Dumping Air Bags for Storage

[gjstacy]

In the thread for leveling sequence started by EMike, I noted that Jim A does not dump his air bags before storing. We have always done that, but can't remember why. So, my question is...is it necessary to dump the air bags prior to storing? Always, or just for longer storage periods? If different, what would be considered a longer storage period? OK...so that was more than one question... Our coach is rarely stored for more than a few weeks at a time.

I'll appreciate all thoughts!

[pkendzor]

I have to dump mine to clear the header on the garage door at the shop. Once inside I inflate them to about 40 to 50 lbs. I'm not sure if it's the thing to do but since they are usually running between 80 to 100 psi I feel better about it with 50 psi than at 0. I will be interested to hear the opinions of others.

Paul

[Jim A]

OMG, somebody reads my posts???

Right or wrong, I always felt that if the 4 wheels (OK, 6) are not on the same plane in the storage space, dumping the air and leaving the coach sitting on the stops (whatever they are) would tend to tweak the chassis. I preferred to let the air bags take up any imperfection in that plane. (My high school geometry teacher would be shocked that I remember that 3 points determine a plane.)

Only once in 6 years have I found an air bag has deflated in storage, and that was in the first year I owned it.

I don't remember anybody telling me to dump the air or not dump. Just what I have always done. Maybe another habit from my class C days with springs instead of air bags.

[azloafer]

Originally Posted by gjstacy

In the thread for leveling sequence started by EMike, I noted that Jim A does not dump his air bags before storing. We have always done that, but can't remember why. So, my question is...is it necessary to dump the air bags prior to storing? Always, or just for longer storage periods? If different, what would be considered a longer storage period? OK...so that was more than one question... Our coach is rarely stored for more than a few weeks at a time.

I'll appreciate all thoughts!

I have a freightliner chassis so this may not apply. I also do not have a dump switch, but I wrote freightliner and asked if I should dump the air when sitting at a campground or in storage. This is their answer:
"
"You have no air dump switch, but your suspension
has an auto dump that works in conjunction with your
jack system. It is not imperative to dump the air bags
for storage or parking because the coach will settle
on its own. On the other hand, If you feel that you
want to dump it you can always manually lower the
jacks “just enough” to activate the bags to dump."

I wrote them because I noticed that the coach settled while it was parked and wondered if it was OK. I also thought that it might be better to dump the air so that the jacks do not have to travel so far when setting up at the campground. Joe

[NorCal Hal]

With our 2003 Alpine I stored it with the bags inflated in the normal drive mode. Because our 2006 is taller (tires & King Dome) I have to bleed ALL air from the bags before I creep into the garage. I then store it in the deflated condition. I was told by HWH that either method, inflated or flat, was fine and storing it either way would not cause a problem with the bags.

Harold

[gjstacy]

Thanks Jim, Harold et al! Who makes these airbags? Is it HWH?

[EngineerMike]

Firestone is the brand I see on most Alpines (maybe all, don't recall another brand now that I think of it).

[gjstacy]

OK, then here's a stupid girl question...how is HWH involved?

[EngineerMike]

The button you push to dump air (in order to level) is on the HWH pad. HWH provides the interface button, and on its motherboard it has the electronics to count 30 seconds of air bleed-down while air dumps.

[gjstacy]

Thanks, Mikey...I know you'd have the answer!!!

[paintman607]

When I push my air dump On Our Kountry Star, I think all the air is out then a couple days later I see that the rear stone guard is actually hitting the ground. So am I suppose to keep the button pushed in till who knows how long. I say to dump. But not sure about holding the dump button in.

[gjstacy]

Paintman,

Don't know if it is different with Newmar products, but for our Alpine, we just hold the button down until it stops hissing. Have no idea if that guarantees that 100% of the air is gone, but it seems to work for us.

[thebings]

This is very interesting Paul. My garage door is 12'8" but the approch is not level. I now have a '98 Bounder that is about 11 1/2' tall. I want to upgrade to a DP but most are about 12'6" high. I am concered that it might not clear my door. So I have been wondering if you could deflate the air bags and then drive into the garage. Glad to hear you can do this on a George Boy. Can anyone verify if other coaches are able to do this.
Don

QUOTE=pkendzor;609448]I have to dump mine to clear the header on the garage door at the shop. Once inside I inflate them to about 40 to 50 lbs. I'm not sure if it's the thing to do but since they are usually running between 80 to 100 psi I feel better about it with 50 psi than at 0. I will be interested to hear the opinions of others.

Paul[/QUOTE]

[Dave Fernandez]

Hello Don:

As for your question “Can anyone verify if other coaches are able to do this.” That can only be answered when you look at the Coach as each manufacture will design there own features into the coach. I know this can be performed with an Alpine.

If it has an air suspension you should be able to dump the air and move the coach, but you should check and verify before you buy.