Air bag adjustment

[daleski]

Is there a way to adjust the rear height easliy on a 2001 Kountry Star 36' just for getting in and out of a garage with a driveway that's a little to steep to keep from dragging the rear hitch receiver assembly?

[alank]

In the configuration your coach is in now, the answer is NO. There is an aftermarket kit that can be added that will do just what you want at the touch of a button.

[Dutch Star Don]

You can add a solenoid to the rear that is electrically operated (dash switch) that bypasses the ride height valves and lifts the rear until the shocks limit it. I added one to my 2014 DS. It gave me about 3" of rear lift.

[JNSNWT]

Originally Posted by Dutch Star Don

You can add a solenoid to the rear that is electrically operated (dash switch) that bypasses the ride height valves and lifts the rear until the shocks limit it.

Thanks for the explanation. I wonder if there’s any chance of damaging the air bags by applying 100% of available air pressure to them? I’m my case that could be as much as 130 psi.

[daleski]

Thanks. Do you have any more info on the aftermarket kit. Name of company or anything else?

[10 fan]

Source Engineering in Oregon. I bought their kit but had to return it. They only make it for 1/4" air lines, freightliner uses 1/4" and Spartan uses 3/8". I bought everything from Zoro and made my own to raise front and rear, saved over $200. Hard part is running wires from the back. I ran a 7 wire sjo cord to have extra wires if I need them.

[Dutch Star Don]

"daleski"......Basic Operation.....In normal coach operation, air is supplied to the ride height valve, which in turn sends air to the air bags. When you add the solenoid, which has three ports, you cut the airline from the ride height valve to the airbags and install the solenoid in between. You tap into a nearby airline and run it to the third port. In normal operation, the air is passed through from the ride height valve to the airbags, which is a metered amount (normal operation). When you engage the solenoid, (electric switch) it adds full air pressure to the air bags, lifting them until the shocks limit their expansion.

On my previous coach, I made the switch on the dash, a momentary switch so I couldn't leave the full air pressure on. I needed the height to get up my steep driveway. I would hold the switch down just long enough to clear the driveway and then release. I never had any issues with it.

[daleski]

Thank you. I have a freightliner chassis so I'll check it out. Lake McClure? I'm just up the road in Copperopolis.

[daleski]

What parts did you need to buy besides the wire, switch and air hose? Are there solenoids etc that need to be installed?

[Dutch Star Don]

Yes, you need to buy the solenoid. I bought my kit from Source Engineering, noted above. Their kit comes with two solenoids as theirs was designed for Monaco products with the Roadmaster chassis. That chassis used two ride height valves in the rear, and one in the front. The Freightliner chassis is just the opposite, so only one valve is needed.

You might call Source and see if they'll sell just one valve. You can find your own switch and wiring. The switch they provide is generic. I found one that matched my dash switches.

[Jon_C]

I installed the kit from source on rear of mine, works great, I can get around 6” of extra lift if needed. Momentary switch on dash.

[Dutch Star Don]

Originally Posted by Jon_C

I installed the kit from source on rear of mine, works great, I can get around 6” of extra lift if needed. Momentary switch on dash.

Just a note:....The above is a different chassis then the Freightliner. When I added it to the 40' tag axle chassis, I only got 3".

[Jon_C]

Originally Posted by Dutch Star Don

Just a note:....The above is a different chassis then the Freightliner. When I added it to the 40' tag axle chassis, I only got 3".

Ok but op and mine both freightliner.

Difference in Ride height adjustment could affect how much lift as well.

[daleski]

Thanks Don. I get it now. I left Sourse engineering a message. Looks like I can get sol valve and fittings at various places on line after I crawl around under the rig and figure out how much tubing I'll need.
Thanks for all the input. Appreciate it.