Air pressure is gone, stuck in a Monaco Dynasty

[mexicanpiloto13]

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

[Busskipper]

wolfe10 wrote:
IMO, the "Judgmental Comments" were not out of line. The reason is safety. A learning curve on the mechanical aspects/coach maintenance is reasonable. A learning curve (i.e. one does not know how their brakes work) is NOT reasonable.

Without a working knowledge of how the coach brakes work, safety could become an issue.

And in most states, to legally drive a larger coach requires a different driver's license that requires passing a "how do air brakes work" test.

Guys most drivers have no Idea How ANYTHING in the car or the Coach works - think about it.

If we gave a test it would be pretty lonely on the forum.

But on the other hand I would not need to travel in the OFF SEASON.

Just Saying,

The real question/answer will be in 5 years when we have all the driver less cars!

JMHO,

[bob_b]

Glad that you got it fixed. Don't drive longer than necessary with the dryer bypassed as the only limit on excessive air pressure buildup is the relief valve in the air tanks. You'll see 150psi or more on your gauges and hear a new banging sound as those relief valves work. The one way check valve is a $15 part and easily replaced. Anything more than that and you should look into a replacement dryer. Been there, done that! Bob

[wolfe10]

IMO, the "Judgmental Comments" were not out of line. The reason is safety. A learning curve on the mechanical aspects/coach maintenance is reasonable. A learning curve (i.e. one does not know how their brakes work) is NOT reasonable.

Without a working knowledge of how the coach brakes work, safety could become an issue.

And in most states, to legally drive a larger coach requires a different driver's license that requires passing a "how do air brakes work" test.

[blakduk01]

It would be nice if we were all as smart as everyone else seems to think we should be. I think it would be better if the responses to the mans difficulties were more to the point of resolving his problems and less on being judgemental of his knowledge. Remember we were all at that point one time(I.E. not knowing squat). His explanation did get me to check with my rv guy and found out that there is a coupling that I can get to bypass the dryer to at least be able to drive to a place of repair instead of being towed. When I pick up my rig at the end of this week, I will have him show me where this dryer is and how to disconnect it and insert the . coupling, so I will not be stuck. Also I think I will renew my good sam roadside service.

[jtessnm]

I agree with MPIRCE, most air brake rv drivers do not know how the system works, and are an accident waiting to happen. The only saving grace is that the air brake system is very reliable.
JWMII, the original post stated that he had 10 PSI and could not set the spring (park) brake, and had to chock the wheel. He did not know that the spring (park) brake automatically starts to apply at 40 PSI. The park brake valve is designed to release air and apply the spring brake at or below 40 PSI. I am concerned that while he now has air pressure the park brake system is very weak or nonfunctional. JT

[jwmII]

mpierce wrote:
This post is why so many of us want a separate license for large RV'ers! Here is someone who does NOT understand AT ALL how air brakes work!

He should AT LEAST be required to know that air PARKING brakes go on when the air pressure is released.

Scheesssh!

RIGHT!!! Just what we need is more regulation. Never mind that the guy knew to get off the road before the spring brakes locked up.

He knew all he needed to know to avoid being a problem on the road.
Mind your business. Scheesssh.

[JoeH]

Thanks for the update on the solution. Good luck on the rest of your trip

[Orcadrvr]

It never ceases to amaze me how deep the well of knowledge is on these forums.

Good job, guys!!!

[Busskipper]

mexicanpiloto13 wrote:
Air pressure fixed. Problem identified by a a mobile mechanic in 60 seconds! Many thanks to all the constructive posts as we lost all air pressure and were marooned in a parking lot in Westfield, Mass for two days. Good Sam wouldn't send a mobile mechanic but was going to tow us somewhere tomorrow. Knowledgeable posters like jorbill2or nailed it. He told me to trust the mobile mechanics and don't tow if it can be fixed on site. Cummins in Springfield referred me to Patriot Freightliner in Westfield and they were closed today (Sunday) But a call to the emergency number got me a quick response. The woman said they recommend Red's Towing in the area. I called Red's and to his credit, he suggested a good mobile mechanic, Bill's Repairs, who could help me "air up." Sure enough, Bill and partner showed up in an hour in a huge diesel panel truck. I have never seen anybody who knew so much about diesel engines. Bill told me to start the engine. Identified the problem as a rusty and stuck air dryer relief pressure valve. (I didn't have the guts to lay under the engine when it was started but he did. He then rerouted the pressure lines and by passed the dryer cannister, so we could continue on our vacation and have it fixed when back in Phoenix. We were ecstatic. $200 well spent for sure. I had other offers to send in a mobile mechanic with beginning charges at $700. My wife was super impressed by the quality of posts on our difficulty and I remain much obliged.
Thanks, hope I can do the same for you some day.

Thanks for taking the time to post the solution - IMHO, this will help others, in more ways than you know, as others will have similar issues on the road. - Hands On is always the best way to get it fixed/Diagnosed.(although Brett, as usual was spot on)

Enjoy the rest of the trip,

[Rick_Jay]

mexicanpiloto13,

Glad to hear you're all set. Thanks for posting your solution and the name of the mobile repair tech. Will definitely keep that information handy. 🙂

Best wishes for a safe journey. 🙂

~Rick

[JetAonly]

Sorry for being late to problem. Glad you got unstuck. You likely have a Haldex Pure Air Plus. It has a history of stuck unloads. It has a upper and lower service kit. I have the same one. I was using 3 year service and discovered it needs more frequent service. I now use two year service.

[mexicanpiloto13]

Air pressure fixed. Problem identified by a a mobile mechanic in 60 seconds! Many thanks to all the constructive posts as we lost all air pressure and were marooned in a parking lot in Westfield, Mass for two days. Good Sam wouldn't send a mobile mechanic but was going to tow us somewhere tomorrow. Knowledgeable posters like jorbill2or nailed it. He told me to trust the mobile mechanics and don't tow if it can be fixed on site. Cummins in Springfield referred me to Patriot Freightliner in Westfield and they were closed today (Sunday) But a call to the emergency number got me a quick response. The woman said they recommend Red's Towing in the area. I called Red's and to his credit, he suggested a good mobile mechanic, Bill's Repairs, who could help me "air up." Sure enough, Bill and partner showed up in an hour in a huge diesel panel truck. I have never seen anybody who knew so much about diesel engines. Bill told me to start the engine. Identified the problem as a rusty and stuck air dryer relief pressure valve. (I didn't have the guts to lay under the engine when it was started but he did. He then rerouted the pressure lines and by passed the dryer cannister, so we could continue on our vacation and have it fixed when back in Phoenix. We were ecstatic. $200 well spent for sure. I had other offers to send in a mobile mechanic with beginning charges at $700. My wife was super impressed by the quality of posts on our difficulty and I remain much obliged.
Thanks, hope I can do the same for you some day.

[jorbill2or]

I just told you !! ??????? See post above putting air in if that's not the problem won't work .. Fix the problem already discussed like the dryer which is my bet or back off the spring brakes so it can be towed . If you have a compotent the person helping you they can move the coach . If not leave it be until you can.

[mexicanpiloto13]

We are trying to get some air pressure in the Monaco and hooked up the compressor to the outside air chuck and took that external compressor up to 100 psi, but no air is getting into the coach system I suspect the governor or something is preventing that or maybe a one-way valve. any idea how they tow an RV fif the brakes are locked up or how they can get air into the system to get it rolling. thanks in advance

[jorbill2or]

I think you've been frightened by people talking big $ for mobile service ..incorrectly ! The tow alone is a big expense Your in a parking lot safe . This problem is a big truck problem not as much a Rv shop repair problem ... The last place I'd look btw . There are thousands of truck repair and mobile truck repair places all across the country and many work on Sunday As a commercial driver I've gotten service on Sunday on my tractor or at least my company has .. Time is money
A proper truck service shop can probably have you on the road quickly perhaps a motel until Monday would be cheap and a better solution , if you don't feel safe , until a qualified mechanic can look at it
Tow only when you can't fix on the spot
Btw the tow can energize the air system by the method you are thinking about air line to fitting but if your compressor is working then that may not work and if not they will back off the spring brakes ... With a wrench on the air can. Let someone who knows how do it .