How to air up MC9 with shop compressor

[Seann]

Have removed muffler and air filter for rust repairs...would like to air up bus with outside air, have been told to look for a fill point in driver side front cabinet (don't see anything). I have an air chuck at the back right beside the drain cock, will that one do the same thing?
Thanks,
Seann

[plyonsMC9]

Hi there Seann,

I use the rear fill near the air drain valve.  Have seen mechanics use that as well.  I too do not have a valve up front.  Have not had a problem with that approach.  Usually fill it to 115 psi.  I once some amount of air over 120 psi and the air dryer went off while I was heading under the front of the bus to work.  THAT will wake you up.      Never did that again.

Also have built a set of 2 large ramps (to run up the rear duals and tag) and 4 small ramps (for inside dual and steer tires).  Also augment with floor jacks (vs hydraulic).  I use these in various combinations based on how much work, and where I'm doing it, under the bus.

We may have had a thread on the ramps on the forum, I've found those to be very handy.  And I carry two of the small ones on the road, just in case.  If interested I can take some pix. 

Hope this helps,

[Seann]

Thanks, I'll try the rear one...was just thinking of firing up my sawmill to make some ramps but any photos would be great...

[Van]

I forget now but did the 9 have a valve behind the air fill?

[luvrbus]

They fill from the passenger side rear engine door ,most have a ball valve you need to open to fill it 

[plyonsMC9]

We built using 2"x12"s.  I keep 'em in the barn.  The short ones are just 50" in length as measured by the longest point of the drive up cut.
The longest ramps are 8' in length measured similarly. 

Pix attached.  Views from the front and rear of the ramps.  They do weigh a lot - especially the long ramps.  But I like the security of being able to raise everything.  And the cost. 

Hope this helps!, Phil

[Seann]

The photos look good, I'll make some up. Is your tag lifted in the picture? The rear fill worked fine, have to get under there to see why it's leaning to one side...
Thanks,
Seann

[plyonsMC9]

Hi Seann,

That's kind of funny re: tag lifted.  I checked the original picture and it definitely shows the tag sitting some on the ramp.  But I think with my scaling and putting text on the picture the picture is a bit distorted.  Oddness.  But specifically, no, the tag isn't lifted.  Or possibly the oil spill on the wood creates a false shadow, making it look like it's lifted. 
tag-tire-on-ramp
Re: finding out why it's tilted, sounds great - and when you have that figured out please let me know so I can fix mine!!      

Take care, Phil 

[Jim Blackwood]

I put an old Craftsman garage compressor inside the RH access door, plumbed it in and put a switch up in the rear bedroom with a glow light, so if I want to air up the bus and it's plugged in I can just flip a switch. Haven't really used it yet but I think it could be handy and it didn't cost me anything.

Jim

[dtcerrato]

Our auxiliary electric on board air compressor has saved our butts on otr issues more than once. They're worth their weight in gold when you need it!
BTDT