JohnJill Report post Posted August 25, 2014 Question, we were at a resort this weekend and was talking to a man with a class A as well. He asked if I blow my bags before I level and again when I return home and store it. Is this the right way or just a preference. Thanks John Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
elkhartjim Report post Posted August 25, 2014 I don't think it matters. If you don't release the air, over time they will leak enough to deflate. My 08 that I've owned since 07 will leak down in 5-6 days. Regardless, I release the air after driving in the storage building. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hermanmullins Report post Posted August 25, 2014 John, If you have leveling jacks it is good to release (dump) the air bags. This will lower the coach so your jacks will not have to extends so far and you can level better. Also Jill will thank you for having the step closer to the ground. Herman Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
desertdeals69 Report post Posted August 25, 2014 I don't believe that the air bags leak. I think its in the fittings or leveling valves that have leaks. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jlandon13399 Report post Posted August 25, 2014 When I release the air from the suspension it takes forever. First the front releases then the rear. Is this normal with Holiday Rambler/Monaco? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
huffypuff Report post Posted August 25, 2014 Works better to feather the brake pedal (key on engine off) hold the dump switch at the same time. That lets all the air out of the system. Then you level without problems. I see where some level coach and the air suspension will override the level and throw coach to one side. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hermanmullins Report post Posted August 25, 2014 Ray, sorry but just feathering the brake will only release air from the air tanks and not from the air bags. Jack if your dump on your air bags is real slow you may have a blockage. I could not dump the air on our last Monaco. I thought I needed to replace the dump valve solenoids (there were two). What it turn out to be was blockage from dirt dobbers. Cleaned out the valves put on filters and the air dumped with out a problem. On my Monaco I have to hold the dump button down until the bags are dumped. My procedure for leveling is to first shut down the engine, dump the air bags, then press the auto level button. I have air leveling and the air in the tanks along with the air pump my coach will level. There is a small air pump that will continue to maintain the correct air. Herman Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
huffypuff Report post Posted August 26, 2014 I think we are talking apple and oranges here. I wrote "Works better to feather the brake pedal (key on engine off) hold the dump switch at the same time". What is stopping the air bags from filling back up if there is air pressure in the tanks? Most have hydraulic jack leveling system and air suspension doesn't play nice with it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
elkhartjim Report post Posted August 26, 2014 I don't believe that the air bags leak. I think its in the fittings or leveling valves that have leaks. I wonder why its necessary to replace air bags? Could it be they begin to crack or as they age, they begin to harden and not seal? Granted, fittings and valves and any other connection can leak. I'm not positive if my slow leaks are from the air bags not sealing or if it could be one of the dozens of connection points leaking. Back to JohnJill's question - as Herman stated earlier, dump the air before leveling to lower the coach so the levelers don't need to lift as much/high. When placing the motorhome in storage, dump or don't dump, it makes no difference because in a day, week or month, the air bags will be deflated - whatever the reason. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hermanmullins Report post Posted August 26, 2014 Ray, When I dump the air bags my engine is off. The bags will stay deflated until I hit the level button. At this point the correct air bags will inflate until the coach is level. There have been many times when I hit the level button the coach will not move because it is already level. My bags will not inflate again until I start the engine and turn off the level switch. My coach will remain level by the onboard air pump. I am not sure if any other coach mfg.'s have the option but Monaco has Air Leveling as an option. Standard is Jacks. If you select the Air Bag option you will not get the jacks unless you request them. I know of some folks that have both and level with air and stabilize with the jacks. Air leveling will give you a little more movement then jacks on solid surface. Herman Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wigginsjsr Report post Posted August 26, 2014 The manual for my 2011 Monaco Knight recommends pumping the brakes while holding the air dump switch to decrease the time required to dump all the air. If I do not pump the brakes, it takes a long time. My coach has hydraulic levelers, not air leveling. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
elkhartjim Report post Posted August 26, 2014 I'm sorry John this thread has turned into a how do you dump air in a Monaco thread and gotten away from your simple question of to dump or not to dump and I hope you got the answer to your question. I'm sorry if I contributed to the hijacking of your thread. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
huffypuff Report post Posted August 27, 2014 Most have hydraulic jacks like Wiggins (apples). You mention air leveler option (orange) I'm out of here. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
