Tom,
Thanks for sharing your experience with the air springs. I was considering"rolling my
own" when it comes to the compressor and controls. Somewhere alongthe line I picked up a
brand-new vacuum-operated compressor that I think was meant for airhorns. I thought of
lashing it up with some sort of small receiver, connecting a coupleof valves & guages (I
love buttons and dials), then on to the springs.

Speaking of guages: Trailer Life Magazine had a writeup on a guage panelthat mounts on
what they called "the 'A' pillar" or windshield post. It'll hold upto 3 guages, nearly in
your sight line so as to make it easy to keep your eye on transmission& water temps,
amps, or whatever. I'm pretty sure that I HAVE to have one. <<grin>>

Well, you might not understand if you've "never heard of a gadget freak".<<ROTFL>>

<<Jim>>

Tom H. wrote:

> Jim,
>
> I have the Air Lift (rear only) air springs with their on-board compressorand dash
> mounted control. Originally I only installed the air springs butsoon found that it
> was difficult to get proper balance and fill as well as inconvenient.
>
> I then had the compressor and controller installed by Camping Worldabout 6 months
> later.
>
> As with the rest of my van, when things are working they are greatbut I have already
> replaced 2 compressors since 1993 and am getting ready to replacethe third when I
> return to FL (and it has been broken for about a year). The Air Lifton-board
> compressors are quite cheesy and I am disappointed with them. Mineis mounted under
> the van and after the first failure, Camping World built an aluminumshield around it
> which partially helped extend the life span. However, the killerculprit appears to
> be moisture getting into the lines and rusting the compressor outfrom the inside.
> This effect seems to take just over a year which thus violates theone year warranty
> such that I have to pay for another compressor.
>
> However, when the system is operational, it really compensates forthe soft and bouncy
> ride of the 1/2 ton van when traveling solo as well as maintaininga level platform
> for towing. It is also very nice to jack up to get under the vanwhen I need to work
> under it. I just wish I had a better solution for the on-board compressor.
>
> You're a gadget freak huh, never heard of such a person.
>
> Tom H.
>

--