Onboard air compressor

[chessie4905]

Here you go for an auxiliary air compressor. Same size as mine, but mines an older Craftsman unit. On sale till May 6 th for $114. Mines plumbed into coach air system, mounted in center of rear bay, pretty quiet, and controlled with a switch beside driver. And this ones rated to 150 psi. Mine is 100. Make sure you add a remote drain. They offer extended warranties.

https://www.harborfreight.com/8-gallon-15-HP-150-PSI-Oil-Free-Portable-Air-Compressor-64294.html?ccdenc=eyJjb2RlIjoiMTIxNTkwNjAiLCJza3UiOiI2NDI5NCIsImlzIjoiMTE0Ljk5IiwicHJvZHVjdF9p%0D%0AZCI6IjEyNjExIn0%3D%0D%0A&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=1718c&utm_source=1031&cid=mEmail_s1031_c1718c&sfid=

[PNWorBUST72]

So you use this compressor to supply your air tools and the like or to raise the suspension?  I am guessing this is to level the coach versus having to start and run the engine...

I have an 78 MC8, are there fittings at each wheel or something should I want to do this?

[Iceni John]

Just be aware that most "oil-less" compressors are not as durable as conventional oil-lubricated compressors.   They're OK for occasional painting or airbrushing (that's why they're oil-less, to prevent contaminating the paint sprayer's air supply with oil), but for real long-term reliability nothing beats an oil-type compressor.   Harbor Fright offers their version of generic twin-tank 4-gallon oil-type compressors for sometimes less than $100 if you use the 20% coupon during their sales, and they work just fine for light-duty non-critical use.   I plumbed mine into the bus's accessories air system, but with a simple air filter before the bus's air tank that removes a surprising amount of moisture from the air, especially on humid days.   I installed three air outlets, one on each side and one near the engine, to make it easy to inflate tires or use air tools.   I also added a valve to backfeed air from the accessories tank into the wet tank, and a drain for the electric compressor with an Amflo connector on its end  -  when I needed a tow last year it was very easy for the tow truck to connect to my compressor's drain connector and then be able to air up the entire bus to keep the brakes released.

John

[scanzel]

Oil less compressors don't last long on a heavy duty cycle. When buying check out the duty cycle. I bought a Via Air 24V heavy duty 100% duty cycle claimed by Via Air to keep my air door lock with air feeding a 5 gal reserve tank. On occasional run time it lasted until just after the 1 year warranty and would not produce air. The compression ring on piston failed. Via Air want $45 to check it out plus me shipping it plus parts to repair and ship it back. No way Via Air, I trashed it and now using a Craftsman oil compressor. Oil less compressors don't like a lot of heat build up it causes the piston compression ring to fail. I had a small Senco oil less fail also, trashed that one too.

[chessie4905]

It"ll depend on how much and how long you use it, and how much money you want to spend.

[buswarrior]

I'd say every conversion needs an aux compressor for silent campground departure.

This is a big trigger for getting us banned from campgrounds.

Cold start, smoke show, loud diesel, trying to fill the leaky air system from empty, he and she yelling at one another over the engine to break camp...

While everyone else was looking forward to sleeping in and breathing fresh air...

Aux air compressor buried SILENTLY in a bay, and a block heater to minimize the oil burn on cold start...

The good neighbour busnut has a goal: start the engine, release the parking brake and moves out of the camping site. You can do whatever else you want out there at the entrance, away from the other campers.

If the coach has air integrity and a fresh engine and can do that by it self, GREAT!

If it can't, install systems to allow for as silent and fragrance free departure as possible.

If you don't give a hoot what others think, do the hobby a favour and stay out of campgrounds?

Happy coaching!
Buswarrior

[Jim Eh.]

Very well put.

[TomC]

This is the air compressor I have. Notice the 3,000hour life cycle compared to most that have only 500hour life. The 2hp is very quiet-like an air conditioner running. Not the cheapest, but one of the best for quiet air compressing. It is so good, I saw it in a multi-million dollar yacht as standard equipment from the manufacturer. Good Luck, TomC http://www.californiaairtools.com/ultra-quiet-series-of-air-compressor-contractor-grade/2-0-hp-air-compressors/cat-4620ac/

[Oonrahnjay]

... .. Good Luck, TomC http://www.californiaairtools.com/ultra-quiet-series-of-air-compressor-contractor-grade/2-0-hp-air-compressors/cat-4620ac/

     No price listed.  Do you have a price (ballpark OK), Tom?   Thanks. 

[TomC]

https://www.lowes.com/pd/California-Air-Tools-4-6-Gallon-Electric-Twin-Stack-Quiet-Air-Compressor/1000141937

[sledhead]

https://www.lowes.com/pl/Air-compressors-Air-tools-compressors-Tools/2911831268?refinement=4294397315

Dave

Tom beat me to it !

[Oonrahnjay]

https://www.lowes.com/pd/California-Air-Tools-4-6-Gallon-Electric-Twin-Stack-Quiet-Air-Compressor/1000141937

https://www.lowes.com/pl/Air-compressors-Air-tools-compressors-Tools/2911831268?refinement=4294397315

Dave
Tom beat me to it !   

      Interesting.  These are two different models, one draws about 14 Amps and the other 8.5 and there is a corresponding difference in the air supply/pressure between the two.  One is $300 and change, the other $200+.  Both have the 4.6 gallons twin tanks.
      Good info to have.  Thanks for the recommendation.

      And while we're talking, do you use the tanks that come with these units or do you fit the actual compressor mechanism to pump directly into the most appropriate tank for your bus and do away with the compressor assembly tanks?  It would sure seem to reduce bulk and fiddle factor to just go direct to your bus tank.

[windtrader]

...do you use the tanks that come with these units or do you fit the actual compressor mechanism to pump directly into the most appropriate tank for your bus and do away with the compressor assembly tanks?  It would sure seem to reduce bulk and fiddle factor to just go direct to your bus tank.

My question too. I have an unused standalone compressor that I want to take the pump parts and plumb it into the existing air system. There is a connector for accepting external air so a simple mod to put the compressor in line. Gets rid of the entire second tank and easily fits into the place where the AC was pulled out.

[chessie4905]

Sure, you can omit tank or tanks. Just be sure you don't then have an issue of compressor trying to start against head pressure from main system.Make sure to install check valve between pump and air system. Also, why do you need two small tanks in that package? It uses teflon rings like all the other oil less compressors. Those compressors are all small packages unless room is sparce. Probably all from China. Any should suffice unless you are running the daylights out of it. Mine is mainly for bringing up air pressure to minimize idle time. Or to move off road if main air compressor fails.Like has been already stated, block heater and aux air makes it nice for leaving campsites.
You could install an air compressor on your house generator with an ac type clutch to accomplish the same thing.

[windtrader]

as you see, my compressor is old style single tank. Hoping I can just use the top part and share the main bus air tank. Mainly want to use to air up before leaving and occasional air tool use.