BAC Forum
General Boards => Technical Support => Topic started by: John Jahr on February 17, 2015, 07:03:42 PM
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Trying to air up outside duel. Air tank at 110#, tire at 58#.
#1 From your experience, how long should it take me to get the tire to 85#?
#2 I'm loosing all my air in the rear tank (orange dial) in about 10 hrs after I turn off engine. Is this out
normal or do I have a major air leak problem?
Thanks for any help you all can give me.
John
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Check out this you tube video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5fK54DKWP0
This works well for me. I cannot answer regarding your air pressure drop, but it does not seem normal to me. I would be suspicious, as you may be.
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Thanks Tic for the YouTube video info. Very helpful.
John
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I got most of what I needed for the referenced contraption at Lowe's. I already had the correct nipples (shown at far left installed on my inflator device and at the far right in the photo), and plenty of hose. The special "tilt lock" inflator foot shown in the videos was not so easy to find in local venues. But my local Les Schwab dealer had an extra used one he gave me free. I purchased another inexpensively at Amazon for my garage tool box, but it took a little sleuthing before ordering to make absolutely sure it was the "tilt lock" type.
Note that not all 1/4" NPT fittings available in stores are the same format; the commonest nipples have two different tip types. At Lowe's I got "universal" quick-connects that fit both major types, but the one that came on the coach as I recall is the "automotive" format; "industrial" nipples wouldn't properly plug in. As a result I fitted my hose with automotive style nipples - they are distinguished by a wider engagement ridge near their tip. Industrial nipples have a narrow ridge.
-Joel
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Thanks Joel Lowes it is.
John
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I've been using a HDE model inflator that is all in one, the hose clips on to the stem, only thing you have to disconnect it to push the side button to dump air so the coach compressor will come. Has been working great so far.
http://www.amazon.com/HDE-Interchangeable-Inflator-Lock-On-Pressure/dp/B00JJXQ2G0/ref=pd_sbs_auto_5?ie=UTF8&refRID=0GCFDEM4F6XVZQTTMCT7
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There is a model available there on Amazon with a more detailed gauge, but Lee's unit is certainly a less expensive option than what I built as per the video. With Lee's you just have to disconnect from the tire valve each time you want to trigger the compressor using the side button; my tilt-lock foot has a one way valve that won't let air out of the tire, so I don't need to unhook it. But my assembly is a lot more expensive to make.
Joel
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All good info gentlemen, but one more word from me, CALIBRATION. I have/had four awesome appearing gauges, one which resembles the one described from Amazon, (no fault of Amazon), and took them to a Michelin truck tire dealer and asked them to check the accuracy of my gauges. Only one of the four was within one pound accuracy. One was off by 10 pounds.
Save travels!
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Tic,
A couple of lbs isn't a problem, 10 your pushing it. I have a real accurate tire gauge I got at 7 Feathers truck stop in Oregon that I use to check the pressure after airing or during routine checks.
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I have one like Lee's that is slightly cheaper: http://www.amazon.com/Campbell-Hausfeld-MP6000-Inflator-Gauge/dp/B0007ZJ1IK/ref=pd_sim_auto_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=0S0QZ93H3SAJPCA7S77F (http://www.amazon.com/Campbell-Hausfeld-MP6000-Inflator-Gauge/dp/B0007ZJ1IK/ref=pd_sim_auto_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=0S0QZ93H3SAJPCA7S77F)
I've replaced the chuck with one I saw being used in a truck tire shop that stays attached to the valve stem better: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008PZ7LMW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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The only problem with these cheapo air guns is that they do not flow much air as they are designed for car tires, I have since ordered one that is designed for truck tires of course it cost 3 times as much so we'll see.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007IXRKVY/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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I thought you said yours worked great. Did you mean just for car tires Lee?
I hope John is making headway with all the options we've offered. The Lowe's home-built as per the video device adds up in cost, but certainly works. I'd like to see someone address his leak problem, as I agree with Tic that he probably shouldn't be loosing that much tank pressure so quickly. Problem is it could be lost from any of many places. Others more experienced here might offer some guidance as to the more likely culprits and places to look first. At that rate, in quiet ambient conditions wouldn't he be able to hear the source?
I guess I'd first see that my 4 air tank drain valves are all closed fully - on mine they are just left of the battery tray. Then I'd start the engine, make sure the tranny's in Park and brake set, and fill the tanks, shut off the engine, and first listen under the stairs, in case the stair air feed is compromised. Check that the auxilliary Quick connect, near or with the 4 drain valves, isn't leaking due to debris blocking its valve or a bad connector. Some coaches have the Quick connect up front in the genset compartment, but you've already found yours obviously, John. After that it comes down to the ride height control valves and airbags I'd think.
If you get under the coach, be sure you've placed adequate blocking so the coach can't come down on you, especially if air is being lost and you are messing around with valves. Better yet, take it to someone better equipped to check such things.
Joel
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Here's the one I made up with a Campbell Hausfield unit from Wal-Mart. Works fine for airing up Beaver's tires.
Steve
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Thank all of you for all your post and information.
I purchased all of the parts today for 2 setups, one of my friends is building one to, at Lowe's. All except for the chuck end, which I ordered from Amazon.
Joel, thanks for your insight on my air leak or leaks. I will look at some of the suggested areas but I didn't become 74 years old by climbing under a coach.
I will let you all know how I make out in both of these areas
John
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All worked very well on airing the tires.
Couldn't find any air leaks so i guess that will be a job for Richards RV in Greer SC when I get back home in March.
Thanks again everyone for all your help.
John
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John,
I would not be so sure that you have an air leak that needs repairing, especially if you are using a computerized leveling system. The leveling system will dump air itself, and that may be your answer.
Gerald
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Gerald,
Thanks for that info. I do have the air leveling system so I'll pay attention to make sure In don't
have any further problems.
Thanks again,
John