-
Aux Compressor question
Will a jun air of312 compressor work for the aux compressor, its the suitcase type/ oil-less. Would the oil-less be better or will it make to much noise. Will compresors that take oil get into the seals, valves and cause problems?
-
29 Replies
-
Our air systems are set up to prevent the passage of oil or moisture from the engine driven compressor. We do not have good protection against either downstream from the first tank (wet tank). I have never seen other than an oiless compressor installed by a converter. I would only use an oiless compressor and I would make sure there was a water trap or separator because that is the greatest problem with aux compressors.
The noise level is going to depend on where you locate the compressor and how. I have had an aux compressor located in the steer compartment, in the center of the coach in a sound box right ahead of the steer axle, and in the center of the coach immediately behind the first bay with an open mesh below it.
The first 2 were reasonably quiet both inside and out. The current one is the one in the center with an open mesh below it. It is very quiet in the coach, not so quiet outside. I do not know the brand or size of any of my compressors.
Since our coaches make all sorts of noises, both inside and outside I don’t think aux compressor noise is really an issue unless if runs long and often, and then the problem is not the compressor, but a coach that is leaking a lot of air.
-
-
Here are some pictures of an auxilary compressor that I installed as a backup, and to provide air for whatever while parked. I also turn it on before I start the coach if it has been siting for a few days to pump up air bags on the belts. It will pump up the aux air system in less than 45 seconds, then I shut it off. That way, no belts slip if air has leaked down.
I had a failure a few months ago, and decided to have a backup.
It can be removed in 5 minutes or less.
-
Thats nice…what are the stats on the pump & tank?
-
Jerry, you have done a great job. One thing to make sure of is that you have installled it in a manner that protects the aux system. I am not familiar with the physical layout on H model coaches, but on the X models there is a converter attach point on the aux air system in the vicinity of where your compressor is located. That has a protection valve so if anything happens to breech the compressor or its tank the air loss will not disable the balance of the air system.
I express that concern because our coach air systems are required to be built to DOT standards likely not met by consumer compressor manufacturers.
Also make sure you have installed a water trap or separator. Moisture in our air systems leads to problems.
-
Based on where it’s installed, it this a backup for the main compressor or aux air compressor?
-
Nice job Jerry.. What happened to the original aux compressor and couldn’t it have been replaced or repaired?
-
Thanks for sharing pictures of your project. Looks like a professional install.
-
The stats on the tank is 2.5 gal. Oil-less and only 60 DBA, very quiet. http://www.rolair.net/products/spec_pages/hand_carry/JC10.html#specs
I have the regulator set at 110 lbs. but it will maintain 125 easily.
Jon, I installed the plumbing in the same air line that comes from the original aux compressor. I made sure by turning the original comressor on, taking lines loose until I determined which line came from it. I just put a push and lock tee in that line. Then, I installed a ball valve to be able to isolate the new compressor from the system. So ,I can use the compressor to air up bike tires, operate air tools, or whatever while the converter installed compressor is still operating as usual.
Gil, it’s a back up for the aux system, but could easily be connected to the main air system in case of an emergency. The right rear bay on an H was the best place, because I didn’t loose any storage area by putting it there, plus easy access with the swing open door there and air lines and 110v electrical outlet already there.
Tom, the original compressor is still used and in place. It is mounted in the quiet box with the generator, and we Drag Race, so at the races, the generator is always running, and it’s SUPER hot in the generator compartment. I do not understand why Vantare put the aux compressor in that area. ( I assume because it would be quieter in there) The failure before was actually the 1/4″ pipe fitting in the compressor that actually came apart (push lock) the plastic ring and seal came out of the brass housing. So I lost pressure, didn’t have the correct fitting with me, (I do now). It’s 200 degrees in that compartment with the Gen running, don’t know if that had something to do with the fitting coming apart or not. And, I figured it can’t be good for that compressor either. So, I decided for piece of mind, to install the extra compressor.
The Rol Air is around $250, much less than the cost of others.
The way I made the stand for it to sit in, I can take the compressor out in less than 5 minutes and carry it to another location if needed, or to have access to that side of the engine.
-
Jerry I understand a generator box is going to get warm, do you have a ventilating fan to introduce a constant supply of fresh air?
-
Thanks Jerry, I didn’t realize Vantare put the aux compressor in the gen box..
-
I don’t see a fan unless its on the back side, I’ll check.
The radiator for the generator is on the opposite side of bus with a squirrel cage fan blowing down through it. The gen never runs more than 180-190.
The aux compressor gets so hot you can’t touch it. Next time it’s running, I’ll check it with my heat gun.
-
Jerry,
Based on the original compressor’s location you might want it to be the backup. That way it’s not operating in extreme heat. Great looking install!
-
Jerry the fan may not be in the box itself but might be adjacent to it to feed air. Otherwise your aux compressor is going to start out at the 180 degree temp in the box due to the heat from the generator and exhaust. From that temp it is really going to get hot because as it compresses air it is creating even more heat.
There has to be provision for ventilating.
-
Jon,
I agree, I looked and there is a squirrel cage blower in the compartment across from it, it appears to blow into the generator box, but on the generator side, there is ductwork that looks like it blows down to the ground. You have to be right, it has to have some cool air coming or going, maybe there is a venturi effect, dragging hot air out.
Log in to reply.