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Gheidbrink · 08-04-2016, 06:01 PM

Just started think about a new coach. I see that the Essex comes with Valid Mfg. air system. Does this work the same as the Active Air system while driving?
Thanks

JSteele · 08-04-2016, 10:39 PM

I have the same question. I'm looking to order the London Aire. I prefer the Spartan chassis which I believe comes with the Hadley air system and the FL chassis comes with the Valid system. I spoke with a representative from Hadley today and asked him your question. He said not exactly. The Hadley system monitors ride height and will adjust for wind or a curve in the road but takes 20 seconds to react. In other words, no it doesn't operate like the HWH Active air. I also asked him if while air leveled if the system would wake up every 30 minutes or so and re-level if necessary. He said no, and that there is no electric (12volt) pump installed with their system to maintain air pressure to do so. This confirms an extensive post by Redbaron73. I have a call into a rep from Valid (I actually missed his call today) to ask him the same questions. According to Redbaron73 the valid system is similar to the HWH active air system and as a result the coach handles much better. I intend to confirm this with the Valid rep. If this is the case, then I'm in a bit of a quandary. I will either be forced to order the FL chassis or order the Spartan and pay to install the HWH active air system. The last option would be difficult to justify as that was one of my reasons to order the London Aire (at great expense) instead of the Dutch Star. I'll post my conversation with the Valid rep after I hear back.

Lug_Nut · 08-04-2016, 11:19 PM

You might be wise to take a Spartan with the Hadley for a test drive. I doubt you will find any handling issues at all. Your insistence on "Active" like air may end in disappointment in time.

Good luck with your decision and ultimately the purchase.

Peter

MRUSA14 · 08-05-2016, 04:56 AM

Way back in 2002 I was very seriously planning to buy a new DS. I went to the dealer and test drove a FL chassis and then immediately drove a nearly identical DS on a Spartan chassis. It was immediately obvious to me at that time that the $6000 uocharge for the Spartan was well worth it.

Today of course the chassis have changed and that 2002 comparison no longer applies, but a back to back comparison drive is still the only real way to know which chassis you will be happier with. A big dealer such as North Trail will likely have the two coaches in stock that you can test drive to make this test. If I were making this decision today, I would fly across the country if need be to make this comparison test rather than guess at which chassis to order. It is just too big a decision to make without first-hand experience.

redbaron73 · 08-05-2016, 06:09 AM

How do those that have Hadley handle extensive stays while leveled on air? I often camp where there is a 40 degree temp range in a 24 hour period and the hwh system relevels frequently throughout the day. Seems like starting the engine is just a hassle.

As for the drive, it is very noticeable when doing a torture test (emergecy lame change at speed) but otherwise a non issue.

redbaron73 · 08-05-2016, 06:12 AM

JSteel is going thru the exact same process I did earlier for the same reason. I'm definitely interested in the outcome.

Gdawgs · 08-05-2016, 07:23 AM

My coach came with the Valid System, has the auxiliary pump and ability to adjust "wake up" times along with many more variables.

redbaron73 · 08-05-2016, 08:23 AM

As my prior post said, Valid is as close to the hwh active air as I have seen. I was unable to tell any difference.

andyh · 08-05-2016, 07:55 PM

The Valid system in Travel mode is not controlling the ride height during cornering. The Active Air system inflates the outer air bags based on the steering sensor input to counteract the coach leaning to the outside due to the centrifugal force. It reacts very fast and improved the handling of the coach.

Sent from my iPhone using iRV2 - RV Forum

redbaron73 · 08-05-2016, 08:49 PM

I'm sure you are reading a manual from a lipert leveling system with a basic valid air component. This is not what Newmar installs in their chassis.

Here is a quote regarding the product installed by newmar:
Electronic Ride Height Control

Valid’s Electronic Ride Enhancement System offers a suite of individual suspension control features designed to control / manage the air suspension devices under defined conditions and automatically reacts to changing road input and vehicle motion to deliver optimum ride comfort and safe handling.

Electronic Ride Enhancement Control
Electronic Ride Height Control
Anti-Dive Control
Valid’s Electronic Ride Enhancement System is comprised of a series of sensors and an electronic control module linked to the air suspension through control valves.

redbaron73 · 08-05-2016, 08:51 PM

As I have stated, there is no difference between this system and hwh under the extreme test conditions I performed.

I do like the panel of active air, but the valid system works very well.

redbaron73 · 08-05-2016, 08:53 PM

Here is a link for those that want to read more. I have personally talked to Valid and confirmed this is what is installed on all newmar highline with freightliner chassis.

http://validmanufacturing.com/divisi...eight-systems/