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Bus Discussion => Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) => Topic started by: Tenor on July 18, 2009, 05:49:10 AM

Title: I have pieces for a manual leveling system - What else do I need
Post by: Tenor on July 18, 2009, 05:49:10 AM
Can anyone help me put together my leveling system?  These pieces all came with the bus. 

I know that the system should not use electricity after the bus is leveled and the power is turned off, and I think for campground leveling I only need a 3 point system.  If I have extra valves, would anyone mind giving me some ideas on how to use them?  I've already planned to remove the foot valve for my air horn.  Thank you in advance!

I have all of these fittings:

(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi613.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ftt216%2Ftenor007%2FP1000887-1.jpg&hash=f73f574addc8f51cee2c75145c97c73a518c60b9)

I have these single valves (10 total)

(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi613.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ftt216%2Ftenor007%2FP1000888-1.jpg&hash=cb1c47aa7ae0ff12619730ea7e3ca8f946524382)

I have this block of 7 valves

(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi613.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ftt216%2Ftenor007%2FP1000890-1.jpg&hash=b6611dbb2684b4cbdbcec17d53e46c759c995762)

Here is the other side of the block of valves

(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi613.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ftt216%2Ftenor007%2FP1000889-1.jpg&hash=e3d8d5a2dcdd912052e7337277e7d736552c73d9)
Title: Re: I have pieces for a manual leveling system - What else do I need
Post by: JackConrad on July 18, 2009, 07:33:44 AM
Glen,
    My system used the MAC valves.  I can show it to you at the Back to the Bricks rally. It uses one MAC valve (valve #1) in the line between the OEM leveling vale and the air bags. This valve is closed when not energized (engine off). When Master switch is turned on, MAC valve opens allowing air to flow from OEM leveling valve to the air bags. Between valve # 1 and the air bags, 2 MAC vales are installed using a T fitting in the OEM air line. 1 of these vales attaches to the air supply and the other is open to the atmosphere. Both are closed with power off. When the valve that is connected to the air supply is energized, it opens, allowing air in and raises the bus. The other vale, when energized, opens and allow air to escape into the atmosphere, lowering the bus. I connected my solenoids to SPDT momentary contact switches.  Jack
Title: Re: I have pieces for a manual leveling system - What else do I need
Post by: RTS/Daytona on July 18, 2009, 09:02:46 AM
this may help
Title: Re: I have pieces for a manual leveling system - What else do I need
Post by: Dallas on July 18, 2009, 09:44:04 AM
Pete,

It's nice to see yor still trying to help people.  ;)
Title: Re: I have pieces for a manual leveling system - What else do I need
Post by: Tenor on July 18, 2009, 01:23:37 PM
Thank you Pete!  That is very helpful! 
Jack, if I read your post right, your system functions the same as Pete's, just plumbed differently?
I have seen one conversion where gauges were run to the dash.  Is this necessary, helpful, or cool overkill?

Thanks for the help!
Title: Re: I have pieces for a manual leveling system - What else do I need
Post by: RTS/Daytona on July 18, 2009, 02:29:39 PM
you mean like this -->

These are my current version - very very fail-safe

$399 for full system that maintains auto leveling while traveling

and

$299 for the system with NO SOLENOIDS  (no auto leveling - pure manual control - you remove the HEIGHT ADJUST VALVES also

Pete RTS Daytona
Title: Re: I have pieces for a manual leveling system - What else do I need
Post by: Tenor on July 18, 2009, 09:08:11 PM
Yes Pete, like that.  However, is it necessary?  Could you "advertise" the benefits/needs/cool overkill aspects of why someone should have them?  There are already pressure regulators in the air system to make sure the bags don't get overinflated.

Thanks!
Glenn
Title: Re: I have pieces for a manual leveling system - What else do I need
Post by: JackConrad on July 19, 2009, 05:23:00 AM
Glen,
   We have the Mohawk rolling lobe air bags on our MC-8. When we installed our system, we added gauges on each pair of air bags. We found that under normal driving conditions using the OEM leveling valves, the air pressues in the bags are 55-65 PSI.
   When parked, if leveling requires lifting one corner of the bus, I was concerned about the maximum pressure I could use (I am getting my air from the accessory tank (120 PSI) for manual leveling). I called Mohawk Tech Support and was told to not exceed 85PSI in the air bags.  I did not install pressure regulators, but I watch the gauges when I am adding air.  Jack
Title: Re: I have pieces for a manual leveling system - What else do I need
Post by: Tenor on July 19, 2009, 07:10:56 AM
Thanks Jack!
That makes sense to me.  I may have several pressure regulators floating around that I could use in the supply line to keep that at 80-85psi and not worry about the gauges.  - Unless the regulator fails!  I'll have to give that some thought.  The fancier the plumbing, the more it leaks.

Glenn