Tail Dragger

[mhughes]

I have a pronounced dip in my driveway causing the tail of the coach to drag so I got to thinking of an inexpensive way to temporarily raise the rear up to 4".

The idea was a mini pneumatic single action linear actuator with 4" stroke, spring return and one 12vdc three way 1/8" Solenoid Valve. The actuator would replace the links between the axle and the ride height valves and in the stored position be the same length as the original links.

Pros
1. Inexpensive. Possibly do this for less than $100
2. Easy to do
3. Mostly off the shelf products (zoro, bimba, lowes)
4. I wouldn't be modifying the air system feeding the bags
5. With 1/8" air tubing the complete loss of a line would not cause a disaster and ride height would not be affected
6. If running a single 12v wire to the solenoid was an issue for about $20 you can do it with wireless and a keyfob

Cons ?
Perhaps you folks can help identify the problems with this idea

I did come across an announcement from Source Engineering about a new product that does the same thing. Not sure how they do it.

[foretexas]

I could use this for sure.

[deSanford]

Mike I wonder is I could raise the right rear wheels off the pavement near a fire hydrant, and release a small stream of water? Sanford

[tomd85208]

Hmmm... DW says... First thing she thought of was... Fix the Driveway!

[scep]

you can bolt these to the trailer hitch.

Paktron Hitch Bar Mount Swivel Skid Wheels

[denlock]

Originally Posted by deSanford

Mike I wonder is I could raise the right rear wheels off the pavement near a fire hydrant, and release a small stream of water? Sanford

[mhughes]

I have the wheel on the hitch. Don't like hearing it drag the pavement.

[mhughes]

Fixing the driveway/street would cost quite a bit more than $100.

[charliej]

Could lay something across the dip to drive across that is easy to remove and store?

[TonyMac]

Originally Posted by scep

you can bolt these to the trailer hitch.

Paktron Hitch Bar Mount Swivel Skid Wheels

His 38 DP would crush those wheels. Sometimes crossing the dip at an angle can help, but not much.

[pwhittle]

There is a file on the Yahoo Monacoers group that describes how to use a pair or Mac valves to bypass the autolevelling valve.

I have had it on my MH for 18 months now and it raises the rear 4-6 inches and let's me get up my driveway.

See below for the parts I ordered from Zoro (www.zoro.com). I ended up with a second order for more fittings, including some spares, which was handy as I used them later for something else.

I used a coupon code from http://www.retailmenot.com/view/zoro.com which is why the Unit Price and Qty do not multiply out to the Amount accurately.

I already had some extra 1/4" DOT air brake tubing from a local Napa.

I did implement a minor difference from the DIY once I got underneath, and mounted each valve near the ride height control valve. I had temporarily wired this up to the battery with 1/4" spade connectors that I connect/disconnect manually in the battery compartment, but since ran a wire up to the cockpit to a switch by the drivers seat.

First Order

Zoro Item Product Name. Description. Unit Price. Qty. Amount
G1592875. Tee. Tee,1/4 In Tube Sz. $12.17 2. $20.73
G0702807. Male Connector. Male Connector,1/8-27,1/4 In Tube Sz. $4.44. 6. $22.68
G1419713. Premair Valves. Valve,Solenoid,1/8 In. $24.99. 2. $42.55
Total $85.96


Second order

Zoro Item Product Name. Description. Unit Price. Qty. Amount
G1592875. Tee. Tee,1/4 In Tube Sz. $12.17. 3. $29.48
G0702685. Union. Union,1/4 In Tube Sz $7.88. 3. $19.09
G0702807. Male Connector. Male Connector,1/8-27,1/4 In Tube Sz $4.44. 4. $14.34
Total $62.91


Paul

[stallsmi]

Like SCEP said, I had the same problem with my driveway and bolted on steel skid wheels (bolted to the frame). They worked like a charm and protected the trailer and the driveway. And, best of all, they were relatively inexpensive and required no modification to the driveway or trailer.

[777 Driver]

Occam's Razor (Occam's razor - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) suggests that the simplest solution is, generally, the best solution.

Air pumps, switches, connections...sounds pretty complicated, to me.

But, I'm a pretty simple guy.

Good luck.

Take care,
Stu

[deSanford]

Mike I like your idea and I'm sure you will enjoy "throwing" the switch before you enter your driveway. After thinking about my request to raise the right back wheels and letting out a (food color yellow) little stream people might think I was dumping my grey holding tank (not a good idea). Sanford