Community Forums

Don7299 · 12-28-2022, 06:56 AM

can you by-pass the ride control valve to inflate the rear air bags with out damaging the bags to get home on? Valve is bad and stuck out on road trip.

Argosy · 12-28-2022, 07:08 AM

You can but with full system pressure constantly it's going to raise the rear really high. You take the chance of putting a very short drive shaft into crazy alignment, which U joints really don't like.

wolfe10 · 12-28-2022, 07:13 AM

Agreed-- don't do it.

Most RV chassis ride height valves are not different from those on OTR trucks. Check with a parts house or shop specializing in OTR trucks.

VolDawg · 12-28-2022, 07:19 AM

I had an issue with one of my ride height valves underinflating. My local Freightliner shop was able to repair it next day.

Chargerman · 12-28-2022, 07:20 AM

Agree with the guys responses. Not only are the valves readily available but they are easy to replace. Just be careful to be sure all air is out of the system first.

hypoxia · 12-28-2022, 07:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Don7299

can you by-pass the ride control valve to inflate the rear air bags with out damaging the bags to get home on? Valve is bad and stuck out on road trip.

Although I agree in general with the comments so far, I think it can be done. The rear normally has a ride height valve for each side. If the bad side could be aired up and then a cap installed on that line at approximately the correct normal height, I don't see why not. It's something I would do if I was stuck without a parts house nearby.

wolfe10 · 12-28-2022, 07:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hypoxia

Although I agree in general with the comments so far, I think it can be done. The rear normally has a ride height valve for each side. If the bad side could be aired up and then a cap installed on that line at approximately the correct normal height, I don't see why not. It's something I would do if I was stuck without a parts house nearby.

In a perfect world, perhaps.

But, even a tiny leak in the bag, line or cap could allow that air bag to deflate. That would lead to chassis twisting, significant weight shift (think overloaded wheel position), etc.

You would REALLY need to move to do it. And, then stop every 20 miles or so and measure and adjust ride height.

dons2346 · 12-28-2022, 09:38 AM

If you have the HWH system, you can manually raise the rear to ride height and pull the system fuse and the coach will stay at ride height

FIRE UP · 12-28-2022, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dons2346

If you have the HWH system, you can manually raise the rear to ride height and pull the system fuse and the coach will stay at ride height

Not if there's a leak in or around the ride height valve in the first place.

There are times in the RV world where you just simply cannot jury rig something. It has to be fixed THE RIGHT WAY. There are many, many things in an RV that you can either ride around with or finish a trip with that can be left "broken" or inop. But a ride height valve IS NOT ONE OF THEM. Because most diesel coaches ride on air, the ride height valve(s) are very critical in keeping the correct amount of air IN those air bags at all times. They adjust all the time to keep the coach at a very specific height.

My son, who lives in southern CA, has an '07 Winne Tour. And at least one of his ride height sensors was leaking. One of the local Freightliner companies wanted over $217 each. When we found some online for $42 each for the VERY SAME PART NUMBER, they would NOT SHIP TO CALIFORNIA!!!!!!!! What kind of CRAP is this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So, he had them shipped to us here in AZ and when we recently visited them for Christmas, we handed over his order. CA has a phenomenally set of stupid rules pertaining to what can and can't be shipped to that state. But ride height sensors for the zillion motorhomes roaming CA roads? Are you kidding me? Anyway, he's a happy camper (literally) now!
Scott

https://www.amazon.com/Haldex-900540...s%2C127&sr=8-3

Gary RVRoamer · 12-28-2022, 12:05 PM

Agree with the replies by others, but want to add that often ride-height valve problems are simple mechanical breakage or adjustments of the control arm. Those can often be fixed or jury-rigged to provide air to the suspension. So, I'll say "depending on what's wrong", it may be possible to make a temporary repair. If you have the skills for it, anyway. Or a helpful friend of local mechanic.

Domo · 12-28-2022, 01:17 PM

I had a RH valve failure on my Tiffin/Freightliner - took it apart - it was simply a worn out tire valve core that was leaking. Got the tool and new core at the local NAPA (or wherever it was) - replaced it and re-installed the RH assembly - all done and ride height was unaffected as I had marked the are positions (and could see the rust/dirt where they used to connect).

dons2346 · 12-28-2022, 01:43 PM

"Not if there's a leak in or around the ride height valve in the first place."

The OP didn't say he had a leak, just that the valve didn't work. If there are no leaks, yes you can put the coach at ride height, keep it there and drive it. I have done it with a broken valve, no problem.