Air leaks / updated re use of HOLD position.

heinz wittenbecher

New member
Mar 1, 1998
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I've seem various posts re the hold position and is use. For the benefit of
some newcomers that may not have the operations manual or may have missed
reading that page :-)

I quote from the GM Opertions Manual of my Transmode for the Electro-Level
System:

My Electro-Level System consists of 3 switches. Left raise/lower, Right
raise/lower and a Travel switch with an Auto and a Hold position. I could be
wrong, but this is one area where Transmode or not the system are the same.

Driving:
A reminder light... blah, blah, blah
The normal position for the RAISE-LOWER switches should be placed in "OFF".
The TRAVEL switch should be moved to "AUTO" for the first five minutes, if
the vehicle has been in a raised or lowered position. Then move the switch
to "HOLD" after ride height is achieved.

It is not necessary to move the TRAVEL switch to "AUTO" if the vehicle has
not been leveled at a campsite or vehicle load has not been changed
significantly.

NOTE: The "HOLD" position is to be used for normal highway driving, when the
vehicle is in operation. This allows the vehicle to maintain a designed ride
height and eliminates unnecessary operation of the air compressor.

I don't know anything about any of the other Air Systems used, but the above
is an exact quote for those that may have the same system and not the
benefit of the operating manual.

The only additional observation: I have followed this precedure since day 1
some 200k ago in hot as well as cold (and I do mean cold) weather and have
not experienced any problems, even with my Load range D tires. In the 200k I
replaced the Air Compressor once, early on. This goes for the regular 2 bag
suspension as well as still being followed after the 4 bagger enhance.

With the 4 bagger kit I have additional information available, i.e. exact
air pressure at each side. During my walk-around I check the pressure and if
it sits at 110 lbs I don't even turn the compressor to "AUTO" for the
suggested 5 minutes.
CAUTION and CAVEAT: The 110 is normal for my coach... your coach will or may
differ.

** Go Camping **

Heinz
'76 Transmode

> Walt we are back to square one again. eliminating the air system can very
> easily overload individual tires. Don't drive the coach in hold,or
> eliminated the dynamic air system. You are liable to get more "piece of
> mind" than you think! I can't believe Jim Bounds sells valves for the
> purpose of manually adjusting the system. If so I would like to hear him
say it.
>
>
>
>
>

> >Neely,
> >
> >For piece of mind get yourself a tank valve and install it in lieu of
> >the air line. This will allow you to manually adjust the air bags. Jim
> >Bounds has kits or you can make your own. The kit consists of a tank
> >valve and a shut off valve that is in line between the sir line and the
> >air bag. Works great and you can adjust with a portable air pump for
> >about $50. GO CAMPING
> >
> >Walter
> >78 Royale
> >
> >
> >
> Tom & Marg Warner
> Vernon Center NY
> 1976 palmbeach
> "The beautiful Mohawk Vally"
>
>
 
Heinz --

I read your post, then went to get my op manual for our '77 Kingsley.
Its almost like yours -- it says just the opposite:

p 25: Tell tale warning light cluster:

"SET LEVEL TO TRAVEL AUTO" -- This light is designed to inform the driver
that the optional Electro-Level System TRAVEL switch hold be set to the
"AUTO" position before driving the vehicle.

p 33:

blah, blah, blah, "The TRAVEL switch should be moved to "AUTO" while driving
the vehicle."

There you have it, the definitive answer from the owners manual.
Just pick the one you want!

I haven't went as many miles as you, but in the auto setting, I have about
90 pounds on the passengers side and 85 on the drivers. As people move
around, the compressor runs every couple of hours, and the ride height
valves almost always vent when we all get out.

I'm with you... drive and enjoy your GMC today!

Mark

> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-gmcmotorhome
> [mailto:owner-gmcmotorhome]On Behalf Of Heinz
> Wittenbecher
> Sent: Tuesday, May 18, 1999 8:05 PM
> To: gmcmotorhome
> Subject: Re: GMC: Air leaks / updated re use of HOLD position.
>
>
> I've seem various posts re the hold position and is use. For the
> benefit of
> some newcomers that may not have the operations manual or may have missed
> reading that page :-)
>
> I quote from the GM Opertions Manual of my Transmode for the Electro-Level
> System:
>
> My Electro-Level System consists of 3 switches. Left raise/lower, Right
> raise/lower and a Travel switch with an Auto and a Hold position.
> I could be
> wrong, but this is one area where Transmode or not the system are
> the same.
>
> Driving:
> A reminder light... blah, blah, blah
> The normal position for the RAISE-LOWER switches should be placed
> in "OFF".
> The TRAVEL switch should be moved to "AUTO" for the first five minutes, if
> the vehicle has been in a raised or lowered position. Then move the switch
> to "HOLD" after ride height is achieved.
>
> It is not necessary to move the TRAVEL switch to "AUTO" if the vehicle has
> not been leveled at a campsite or vehicle load has not been changed
> significantly.
>
> NOTE: The "HOLD" position is to be used for normal highway
> driving, when the
> vehicle is in operation. This allows the vehicle to maintain a
> designed ride
> height and eliminates unnecessary operation of the air compressor.
>
> I don't know anything about any of the other Air Systems used,
> but the above
> is an exact quote for those that may have the same system and not the
> benefit of the operating manual.
>
> The only additional observation: I have followed this precedure
> since day 1
> some 200k ago in hot as well as cold (and I do mean cold) weather and have
> not experienced any problems, even with my Load range D tires. In
> the 200k I
> replaced the Air Compressor once, early on. This goes for the
> regular 2 bag
> suspension as well as still being followed after the 4 bagger enhance.
>
> With the 4 bagger kit I have additional information available, i.e. exact
> air pressure at each side. During my walk-around I check the
> pressure and if
> it sits at 110 lbs I don't even turn the compressor to "AUTO" for the
> suggested 5 minutes.
> CAUTION and CAVEAT: The 110 is normal for my coach... your coach
> will or may
> differ.
>
> ** Go Camping **
>
> Heinz
> '76 Transmode
>
 
If the travel sw is in HOLD, what happens if you have a leak? I wouldn't want
to hit a bump if the suspension leaks down considerably. Also, if you begin
traveling during a hot day & continue into the night, the air pressure will drop
in the bags & the coach will of course lower. Maybe not dangerously, but you are
not level. On more than one occasion (unfortunately) my system developed serious
leaks while traveling. If the compressor had been on HOLD, ugh! The compressor
will not cycle in auto on a sound system if you drive all day.

One more thought: there is a delay built into the leveling valve which prevents
the compressor from cycling as the suspension works. Also, there is a "dead
zone" which aids in preventing compressor cycling. E.G., if the low point of the
suspension (all the way down) is considered 0, & the high point (all the way up)
is 6, the "dead zone" is between 3 & 4. This keeps the system from "hunting". As
a result of this, if you have leveled at a campsite & lowered one side & raised
the other, when you operate the travel sw to auto the low side will come up to 3
& the high side will come down to 4. To prevent this, lower the high side below
the "dead zone" & then raise both sides by operating the travel sw to auto.

> NOTE: The "HOLD" position is to be used for normal highway driving, when the
> vehicle is in operation. This allows the vehicle to maintain a designed ride
> height and eliminates unnecessary operation of the air compressor.
 
I guess that means it's do as one pleases depending on the year :-)
I'm going to stick with what's worked ok for me this far.

Sorry I brought it up ( I think ) [g]

Heinz

> Heinz --
>
> I read your post, then went to get my op manual for our '77 Kingsley.
> Its almost like yours -- it says just the opposite:
>
> p 25: Tell tale warning light cluster:
>
> "SET LEVEL TO TRAVEL AUTO" -- This light is designed to inform the driver
> that the optional Electro-Level System TRAVEL switch hold be set to the
> "AUTO" position before driving the vehicle.
>
> p 33:
>
> blah, blah, blah, "The TRAVEL switch should be moved to "AUTO" while
driving
> the vehicle."
>
> There you have it, the definitive answer from the owners manual.
> Just pick the one you want!
>
> I haven't went as many miles as you, but in the auto setting, I have about
> 90 pounds on the passengers side and 85 on the drivers. As people move
> around, the compressor runs every couple of hours, and the ride height
> valves almost always vent when we all get out.
>
> I'm with you... drive and enjoy your GMC today!
>
> Mark
>
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: owner-gmcmotorhome
> > [mailto:owner-gmcmotorhome]On Behalf Of Heinz
> > Wittenbecher
> > Sent: Tuesday, May 18, 1999 8:05 PM
> > To: gmcmotorhome
> > Subject: Re: GMC: Air leaks / updated re use of HOLD position.
> >
> >
> > I've seem various posts re the hold position and is use. For the
> > benefit of
> > some newcomers that may not have the operations manual or may have
missed
> > reading that page :-)
> >
> > I quote from the GM Opertions Manual of my Transmode for the
Electro-Level
> > System:
> >
> > My Electro-Level System consists of 3 switches. Left raise/lower, Right
> > raise/lower and a Travel switch with an Auto and a Hold position.
> > I could be
> > wrong, but this is one area where Transmode or not the system are
> > the same.
> >
> > Driving:
> > A reminder light... blah, blah, blah
> > The normal position for the RAISE-LOWER switches should be placed
> > in "OFF".
> > The TRAVEL switch should be moved to "AUTO" for the first five minutes,
if
> > the vehicle has been in a raised or lowered position. Then move the
switch
> > to "HOLD" after ride height is achieved.
> >
> > It is not necessary to move the TRAVEL switch to "AUTO" if the vehicle
has
> > not been leveled at a campsite or vehicle load has not been changed
> > significantly.
> >
> > NOTE: The "HOLD" position is to be used for normal highway
> > driving, when the
> > vehicle is in operation. This allows the vehicle to maintain a
> > designed ride
> > height and eliminates unnecessary operation of the air compressor.
> >
> > I don't know anything about any of the other Air Systems used,
> > but the above
> > is an exact quote for those that may have the same system and not the
> > benefit of the operating manual.
> >
> > The only additional observation: I have followed this precedure
> > since day 1
> > some 200k ago in hot as well as cold (and I do mean cold) weather and
have
> > not experienced any problems, even with my Load range D tires. In
> > the 200k I
> > replaced the Air Compressor once, early on. This goes for the
> > regular 2 bag
> > suspension as well as still being followed after the 4 bagger enhance.
> >
> > With the 4 bagger kit I have additional information available, i.e.
exact
> > air pressure at each side. During my walk-around I check the
> > pressure and if
> > it sits at 110 lbs I don't even turn the compressor to "AUTO" for the
> > suggested 5 minutes.
> > CAUTION and CAVEAT: The 110 is normal for my coach... your coach
> > will or may
> > differ.
> >
> > ** Go Camping **
> >
> > Heinz
> > '76 Transmode
> >
>
>
 
I went an got my stapled together collection of loose copies of Operator's
Manual pages out of our coach. I thought I'd read the same thing you
quoted. But I can't find any mention of it. Course, I'm missing 85% of
the pages. :-(

I've ran ours with the shrader valves closed since we've had it with no
problems. (Only since November last year) It holds a level hieght for
weeks. I only use the compressor when we adjust for level when parking.
The previous owner told me to do it that way, and it's working so far.

bdub
76pb

>I guess that means it's do as one pleases depending on the year :-)
>I'm going to stick with what's worked ok for me this far.
>
>Sorry I brought it up ( I think ) [g]
>
>Heinz
>
>
>> Heinz --
>>
>> I read your post, then went to get my op manual for our '77 Kingsley.
>> Its almost like yours -- it says just the opposite:
>>
>> p 25: Tell tale warning light cluster:
>>
>> "SET LEVEL TO TRAVEL AUTO" -- This light is designed to inform the driver
>> that the optional Electro-Level System TRAVEL switch hold be set to the
>> "AUTO" position before driving the vehicle.
>>
>> p 33:
>>
>> blah, blah, blah, "The TRAVEL switch should be moved to "AUTO" while
>driving
>> the vehicle."
>>
>> There you have it, the definitive answer from the owners manual.
>> Just pick the one you want!
>>
>> I haven't went as many miles as you, but in the auto setting, I have about
>> 90 pounds on the passengers side and 85 on the drivers. As people move
>> around, the compressor runs every couple of hours, and the ride height
>> valves almost always vent when we all get out.
>>
>> I'm with you... drive and enjoy your GMC today!
>>
>> Mark
>>
>> > -----Original Message-----
>> > From: owner-gmcmotorhome
>> > [mailto:owner-gmcmotorhome]On Behalf Of Heinz
>> > Wittenbecher
>> > Sent: Tuesday, May 18, 1999 8:05 PM
>> > To: gmcmotorhome
>> > Subject: Re: GMC: Air leaks / updated re use of HOLD position.
>> >
>> >
>> > I've seem various posts re the hold position and is use. For the
>> > benefit of
>> > some newcomers that may not have the operations manual or may have
>missed
>> > reading that page :-)
>> >
>> > I quote from the GM Opertions Manual of my Transmode for the
>Electro-Level
>> > System:
>> >
>> > My Electro-Level System consists of 3 switches. Left raise/lower, Right
>> > raise/lower and a Travel switch with an Auto and a Hold position.
>> > I could be
>> > wrong, but this is one area where Transmode or not the system are
>> > the same.
>> >
>> > Driving:
>> > A reminder light... blah, blah, blah
>> > The normal position for the RAISE-LOWER switches should be placed
>> > in "OFF".
>> > The TRAVEL switch should be moved to "AUTO" for the first five minutes,
>if
>> > the vehicle has been in a raised or lowered position. Then move the
>switch
>> > to "HOLD" after ride height is achieved.
>> >
>> > It is not necessary to move the TRAVEL switch to "AUTO" if the vehicle
>has
>> > not been leveled at a campsite or vehicle load has not been changed
>> > significantly.
>> >
>> > NOTE: The "HOLD" position is to be used for normal highway
>> > driving, when the
>> > vehicle is in operation. This allows the vehicle to maintain a
>> > designed ride
>> > height and eliminates unnecessary operation of the air compressor.
>> >
>> > I don't know anything about any of the other Air Systems used,
>> > but the above
>> > is an exact quote for those that may have the same system and not the
>> > benefit of the operating manual.
>> >
>> > The only additional observation: I have followed this precedure
>> > since day 1
>> > some 200k ago in hot as well as cold (and I do mean cold) weather and
>have
>> > not experienced any problems, even with my Load range D tires. In
>> > the 200k I
>> > replaced the Air Compressor once, early on. This goes for the
>> > regular 2 bag
>> > suspension as well as still being followed after the 4 bagger enhance.
>> >
>> > With the 4 bagger kit I have additional information available, i.e.
>exact
>> > air pressure at each side. During my walk-around I check the
>> > pressure and if
>> > it sits at 110 lbs I don't even turn the compressor to "AUTO" for the
>> > suggested 5 minutes.
>> > CAUTION and CAVEAT: The 110 is normal for my coach... your coach
>> > will or may
>> > differ.
>> >
>> > ** Go Camping **
>> >
>> > Heinz
>> > '76 Transmode
>> >
>>
>>
>
>
 
Heinz even GM is responsible for perpetuating many of the myths surrounding
the GMC motorhome. I found out from Wes Cauglan that the reason that GM
changed the original procedure in the manual to the one that you have was
that so many customers had air leaks in their systems. As a result the
compressors constantly cycled resulting in complaints from customers. Now
we have better brass fittings instead of those terrible plastic ones that GM
used, and we can now have an absolutely air tight system that will operate
that way it was designed.

Something as simple as the crown in the road, or a side wind on the coach
will change the loading on the individual tires if the coach air system is
not operated in a dynamic mode (travel).

>I've seem various posts re the hold position and is use. For the benefit of
>some newcomers that may not have the operations manual or may have missed
>reading that page :-)
>
>I quote from the GM Opertions Manual of my Transmode for the Electro-Level
>System:
>
>My Electro-Level System consists of 3 switches. Left raise/lower, Right
>raise/lower and a Travel switch with an Auto and a Hold position. I could be
>wrong, but this is one area where Transmode or not the system are the same.
>
>Driving:
>A reminder light... blah, blah, blah
>The normal position for the RAISE-LOWER switches should be placed in "OFF".
>The TRAVEL switch should be moved to "AUTO" for the first five minutes, if
>the vehicle has been in a raised or lowered position. Then move the switch
>to "HOLD" after ride height is achieved.
>
>It is not necessary to move the TRAVEL switch to "AUTO" if the vehicle has
>not been leveled at a campsite or vehicle load has not been changed
>significantly.
>
>NOTE: The "HOLD" position is to be used for normal highway driving, when the
>vehicle is in operation. This allows the vehicle to maintain a designed ride
>height and eliminates unnecessary operation of the air compressor.
>
>I don't know anything about any of the other Air Systems used, but the above
>is an exact quote for those that may have the same system and not the
>benefit of the operating manual.
>
>The only additional observation: I have followed this precedure since day 1
>some 200k ago in hot as well as cold (and I do mean cold) weather and have
>not experienced any problems, even with my Load range D tires. In the 200k I
>replaced the Air Compressor once, early on. This goes for the regular 2 bag
>suspension as well as still being followed after the 4 bagger enhance.
>
>With the 4 bagger kit I have additional information available, i.e. exact
>air pressure at each side. During my walk-around I check the pressure and if
>it sits at 110 lbs I don't even turn the compressor to "AUTO" for the
>suggested 5 minutes.
>CAUTION and CAVEAT: The 110 is normal for my coach... your coach will or may
>differ.
>
>** Go Camping **
>
>Heinz
>'76 Transmode
>
>
>
>> Walt we are back to square one again. eliminating the air system can very
>> easily overload individual tires. Don't drive the coach in hold,or
>> eliminated the dynamic air system. You are liable to get more "piece of
>> mind" than you think! I can't believe Jim Bounds sells valves for the
>> purpose of manually adjusting the system. If so I would like to hear him
>say it.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>

>> >Neely,
>> >
>> >For piece of mind get yourself a tank valve and install it in lieu of
>> >the air line. This will allow you to manually adjust the air bags. Jim
>> >Bounds has kits or you can make your own. The kit consists of a tank
>> >valve and a shut off valve that is in line between the sir line and the
>> >air bag. Works great and you can adjust with a portable air pump for
>> >about $50. GO CAMPING
>> >
>> >Walter
>> >78 Royale
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> Tom & Marg Warner
>> Vernon Center NY
>> 1976 palmbeach
>> "The beautiful Mohawk Vally"
>>
>>
>
>
>
Tom & Marg Warner
Vernon Center NY
1976 palmbeach
"The beautiful Mohawk Vally"
 
I have bought all of mine from Home Depot. they have bottles of the air leak
detector also.

>Tom, I have apparently lost the earlier note concerning where to obtain
>those "...better brass fittings..." for the air system. Can you or anyone
>else with the info post it here so we can get that part of the job under way?
>And if anyone has found them -- or their equivalent -- for a good price, my
>Scotch ancestors would appreciate that info as well. :-)
>Muchas gracias.
>Dick 75 PB in Atlanta
>

>>Heinz even GM is responsible for perpetuating many of the myths surrounding
>>the GMC motorhome. I found out from Wes Cauglan that the reason that GM
>>changed the original procedure in the manual to the one that you have was
>>that so many customers had air leaks in their systems. As a result the
>>compressors constantly cycled resulting in complaints from customers. Now
>>we have better brass fittings instead of those terrible plastic ones that GM
>>used, and we can now have an absolutely air tight system that will operate
>>that way it was designed.
>>
>>Something as simple as the crown in the road, or a side wind on the coach
>>will change the loading on the individual tires if the coach air system is
>>not operated in a dynamic mode (travel).
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>

>>>I've seem various posts re the hold position and is use. For the benefit of
>>>some newcomers that may not have the operations manual or may have missed
>>>reading that page :-)
>>>
>>>I quote from the GM Opertions Manual of my Transmode for the Electro-Level
>>>System:
>>>
>>>My Electro-Level System consists of 3 switches. Left raise/lower, Right
>>>raise/lower and a Travel switch with an Auto and a Hold position. I could be
>>>wrong, but this is one area where Transmode or not the system are the same.
>>>
>>>Driving:
>>>A reminder light... blah, blah, blah
>>>The normal position for the RAISE-LOWER switches should be placed in "OFF".
>>>The TRAVEL switch should be moved to "AUTO" for the first five minutes, if
>>>the vehicle has been in a raised or lowered position. Then move the switch
>>>to "HOLD" after ride height is achieved.
>>>
>>>It is not necessary to move the TRAVEL switch to "AUTO" if the vehicle has
>>>not been leveled at a campsite or vehicle load has not been changed
>>>significantly.
>>>
>>>NOTE: The "HOLD" position is to be used for normal highway driving, when the
>>>vehicle is in operation. This allows the vehicle to maintain a designed ride
>>>height and eliminates unnecessary operation of the air compressor.
>>>
>>>I don't know anything about any of the other Air Systems used, but the above
>>>is an exact quote for those that may have the same system and not the
>>>benefit of the operating manual.
>>>
>>>The only additional observation: I have followed this precedure since day 1
>>>some 200k ago in hot as well as cold (and I do mean cold) weather and have
>>>not experienced any problems, even with my Load range D tires. In the 200k I
>>>replaced the Air Compressor once, early on. This goes for the regular 2 bag
>>>suspension as well as still being followed after the 4 bagger enhance.
>>>
>>>With the 4 bagger kit I have additional information available, i.e. exact
>>>air pressure at each side. During my walk-around I check the pressure and if
>>>it sits at 110 lbs I don't even turn the compressor to "AUTO" for the
>>>suggested 5 minutes.
>>>CAUTION and CAVEAT: The 110 is normal for my coach... your coach will or may
>>>differ.
>>>
>>>** Go Camping **
>>>
>>>Heinz
>>>'76 Transmode
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>> Walt we are back to square one again. eliminating the air system can very
>>>> easily overload individual tires. Don't drive the coach in hold,or
>>>> eliminated the dynamic air system. You are liable to get more "piece of
>>>> mind" than you think! I can't believe Jim Bounds sells valves for the
>>>> purpose of manually adjusting the system. If so I would like to hear him
>>>say it.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>

>>>> >Neely,
>>>> >
>>>> >For piece of mind get yourself a tank valve and install it in lieu of
>>>> >the air line. This will allow you to manually adjust the air bags. Jim
>>>> >Bounds has kits or you can make your own. The kit consists of a tank
>>>> >valve and a shut off valve that is in line between the sir line and the
>>>> >air bag. Works great and you can adjust with a portable air pump for
>>>> >about $50. GO CAMPING
>>>> >
>>>> >Walter
>>>> >78 Royale
>>>> >
>>>> >
>>>> >
>>>> Tom & Marg Warner
>>>> Vernon Center NY
>>>> 1976 palmbeach
>>>> "The beautiful Mohawk Vally"
>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>Tom & Marg Warner
>>Vernon Center NY
>>1976 palmbeach
>>"The beautiful Mohawk Vally"
>>
>>
>
>
>
Tom & Marg Warner
Vernon Center NY
1976 palmbeach
"The beautiful Mohawk Vally"
 
>Heinz --
>
>I read your post, then went to get my op manual for our '77 Kingsley.
>Its almost like yours -- it says just the opposite:
>
>p 25: Tell tale warning light cluster:
>
>"SET LEVEL TO TRAVEL AUTO" -- This light is designed to inform the
>driver
>that the optional Electro-Level System TRAVEL switch hold be set to
>the
>"AUTO" position before driving the vehicle.
>
>p 33:
>
>blah, blah, blah, "The TRAVEL switch should be moved to "AUTO" while
>driving
>the vehicle."
>
>There you have it, the definitive answer from the owners manual.
>Just pick the one you want!
>

You are both correct. The manual was changed at some point in time. My
1975 manual said ride in auto and my 77 manual says ride in hold. I ride
in auto! And FWIW, Transmode systems were the same as GM.

David Lee Greenberg
GMC Motorhome Registry
200 MacFarlane Drive
Delray Beach, FL 33483-6829
 
Tom, I have apparently lost the earlier note concerning where to obtain
those "...better brass fittings..." for the air system. Can you or anyone
else with the info post it here so we can get that part of the job under way?
And if anyone has found them -- or their equivalent -- for a good price, my
Scotch ancestors would appreciate that info as well. :-)
Muchas gracias.
Dick 75 PB in Atlanta

>Heinz even GM is responsible for perpetuating many of the myths surrounding
>the GMC motorhome. I found out from Wes Cauglan that the reason that GM
>changed the original procedure in the manual to the one that you have was
>that so many customers had air leaks in their systems. As a result the
>compressors constantly cycled resulting in complaints from customers. Now
>we have better brass fittings instead of those terrible plastic ones that GM
>used, and we can now have an absolutely air tight system that will operate
>that way it was designed.
>
>Something as simple as the crown in the road, or a side wind on the coach
>will change the loading on the individual tires if the coach air system is
>not operated in a dynamic mode (travel).
>
>
>
>
>

>>I've seem various posts re the hold position and is use. For the benefit of
>>some newcomers that may not have the operations manual or may have missed
>>reading that page :-)
>>
>>I quote from the GM Opertions Manual of my Transmode for the Electro-Level
>>System:
>>
>>My Electro-Level System consists of 3 switches. Left raise/lower, Right
>>raise/lower and a Travel switch with an Auto and a Hold position. I could be
>>wrong, but this is one area where Transmode or not the system are the same.
>>
>>Driving:
>>A reminder light... blah, blah, blah
>>The normal position for the RAISE-LOWER switches should be placed in "OFF".
>>The TRAVEL switch should be moved to "AUTO" for the first five minutes, if
>>the vehicle has been in a raised or lowered position. Then move the switch
>>to "HOLD" after ride height is achieved.
>>
>>It is not necessary to move the TRAVEL switch to "AUTO" if the vehicle has
>>not been leveled at a campsite or vehicle load has not been changed
>>significantly.
>>
>>NOTE: The "HOLD" position is to be used for normal highway driving, when the
>>vehicle is in operation. This allows the vehicle to maintain a designed ride
>>height and eliminates unnecessary operation of the air compressor.
>>
>>I don't know anything about any of the other Air Systems used, but the above
>>is an exact quote for those that may have the same system and not the
>>benefit of the operating manual.
>>
>>The only additional observation: I have followed this precedure since day 1
>>some 200k ago in hot as well as cold (and I do mean cold) weather and have
>>not experienced any problems, even with my Load range D tires. In the 200k I
>>replaced the Air Compressor once, early on. This goes for the regular 2 bag
>>suspension as well as still being followed after the 4 bagger enhance.
>>
>>With the 4 bagger kit I have additional information available, i.e. exact
>>air pressure at each side. During my walk-around I check the pressure and if
>>it sits at 110 lbs I don't even turn the compressor to "AUTO" for the
>>suggested 5 minutes.
>>CAUTION and CAVEAT: The 110 is normal for my coach... your coach will or may
>>differ.
>>
>>** Go Camping **
>>
>>Heinz
>>'76 Transmode
>>
>>
>>
>>> Walt we are back to square one again. eliminating the air system can very
>>> easily overload individual tires. Don't drive the coach in hold,or
>>> eliminated the dynamic air system. You are liable to get more "piece of
>>> mind" than you think! I can't believe Jim Bounds sells valves for the
>>> purpose of manually adjusting the system. If so I would like to hear him
>>say it.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>

>>> >Neely,
>>> >
>>> >For piece of mind get yourself a tank valve and install it in lieu of
>>> >the air line. This will allow you to manually adjust the air bags. Jim
>>> >Bounds has kits or you can make your own. The kit consists of a tank
>>> >valve and a shut off valve that is in line between the sir line and the
>>> >air bag. Works great and you can adjust with a portable air pump for
>>> >about $50. GO CAMPING
>>> >
>>> >Walter
>>> >78 Royale
>>> >
>>> >
>>> >
>>> Tom & Marg Warner
>>> Vernon Center NY
>>> 1976 palmbeach
>>> "The beautiful Mohawk Vally"
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>>
>Tom & Marg Warner
>Vernon Center NY
>1976 palmbeach
>"The beautiful Mohawk Vally"
>
>
 
Heinz --

I think you're right...
you say Tomato, I say Tomatoe, you say Potato, I say Potatoe....

Stick with what works!

Mark

> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-gmcmotorhome
> [mailto:owner-gmcmotorhome]On Behalf Of Heinz
> Wittenbecher
> Sent: Tuesday, May 18, 1999 10:10 PM
> To: gmcmotorhome
> Subject: Re: GMC: Air leaks / updated re use of HOLD position.
>
>
> I guess that means it's do as one pleases depending on the year :-)
> I'm going to stick with what's worked ok for me this far.
>
> Sorry I brought it up ( I think ) [g]
>
> Heinz
>