
Hopefully the compressor is a smaller fix
Thanks
Ray
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07-20-2003, 06:54 PM
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#13
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Just a member
1978 28' Argosy 28
Lutz
, Florida
Join Date: Mar 2002
Posts: 4,549
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Ray,
It sounds like the pressure switch that starts/stops the compressor is not sensing that the operating pressure has been reached. It is the gray box Peter mentioned. Before replacing it I would try to adjust it. It may just think it needs to get to 115 PSI and it can stop. It sounds like the shutdown pressure should be in the 108 PSI range.
__________________
Brett G
WBCCI #5501 AIR # 49
-------------------------
1978 Argosy 28 foot Motorhome
Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something. -- Plato
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07-20-2003, 07:03 PM
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#14
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Rivet Master 
2004 28' Classic
Currently Looking...
huntsville
, Alabama
Join Date: Jul 2002
Posts: 866
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i would check two things. the check valve would be first and the pressure regulator that turns the compressor on and off. i would back the pressure regulator off to 100 lbs and see what happens after i make sure the check valve is ok. lol
al
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07-27-2003, 06:23 AM
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#15
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2 Rivet Member 
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 83
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Advice needed
Goood morning early birds,
We are finishing packing to leave on our summer trip here in Ontario. Yesterday I took all suggestions and spent some time trying to understand our rear air ride system and how it works.
Our coach has a Gast compressor model 2HBC-19-M220 that is driven by a 1/4 HP 29Amp Honeywell 12vdc motor.
What I have learned is the air tank leaks out overnite but the air bags stay up. I believe the air is leaking back through the compreessor because you can hear air noise when the compressor shuts off.
By adjusting the high pressure regulator with the settig screw I was able to get the compressor to shut down and not run continually. I believe the air tank has about 95-100lbs. in it when this happens (I tested it at the schrader valve)
The relief valve does not make a blow off noise at this setting so when the compressor tries to start it can't because of the load on it since the check valve on the air tank is not working it will start in 3-4 min because of the leak back. If we were travelling I do not know if it would take this long because the air bags would demand some air.
In summary I will install a new check valve at the compressor in the compartment on the line that feeds the air tank Is this OK and can I leave the original where it is.
What can I do about the blow off valve can they be cleaned or should I replace this also.
Are our high pressure settings to low
The forum help is always appreciated.
It seems I do more asking than helping.
Have a great Sunday
Ray
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07-27-2003, 06:42 AM
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#16
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Just a member
1978 28' Argosy 28
Lutz
, Florida
Join Date: Mar 2002
Posts: 4,549
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Ray,
I have the same basic problem. It has been reccomended to me that I place a check valve as close to the tank on the inlet from the compressor as possible. This will maintain the tank pressure and also allow for the compressor to start without back pressure due to the leaking check valve in he compressor. You will need to move the pressure switch so it is between the check valve and the tank or it will constantly cycle on an off as the air in the line bleeds off.
I think 95-100 psi is OK, but I would try to replace the pressure relief valve too. If a replacement is not possible you may want to carry some type of cap or plug in case it fails. At the least you can cap it and continue. I have no pressure relief valve on mine.
__________________
Brett G
WBCCI #5501 AIR # 49
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1978 Argosy 28 foot Motorhome
Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something. -- Plato
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07-27-2003, 07:14 AM
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#17
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Airstream Driver
1994 30' Excella
1992 35' Airstream 350
Austin
, Texas
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 5,238
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Ray, for your situation Brett got it right:
compressor-check valve-pressure switch-tank.
This will isolate your compressor from the system pressure.
Just be aware that you may not hear the compressor for days if you have an otherwise tight system.
You indicated that your bags stay up, but the tank bleeds down.
This would mean that you have a good check valve on the bag side of the tank. Leave it there.
__________________
1994 30' Excella Front Kitchen Trailer
1990 25' Excella Travel trailer
1992 350LE Classic Touring Coach
AIR #13
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07-27-2003, 07:32 AM
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#18
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Just a member
1978 28' Argosy 28
Lutz
, Florida
Join Date: Mar 2002
Posts: 4,549
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See Peter, I really do pay attention
__________________
Brett G
WBCCI #5501 AIR # 49
-------------------------
1978 Argosy 28 foot Motorhome
Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something. -- Plato
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07-27-2003, 07:58 AM
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#19
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2 Rivet Member 
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 83
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Thanks Peter and Brett
Thanks Peter and Brett
On our 325 The air line schematic shows the high pressure switch reads pressure the curbside of the tank on the opposite side to where the inline check valve is. The push type coupling is also teed into this line for optional use ( I have never used it )
The inline check valve is on the line from the compressor to the driver side of the tank the check valve is connected to the air tank
Can I just install another check valve at the compressor head and leave the old one in place will this accomplish what you would like to see. At the tank as usual everything is quite rusty and looks like leave it alne
What pressure should it operate at my manual says 3lb
Do i have to move the high pressure regulator if I do this
The low pressure switch is connected to the air bags and seems to function properly.
Thanks for the help Hope to be on the road by noon tomorrow
with your help
Ray
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07-27-2003, 08:06 AM
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#20
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Just a member
1978 28' Argosy 28
Lutz
, Florida
Join Date: Mar 2002
Posts: 4,549
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Ray,
I think I understand, but let me be sure.
The pressure switch is mounted to the line coming out of the tank that feeds the exterior air port and the bags?
There is a check valve currently between the compressor and the tank, and that is all that is between the compressor and the tank?
If the answers to both of these questions is yes, then I think all you need to do is replace the check valve between the compressor and tank. There are check valves in some of the compressors that are used for Airbag inflation, but your setup, if I understand it right, has the addtional one right at the tank.
The reason you want the valve as close to the tank as possible is to allow the compressor some head room to start at a lower pressure than the tank pressure. This allows for an easier start and will prolong compressor life.
__________________
Brett G
WBCCI #5501 AIR # 49
-------------------------
1978 Argosy 28 foot Motorhome
Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something. -- Plato
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