Height Control Valve questions

[RichardEntrekin]

I thought I might get some hands on input from the experienced guys. I need to replace the rear HCV's because one is leaking. Newell speced Ridewells, and the valve is made from ERP (Engineered Reinforced Plastic). Ridewell has superseded the original valve with a different design, but still in plastic. The new Ridewell is NOT a drop in for the old one, meaning I have to fab some brackets. That's no big deal, but got me to thinking, that if I have to fab, what would be the best HCV to use.

I think MCI and Prevost use a valve either branded as Delco or King of the Road. Haldex also seems to be a popular brand.

Do you guys have any favorites? Or best sources for pricing?

Thanks

[Busted Knuckle]

Richard if you have to fabricate, I'd go with whatever is locally available at a reasonable price. That way if you have trouble in the future it'll be a simple run down to the parts house and grab it job.

But on the other hand if ya wanna go fancy and get creative with it while yer at it. Ya might wanna get you some actuators like Setra and some other companies use to lengthen the linkage at the push of a button  to use the air ride to "raise" the coach.
My Setra's use air mini air cylinders to do this, but if IIRC Sean @ http://www.ourodyssey.us/
used some electric ones he can adjust using a potentiometer.
Using these along with a dump valve would give you the ability to temporarily raise or lower your coach from the drivers seat with the touch of a button!
FWIW HTH
  BK 

[RichardEntrekin]

Thanks BK

I already have that setup, but it works differently than you described. There are manifolds front and rear with six solenoids, two to let air into bags, two to let air out of bags, and the third set opens the bags to the HCV valves. The third set is open anytime the coach is in motion.

I have six toggle switches in the cockpit. Travel/Level, Master UP or Down, UP/Down for each corner.

[zubzub]

Seems like you may be able to dispense with the HCV completely with a small plumbing change.  I know many here have once they installed a leveling system.

[gus]

I agree with BK, if you have to fabricate buy whatever the local parts store carries.

I did this last time I had a problem, beats looking for expensive originals or having obsolete stuff overhauled and you can find them anywhere truck parts are sold.

[RichardEntrekin]

Thanks

I want to fab a more secure and precise adjustment rod anyhoo. I went with the all metal King of the Road.