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Thomas Aux Compressor retrofit
My aux compressor runs but does not compress. I have explored the rebuild option and have tentavively decided to replace it.
The original compressor is a Thomas GH-517B. The equivalent Thomas replacement is #270073. Unfortunately, prices for this relatively basic compressor range between outrageous and ridiculously outrageous.
Does anybody have suggestions for an acceptable substitute that is reasonably priced?
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26 Replies
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I usually use a California Air air compressor. Amazon has the compressor only or a package for around 200 bucks.
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Colt,
I would avoid big box store or general retail compressors. They are likely inexpensive but they probably lack the quality we expect, in terms of service, noise and reliability.
I just bought this for my coach and while its price is also somewhat staggering I feel more comfortable with its quality.
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Thank you Jon. I will check it out.
BTW, that price is far from staggering. Check out the price of the Thomas model…3X as much!
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That’s a great price on that Gast compressor… they retail around $1000
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Mikee is spot on the Califorina Air compressor is great quality the 1 hp model 1.6 gal single tank runs right at 200 bucks you will feel a little vibration but its almost silent just a slight bit louder than a Junn air unit. Good luck
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I also replaced with the Thomas with a California Air compressor, and it fit the space nicely and is very quiet.
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The CA compressor looks nice, probably will do a good job, but if you opt to go that route make absolutely certain you install a check valve in the system (or a manual shut off valve like Marathons have) so the coach pneumatic system is truly isolated from the compressor. Home shop compressors are not built to DOT standards and I have had home compressors with aluminum lines fail. Aluminum is cheap and works well for an application where if it busts you just fix the leak. Not so easy in the bus. There are other concerns such as the standards for the tank, etc.
A lot of the expensive compressors like the Gast and Thomas are built to be used in the medical profession so they are built to a higher standard than a big box store product. Additionally from the conpressor to the coach it is likely all DOT tubing and fittings were used.
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I purchase quite a bit from Zoro for my manufacturing plant and they have a lot of email coupons of up to 30% off with free freight on a regular basis.It is also interesting if you use the WW Grainger part number in their search window the same part will usually be found.
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When mine failed to compress, I bought the same Thomas model through Zoro.
Details are:
Zoro Item
Product Name
Description
Shipping
Unit Price
Qty.
Amount
G2024032 Pump Piston Air Compressor/Vacuum Pump,1/3HP Expedited Shipping Available $388.34 1 $388.34
Total $388.34
I( then bought the repair kit and repaired the failed unit. Details are:
G2385031 Service kit Service kit, For 5Z647 Expedited Shipping Available $41.80 1 $41.80
Subtotal $41.80
Shipping $50
Tax 00
Total $46.80
After repairing the failed Thomas compressor it tested fine so I now have a spare.
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Thank you all for the advice.
I managed to find a NIB Thomas compressor identical fot the failed unit. What a deal at less than $1000! The currrent Thomas replacement for the failed unit is over $2300 from Zoro! I know you are not supposed to say “retarded” any more, but that’s retarded!
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Colt,
As an English Major, I believe the past tense of “Retired” is, in-fact, RETARDED. So use that word all you want. I should know, as I have been RETARDED for over 15 years and a lot of people say I have been retarded most of my life.
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The Zoro replacement (identical) for the failed Thomas compressor in my Millennium is $387. You must have a very unique compressor in your Marathon!
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I just got an email from Zoro with 25% off on any purchase of $400 or more with free freight.
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I don’t care how pretty, efficient, durable, quiet, etc. the Thomas compressor is, it cannot be worth the asking price, at least for this application. Grainger wanted close to $3K for the current, equivalent model.
I would have tried something different, such as a Gast or California air, but when I found the identical Thomas model, I figured it was worth a few hundred extra dollars not to have to deal with replumbing the compressor, retrofitting the mounting bracket, etc.
I have also learned two lessons. From this forum, I learned that there is no reason to leave the aux compressor on when you are parked in the bus barn…my compressor ran more than necessary.
From Marathon service in San Antonio, I learned that when the service manager told me that my compressor “sounded funny” and may be on death watch, he might not have just been trying to get further into my wallet.
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Jon has the “quality” issue right.
One of the past owners of my bus replaced the original Thomas 12v compressor with a Viair. That compressor lasted less than three years, which is why I now need to replace it, probably with a Thomas compressor.
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