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Aux Compressor Advice Needed
My plumbing bay job also has me re-thinking the aux compressor and
is there a better way. I can get a rebuild kit for my Gast or try
something quieter. I don’t have a lot of room, so the compressor
dimensions have to be equal or less than the Gast. I’ve seen some Jun
– Air on e-bay, but nothing small enough. My compressor works OK,
just noisy and a little slow at building air, kind of tired like Jon.Any suggestions?
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12 Replies
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Kinda gray like Jon also….hmmmm
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You guys done yet?
Why don’t you get a new coach then you don’t have leaky pumps and wheezing compressors. Just sayin’………
That’ll help the economy.
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Tom,
Go with the Jun- Air. They are quiet, very dependable often operating for 20 years in commercial applications.
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Given what little the aux compressor really does, has anyone considered a 12V compressor, such as this one: http://viaircorp.com/Industrial/450CIG.html ? If a 12V one will work, it would seem a more energy effective solution given it would not have to run through the inverter. Yes, I know that the only time it would run through the inverter is to maintain the leveling system or possibly at engine start time. It just seems like something worth looking at. FWIW, the non industrial version of this 12V pump was on my 08 Beaver and seemed to work just fine.
I just looked at the Jun-Air compressors and am blown away at the prices. Those must be some kind of great compressors. At that price I hope they are indeed silent.
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When I replaced my aux air compressor, I used a compressor similar to the one described in the linked page. It is a 12 volt unit and it does work. However, you must manage any leaks in the aux air system. I also added two check valves in the dischage line to prevent air leak back through the compressor. These compressor do not output much air and will get hot, very hot, if it runs for a long period of time. If I need to replace my aux air compressor again, I will definitely use John Kloop’s recommendation of using a Jun-Air compressor. They are very quiet and the mechanical operate in an oil sump. Again, any compressor will have its issues if it runs continuously and is not designed for this service.
My aux compressor runs so infrequent, I can not seem to get a number on how often it runs. But again, you will need to manage your aux air leaks.
Good Luck,
Hector
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Gil,
I don’t think 12v would hold up well in the bus world. Aux air is an
absolute necessity for many of us due to air toilets, pocket doors, dump
valves, bed lifts, etc.
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Tom,
Another example of how different our coaches can be. When the engine is not running on my coach the only thing my auxcillary air compressor is supporting is the air leveling system and the generator’s air bags, if it is running.
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Just an observation Gil, if all you need an aux compressor for is the leveling system and the generator air bags you are dealing with the two aux air systems that are just about the easiest to get leak free, making the need for an aux compressor almost nil.
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Gil,
Yep, there is a bunch of differences. I had a CC like yours, 2000
and like you I didn’t need aux air for anything while staying in
the bus. That reminds me, the CC’s have the aux compressor and tank
mounted in front behind the bumper and you have a “drain”
switch probably in the first bay starboard. That aux compressor is a
condensation maker and needs drained often. Usually the switch at the
tank gets gummed up and won’t work with the button until cleaned.You probably figured all that out by now, but thought I would
mention it. -
Thanks Tom. I didn’t realize it may be a big source of water in the air system. I do drain it frequently, but maybe I should do so more frequently.
Jon, the aux air is still needed to maintain the leveling system given the effects of temperature and ground movement. I also need it so I can inflate the engine’s air bag for the one set of belts before the engine starts.
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Huh? The effects of temperature and ground movement?
Where do you park?
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Jon,
I wish I could always find a park with paved or concrete pads. After leaving the lower 48 I don’t think I’ve had that luxury once. Most parks in Canada and AK have gravel pads, some firmer than others. As for temperature, it seems that temperature changes affect the axle heights differently. I suspect this has to do with axle weights and the differences in how much air is needed for each bag. Most sites up here in AK are not level. The one I’m in now has the rear bags almost fully inflated and the front ones almost fully deflated.
I look forward to solid pads, grass sites, and amenities of parks in the lower 48. Until the, we’ll just continue to enjoy AK.
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