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Filling Tires From The Main Bus Compressor
Probably covered here and I missed it but is it possible to top off the bus tires from the bus air compressor with the engine running? I have aired up car tires from my auxillary compressor and even 80lb trailer tires from the bus compressor but will it fill a bus tire to 100 or 105?
I have two tires I want to top off and the two truck stops on the way out of town have no air. That seems to be a new trend and one I do not like.
Thanks,
Davy
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19 Replies
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You can do it Davy, but it takes awhile because of volume. You just have to keep topping off and everytime your aux air get’s down to about 110 psi, you have to bleed the air off so the compressor cycles again so you can grab that 115 – 125 lb air off the top and then start all over again.
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It seems this issue of compressor capacity is too common and it has been a problem in my coach for the front tires. Is there a reason the converters don’t install a compressor that will do it easier and does everyone just torture themselves with the bleed off technique ( it works but is a PIA) or is there a solution I’m not aware of. I have a portable compressor I carry and have considered switching out the Thomas unit for something with greater capacity. Thoughts anyone? -
Unless your coach tires require pressures greatly in excess of the compressor cut in pressure (usually around 90 to 100) the engine driven compressor is a good source of air via the accessory air system.
My steers take about 105 so I would have a little bit of the inconvenience making the compressor cycle off and on to get the higher pressures needed, but my drive and tag require 85 and 80 respectively so they are simple to inflate.
Fast idle helps with the volume of air produced.
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SMC builds a device called a Booster Regulator (NVBA 1110-T02) it will double the input pressure. It is powered by the input air, and if you put 110psi in you will get 220psi out. It is great for filling tires. We allways recomend them to our customers. Typically you will get very dry air from a properly maintained onboard system. New they cost about $2700 but they can sometimes be found used for as little as $300. If you get one, make sure your hose on the output side is capable of handeling the pressure.
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I suppose that a pressure regulator could be put on this device to tone it down from 220 to something more reasonable like 150 pounds. If that is done, should there be a small tank between this device and the regulator?
I looked at the PDF. Is it 120volt? 12volt? 24volt? or does to work on air pressure? Does it have a pressure regulator vavle built in the device?
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Just remember that a pressure doubler reduces air flow by about half.
I’m not sure if messing around getting the compressor to cycle is more of a pain than waiting twice the time for a doubler to deliver the necessary air.
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did not know that I could have used bus air to air up my tires. So I spent $500 and bought a Powertank.
(check http://www.powertank.com). I have the portable 10 lbs. version which fits nicely into the basement and as long as I make sure to have it filled once in a while, I have plenty of air to top off tires. I also learned later, that I could have had this setup for less money by “building” a tank system like that. But then it would not be as nice and shiny as the one I have.
Cheers,
Ronald
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Not being in a hurry going down the road, I’m also not in a hurry if I have to add air to a tire or two. The on board compressor works just fine even if I have to wait for it to re-cycle(not long on fast idle). Usually adding 5# or less, just not a big deal. With a bib at the front, middle and rear of the bus it’s pretty simple. Geo.
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I use the aforementioned air doubler. It works just fine for topping off the tires and doesn’t take very long when you are only adding 5 or 10psi. The device is pneumatic – just connect your bus air to it
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I picked up an air hose reel sometime in the past when I lived in CA. Never installed it at the house. Was thinking about putting it in the bus for that exact reason. I was also wondering if it would work. I know I have a hose valve right there above the batteries. The shop has used it to air up my bus. I didn’t know if that was a two way valve and if I could hook my hose there or not. Does anyone else have an air hose reel in their bus? If so, where is it?
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Dale, Space on our coaches is usually at a premium so consider the trade off. I have had to air my tires when traveling only two or three times in 25 years and almost 400,000 miles. If filling the tires with air is required often first cure that problem. When you have good tires and good Schrader valves with good valve stem caps the only time you likely will be adding air is when temps start dropping due to winter”s aproach.
I do carry 50 feet of hose with the fittings and a tire chuck, but that is not taking up much room. Hose reels due to the swivel fitting can be a source of air leaks.
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Good thought process, Jon. I’ve got brand new tires so should be in good shape. Thanks.
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New tires with good caps with seals will all but eliminate the need to fill the tires except for an occasional 2 or 3 pound adjustment and that can be timed to when you are in for service or parked within reach of an air hose such as when fueling.
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Sorry for the basic question, but where do I find the output from the bus compressor that I can use on my tires? ’97 XL chassis…
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On my H, it’s right under the driver compartment …
I also have air in the rear engine compartment for tow reasons.
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