BCM Community

Bus Discussion => Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) => Topic started by: windtrader on April 29, 2020, 02:32:00 PM

Title: Storing aux compressor in engine bay
Post by: windtrader on April 29, 2020, 02:32:00 PM
PO of bus had placed a pancake compressor in the engine bay as seen in the photo. It was not there when I got it so wondering if the heat and elements in that location caused damage. It's all wired and plumbed so tempting to put new one right back there.
Title: Re: Storing aux compressor in engine bay
Post by: richard5933 on April 29, 2020, 03:44:09 PM
Could be the heat did it in, or it could be that the compressor was too small for the job. Most pancake compressors I've seen are not meant to run at 100% duty cycle, and even to fill a few tires is a big job for a small compressor.

Before buying a replacement, figure out what you plan to use it for to make sure it's up to the task.
Title: Re: Storing aux compressor in engine bay
Post by: Jim Blackwood on April 30, 2020, 10:15:08 AM
For about $100 a HF pancake would be a pretty painless test.

Jim
Title: Re: Storing aux compressor in engine bay
Post by: buswarrior on April 30, 2020, 11:24:39 AM
Airing up the coach is a big job.

Nothing wrong with the location, everything would be cool, when usually called upon to air-up?

Choose the larget cfm @ 90lbs you want to spend money on, that will fit in the space, and uses the AC voltage you have available.

Do not choose a compressor based on HP, it is the pump rating, not the crap electric motor rating, that moves air.

The tank may be discarded for sizing, the bus already has tanks...

For bonus points, some sound control for stealthy use would be lovely.

Happy coaching!
Buswarrior
Title: Re: Storing aux compressor in engine bay
Post by: windtrader on May 01, 2020, 01:07:34 PM
@BW - thanks for the nod on placing inside the engine bay. I'm adding a shroud of EHP or Reflectix to shield the direct heat while allowing air circulation.

I bought on sale the Rigid 6 gal 150psi, 2.6CFM @ 90psi
https://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-6-Gal-Portable-Electric-Pancake-Air-Compressor-OF60150HB/303379052 (https://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-6-Gal-Portable-Electric-Pancake-Air-Compressor-OF60150HB/303379052)

It does take some time and gets a workout. However, the original warranty is 3 years and an added 2 years warranty through using Costco Anywhere Visa card, for a total of 5 years. Keeping paperwork and bus so it's very good value, especially anytime it fails I'll just get another.
Title: Re: Storing aux compressor in engine bay
Post by: luvrbus on May 01, 2020, 01:29:32 PM
I have a Thomas 12V compressor in the Country Coach I haven't look at the CFM but it pumps the coach up in a hurry using the coaches tanks for storage, compact and does the job plus quite too 
Title: Re: Storing aux compressor in engine bay
Post by: buswarrior on May 01, 2020, 02:17:09 PM
Remember, for a quick get-away from the campsite, the air doesn't have to be full, it just has to let the brakes work.

Saves some compressor life.

Happy coaching!
Buswarrior
Title: Re: Storing aux compressor in engine bay
Post by: Boomer on May 02, 2020, 09:54:35 AM
Did mine this way, engine compartment.  Very quiet.
Title: Re: Storing aux compressor in engine bay
Post by: windtrader on May 02, 2020, 10:58:07 AM
From the image, the tank is not visible, did you remove it? Did you allow for sufficient ventilation?
Title: Re: Storing aux compressor in engine bay
Post by: buswarrior on May 02, 2020, 03:02:21 PM
Stripped to the essentials, that's a nice tidy install Boomer!

Strip the tank, just fills space and blocks air movement.

The tank can be re-purposed to being an air pig around the homestead, or whatever other creative function a busnut may dream up.

Happy coaching!
Buswarrior
Title: Re: Storing aux compressor in engine bay
Post by: luvrbus on May 03, 2020, 08:48:56 AM
From the image, the tank is not visible, did you remove it? Did you allow for sufficient ventilation?


You never meet Mark (Boomer) he covers all bases and little details before the install 
SimplePortal 2.3.7 © 2008-2025, SimplePortal