Air compressor

[Rick Daniels]

I would like to use the engine driven air compressor from time to time while parked and level.  Is there a way to run the engine without the airbags automatically inflating to travel height? 

[Mike Shumack]

I don't believe that is possible unless you make some modifications to your air system.
From what I have seen on this coach model, the air compressor is directly connected to the air tank which is directly connected to the air bags. You would need install a valve to shut off the air to bags. It's possible but a lot of work.

If you are just wanting to fill tires occasionally, a 12V portable compressor would be easier - such as this Viair model https://www.amazon.com/VIAIR-45053-Automatic-Portable-Compressor/dp/B0141KJTKQ/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1549388911&sr=8-3&keywords=viair+450

[Jerry Emert]

If mine is leveled with the HWH air leveling it does not go to travel height when I start it.  If I start it then turn air leveling off it immediately goes to travel mode.  It would not surprise me if someone had miswired it in the past though.  Mt cruise control won't engage unless the Jake brake is on which is opposite of most of y'all as I understand past posts.  So take with a grain of salt but it seems that it is possible!

[Lee Welbanks]

Usually when I level the coach I turn off the system by hitting the emergency stop buttom so when I start up the motor again I can again hit the emergency stop button and the system will not go to travel mode.. If I don't it will air up the system and go to the travel mode.

[Mike Shumack]

I'm not well versed on the older coaches, but I don't think they had the HWH air leveling in Rick's coach (1999). I believe his coach just had air bags with chassis leveling valves (air ride, but not air leveling like we have). I may be wrong.

[Pat Long]

rick,   What I did was to eliminate the original undersized 12 volt compressor and installed this New system by Viair 485C Dual Value Pack, link provided.  I can run this new system with 0 psi in the air tanks and within 2 1/2 minuets my air system is full of air without running my Diesel Engine.  I did have to make a custom mount for both compressors on small coil springs to reduce the vibration noise, but I am happy I did.  I did have plenty f room in that very same place of the old system.


https://www.viaircorp.com/dual-packs/485c-gen2-dual-value-pack

[Rick Daniels]

 I do have an HWH hydraulic/air leveling system in my coach.  I like the idea of an independent air compressor as suggested in the earlier post.  When I park and level the coach, I dump the air bags and then level with the hydraulic.  If I use the compressor now while parked, I start the engine, leaving the hydraulic jacks down.  When finished with the need for air, I turn the engine off and dump the air bags and the coach settles down on the already extended hydraulic jacks.  It does return to the same level as before.   I was just hoping I could avoid the up and down part of that process.  I like the idea of an independent compressor as suggested in the earlier post.  Thanks to all for the input.

[Bill Sprague]

I bought a "Makita MAC700 Big Bore" for our Monterey because it has such a small footprint and runs at a low RPM giving it a more pleasant sound.  It worked well enough for keeping the tires up.  It worked to "air up" the coach on those departure mornings when it felt rude to blow diesel at a neighbor or wake them up. 

Being 120 volt it is obviously easier to install than the Viair systems.  Usually we were plugged in. 

Oddly, the most frequent use was with a blower nozzle!  When we set up, I would run the hose to near the door.  We blew the sand, dirt and grime off the bottom of our shoes!

https://www.amazon.com/Makita-MAC700-Big-Bore-Compressor/dp/B0001Q2VK0/ref=asc_df_B0001Q2VK0/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=198077680239&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=12329952120670106306&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9033443&hvtargid=pla-383959037690&psc=1

[Joel Ashley]

Ed Buker a few years ago clued us into the same (or close model) Mikita that Bill has.  Although I installed a long hose and reel in my garage and use the compressor there more than for the coach, I can add testament that it’s one sweet little machine.  A larger tank would’ve been nice for when I blow out my yard sprinkler system each fall, but for everything else it’s great.

Joel