Community Forums

AllanK · 06-15-2019, 07:30 AM

For those with air brakes, do you drain your air tanks? If so how ofter?

richard5933 · 06-15-2019, 07:37 AM

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?

twinboat · 06-15-2019, 07:51 AM

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.

JBDISCOVERY · 06-15-2019, 07:56 AM

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

MSHappyCampers · 06-16-2019, 11:30 AM

I wasn't aware of this!

Our 2002 Windsor has the Roadmaster chassis. Can anyone tell me how to do this? Thanks!

AllanK · 06-16-2019, 12:30 PM

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?

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.

winniman · 06-16-2019, 01:43 PM

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.

richard5933 · 06-16-2019, 01:46 PM

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.

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.

barmcd · 06-17-2019, 06:55 AM

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!

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.

mike brez · 06-17-2019, 07:56 AM

96 Wideglide · 06-17-2019, 11:00 AM

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!

MSHappyCampers · 06-17-2019, 11:05 AM

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.

Thanks!

96 Wideglide · 06-17-2019, 07:28 PM

Drained my tanks today and got a decent spray of moisture out of the wet tank!
Brand new complete dryer last fall!

DamonCamper · 06-18-2019, 10:06 AM

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!!