Dumping air bags

Golfergo · 09-08-2011, 09:51 AM

When I throw the lever to dump the air bags on my 07 Tropical 370 LX, nothing happens. This is a recent problem. The bags pump up to about 130 lbs ok.
Is there a valve or solenoid somewhere to check? Or any other ideas of why the bags wont dump?
Dick G

OneRVer · 09-08-2011, 10:24 AM

Will the air dump when you apply the parking brake?

Golfergo · 09-08-2011, 04:24 PM

Miracle!. I took the coach out for a drive around the block and noticed the jack light was on, the jacks were down about an inch so I retracted them till the light went out. Dont know if that is a factor but when I parked, turned off the key and pushed the dump lever.. everything worked.

Could the jacks be connected to the air dump system?
Dick G

Danodaman · 09-08-2011, 06:59 PM

I'm wondering where my air dump is. 1999 American Dream 40'. Any ideas?

Skip426 · 09-10-2011, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Danodaman

I'm wondering where my air dump is. 1999 American Dream 40'. Any ideas?

Are you asking about the suspension air dump? My system is electric controlled from the leveling key pad. F/L chassis with HWH levelers.
Or are you asking about the manual air tank drain valves? These valves; on the ends of the air tanks; have wire pull lanyards attached that may not have been extended by the coach manufacturer. They may still be wraped up by the valves. Tanks are above the front suspension, may be 3 valves, front/rear, Tanks should be manually drained every 6 months, to check operation of automatic system. Lots of water from valves, auto system needs service/repair.

Skip426 · 09-10-2011, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Golfergo

Miracle!. I took the coach out for a drive around the block and noticed the jack light was on, the jacks were down about an inch so I retracted them till the light went out. Dont know if that is a factor but when I parked, turned off the key and pushed the dump lever.. everything worked.

Could the jacks be connected to the air dump system?
Dick G

Jack warning would interconnect to a lot of other systems; could be a dump over-ride in there somewhere ! You would need a air system/wiring schematic to be sure.

bachler · 09-20-2011, 07:36 AM

We have a Freightliner chassic;; When the coach sets And the engine is running, For about 5 minutes. (I go in and pay the park fee) I hear this little puff/air blast every so often, Is that draining some air off the tanks ?? This happens if the Air brake is on or off.. No differance.

okie-dokie · 09-20-2011, 08:01 AM

bachler, that puff of air your hearing is the air brake air dryer, removing any air with moisture in the system. That's normal, no need to worry.

Bill98116 · 10-15-2011, 08:27 PM

I am having a problem with the leveling jacks on my Bounder (Freightliner chassis) and have not been able to deploy them the past week or so. Now another problem has cropped its ugly head. The air bags deflate when parked after a few hours even if I don't throw the switch to deflate them. When I restart the engine, the bags re-inflate. Is this normal?? Usually, I have the leveling jacks deployed so there is no pressure on the air bags but now with no jacks down and all the weight on the air bags I'm wondering if they should stay inflated.
..........it's always somethin'..........

Bill

OneRVer · 10-15-2011, 08:32 PM

No that is not normal to my knowledge. My bags will stay inflated for a week or so. We all have air leaks but I would say your is a little to quick. How fast does you air gauge go down?

KIX · 10-15-2011, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Golfergo

The bags pump up to about 130 lbs ok.
Dick G

From a later post you reported that your problem has been solved......glad to hear it. But, I'm curious.........how do you know your air suspension bags inflate to 130 lbs?
It seems like 130 would make for a harsh ride.

Bill98116 · 10-16-2011, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill98116

I am having a problem with the leveling jacks on my Bounder (Freightliner chassis) and have not been able to deploy them the past week or so. Now another problem has cropped its ugly head. The air bags deflate when parked after a few hours even if I don't throw the switch to deflate them. When I restart the engine, the bags re-inflate. Is this normal?? Usually, I have the leveling jacks deployed so there is no pressure on the air bags but now with no jacks down and all the weight on the air bags I'm wondering if they should stay inflated.
..........it's always somethin'..........

Bill

After I posted this and I thought more about it.....the jacks don't hold the weight of the coach off the frame at all. So I guess I answered my own question......the bags are losing air somehow. Time for another trip to Freightliner and another $$$$$$$.
Like I said.........it's always somethin'...........

slammer · 10-20-2011, 01:48 PM

Bill,
Earlier this year when going in for oil change service, the service writer noticed the air escaping when I shut down the engine for him to check me in. Discovered the dump valve was leaking and only by the compressor running continuously could we maintain our air suspension. From memory, the new valve was about $275 and related labor a couple of hundred.