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Release air brakes using external air source? No onboard air supply

Yahoo Message Number: 73189
Hello All:

Do any of you have knowledge of the correct procedure for using an external air supply to release the brakes? I want to be able to drive my coach up on my ramps to inspect the air dryer.
Thank you,
Tom Dunlap

2000 Affinity 5688

Re: Release air brakes using external air source? No onboard air su

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 73195
I am a bit confused. Assuming that you can run the engine and drive up on your ramps (heavy duty I presume) then when you set the air brakes, that releases air from the brakes to lock them up. Then shut of engine and open up the two or three air dumps around the rig to release the rest of the air in the system. My coach has two air dumps back by the engine service door, two up front under the coach and two under the middle drivers side. The brakes will not release until you start the engine back up and recharge the air system...or hook up and external aircompressor to two of the air dumps to recharge the holding tanks.
There are numerous ways to dumpt air including the auto leveling system but just make sure you dump all of it before taking apart the dryer.
Again the assumption is that you are driving the rig on to the ramps because the engine still runs. IF not then I would not try to move the rig without being hooked up to a tow vehicle while releasing the brakes with compressed air.
Your vehicle should not move if you have no air in the system. It takes air to release the brakes.....If no air pressure, then brakes are locked. One last point. Most rigs if not all, the front wheels do not lock when the air is dumped so don't lift the rear wheels off the ground without doing a really good blocking job on the front tires.

my two bits

Dallas 11688

Re: Release air brakes using external air source? No onboard air su

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 73201
Hi Dallas:

I am sorry for the confusion. My problem is I am not building any air pressure with my onboard compressor. I have checked the and the governor, they are both okay. I want to inspect the dryer next. To inspect the dryer i would like to get on my ramps. Of course, I will need to use an external air supply from my shop compressor so I have air in my coach reservoir tanks to operate the brakes.
If my suspicions are right and the dryer is the problem I will be able to bypass the dryer and get my coach in for service.
Tom

Re: Release air brakes using external air source? No onboard air su

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 73204
Tom: I tried to respond to you personally, but your email address did not work. anyway, if your coach is like my 2000 Intrigue, there are three valves in the front compartment on the driver's side. The inside one, if connected to compressed air, will provide air to unlock the brakes.

Al Colby

2000 Intrigue 10979

Re: Release air brakes using external air source? No onboard air su

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 73207
Hi Al:

teedunlap@... Thanks, I will check first thing in the morning. I could have sworn that there was an air chuck mounted on one of the generator rails that was to be used to air the coach in the event that you had to be towed. Senior moment, different coach or just nutty? LOL Thanks for trying to get in touch.
Tom