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Kevininwa · 07-08-2014, 03:18 PM

Our 1978 Argosy had new rear airbags installed last year (PO) but the rest of the system appears OEM, if not original. I get a consistent reading of 90psi, but the compressor goes on and off periodically, apparently irrespective of the gauge reading. 90 is too high according to the manual, but I see no other way to adjust other than directly adjusting the leveling mechanisms. I’m thinking of getting an Airlift wireless controller kit and do away with the leveling system. Does anyone know of benefits inherent in the auto-leveler? Isn’t it better just to determine the ideal pressure for the load and leave it at that?

bkahler · 07-10-2014, 06:38 AM

Kevin,

The reason the compressor goes on and off periodically is as you're driving and the suspension moves up and down there are times that the leveling valve will dump air in order to drop the ride height back to level. The leveling valve is an important aspect of your rear suspension.

I've replaced the leveling valve on my 310 and it wasn't that difficult of a job. You just want to work safe while doing the job.

I'm not sure that I agree with the 90 psi being to high. I think I ran higher in the 310 but can't remember for sure. The leveling valve only allows the bags to reach whatever pressure is necessary to attain a level ride. That pressure could be as low as 50 psi inside the bags or possibly as high as your system will allow depending on load weight of your rig.

It sounds to me like your system is functioning as designed.

Brad

mayco · 07-11-2014, 05:19 AM

The psi in my 82 310 rear air bags is 100 to 110. (The compressor kicks off at 100 or 110 cant remember which but its one of the two)

tony6373 · 08-03-2014, 06:33 AM

Kevin,

The pressure gauge is most likely reading the tank pressure not the pressure in the air bags. My '85 270 M/H compressor turns on at about 80 and off at about 110 psi. The pressure in the airbags is whatever it needs to be to keep the rear axle the same distance from the frame (and thus nearly level if the ground is near level). My compressor comes on about once a week and runs for maybe five minutes. Oh, some units have two leveling valves and will try to keep the unit level from side to side... mine only has one valve.