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06-15-2019, 07:30 AM
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#1
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Senior Member
Winnebago Owners Club
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Canada
Posts: 614
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For those with air brakes do you drain your air tanks?
For those with air brakes, do you drain your air tanks? If so how ofter?
__________________
Allan & Mary-Ann
2011 Winnebago Tour 42QD AKA Bailey
FMCA #F490316
Blog: bailey18.com
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06-15-2019, 07:37 AM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2019
Posts: 2,392
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Unless you have an automatic system, they should be drained daily. Probably the number one maintenance item for keeping air brakes working properly.
That said, most newer rigs will have some type of dryer and/or to make this easier.
What does your manual say to do?
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Richard
1994 Excella 25-ft (Gertie)
1999 Suburban LS 2500 w/7.4L V8
1974 GMC 4108a - Custom Coach Land Cruiser
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06-15-2019, 07:51 AM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 35,441
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Just pulling the drain cables once a month, looking for moisture or oil on the ground, will be enough.
Any indication of water or oil would lead to possablesir dryer issues.
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06-15-2019, 07:56 AM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 684
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I agree with TWINBOAT. Our manual calls for blowing down the air tanks every 3-4 months, works well.
Key point: Keep the Hydrex air dryer in good shape.
Regards,
JimB
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06-16-2019, 11:30 AM
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#5
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Senior Member/RVM #90
Monaco Owners Club
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Columbus, MS
Posts: 54,780
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I wasn't aware of this! Our 2002 Windsor has the Roadmaster chassis. Can anyone tell me how to do this? Thanks!
__________________
Joe & Annette
Sometimes I sits and thinks, sometimes I just sits.....
2002 Monaco Windsor 40PBT, 2013 Honda CRV AWD
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06-16-2019, 12:30 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Winnebago Owners Club
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Canada
Posts: 614
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Quote:
Originally Posted by richard5933
Unless you have an automatic system, they should be drained daily. Probably the number one maintenance item for keeping air brakes working properly.
That said, most newer rigs will have some type of dryer and/or to make this easier.
What does your manual say to do?
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I have not seen air tank draining in the owners manual yet ( I still have more to read ). I jut doing studying for my air brake endorsement renewal test on my drivers licence, and they say daily.Will have to take a look.
__________________
Allan & Mary-Ann
2011 Winnebago Tour 42QD AKA Bailey
FMCA #F490316
Blog: bailey18.com
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06-16-2019, 01:43 PM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Muskoka Ontario Canada
Posts: 3,142
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The official word is daily, but in reality there is never any moisture in the tanks if your air dryer is working properly. That being said, if you travel regularly, it doesn't hurt to check them on a regular basis. Most rvs have a set of lanyards (wires), that you can pull to release the air valves on the tanks. I know on my freightliner, they are behind the front passenger wheel. The tanks are located between the frame rails, pretty much under the drivers and passengers seats.
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2000 coachmen santara 370 5.9 cummins isb
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06-16-2019, 01:46 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2019
Posts: 2,392
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AllanK
I have not seen air tank draining in the owners manual yet ( I still have more to read ). I jut doing studying for my air brake endorsement renewal test on my drivers licence, and they say daily.Will have to take a look.
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If it's not in the manual, check with a dealer or call the company. Some newer systems have automatic drains, but it's still necessary to confirm that the system is working an properly draining the tanks. Some air dryers also automatically blow the moisture out, but again it's necessary to confirm proper function. Should be part of a frequent inspection. While you're checking in the area of the dryer, probably a good idea to read up on how to check the dryer so that you know when it's time to change the media used to dry things out. Air dryers require periodic maintenance.
We have 5 petcocks on our coach that get drained at the end of every day's drive. Takes less than 5 minutes. Usually only a small amount of moisture in two of them, but on particularly humid days it can be quite a bit more.
Allowing water to build in the air tanks and other brake/suspension components can cause lots of problems and can be a safety risk. Anyone driving with air brakes and/or air suspension should be familiar with the requirements of his/her coach.
__________________
Richard
1994 Excella 25-ft (Gertie)
1999 Suburban LS 2500 w/7.4L V8
1974 GMC 4108a - Custom Coach Land Cruiser
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06-17-2019, 06:55 AM
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#9
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Moderator Emeritus
Monaco Owners Club Texas Boomers Club
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Central Texas
Posts: 13,426
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MSHappyCampers
I wasn't aware of this! Our 2002 Windsor has the Roadmaster chassis. Can anyone tell me how to do this? Thanks!
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Joe, you probably don't need to do it since you have an air dryer in your system. He's the safe way to do it if you want to check it out. Block the chassis before you crawl under it. Bleed down the air in your system until it has ~20 to 30 lbs of pressure in the tanks. Crawl under the coach and look for the valve at the bottom of each tank, turn the valve until you feel/hear air escaping. It shouldn't have any water in it because you have an air dryer in your system, but it doesn't hurt to do it a couple times a year to verify the air dryer is working. You can replace that valve with one that has a spring loaded valve and a lanyard to release the air without crawling under the coach.
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Dennis and Katherine
2000 Monaco Dynasty
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06-17-2019, 07:56 AM
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#10
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Registered User
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Milford,CT.
Posts: 2,237
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06-17-2019, 11:00 AM
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#11
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Senior Member
Holiday Rambler Owners Club
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 9,750
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I drain mine every couple to three months when parked, and about every couple of weeks while travelling.
I would never advise anyone on the internet, 'you have an air dryer, so you don't need to'. I have no idea whether you are keeping up with air dryer maintenance!
__________________
Ben & Sharon
2008 43' Holiday Rambler Scepter PDQ
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06-17-2019, 11:05 AM
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#12
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Senior Member/RVM #90
Monaco Owners Club
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Columbus, MS
Posts: 54,780
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Quote:
Originally Posted by barmcd
Joe, you probably don't need to do it since you have an air dryer in your system. He's the safe way to do it if you want to check it out. Block the chassis before you crawl under it. Bleed down the air in your system until it has ~20 to 30 lbs of pressure in the tanks. Crawl under the coach and look for the valve at the bottom of each tank, turn the valve until you feel/hear air escaping. It shouldn't have any water in it because you have an air dryer in your system, but it doesn't hurt to do it a couple times a year to verify the air dryer is working. You can replace that valve with one that has a spring loaded valve and a lanyard to release the air without crawling under the coach.
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Thanks!
__________________
Joe & Annette
Sometimes I sits and thinks, sometimes I just sits.....
2002 Monaco Windsor 40PBT, 2013 Honda CRV AWD
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06-17-2019, 07:28 PM
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#13
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Senior Member
Holiday Rambler Owners Club
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 9,750
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Drained my tanks today and got a decent spray of moisture out of the wet tank!
Brand new complete dryer last fall!
__________________
Ben & Sharon
2008 43' Holiday Rambler Scepter PDQ
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06-18-2019, 10:06 AM
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#14
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Senior Member
Jayco Owners Club
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Haltom City, TX
Posts: 290
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I have a 2004 Damon Escaper with ISL Cummins 400hp.
I have air brakes but not a clue where the drain would be for the air tanks.
Is there just one tank or one for each tire/brake?
Can I get to them in the wheel well or crawl under neath?
Like I said, until I read it on this forum, had no idea that you needed to bleed the air!
What do they even look like?
All help is appreciated!!
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Dana - U.S.Army CW4 (Retired)
2022 F250 SD with HD Tow Package
2023 Jayco Eagle 319MLOK
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