Draining the tanks

[Johnontheroad]

My bad, I’ve never drained the air tanks since I bought my used 15 Aspire last year. And based on the amount of dirt on the lanyard cables I doubt the prior owner did either. So part of my maintenance routine now includes the lanyard pull routine (my Monaco had petcocks next to the generator and were easy to get to).

Draining the wet tank was easy and I was surprised to see no water drain out. But both the green and red lanyards had issues. Air would leak out very slowly then quit. After any air leakage quit I checked the gauge and the rear tank was still at 75psi. Then draining the front tank pressure never dropped below 120 or so. So the air isn’t escaping as it should.

Any ideas what this would be? Debris/junk in the valve? And what to do about it?

[royals1212]

Check the routing of the lanyards to the front wheel. I had to reroute mine they were pulling at a 90 degree angle. Need jack stands for safety on this one. Harbor Freight has 10 & 12 ton stands pretty reasonable.

Herb

[hpykmpr47]

Originally Posted by Johnontheroad

My bad, I’ve never drained the air tanks since I bought my used 15 Aspire last year. And based on the amount of dirt on the lanyard cables I doubt the prior owner did either. So part of my maintenance routine now includes the lanyard pull routine (my Monaco had petcocks next to the generator and were easy to get to).

Draining the wet tank was easy and I was surprised to see no water drain out. But both the green and red lanyards had issues. Air would leak out very slowly then quit. After any air leakage quit I checked the gauge and the rear tank was still at 75psi. Then draining the front tank pressure never dropped below 120 or so. So the air isn’t escaping as it should.

Any ideas what this would be? Debris/junk in the valve? And what to do about it?

Not that it will help you much but I had Spartan change our lanyards so that they could be pulled from inside the generator compartment where I think they should have been put in the first place. I think it is definitely by poor design to have to reach in over the top of the tires to pull these lanyards....Alan

[Cruzer]

I wouldn't recommend reaching over the top of the tire when pulling a drain lanyard. It's best to use the awning hook for that. They bend back easier than arms.

[twinboat]

It may be that the lanyards are connected to automatic moisture ejection valves. They may not drain the tank completly.

You would need to look under and see if they are at the end of the lanyards.

[Johnontheroad]

I had Jeff Wertz from Spartan stop by. He crawled under the coach and confirmed that both valves were partially blocked and needed to be replaced. He even took a picture for me to show me exactly what needed to be replaced. I have non-automatic valves, cost maybe $15 each, and a simple job to change out.

The automatic valves in twinboats’ post above can be added, his picture shows heated ones that require a wiring harness change. Automatic valves are nice but at about $100 each I’ll stay with the manual ones.

Thanks to Jim for stopping by in street clothes and taking the extra mile.

[KennyGolub]

Not directly on topic, but similar.....


What is the procedure for pulling the lanyards ? Coach up on leveling jacks?
What order are they pulled ?


Thanks


,

[777 Driver]

Originally Posted by KennyGolub

What is the procedure for pulling the lanyards ? Coach up on leveling jacks?
What order are they pulled ?

Hi Ken,

Since you asked, here's the Spartan recommended procedure:

Procedure for draining air system-2017.pdf

Take care,
Stu

[KennyGolub]

Originally Posted by 777 Driver

Hi Ken,

Since you asked, here's the Spartan recommended procedure:

Attachment 246363

Take care,
Stu

Thank you for that. I saved it with my other Entegra documents.


BUT .... is it because of lawyers that they recommend jack stands or because you really have to have them?


I live in our RV full time and don't carry jack stands around with me. I'm sure there's a work around, so I hope someone here can clue me in on that.
It seems like the front wheels have to be turned to the right to access the lanyards. Do folks lift the front up with the leveling jacks to get at them with the awning rod ?


Thanks again.


.

[Johnontheroad]

I use my awning hook and don’t turn the wheels or raise the coach. I use a flashlight to help find the lanyards but I can reach them as parked. I don’t use jack stands for draining the tanks ( I don’t go under the coach) but will use them when I lift the front to get under to change the valves.

[brobox]

Kenny, I don't do anything but cycle the drain procedure a couple of time a year. Once during my spring "check everything" and after our summer trip when I am putting it away for the winter. I am not going to be under it so I don't need jack stands and I use the method Mark mentioned, I use the awning hook and don't even get my hand dirty. Bend down to see if there are any wet spots on the concrete and that's it.

[KennyGolub]

Originally Posted by Johnontheroad

I use my awning hook and don’t turn the wheels or raise the coach. I use a flashlight to help find the lanyards but I can reach them as parked. I don’t use jack stands for draining the tanks ( I don’t go under the coach) but will use them when I lift the front to get under to change the valves.

Thank You !
Do you go to the lanyards from the front or rear of the front tires ?


.

[777 Driver]

Originally Posted by KennyGolub

I live in our RV full time and don't carry jack stands around with me. I'm sure there's a work around, so I hope someone here can clue me in on that.

Hi Ken,

Here's a jack stand "work around" that I've seen suggested elsewhere on iRV2:

Cut four of these from 2" steel square tube



to be installed near the four corners of your coach



Once those 2" square tubes are in place, in the event that your air bags deflate or your leveling jacks retract, the tubes will be pinched between the chassis and house frame, precluding any further settling of the house.

Cheaper, lighter, easier to store than jack stands.

Certainly, utmost caution is advised any time you're working under your coach.

Take care,
Stu