djdave Report post Posted February 9, 2017 Great to be a part of the FMCA community and I've learned tons from reading this forum. As a new motorhome owner - 2017 Holiday Rambler Scepter 43Q (similiar to a Monaco Diplomat) this is a brand new world for me after owning travel trailers and 5th Wheels. I've read several posts on air bag/suspension leaks and have a similiar problem with our HR Scepter front end. Our brand new coach was just picked up in mid-January 2017 and has a Freightliner chassis and independent front wheel suspension with steerable tag. My issue is that within 24-36 hours after putting the coach in storage, the front end loses air pressure (I think) and sits about less than a foot off the ground. The back doesn't do this. I don't dump the tag axle when I put it in storage. The air pressure is fine when I'm running the coach and no deviations when driving. Once I start the coach and the pressure builds up, the front end comes back to normal. I called the Freightliner 24/7 Help Line and the technician said that "you probably have a leak and they are very hard to find. Plus, a 2% per hour drop in pressure is still within specs." What the tech said doesn't make sense to me i.e. how can losing that much air pressure be okay? My thoughts are if I have a small leak, it may get bigger and I could have a larger issue down the road. Is this normal in any other coaches? Should I be dumping the tax axle when in storage? I asked the tech and he said that's personal preference. Or, should I call back and request that someone look at it since it's still in the warranty period? Thanks for your advice! Dave R. Alexandria, VA Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hermanmullins Report post Posted February 9, 2017 Dave, Welcome to the Forum. Joined FMCA yet? Your best bet would be to contact HR in Decatur Illinois. Make an appointment to take the coach to the factory. It is a guaranty that by time you get there you will have more on your list. Like a new home you will have a long punch list to get taken care of. Good luck, Herman Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
djdave Report post Posted February 9, 2017 Herman, Thanks for the quick feedback and yes I'm a FMCA member and have already proudly displayed the FMCA sign on my coach. I'll give HR a call and see what they say. So far, we've only had some minor issues i.e. cargo door seals and several minor scratches that the dealer took care of right away. Freightliner has a service center in Gafney, SC which is closer to where I live. With working full-time and also teach college on the weekends, hopefully I can take some time off! Thanks again! Dave Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wolfe10 Report post Posted February 9, 2017 Dave, A complete drop in PSI over 24-36 hours very likely IS within DOT specs. But, that doesn't make it right. I disagree that air leaks of that magnitude would be very difficult to trace. Kiddie bubbles on air fittings between tank, ride height valves and bags and bags themselves should reveal the culprit(s). As long as you have safety stands, this is well within those with even basic mechanical skill. Freightliner should be able to send you a schematic of the air system. But, I would start by contacting your local Freightliner dealer to see if they will look at it under warranty. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wildebill308 Report post Posted February 9, 2017 Welcome to the forum Dave, I would do what Brett said and run it by the dealer. At least get it documented under warranty. Later if they can't fix it at the local level I would think about Decatur. Bill Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
djdave Report post Posted February 9, 2017 Thanks Brett and Bill for you quick replies as well. I have to agree with Brett that losing that much pressure that fast may be within specs but it's not right. I called two local Freightliner Service Centers and one said that it's normal to lose pressure like that. The second one, who normally works on RV's, said that's too much. So, I'm going to take it in to the later service center and get it checked out since it's under warranty. Also, thanks Brett for the advice on getting the air system schematic which I will do for reference. I don't mind working on things like this but since it's under warranty, I feel more comfortable having a dealer look at it - even as Bill said to document it. May be nothing but at least it will be documented. Appreciate all your help guys! Hopefully one day I'll be knowledgeable enough to help others as well! I'll let you know what the dealer did when I get it back. Dave Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
manholt Report post Posted February 11, 2017 We will look forward to that report. Carl Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jleamont Report post Posted February 13, 2017 Dave, to put it into perspective, our coach is a 2002, its winterized and parked at home. I have been in and out of it doing some minor work, the rear has only dropped 1-2 inches from November to January. I started it up and ran it on a 20+ mile road-test in the end of January after completing some engine TLC. While the dash air gauges are back at 10 PSI now the air suspension is still holding the proper ride height and that was 2-3 weeks ago. (and yes the HWH Air leveling system is not turned on ). I would seek out a place to make the proper repairs under warranty, if that doesn't work out then concur it yourself. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
