Forum Discussion

mexicanpiloto13's avatar
mexicanpiloto13
Explorer III
Sep 19, 2015

Air pressure is gone, stuck in a Monaco Dynasty

We have a 1998 Monaco Dynasty with a Cummins 6C 8.3 engine and we have lost all air pressure but fortunately made it to a parking lot in Springfield, MA. where we are currently stuck. I have the tire blocked by rocks, can't even engage the parking brake!! I'm hoping somebody may have some ideas. Going down the Massachusetts Parkway, my warning light came on "low air, check engine" however the air pressure was over 110 psi. I suspect at this point, the air compressor was beginning to go. The indicators came on and off intermittently, but maintained full air pressure...for a while, then it starting dropping to 80, 70, 60 psi. It was all we could do to get to the bottom of the hill and get off the freeway in Westfield. we were trying to make it to a WalMart when the air pressure was just too low and we pulled into a parking lot, just for safety. PSI is now about 10 lbs. Diesel mechanics are out for the weekend and Cummins is closed until Monday. I checked all fuses, looked under the rig for any broken wires and saw none. Tried draining the air compressor tanks (2 of them) of water and there was no water. Anybody had this experience before? We would appreciate any info.
Thanks
Class A

50 Replies

Show More
  • charlie_good_ti's avatar
    charlie_good_ti
    Explorer
    Sep 20, 2015
    When air oressure is diminished to 60psi an dropping you brakes are starting to drag an so first thing should be get off side of road safely. Driving with them dragging risks a BREAK FIRE starting an that can lead to a loss of rv! One of easiest things you can than do is check that the air drier pop off valve is closed an not leaking.You might if air drier is not leaking have a ruptured diaghfram leaking air an that calls for a service person. For those of you mechanically minded there is a very inexpensive adapter available at a truck stop or probably napa store that allows you to bypass air drier pop off valve.Again please do not try to drive with brakes dragging
  • wolfe10's avatar
    wolfe10
    Explorer
    Sep 20, 2015
    You need to get someone who is familiar with air systems to look at it. Highest failure rate items are:

    Governor (under $25)
    Air dryer: cost depends on what dryer you have-- a FACTORY reman (i.e. the company that built it, not cheap knock-off)

    Yes, you could have a massive leak. But if you start the coach and go to high idle for 2 minutes and then shut it off, you would hear the leak just walking around the coach.

    And, as already posted, zero air pressure means the parking brake IS on! It is spring applied and air released. No air-- it IS on.
  • Rick_Jay's avatar
    Rick_Jay
    Explorer II
    Sep 20, 2015
    mexicanpiloto13,

    I have zero experience with DP's, but I always thought you needed air pressure to keep the brakes off, so I'm a bit puzzled as to why they would not be applied without any air pressure.

    As far as reaching Walmart, I don't believe that Walmart allows overnight parking any more, though it IS a SuperWalmart now and they are open 24 hours...so not sure how'd they know. :)

    You are literally the next town over from us. Probably can't help you with your rig, but if there's anything else I can do, don't hesitate to ask.

    If you have a dinghy and like donuts, tomorrow morning head south down 10 & 202 into Southwick and stop at Mrs. Murphy's Donuts (on the left shortly after the junction with Rt. 57).

    We also have Six Flags New England in Agawam, and the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield. My son has a Little League game on Cross St. in Westfield tomorrow at 1:00 p.m. if you're really bored! LOL

    Good Luck,

    ~Rick
  • inky's avatar
    inky
    Explorer
    Sep 20, 2015
    I had the same type of problem three months ago. Mine was the up loader valve. Most repair shops are closed on weekends. My problem was on a weekend as well. Call a mobile mechanic. They are on call all hours of the day and night. Call CoachNet or Good Sam if you are a member of their roadside service. They will find and call a mobile mechanic for you.

    Joe
  • CT_WANDERER's avatar
    CT_WANDERER
    Explorer
    Sep 19, 2015
    Could be a bad air governor Or stuck unloader on the compressor. Need more information. Do you hear any air leaking? Do you have an air drier system? Do you have any tools to work with? Are you good with mechanical systems? I see you said your air pressure drop to 10PSI, did your air brake lock up automatically, they should have.
  • ricelake922's avatar
    ricelake922
    Explorer
    Sep 19, 2015
    The same thing happened to me last week and I have a 1996 Monaco Dynasty. The problem was the air dryer which needed to be replaced. The mechanic took off the old air dryer and put a rag into the area where the dryer was which built up the pressure so his helper could drive it back to the shop. I actually crawled in underneath the RV and watched him do this. They told me that they had to stop once to rebuild the air back again but no problems.
  • CT_WANDERER's avatar
    CT_WANDERER
    Explorer
    Sep 19, 2015
    If you lost all air your parking park should go on automatically, when your pressure get to low.
  • Ranger_Smith's avatar
    Ranger_Smith
    Explorer
    Sep 19, 2015
    When you run the engine do you have any air at the drain laynards? Do you hear any air leaks with it running? Start it up and see if any pressure is being made or hear any leaking? Is the suspension up or did that drop too? Usually when you loose pressure the brakes will lock up. Did the brakes lock up??

About Motorhome Group

38,739 PostsLatest Activity: Nov 19, 2023