Community Forums

afrede · 09-04-2015, 12:08 PM

I have a 2014 Phaeton QBH 40' and I'm interested in finding out how to safely and easily decompress my air system so I can change out my quick connect on my Air Accessory Port (located in the driver's side front bay). The existing quick connect fits none of my 1/4" male plugs (fittings). This is the port usually used to blow up bicycle tires, rafts or blow off surfaces, etc. We are new at this RV game and are looking for some pointers. Thank you.

twinboat · 09-04-2015, 12:24 PM

Just pump the brakes until the air is gone, with the engine off.

You should do that on occasion, just to check the refill times.

There may be pull lanyards hooked to the tanks that should be pulled also, to drain the last bit.

Kiawah · 09-04-2015, 06:15 PM

Weird, my RV fitting worked with it all of my airfittings that I've been using for years. Are you sure the problem just isn't that it has 100 lbs of pressure in it, and you're normally plugging into something much less?

ernieh · 09-04-2015, 11:01 PM

Mine accepts the standard "single nub" fitting that is in use in every automotive shop and construction site that I've ever been in.

Many aircraft and industrial shops use a "2 nub" but it's unlikely that you have that setup.

Skip426 · 09-04-2015, 11:33 PM

There will be lanyards on the air tanks to drain off pressure , the chassis manufacturer says the lanyards should be pulled every 6 months to check for water vapor in the tanks , if an vapor is seen the air system dryer is not doing it's job and requires attention.

JMHO: You may want to re-think your proposed usage. Blowing up a raft with the onboard compressor , might require running the engine for 10>15 mins. and the air suspension would raise up and require re-leveling the coach when your done .

RobRV · 09-05-2015, 12:05 AM

The Air Chuck,that was factory installed was not intended to supply air to Your Toys ,but rather to provide a Tow Truck Operator a point to attach an Airline to release TheParking Brake and raise the Suspension so that The Vehicle can be removed from wherever during a breakdown!

The Air Chuck is not the same as The ones sold for Air operated Tools , so Yes the Fittings are slightly different!

On Our Rig , a 1998 Dutch Star by Newmar the Correct Fitting was and still is attached by a Zap Strap to the Female Fitting in case there is a need for it at some future date!

Kiawah · 09-05-2015, 06:58 AM

My standard air fittings, which I have used on my home air compressor and tools for years, works just fine.

I have used it to add air to my tires, as well as to blow up a couple large air river floats (as recent as a couple weeks ago in CO). Only takes a couple minutes, not 15 minutes as suggested. I carry a 50' air hose, so I can reach all tires including toad. Nothing happens with the air suspension in my coach either, it's no different than applying the brakes....some device is using air from the main tank, so the compressor kicks in and keeps the tank pumped up.

Wouldn't think so, but perhaps Newmar's use a different fitting.

luvlabs · 09-05-2015, 07:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobRV

The Air Chuck,that was factory installed was not intended to supply air to Your Toys ,but rather to provide a Tow Truck Operator a point to attach an Airline to release TheParking Brake and raise the Suspension so that The Vehicle can be removed from wherever during a breakdown!

The Air Chuck is not the same as The ones sold for Air operated Tools , so Yes the Fittings are slightly different!

On Our Rig , a 1998 Dutch Star by Newmar the Correct Fitting was and still is attached by a Zap Strap to the Female Fitting in case there is a need for it at some future date!

The front air chuck is not used to plug in the coach air for the Tow Truck Operators - at least not on the Freightliner chassis Tiffin uses. There is even labeling to that effect on the assembly. If a Tow Truck Operator needs to add air to the system, the correct location is near or on the air dryer.

To the OP, your standard air line fittings should be working. I believe that the line that supplies that fitting comes off the air bag circuit so if you are parked with the jacks down, it should be easier as there is minimal pressure in the system.

afrede · 09-05-2015, 04:16 PM

With all due respect, the Freightliner Custom Chassis on my 2014 Phaeton does provide a manifold (located in the front most driver's side bay) which serves as an auxiliary air source for the express purpose of filling tires, inflating air toys, etc. I also purchased (from Freightliner) an Air Accessory Hose Kit designed to facilitate these tasks. Along with 10 feet of coiled hose, the Kit contains a brass quick connect (3/8 inch threads) which receives a 1/4 inch male plug. Also included is a manual turncock type shutoff, another desirable feature.

My concern is how to safely change out the existing quick connect on an air system under pressure. So...by pumping the brakes and ultimately pulling the lanyards (how many are there?), I can deplete the systems air pressure (both gauges on the dash will read zero?) and safely remove the existing quick connect? Appreciate your help.

Kiawah · 09-05-2015, 08:48 PM

Is this your installed fitting, brass female quick connect on the left? This is in the DS first basement.

The orange thing is my hose holder, with the male quick connect end visible.

afrede · 09-06-2015, 08:19 AM

Not exactly sure. I am currently separated from my coach. Here's a pic I took last week...(hope it sends)

luvlabs · 09-06-2015, 08:39 AM

That looks exactly like my hose bib. If your coach has been sitting for a while, there is no air pressure left in the system so grab your air hose and push it in. I think you will find it works fine. What is different about this fitting is that you can't slide the disconnect sleeve back when you insert the hose - unlike your other common air hoses and compressor. That only works after you have inserted the hose.

afrede · 09-06-2015, 09:52 AM

That could explains things. I will try your suggestion. Thank you all so much!

ernieh · 09-06-2015, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobRV

The Air Chuck,that was factory installed was not intended to supply air to Your Toys ,but rather to provide a Tow Truck Operator a point to attach an Airline to release TheParking Brake and raise the Suspension so that The Vehicle can be removed from wherever during a breakdown!

The Air Chuck is not the same as The ones sold for Air operated Tools , so Yes the Fittings are slightly different!

On Our Rig , a 1998 Dutch Star by Newmar the Correct Fitting was and still is attached by a Zap Strap to the Female Fitting in case there is a need for it at some future date!

Not correct concerning the FL chassis. The fitting is expressly for accessories and is check valve protected from the rest of the air system. Tow truck must connect at the air dryer.