Air hose chuck connector on DS 4018

[wagonmaster2]

How do I tell if the air hose chuck connector above the generator will air up my tires or if it's just for the tow truck driver? Looks just like my previous coach where I would hold back the outer sleeve of the chuck while inserting the end of my air hose then move the little yellow lever down 1/4 turn. But it did have a pressure gauge there to tell how much pressure had built up while the engine was running.

And can I get 110-115 lbs air pressure at that point? I know it will take several minutes since that is a large tire and my previous coach only took 90 lbs.

[slabman]

There is a way to do this. Go to:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5fK54DKWP0

They (RV Geeks) have an earlier video on this, so go to that link as well.

They've published a new video, featuring a small compressor by "VIAIR" which they feel is a better approach. I don't know...I used to have a very similar unit from Harbor Freight. (You can guess where both units were made....) In fact, I'm willing to bet it's the same unit without the fancy name. It worked for a while, but struggled to reach those last few pounds up to 110-115 lbs. on a large RV tire. Finally, it cratered, forcing me to go to my on-board compressor as you are thinking about.

This setup works quite well. I got my parts and fittings from Harbor Freight and Northern.

I also carry a small compressor by "Slime", which I got on Amazon. Works OK on the smaller tires but is extremely slow on the big 365/70 front tires.

[Luv2go]

Originally Posted by slabman

...
They've published a new video, featuring a small compressor by "VIAIR" which they feel is a better approach. I don't know...I used to have a very similar unit from Harbor Freight. (You can guess where both units were made....) In fact, I'm willing to bet it's the same unit without the fancy name. It worked for a while, but struggled to reach those last few pounds up to 110-115 lbs. on a large RV tire. Finally, it cratered, forcing me to go to my on-board compressor as you are thinking about. ...

The Viair 380C I installed with my airbag controller has held up very well, it's attached to a 2 gallon tank, cuts in at 150PSI and out at 175PSI. I use it to maintain my tires at 100-110PSI, plus and the air system has a small leak I haven't found which causes the pump to run twice a day when I forget and leave it on. It's lasted since 2008 with no signs of weakening.

One of the differences between this one and others I've seen like the HF unit is this one is rated for 100% duty cycle, where the others you can only run for 10-15 minutes, then turn off for a half hour or so.

[Dutch Star Don]

Allen.....I've had a DP for almost 11 years now. I check my tire pressure about three times a year, usually before a big trip. On both my DP's, the air system was not enough to fill my tires. Secondly, I don't want to be somewhere and have to have my coach running to do so, especially at a campground. I have a large standup compressor at home and even it struggles to inflate my tires.

On a recommendation from others, I bought this from Sears many years ago Sears.com. It is often recommended when someone asks for a compressor. It runs on 110 volt, has a long power cord and the air chuck locks onto the valve stem. It has a built in gauge that is not real accurate, but will get you close while the thing is filling. I timed it once, it adds about 1 PSI every 14 seconds to a 22.5. Since you're typically only adding a few pounds, it's a handy unit. Since it's electric, you can use it anytime without disturbing anyone.

I always save old pillow cases for storing stuff. The unit fits nicely in a pillow case and doesn't take up much room in a bay.

[tbbg II]

I use the coach air routinely for putting air into the tires. In fact this coach came with a hose exactly for that purpose. The coach air runs at a higher pressure than my cheap standup in the garage, so it is quicker, too. The big cummins does need to be running, which can be a problem. I keep a Viair in the car. I believe it would really struggle to push 100+ PSI into the coach tires.

[VP Chianese]

Originally Posted by Dutch Star Don

Allen.....I've had a DP for almost 11 years now. I check my tire pressure about three times a year, usually before a big trip. On both my DP's, the air system was not enough to fill my tires. Secondly, I don't want to be somewhere and have to have my coach running to do so, especially at a campground. I have a large standup compressor at home and even it struggles to inflate my tires.

On a recommendation from others, I bought this from Sears many years ago Sears.com. It is often recommended when someone asks for a compressor. It runs on 110 volt, has a long power cord and the air chuck locks onto the valve stem. It has a built in gauge that is not real accurate, but will get you close while the thing is filling. I timed it once, it adds about 1 PSI every 14 seconds to a 22.5. Since you're typically only adding a few pounds, it's a handy unit. Since it's electric, you can use it anytime without disturbing anyone.

I always save old pillow cases for storing stuff. The unit fits nicely in a pillow case and doesn't take up much room in a bay.

Available today from ToolBarn for $98.56 +$9.00 shipping

Porter Cable CMB15 150 PSI, 1.5-Gallon Oil-Free Fully Shrouded Compressor | ToolBarn.com

[tomakat]

Originally Posted by Dutch Star Don

On a recommendation from others, I bought this from Sears many years ago Sears.com.

I also purchased this air compressor due to a recommendation here on IRV2. I love it. I also put this guage on it to make it easy to check the pressure and release air as needed.

Since it is on the large size, I normally store it in the back of the jeep.

[wagonmaster2]

Decisions Decisions. Thanks for all the replys and the different air compressors available. I have a small 12V compressor I carry in the back of the Jeep but no way would it air up the 22.5 tires without burning up.

Oh, and while on the question of air compressors, after my air bags and tanks are up to maximum and the engine turned off the pressure will drop just below 100 lbs in 24 hrs. Then after 2 days the bags are completely down. Does this sound like I may have an air leak some place? Haven't crawled around under the coach yet but may have to.

[Rotten-Red]

Originally Posted by wagonmaster2

Decisions Decisions. Thanks for all the replys and the different air compressors available. I have a small 12V compressor I carry in the back of the Jeep but no way would it air up the 22.5 tires without burning up.

Oh, and while on the question of air compressors, after my air bags and tanks are up to maximum and the engine turned off the pressure will drop just below 100 lbs in 24 hrs. Then after 2 days the bags are completely down. Does this sound like I may have an air leak some place? Haven't crawled around under the coach yet but may have to.

Maybe, maybe not on the air leak. If the MH is sitting without anyone going in and out then yes you have a air leak. Although a minor one. So minor that getting under and listening you probably couldn't hear it.

If it's parked with people going in and out frequently you may not have a air leak. Each time someone goes in or out the ride height valve will add or release a small amount of air to adjust for the weight difference. In time that will deplete or air supply.

[Jager]

tomakat - make? model? where you bought it?

I have had other trucks with air systems (electric Viair compressors and such) and they didn't produce nearly as much air as whatever compressor is on my coach. I have to believe the compressor on my coach is motor driven and probably a twin cylinder. It produces a LOT more air than I have ever had before. I don't have time right now but next spring I am going to go through the engine and other mechanical systems. I want to know what is producing the air on this coach. I wouldn't even remotely hesitate to use the coach air to fill a tire . . . far, far more capable than any small electric compressor for sure.

[newmarpusher]

Originally Posted by wagonmaster2

How do I tell if the air hose chuck connector above the generator will air up my tires or if it's just for the tow truck driver? Looks just like my previous coach where I would hold back the outer sleeve of the chuck while inserting the end of my air hose then move the little yellow lever down 1/4 turn. But it did have a pressure gauge there to tell how much pressure had built up while the engine was running.

And can I get 110-115 lbs air pressure at that point? I know it will take several minutes since that is a large tire and my previous coach only took 90 lbs.

I have always used the on board compressor (on my current 2015 Ventana 4037 and previous Winnebago 34y DP's). 100-115 lbs is no problem at all but will take awhile for that last 5 lbs. I got 120 into a tire once on the Winnebago but it was a fight. .

The onboard compressor will do much better than any of the outboard compressors unless they are 150 PSI / 40 gal or larger. My new Craftsman 150psi/40gal can fill my fronts at 110 faster than the onboard but sometimes it's easier to just hook up a hose an drag the 40 gal out to the back yard.

[tomakat]

Originally Posted by Jager

tomakat - make? model? where you bought it?

I ordered this from Amazon and it has a 4.5 star rating with almost 350 reviews.

Astro Pneumatic 3018 3-1/2-Inch Digital Tire Inflator with Hose

• Easy Change Chuck System
• Displays KG, PSI or BAR measurement
• Allows accurate reading of tire pressure assisting with functionality of use with TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System)
• Two position lever; 1st position deflates, 2nd position inflates

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...rch_detailpage

[srrobe]

Originally Posted by wagonmaster2

Decisions Decisions. Thanks for all the replys and the different air compressors available. I have a small 12V compressor I carry in the back of the Jeep but no way would it air up the 22.5 tires without burning up.

Oh, and while on the question of air compressors, after my air bags and tanks are up to maximum and the engine turned off the pressure will drop just below 100 lbs in 24 hrs. Then after 2 days the bags are completely down. Does this sound like I may have an air leak some place? Haven't crawled around under the coach yet but may have to.

Mine did the same. I called freightliner and it is within spec.

[twinboat]

Originally Posted by Jager

tomakat - make? model? where you bought it?

I have had other trucks with air systems (electric Viair compressors and such) and they didn't produce nearly as much air as whatever compressor is on my coach. I have to believe the compressor on my coach is motor driven and probably a twin cylinder. It produces a LOT more air than I have ever had before. I don't have time right now but next spring I am going to go through the engine and other mechanical systems. I want to know what is producing the air on this coach. I wouldn't even remotely hesitate to use the coach air to fill a tire . . . far, far more capable than any small electric compressor for sure.

Download the PDF file " Air Brake 2007 " for a basic guide to air brake systems.