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danwright7 · 10-19-2013, 07:54 AM

Just bought a new Mountain Aire motorhome

, we left Minnesota last Saturday and just got to our destination in central Florida yesterday (Friday) at noon. 7 days to get here

, yep, and we had air leaks all the way and still have them. We have been to two Freightliner dealers and they repaired 3 of the many leaks. The important thing to watch is that the front of the coach drops within hours. The whole coach should hold air for 72 hours with no problem. Beware when you buy Freightliner and watch

and listen for air leaking. The most important system on your air brake motorhome.
So, what do I get for all my grief?

palehorse89 · 10-19-2013, 08:00 AM

It is to bad you are having these problems, but in time you will get them sorted out and repaired and you will be able to sit back and relax in your new Coach!
Congratulations!!!

Gerald Duerr · 10-19-2013, 08:01 AM

Have you checked your airbags.? That's were I had my leaks. Replaced the airbags no more problems. Cheers Gerald

D Lindy · 10-19-2013, 08:02 AM

To expect a coach to hold air for 72 hrs after the motor is turned off is unrealistic. D.O.T. standard for commercial trucks with air brake systems is that they're allowed to leak (if memory serves me) 2lbs every 5 minutes when the motor is off.

F117plt · 10-19-2013, 08:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by danwright7

Just bought a new Mountain Aire motorhome

, we left Minnesota last Saturday and just got to our destination in central Florida yesterday (Friday) at noon. 7 days to get here

, yep, and we had air leaks all the way and still have them. We have been to two Freightliner dealers and they repaired 3 of the many leaks. The important thing to watch is that the front of the coach drops within hours. The whole coach should hold air for 72 hours with no problem. Beware when you buy Freightliner and watch

and listen for air leaking. The most important system on your air brake motorhome.
So, what do I get for all my grief?

I believe your problems are unusual. Too bad you couldn't stop at the Gaffney Service Center on your way south, I'm sure they would have fixed your problem. I am sure once your leaks are fixed you will love the chassis. I have owned 4 of them without a single repair being needed.

palehorse89 · 10-19-2013, 08:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by D Lindy

To expect a coach to hold air for 72 hrs after the motor is turned off is unrealistic. D.O.T. standard for commercial trucks with air brake systems is that they're allowed to leak (if memory serves me) 2lbs every 5 minutes when the motor is off.

The air bags should not drop to the frame within hours as stated. Laws are made to draw a line when repairs need to be made! Air leaks are not normal, they are a problem that will only get worse and more so your compressor is loading and unloading all the time. Air systems "most" of the time do not leak when new. A air dryer blowing off all the time is a good sign of a bad air leak that needs repaired.

MJFZ · 10-19-2013, 08:38 AM

X2 on taking this to the FCCC in Gaffney, SC. I suggest calling 1-800-385-4357 discuss the issue with the customer service rep, and then get an appointment to have factory service center fix this thing. My experience with the Factory Service center has been excellent.

When the coach is parked, and you have not dumped the air ( ie to level) can you hear a leak? What is your pressure loss, shown by the two gauges in a 6 hour timeframe?

Mike

Gary RVRoamer · 10-19-2013, 10:46 AM

Air leaks are common on all air suspension systems and on the air brakes too. Periodically something will likely have to be repaired, especially if you expect it to stay at full pressure for multiple days.

It's more a nuisance than a safety concern - the onboard compressor is more than capable of keeping up with a major leak, and if push comes to shove the air system will cut off the air supply to the suspension and just keep the brakes working. 65 psi will operate the air brakes just fine.

danwright7 · 10-20-2013, 07:45 AM

Thanks for all your responses. 1st; the motorhome is a week old and I have been in contact with Gafney SC two hours after I drove it and been in contact everyday till last Wednesday night. I have had motorhomes with air brakes that did hold the air for three days, maybe not at 125#, but still stayed up. I am not a novice with air systems or motorhomes and do appreciate all the help on the forum.
The whole problem is that FCC has gone to all plastic slip in/on fitting instead of brass (saving money and time, charging more money). Its a known problem according to the shift managers where I went to have this repaired. The Gafney SC service facility take appointments only and they couldn't take me. It's definatley a thought going back to MA in the spring for sure. I did a check yesterday and the system lost 50# of air in 8 hours.

Clayobx · 10-20-2013, 09:07 AM

I feel your pain! New coaches have issues! It's good you have enough knowledge to insure the group performing the work is not "jerking" you around. What I don't grasp is three FL shops worked on this issue and it still exist's?

Gary RVRoamer · 10-20-2013, 09:23 AM

Gafney does take walk-ins, but obviously those with appointments get serviced first. Sometimes you have to wait around a couple days to get in without appointment, but other times there is little or no delay.

I'll grant that FCCC RV chassis seem to have more frequent air leaks than Spartans, but I think both manufacturers are using snap-on air connections. Maybe a difference in brand or type they use?