Thomas compressor

Scott; glad to hear its a "planned hold" as NASA would say. walt.

> I was disturbed to hear today you are still trying
> to get that frame and body back together.

>Not trying, I have just taken a siesta for 8 months.

>Scott
 
Scott,
Please add me to your list. As long as we can get a schematic (if
different than the stock setup) then I know I'll take one. Thanks...
 
Scott:

What is your understanding of the Thomas 317 compressor, does it include a
pressure switch or not? If not, any recommendations??

Paul Bartz

From: Bartz, Paul [mailto:s9d3452]
Sent: Wednesday, July 21, 1999 11:05 AM
Subject: RE: GMC: Thomas compressor

Scott:

I don't have it yet. I'll have to contact Bobby for it. Told him last
night I wouldn't get to it for a month or so anyhow. I'll ask him for it
next time I call and then once I get it, try to scan it and e-mail to you.

Also, I said "two additional" solenoid's, totaling four, not two.

Paul

From: Adohen [mailto:Adohen]
Sent: Wednesday, July 21, 1999 1:01 AM
Subject: Re: GMC: Thomas compressor

In a message dated 7/21/99 12:45:31 AM Eastern Daylight Time,

He tells me that I'll need to obtain two additional 12 v electric
solenoid's.

Hi Paul!

The schematic that I'm supposed to get faxed to me also has two solenoids,
if you can please e-mail me a copy of your tenative schematic, I could
compare the two.
 
Ok, you can count me in for the list of 30. Let me know when you need the
rest of my information.
Jim Biava
james.biava
- -----Original Message-----
From: Adohen
To: gmcmotorhome
Date: Thursday, July 22, 1999 12:58 PM
Subject: Re: GMC: Thomas compressor

>In a message dated 7/22/99 3:08:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
chase
>writes:
>
>> Scott,
>> Please add me to your list. As long as we can get a schematic (if
>> different than the stock setup) then I know I'll take one. Thanks...
>
>We now have 14 people for the compressor- Nate Chase and Ted Pisces are
>newbies. I want 30 at least!
>Listen up!
>With the proper aligator clips and wires and hose you could put it in your
>trunk of the car and use it to pump up a tire, inflatables, blow out the
air
>cleaner, use it for air horns, and if you are short of wind while doing
cpr,
>inflate lungs.(Watch out for excessive air pressure though),(I should
patent
>that idea:).
>
>Scott GMC
FRAME
>OFF
>
>
 
I can answer this for Scott since I have installed the Thomas 317.

Just like the Dana it does not have a built-in pressure switch. You just run the
air tubing from its outlet to the pressure tank and hook up its positive and
neutral electrical leads exactly like the O.E. Dana and it will pump until the
external pressure switch in our systems shuts off the electricity to it.

Optionally (and probably a good idea) you can run heavy gauge wire to it via a
relay, as has been discussed as a way to get the stock Dana to run better.

Richard

> Scott:
>
> What is your understanding of the Thomas 317 compressor, does it include a
> pressure switch or not? If not, any recommendations??
>
> Paul Bartz
 
Arch,

I've got mine set to shut off at 120 psi and back on whenever the pressure in
the tank drops to 100 psi. I believe this is the spec for the electrolevel I
system and maybe the spec for all, but I'm not sure about that.

Richard

> >
> Question
>
> What pressure should the Dana shut off at?
>
> Take Care
> Arch
>
 
What kind of regulator do you have? I have a penn and I can only get
start-up at 90 unless I raise the shut-off hence about 100-130. Would like a
on switch for higher driveways now I have to lower so I can get pump started
and wait before I enter driveway or leave the Fort Mohave lady's mark!!!

Ron&Gina
73 Pumpkin-Rose
Fort Mohave, AZ.

- ----- Original Message -----
From: Richard Guthart
To:
Sent: Thursday, July 22, 1999 8:16 PM
Subject: Re: GMC: Thomas compressor

> Arch,
>
> I've got mine set to shut off at 120 psi and back on whenever the pressure
in
> the tank drops to 100 psi. I believe this is the spec for the electrolevel
I
> system and maybe the spec for all, but I'm not sure about that.
>
> Richard
>
> > >
> > Question
> >
> > What pressure should the Dana shut off at?
> >
> > Take Care
> > Arch
> >
>
 
>What kind of system for air bags
> and age of motorhome do you have?

Mine's a '77 with electrolevel I. The compressor and associated valves, air tank
and manifold are located under the stove in the kitchen module.

> Thank you Richard for the post--for those of us ready to take the leap of
> faith-do you find it more than adequate?

My Dana needed to be rebuilt or replaced. It would huff and puff above 110 psi.
I suspected that compressor technology had advanced considerably in the 30 years
since the Dana was designed so I wanted to find a modern replacement if I could.

The Thomas is much faster than my tired old Dana was. To be fair, however, I
don't know how it compares to a new Dana as I have never had one. It is also
MUCH quieter, which is a plus, given the location of mine in the kitchen. It
also fits the same space.

Here's a repost of a message I posted shortly after I installed the Thomas.
Maybe somebody with a healthy Dana could run the same tests for comparison:

> I am passing on this info in hopes that it will help someone who's air
> suspension needs work.
>
> Those who are looking to update the air suspension may wish to consider a
> Thomas air compressor, model 317 or 315.
>
> Last fall I started searching for a replacement for my tired old Dana, which
> took more than a minute to pump from 0 psi to 120psi (wouldn't do it at all
> at ambient air temperatures of below 30 degrees.)
>
> I discovered that Thomas makes two that were possibilities: Model
> 317cdc56/12 (rated to 150psi) and 315cdc45/12 (130psi).
>
> In December I installed the 317 model. Fits in the same space as the O.E.
> Dana, MUCH quieter, and pressurizes my air tank from 0 psi to
> 120 psi in under 10 seconds. Cycling from 100 psi to 120 psi takes 4
> seconds.
>
> One other note.... It probably could be wired into the O.E. wiring harness,
> as it draws a maximum of 18 amps after start-up transient, but since it is a
> long run from under the kitchen module, where the compressor sits in my
> coach, to the O.E. 35 amp breaker behind the glovebox, I installed a relay
> protected by a 30 amp slow-blow fuse instead.

Hope that helps you.

Richard
 
The 317 is quieter than the Dana?
It fits in the same space but takes a more power... but pumps up in 10
seconds?
I've got to have one of these...

Scott -- Count me in!

Mark Grady

Original message:

|> In December I installed the 317 model. Fits in the same space as the O.E.
|> Dana, MUCH quieter, and pressurizes my air tank from 0 psi to
|> 120 psi in under 10 seconds. Cycling from 100 psi to 120 psi takes 4
|> seconds.
 
Do you have to drill new mounting holes? How about the size?

Wayne

> I can answer this for Scott since I have installed the Thomas 317.
>
> Just like the Dana it does not have a built-in pressure switch. You just run the
> air tubing from its outlet to the pressure tank and hook up its positive and
> neutral electrical leads exactly like the O.E. Dana and it will pump until the
> external pressure switch in our systems shuts off the electricity to it.
>
> Optionally (and probably a good idea) you can run heavy gauge wire to it via a
> relay, as has been discussed as a way to get the stock Dana to run better.
>
> Richard
>
> > Scott:
> >
> > What is your understanding of the Thomas 317 compressor, does it include a
> > pressure switch or not? If not, any recommendations??
> >
> > Paul Bartz
 
Scott

Add me to the list

Wayne Newland F9300 75 Palm Beach

> The 317 is quieter than the Dana?
> It fits in the same space but takes a more power... but pumps up in 10
> seconds?
> I've got to have one of these...
>
> Scott -- Count me in!
>
> Mark Grady
>
> Original message:
>
> |> In December I installed the 317 model. Fits in the same space as the O.E.
> |> Dana, MUCH quieter, and pressurizes my air tank from 0 psi to
> |> 120 psi in under 10 seconds. Cycling from 100 psi to 120 psi takes 4
> |> seconds.
 
Please get me some info on a new air compressor for my unit. I also
need info on replacing my headliner.

Thanks,
Ralph Blackwelder
7819 Euclid Ave
Cincinnati, OH 45243
(513) 561-6938
e-mail lpheaven

>
> Ok, you can count me in for the list of 30. Let me know when you need the
> rest of my information.
> Jim Biava
> james.biava
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Adohen
> To: gmcmotorhome
> Date: Thursday, July 22, 1999 12:58 PM
> Subject: Re: GMC: Thomas compressor
>
> >In a message dated 7/22/99 3:08:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
> chase
> >writes:
> >
> >> Scott,
> >> Please add me to your list. As long as we can get a schematic (if
> >> different than the stock setup) then I know I'll take one. Thanks...
> >
> >We now have 14 people for the compressor- Nate Chase and Ted Pisces are
> >newbies. I want 30 at least!
> >Listen up!
> >With the proper aligator clips and wires and hose you could put it in your
> >trunk of the car and use it to pump up a tire, inflatables, blow out the
> air
> >cleaner, use it for air horns, and if you are short of wind while doing
> cpr,
> >inflate lungs.(Watch out for excessive air pressure though),(I should
> patent
> >that idea:).
> >
> >Scott GMC
> FRAME
> >OFF
> >
> >
 
Could someone summarize the cost and the
model of compressor the group is going to purchase?
Does this require special circuits or can it be hooked up to
existing wiring and tubing? What is the vacuum all about ?
Can this be set up for both vacuum and air pressure at the same time?

Bob Morris
Jayhawk
74 Elganza SE
Cortland NY
- ----- Original Message -----
From:
To:
Sent: Tuesday, July 20, 1999 1:28 PM
Subject: Re: GMC: Thomas compressor

> Hello Group, Paul and Richard!
>
> Called rep for Thomas Air Compressors and asked about the 317.
> Max pressure #150 whereas 315 #130 List on the 315 is $165.
> List for 317
> $200.
> 10-29 quantity
> $138.67
> 30-59 quantity
> $125.33
>
> the 317 weighs 6.5 lbs--- 315 4.24lbs
>
> The rep is supposed to be faxing me information as to solenoids/ schematic
to
> switch to vacuum.
>
> Scott INSIDE GMC
> PHOTOS(sound on?)
>
>
 
Scott

Please add my name to the list of Thomas 317 pump buyers.

Thanks
bdub

http://www.thomaspumps.com/wobl_ti.html
(scroll down and click on 317)

>Hello Group, Paul and Richard!
>
>Called rep for Thomas Air Compressors and asked about the 317.
>Max pressure #150 whereas 315 #130 List on the 315 is $165.
>List for 317
>$200.
>10-29 quantity
>$138.67
>30-59 quantity
>$125.33
>
>the 317 weighs 6.5 lbs--- 315 4.24lbs
>
>The rep is supposed to be faxing me information as to solenoids/ schematic to
>switch to vacuum.
>
>which would be drop shipped from Wisconsin

>Scott

> In December I installed the 317 model. Fits in the same space as the O.E.
> Dana, MUCH quieter, and pressurizes my air tank from 0 psi to
> 120 psi in under 10 seconds. Cycling from 100 psi to 120 psi takes 4
> seconds.
>
> One other note.... It probably could be wired into the O.E. wiring harness,
> as it draws a maximum of 18 amps after start-up transient, but since it is a
> long run from under the kitchen module, where the compressor sits in my
> coach, to the O.E. 35 amp breaker behind the glovebox, I installed a relay
> protected by a 30 amp slow-blow fuse instead.
 
Marcus what were the results of your test on the Thomas?
If you posted them I missed it?

Bob Morris
Jayhawk
74 Elganza SE
Cortland NY

- ----- Original Message -----
From: Marcus McGee
To:
Sent: Tuesday, July 20, 1999 2:34 PM
Subject: Re: GMC: Thomas compressor

> Just got a 315CDC45/12 in today. Paid $140.00 for it and it came from the
> supplier in Buffalo, NY. I wil be attemptring to hook it up to replace
the Dan
> tonight or tomorrow. My Dana is pretty tired. I'll do some tests first
and time
> it from flat to all the way up, and from flat to ride height and let you
all
> know.
>
> Marcus
>

>
> > Hello Gmcers!
> >
> > Today I got a call from the Thomas Compressor Rep. About 2 months ago
there
> > was quite a bit of discussion. I guess I made an inquiry to Thomas
about
> > purchasing a quantity of them. (30) IIRC we were discussing using the
315
> > for the air bags and thinking about also using its vacuum capability for
> > back-up to brake vacuum booster. Has anyone installed the Thomas 315?
> > I had him give me a price if I bought them through Adohen Supply Co..
> > Quantities were 10-29 $114.14 and for 30-59 $103.00. plus shipping costs
> > which would be drop shipped from Wisconsin. Shipping wt was around
4.5lbs.
> > Any thoughts?--
> >
> > Further discussion revealed Thomas will ship one compressor for
experimental
> > purposes at no cost for 30 days. If it works you pay, if it doesn't you
ship
> > it back, no questions asked. I am not even close to being able to do
> > retrofitting with that system however if there is someone who would like
to
> > tinker speak-up and I will give you the Reps phone number and you can
pursue.
> >
> > Scott NEHODA'S
> > BACK YARD
> >
>
 
> Do you have to drill new mounting holes? How about the size?

I used one of the original holes and had to drill 2 new ones. This was simple -
the compressor sits on a medium-gauge sheetmetal tray. (I don't know if its the
same in other model years.)

It's a little bigger than the Dana and a very different shape. Plenty of room
for it, though, in the electrolevel module in my coach. It just tucks under the
solenoid valves and sits roughly where the Dana did. If you want to be sure it
will fit in your coach you can check out the dimensions on Thomas' web page.

I would post a photo of the installation but I don't have a digital camera.

Richard
 
> ...... pressurizes my air tank from 0 psi to
> 120 psi in under 10 seconds. Cycling from 100 psi to 120 psi takes 4
> seconds.

Just to clarify the conditions of the above tests................

First I moved the controls to "Travel Auto" to raise the coach to its normal
ride height, then I placed it in "Hold."
Still in "Hold", I bled all the air out of the air tank using the schrader valve
on the bottom of it.
Then I switched back to "Travel Auto" to cycle the compressor on, in order to
get an idea how long it would take to re-pressurize the system when the air bags
were already supporting the coach at normal height. With my tired Dana this had
taken more than a minute.

I didn't want anybody to think that you can raise the coach from squatting
position in 10 seconds!

Richard
 
Drats! I was hoping to make a low rider and go hoppin' with the boyz!


I even had the mag strips ready to mount on the 'rails so I could drag tail
and throw, dude!

Mark

|
|I didn't want anybody to think that you can raise the coach from squatting
|position in 10 seconds!
|
|Richard
|
|
 
Count me in
Dick Dobson
3740 Downwind La
N FT Myers, Fl 33917

> Hello Gmcers!
>
> Today I got a call from the Thomas Compressor Rep. About 2 months ago there
> was quite a bit of discussion. I guess I made an inquiry to Thomas about
> purchasing a quantity of them. (30) IIRC we were discussing using the 315
> for the air bags and thinking about also using its vacuum capability for
> back-up to brake vacuum booster. Has anyone installed the Thomas 315?
> I had him give me a price if I bought them through Adohen Supply Co..
> Quantities were 10-29 $114.14 and for 30-59 $103.00. plus shipping costs
> which would be drop shipped from Wisconsin. Shipping wt was around 4.5lbs.
> Any thoughts?--
>
> Further discussion revealed Thomas will ship one compressor for experimental
> purposes at no cost for 30 days. If it works you pay, if it doesn't you ship
> it back, no questions asked. I am not even close to being able to do
> retrofitting with that system however if there is someone who would like to
> tinker speak-up and I will give you the Reps phone number and you can pursue.
>
> Scott NEHODA'S
> BACK YARD
>
 
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