Air Ride System Modification, Air Dump

[Gulie]

1999, Monaco Windsor, 40, 8 bag system.

I am planning on a modification to the air bag system to allow me to dump the air in the suspension prior to backing into my garage. As it stands the coach just scrapes the top of the a/c unit on the garage door, and the 2” - 3” of suspension drop would make this a non-issue.

My reading about this system indicates that the air dump valves on the system are 2-way, but supply is continuous, meaning they are able to release air but do not shut down the incoming air. However I have not been able to find a complete air schematic with dump valves and electrical connection on the system so I could understand this better.

Making assumptions based upon prior posts and schematics on this and other forums it appears that I will need to install additional 3-way valve(s) in the systems for the front and rear so as I activate these, it will shut off the incoming air and dump the air in the systems while the unit is running. And allow me to back it into the garage while the unit is dropped.

For safety purposes, I will probably use the 3-way valves in a fail-safe position, where when de-energized they would maintain the normal suspension operation, and energized they would allow the coach to drop.



Any comments, input from other folks that have solved this previously, or more detailed information on this system would be helpful.

[CountryB]

Consider using a ride height valve with a "dump" feature. These are designed to do what your wanting to do. You just need to find the proper fit/valve for your coach. There are a lot to choose from (arm length, mounting style, etc.).

Here's an example https://www.anythingtruck.com/product/270-E9624.html

or maybe something like this (and use your current RHV) Available as normally open or normally closed: https://www.anythingtruck.com/product/070-90554335.html

[MSHappyCampers]

Hi ! Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined the gang!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

[hypoxia]

I'm not familiar with your system. Mine doesn't have a "Dump" button but has a "Lower" button which deflates all 4 corners. The problem is when it senses the transmission in gear it pumps the bags up. In my case, a switch to shut the "in gear" signal off would do the same thing you are planning.

[retiredusps6]

You might want to try looking for Freightliner, Peterbilt, Mack truck etc. Air plumbing All of them dump and shut off air supply to the bags.I think they all use elec. over air valve.



Hope this may help you.

[jacwjames]

When I bought my rig back in 2008 there was a 3 button gizmo hanging from the drivers side console. It is basically 3 momentary buttons tied together.


I had no idea what it was, initially I thought it might have something to do with the horn. One day I decided to try it and pushed one of the buttons, one of the airbags dumped air, tried another and a different one dumped air. I came to the conclusion that it was installed to act as a leveling system when parked for short times. I know that there are several wires jumped to terminals in the front drivers side run bay. Never really tried to figure out how it is wired in and really don't use it.


Just posted to let you know it is possible.

[96 Wideglide]

Originally Posted by hypoxia

I'm not familiar with your system. Mine doesn't have a "Dump" button but has a "Lower" button which deflates all 4 corners. The problem is when it senses the transmission in gear it pumps the bags up. In my case, a switch to shut the "in gear" signal off would do the same thing you are planning.

When you put your coach in gear, quickly push 'MAN' again. Air bags will stay where you want them, unless you go over something like 12 mph.
This works for Valid air leveling, and I assume HWH.

[hypoxia]

Originally Posted by 96 Wideglide

When you put your coach in gear, quickly push 'MAN' again. Air bags will stay where you want them, unless you go over something like 12 mph.
This works for Valid air leveling, and I assume HWH.

Good to know. I do have Valid. I assume it will also keep it up if lifted all the way which would be good for clearance at times.

[RustyTools]

Just so's I get this straight in my head...

I can drop the coach all the way down (air-only Valid system), start the engine and let the tanks fill-up, then put the coach in gear but quickly press 'MAN' - and the bags won't inflate (assuming I don't go faster than 12mph). Right?

And from what hypoxia said, it'd work in reverse - I can lift the coach all the way up too. Cool! Excellent idea, many thanks!!


I don't have a low garage to worry about, but did wreck the sat dome on my old Endeavor going under an "I think'll fit" tree-limb once. Wished I'da known back then.

[96 Wideglide]

Originally Posted by hypoxia

Good to know. I do have Valid. I assume it will also keep it up if lifted all the way which would be good for clearance at times.

Yes. Thats the only way I've used it (raised), usually when boarding / unboarding ferries.

[Mr_D]

With the standard HWH system I was supposed to be able to lower the rig and drive a few feet slowly by pressing and holding the "dump" switch and raise it by pressing and holding the "raise" switch. Never tried it though.
An expensive solution is driving to Iowa and having HWH install their Active Air system.

[96 Wideglide]

Valid system you don't have to hold any buttons. Raise or lower in manual mode, put trans in gear, leveling system will automatically switch to travel mode, quickly press manual mode, and you will stop the bags inflating or deflating.
One other note: once you get past your hazzard, and put in travel mode, don't go blasting away. It takes a bit for your bags to drop down low enough to keep your driveshaft happy.

[Happycarz]

Gulie,

I’m assuming you have hydraulic leveling, like my previous 99 Dynasty had. Would please confirm?
If so, I’ll give you the schematic, solenoid type, and dash switch with warning light, to accomplish what you want.

I didn’t like fanning the brake pedal to get the tanks low enough so they wouldn’t be refilling the air bags as I was dumping them via the dump switch.

I just added 2 way, 100% duty cycle, normally closed solenoid valves between the supply tank and ride height valves. Red dash light stays on if switch is off, only with key on.

[Gulie]

Thanks for the input, I will do some more testing to see if the gear selector interacts with the dump valve as suggested. Sounds interesting.