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phorner
09-10-2008, 04:16 PM
I tend to be very cautious regarding the tire pressure when we're on the road. I check every tire every time we're about to move the bus, and so far there have been no dramatic air pressure losses whether the stay was a couple of days or a couple of weeks.

My first order of business was to get the bus weighed.

The left front weighed in at 7750 lbs and the right at 7700. So, based on the heavier of the two, I need to support a front axle weight of 15,500 lbs.

According to the Michelin tire charts, the recommended tire pressure would extrapolate to about 113 psi. The rest of the recommended tire pressures, based on my weights, comes out to be 90 psi for both the drive and tag axle tires. They can easily be aired up using the bus compressor.

The challenge became maintaining the front tire pressures. It was very difficult to achieve the recommended air pressure relying on the bus engine compressor alone. My small portable compressor would also struggle to make it to 110 psi.

So, after much research among the forum threads, I decided to install and air doubler. The installation was fairly straight forward so far no nasty surprises. I did install a ball valve between the doubler and my air manifold as a way to segregate the add-on from the basic installation in the event of a problem.

The system works great. Absolutely no problem getting the front tires to 120 psi as a test. And, it only took about 5 minutes.

Pictures of the installation are attached.

And, a special thanks to Joe C. and Tuga for their consultation and advice during this project!

JIM KELLER
09-10-2008, 05:02 PM
Paul where did you purchase the Air Doubler ? This is something I have been meaning to do but it slipped off the list.

phorner
09-10-2008, 05:07 PM
Attached is a copy of the air doubler that I ordered.

Ray Davis
09-10-2008, 05:08 PM
Paul,

Nice installation job. I carry a doubler and have it setup with two quick disconnects, and I have a three foot of airhose in my tools to allow me to swap it in.

But, I like what you've done, AND I like the guage too. Nice work.


Jim, here's a thread with make and model.

http://forum.prevostownersgroup.com/showpost.php?p=5664&postcount=40

If you google that product number you'll find several places to purchase it. It runs about $250 as I remember. I found mine on Ebay and got it for $50.

Ray

ps: Try this. http://store.pneuaire.com/nvba1110-t02.html

merle&louise
09-10-2008, 08:17 PM
Beautiful installation Paul, I know that you will enjoy the air doubler.

This is my second air doubler (first one was on my previous coach). I run 130 psi in my front tires so it really comes in handy for those pressures.

Glad to be of any help.

Joe Cannarozzi
09-10-2008, 08:38 PM
I did not realize how small that it is. Ray if you ever find another one on E-bay let me know. I think I want one of those.

Jon Wehrenberg
09-11-2008, 11:10 PM
I think Paul has a good idea, but everybody should keep in mind that if they have to air a tire up, even without a doubler, run the engine and use the full pressure of the bus compressor. If the aux air pressure drops slowing down the fill or below the desired tire pressure, fan the brakes to kick in the compressor.