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Question Tire Air pressure Source

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Joe Hogan

RVF Supporter
Joined
Nov 3, 2019
Messages
3,503
Location
Florida
RV Year
2024
RV Make
Newmar
RV Model
Dutch Star 4311
RV Length
43
Chassis
Spartan
Engine
Cummins
TOW/TOAD
2018 Ford Flex
Fulltimer
No
When we ordered the Newmar DSDP, I added a front air chuck located in the generator pull out area. My thinking is it would be nice to have an external air source for tires and other momentary uses. If the engine is running or not?

Am I correct in thinking that the on board air pressure reserve can be used to top off tires? Or will I still need to drag around the Viair compressor?
 
@Joe Goodxrvn I'm not sure what the option (or special) is that you ordered. On my 22 Dutchstar there is a air system quick connect in the generator area but I did not add it when I ordered the coach. My experience on my 15 Ventana which had the same air system quick connect was that the system can be used to top off tires BUT.. When I tried to use the onboard air, particularly for the front tires which I run at 110psi I would have to ensure the onboad system was at full pressure i.e. ~130 psi then add air to the tire. The onboard system would quickly fall below 110 since it did not seem to have sufficient volume to complete the tire "top off". I then would have to get in the coach, pump the brakes a few times to get the air system to drop sufficently for the onboad air compressor to recharge the system & cut off, then repeat the tire fill attempt. SO yes it can be done but it's a pain. Now I carry a 110v air compressor to handle any needed compressed air requirements. ARD or others my chime in regarding the option to add an "air intensifier" which I believe resolves the need to cycle the onboard compressor. Never had an intensifier so can't offer any insight on that option.
 
In my experience, especially for the front tires, the RV did not provide enough pressure without the engine running...especially after the first few pounds are used.
 
thank you. This answers my question. I’ll probably just get a 120v compressor.
 
I've heard some adding a "doubler" that makes the on board air tank system capable of use for filling tires, etc. I think this is sold by Newmar but it may be a chassis vendor part.
 
 
Pricey mod, engine still has to be running. I have had porter cable compressor that goes to 150psi and has worked well.

6322971A-E8C3-4348-9302-763D8594BF5D.png
 
I think this is sold by Newmar but it may be a chassis vendor part.
I purchased mine at Spartan and they installed it. They also carry it in the parts department at Newmar. The doubler works great. I can air up my tires very quickly now.
 
I simply bought the fittings/adaptors and a 50' hose at my local Ace Hardware. I check and fill when engine is already idling. Fills the tires super quick and I gave my old compressor to my son-in-law for his RV; one less thing I haul around in my storage bays. The hose stores very easily up front by the factory installed air chuck near the generator with the use of these really strong heavy duty magnetic holders I picked up on Amazon:

Amazon product ASIN B0C3MQLQMZ
Best,
-Mark
 
Has anyone tried using nitrogen in there tires on these rigs. We use it in aviation for several reasons. I am considering swapping out the shop air with nitrogen to see if perhaps the tire pressures stay consistent and possibly cooler. I have a nitrogen set up at the hangar I will need to see what volume they will take and figure out the cost/benefit ratio. I will do the front tires first to see if it makes a difference.
Question, So my coach came with the air port in the generator bay and 15 foot coil hose with fittings was included with the accessories. I wanted to use the onboard air on the rears tires but the only air fitting is the one for the towed rig at the hitch. The male fitting for the hose provided does not seem to be compatible though. what style fitting is that on the hitch, is it unique to the brake systems? I don't use brakes on my toad.
Thanks
 
[no expert on this]

I think you could but I recall seeing a video that you would need to completely deflate your tires to get the air out prior to putting Nitrogen in.
 
Has anyone tried using nitrogen in there tires on these rigs. We use it in aviation for several reasons. I am considering swapping out the shop air with nitrogen to see if perhaps the tire pressures stay consistent and possibly cooler. I have a nitrogen set up at the hangar I will need to see what volume they will take and figure out the cost/benefit ratio. I will do the front tires first to see if it makes a difference.
Question, So my coach came with the air port in the generator bay and 15 foot coil hose with fittings was included with the accessories. I wanted to use the onboard air on the rears tires but the only air fitting is the one for the towed rig at the hitch. The male fitting for the hose provided does not seem to be compatible though. what style fitting is that on the hitch, is it unique to the brake systems? I don't use brakes on my toad.
Thanks
I realize this is mainly on car tires but it’s worth a read when thinking about adding nitrogen.
 
I'm probably in the minority, but I do use the coach's air to top off my tires. It takes a few minutes per tire, but I can get the fronts up to 115 psi which is where I want them. The backs are less and thus easier to top off.
 
Has anyone tried using nitrogen in there tires on these rigs.
Yes, I have been using nitrogen in everything I own. I purchased a tank to try the nitrogen in everything I own. :confused: I personally think it is in my head, ;)but it seems the coach does less rut tracking and wandering.
 
If I took the RV plunge (and bought one with air brakes) I would certainly install an air doubler.


For $130 and 10-15 of my time it would take less room and weigh less than a dedicated compressor, it would be less moving parts to worry about too.
 
Nitrogen v air!

I've used nitrogen in racing applications for decades. It does have its purpose. One of my firstclass A (long ago), a 40', had a LF tire blowout. The coach was only 3 yrs old. What I learned was, the moisture inside the tire will rotten the side wall, hence, cause the side wall blowouts.

Some service stations do not maintain their air compressors properly. Those compressors tend to introduce significant amount of moisture into your tires. You can test this by simply opening the valve on the air line and spray into the air. Those compressors that are maintained poorly, you will see a stream of moisture come out of the air hose.

For most cars and trucks that are driven on daily basis, this is not a major issue. However, for an RV that sits idle for many months, that becomes a cancer. The moisture inside the tire collects at the bottom and overtime it rusts the belts on the side from within. Eventually, you'll experience a side wall blowout.

That first blowout, was my last tire blowout. That was some 20 yrs ago. Since, I started using nitrogen. I do not replace the entire existing air inside the tire with nitro. I just use the nitro tank to add air when needed. There is no reason to replace the entire air volume, unless you plan to race that vehicle. The idea is to avoid introducing more and more moisture into the tire for a vehicle that tends to sit idle for long periods of time.

The tanks that I use cost about $50 to replace/refill. I don't recall how much it cost to purchase the original tank. Its a 5' tank. Without using it for racing it lasts me about 3 yrs. That covers the 8 tires for the motorhome, 4 for the personal car and 4 for the tandem axle trailer in tow.. With that approach, I have never had any more tire blowouts, and my rv tires last 8-9 years without any issues. Attached is the drive axle tires which were just shy of 7 yrs old and more than 70k. If you look close, you'll see there is very little thread left in them. Unlike my previous units which were kept in a climate control barn, this one was outside the entire time and with exposure to extreme hot andextreme cold.

Btw, those drive axle tires worn out much sooner that I expected them. Thats was due to the defective tag axle which could not be aligned properly, hence causing excess wear on the drive axle tiers as well. The drive axle was originally slightly outof alignment due to faulty freightliner alignment procedures, otherwise, those michelin's should have lasted well into 80-90kmiles.

With a little proper care, the RV tires can last as long as they are designed to be used. Also, anapplication of 303 twice a year, seemed to help.
tire.png
 

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