System Aired Up, Bags Will Not Pump Up

[Sealevel Ram]

I'm new to my 2004 Winnebago Ultimate Freedom, and to DPs in general.
Started to leave today. The air system pumps up fine, alarm goes out, pressure is 100 PSI, BUT the air bags do not inflate.
Anyone else have this problem, or know anything to try or look at?
Don't hear or see any obvious air leaks. Everything else air works (brakes,etc).

[Martind4]

First thing I'd try is to put my foot on the brake, release the parking brake and select a gear (forward or reverse). Don't move, just let the system inflate the suspension air bags. Sometimes, in cold weather, ours "forgets" and this process fixes it.

If that doesn't work, try turning on the HWH leveling system and go through the normal stowing process, the last automatic step inflates the air bags. Let it cycle off on it's own.

[Tim&Paula]

I agree with Denny but I want to add that 100 PSI seems low. Mine will inflate to 130.

[EngineerMike]

There may be a regulator in the system to drop pressure to bags. Mine are 70-90 lbs at the bags, but compressor varies between 120-135.

[Sealevel Ram]

Just to document for future reference, I took my machine to my local friendly RV mechanic.
He checked everything over, undid some air lines, aired up and down, leveled the coach a couple of times, and now everything works.
Must have been a stuck valve that somehow got loosened up or something. He suggested I get a spare height control valve, which is sort of the heart of the system, and either install it or keep it in reserve.

[AFChap]

Anytime I have had that problem with my UA (pretty rare), turning on the leveling system and tapping "Store" did the trick.

[edndebp]

I had the same problem with my 2005 Meridian. My guages registered the usual 150lbs but bags didn't inflate. I dropped the jacks, which took pressure off the Bags, started the engine and the bags inflated. When you park, and you dump the bags and drop the jacks, I suggest you start the Engine before you retract the jacks when preparing to leave.

Good luck

Ed

[Martind4]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sealevel Ram He suggested I get a spare height control valve, which is sort of the heart of the system, and either install it or keep it in reserve.

Actually there are 3 height control valves, 2 in the back and 1 in the front.

Could he have been talking about the inversion valve? I believe it controls the dump/travel function.

[Billy S]

On our 2004 there is an additional sheet that tells you to start engine and push store button, it will air up sometime if I don't do this, but most of the time I have to push the store button. If I stop and don't lower jacks and the air bleds off, I still have to push store button.

[Sealevel Ram]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Billy S On our 2004 there is an additional sheet that tells you to start engine and push store button, it will air up sometime if I don't do this, but most of the time I have to push the store button. If I stop and don't lower jacks and the air bleds off, I still have to push store button.

That may be why it now works. The technician did the "store" thing with engine running. Hopefully, I will remember to follow all these suggestions in the future.
Thanks.
By the way, Billy S, do you have an Ultimate Freedom?

[Triker56]

Did you drive it to your RV mechanic with the bags deflated?
Driving it like that can be real hard on the U joints.

[Party Barge]

Sealevel, I had that same problem once and cure that was given to me by hwh was to hit the store button twice. It was not in there manual but it has worked for me.

[DBeauchamp]

On my 2002 Ultimate Freedom, I had the exact same problem. If I tapped on the 'air-dump valve' with a hammer the coach would start to rise. Ordered a new dump valve from Spartan and replaced it myself. Fairly easy. Located behind the generator near the air tanks. Cost around $200 if I remember right...

[1ciderdog]

The air bags on my Jopurney do not always inflatfter the air pressure is up - and I do what have been mentioned above which is select the jacks store button and the bags then inflat.
Safe Travels
Bob