Great Video James , I had mine done on the last service , last summer. I do the same by marking on the filters. Gotta give these old coaches lots of love . Mines a 1998 , lol. Thanks for sharing.
Great video, James!! Your phrase (and part of your title): "Like the factory should have", is one of the most comprehensive summaries of RV life for us as "customers".
Another easy project for you to do and protect your engine. Fuel system is at a FASS to your coach. When I serviced my dryer, I ended up replacing the whole dryer and a new desk because they do have valves in them and when they wear out, they allow air pressure to leak back to them from the tanks. Considering my coach is 25 years old this month. I think it was a good idea.
I wasn't even aware of the air dryer until some friends with a similar coach told us about their experience with water in their brake lines. Had ours changed out at next service, first time in ten years and 50,000 miles. Wasn't much more than a spin-on filter with easy access while coach was on a lift.
I learned about this a few years ago as my 99 Allegro was having trouble building air pressure. Took it to freightliner and they said I needed a new air compressor but they could do a " cleaning" to maybe buy me some time. It helped a little. But one day I stopped to get fuel and and couldn't build pressure and had to call roadside assistance. Luckily the tech that came knew what he was doing and bypassed the filter dryer to get me back on the road. I ended up replacing later and it completely fixed my air pressure issues
That unloader valve sounds like it needs replaced. The o-rings are square and just crap out and leak. Also the maxi-brake relay valves have issues where they'll leak back to the system or out to the brakes and it will take a bit to charge air. But not to worry, each one is only a $100 part. You can buy a new dryer cheaper than the service parts most times.
This was my first have to do after purchasing preowned. On my second camping trip the coach would not build air past 70 PSI. I was able to shut the coach off and the blowoff valve reset. A little help from the owner's forum sent me to the air dryer filter and the blow off valve. To have Freightliner do the job was about $600. Mine is located on the driver's side on the inside frame rail between the Drive and Tag axle. Freightliner makes rolling chassis and they placed it there because it is easier to deliver. I sure wish Tiffin would have relocated it like they did on their Powerglide Chassis. Since then I have learned from Freightliner Gaffney SC that their official recommendation on filters is 1, 2, 3. Replace fuel and oil every year, replace air filter every two years, and replace the air dryer every three years. I am sure that Spartin and other chassis manufactures have different service schedules but 1, 2, 3 sure makes it easy for an owner to remember. I sure wish mine was as easy to access as yours was, I'll pay the skinny mechinic's assistant at the local diesel shop to crawl under the coach as I am at 3 years in 2025.
I would definitely replace the purge valve since you have no record of it being changed. The last thing you need is for it to start leaking while you're out on the road somewhere in the middle of nowhere. That access panel was very good idea, beats the heck out of crawling under the motorhome. That's the first screw on cartridge I've seen for an air dryer. School buses have a dryer that has to be all but completely dismantled to replace the cartridge, not sure how many of those I replaced in the 23 years I spent on school buses. Happy New Year!
mine is located just above the rear axle. I thought it was a huge PIA to access until I saw yours..... Exact same unit. I found that it was easier to remove the entire unit, 3 hoses and 2 bolts, and rebuild the entire unit. Bubble test the hose connections and I'm ready to hit the road.
It's not as much of a time frequency to change the filter. Calculate it by mileage. If your only running a couple thousand miles a year, you don't need to change it so often compared to running 10,000 miles a year. Commercial trucks run hundreds of thousands of miles between changes. Most important thing is to drain your tanks daily while on the road.
I would agree that the desiccant cartridge is probably the most overlooked maintenance item on these coaches. I am shocked when I have this discussion with people and I get the deer in the headlights look. 😲 I think Country Coaches are some of the easier ones to access. On the Monaco S-Series coaches they are usually located inboard on the framerail of the street side tag tire/wheel. I have a Monaco chassis maintenance video on my channel where I explained a relatively easy way to access the dryer and how to remove and replace the cartridge. Replacement intervals will depend greatly on the environment the coach is usually operated in. For wetter areas I would stick with the annual recommendations but for drier more arid climates every 2-3 years is usually adequate. I tell people when they drain their tanks if they are getting moisture then they should look at replacement of the desiccant cartridge sooner rather than later. But then again, I don't think most people realize that they are supposed to drain their tanks occasionally. 🤔 I also recommend rebuilding that purge valve occasionally as it is quite common to get some buildup in between the valve and seat, which can potentially leave you stranded with a coach that won't build pressure.
Its tough to keep up with the maintenance on these complex machines. My Class A's tanks had almost two gallons of clear water and one gallon of oil in when I first drained the tanks (after buying it). I added the air drains that can use a pull-wire for the main three tanks so they can be easily drained.
You should make some roof rails with inverted rain gutters. It would hide the ACs from the side view. Painted the same color as your RV that would look sweet. That's what I'm doing to mine
Seeing that horrible if not impossible access to work on engine and chassis components make me really glad I bought a 97 Country Coach. Lift the bed and I can sit on the engine to work on/around it. But then you are much younger and agile. 🤓
I inspect for rodents constantly and have bait, traps and repellent but I don't have anything inside for them to eat or anything but tires touching the ground.
Just curious, but since you were that deep into it, why not just relocate the dryer separator to be mounted in the same bay as the fuel filters? Worst case you need a couple of extension hoses, but then you don't have ever to do any surgery to change the dryer separator. From what I saw, that would also free up a lot of space around the hydraulic pump, allowing much easier access from under the coach.
Hey James, how do I get my 2000 Beaver Marquis into your shop for a couple repairs? And may I pay you for an hour (or 2) of your time to tutor/school me on my rig? Seriously I know you are crazy busy but please can we make this happen sometime? Thanks for continuing to teach this old lady lots of new "tricks"!
Hi James love the video’s. I don’t know if you mentioned it but should all the air be out of the system before taking that filter off? I haven’t changed mine yet it’s due next year .
At 1:55 you’re kneeling on a rug that says “liquid asset” except that as you lean forward a few letters at the end of asset go out of frame. Leaving the audience with the impression that you might need some Pepto …. Liquid Ass…..nothing says fun like that does😂😂😂😂😂 we’re roughly the same age and I 100% never grew up. Best of luck and I love your content 👍💯
Your RV seems to be a little dirty and a bunch of wires hanging loose every place under there. I thought that'd be a lot more organized and a lot more cleaner. I love to clean all underneath my vehicle
At 1:55 you’re kneeling on a rug that says “liquid asset” except that as you lean forward a few letters at the end of asset go out of frame. Leaving the audience with the impression that you might need some Pepto …. Liquid Ass…..nothing says fun like that does😂😂😂😂😂 we’re roughly the same age and I 100% never grew up. Best of luck and I love your content 👍💯
![Customer States & Mechanical Fails compilation [PART 44]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/VNA5ov1sZHo/mqdefault.jpg)
![Customer States & Mechanical Fails compilation [PART 44]](/img/tr.png)
Great Video James , I had mine done on the last service , last summer. I do the same by marking on the filters. Gotta give these old coaches lots of love . Mines a 1998 , lol. Thanks for sharing.
Great video, James!! Your phrase (and part of your title): "Like the factory should have", is one of the most comprehensive summaries of RV life for us as "customers".
Great video, adding this to the list of things to check on our Beaver Patriot
Another easy project for you to do and protect your engine. Fuel system is at a FASS to your coach. When I serviced my dryer, I ended up replacing the whole dryer and a new desk because they do have valves in them and when they wear out, they allow air pressure to leak back to them from the tanks. Considering my coach is 25 years old this month. I think it was a good idea.
Always appreciate the projects on the Beaver. Now I have to look into what air dryer is on my 3126B engine. Happy New Year.
I wasn't even aware of the air dryer until some friends with a similar coach told us about their experience with water in their brake lines. Had ours changed out at next service, first time in ten years and 50,000 miles. Wasn't much more than a spin-on filter with easy access while coach was on a lift.
I will never complain about servicing the airdryer on my monaco exitive anymore after watching you service yours .
Yes same here on my Windsor. It was put on way too tight I like to never got it off.
I learned about this a few years ago as my 99 Allegro was having trouble building air pressure. Took it to freightliner and they said I needed a new air compressor but they could do a " cleaning" to maybe buy me some time. It helped a little. But one day I stopped to get fuel and and couldn't build pressure and had to call roadside assistance. Luckily the tech that came knew what he was doing and bypassed the filter dryer to get me back on the road. I ended up replacing later and it completely fixed my air pressure issues
My air dryer is under the rig. Glad you could make a way to get to yours. Have a great trip in that great coach! Always love seeing the updates.
Watching this makes me really appreciate having a Super C on a Truck chassis 😊
👍 "In my mind that was easier", HA!... the story of every job I start. Nice job Hope you're feeling better.
That unloader valve sounds like it needs replaced. The o-rings are square and just crap out and leak. Also the maxi-brake relay valves have issues where they'll leak back to the system or out to the brakes and it will take a bit to charge air. But not to worry, each one is only a $100 part. You can buy a new dryer cheaper than the service parts most times.
Thanks. I wasn't even thinking about that something to change.
This was my first have to do after purchasing preowned. On my second camping trip the coach would not build air past 70 PSI. I was able to shut the coach off and the blowoff valve reset. A little help from the owner's forum sent me to the air dryer filter and the blow off valve. To have Freightliner do the job was about $600. Mine is located on the driver's side on the inside frame rail between the Drive and Tag axle. Freightliner makes rolling chassis and they placed it there because it is easier to deliver. I sure wish Tiffin would have relocated it like they did on their Powerglide Chassis.
Since then I have learned from Freightliner Gaffney SC that their official recommendation on filters is 1, 2, 3. Replace fuel and oil every year, replace air filter every two years, and replace the air dryer every three years. I am sure that Spartin and other chassis manufactures have different service schedules but 1, 2, 3 sure makes it easy for an owner to remember.
I sure wish mine was as easy to access as yours was, I'll pay the skinny mechinic's assistant at the local diesel shop to crawl under the coach as I am at 3 years in 2025.
Great job especially with one hand most of the time
Good video James. Happy New Years.
I would definitely replace the purge valve since you have no record of it being changed. The last thing you need is for it to start leaking while you're out on the road somewhere in the middle of nowhere. That access panel was very good idea, beats the heck out of crawling under the motorhome. That's the first screw on cartridge I've seen for an air dryer. School buses have a dryer that has to be all but completely dismantled to replace the cartridge, not sure how many of those I replaced in the 23 years I spent on school buses. Happy New Year!
By the sound of your voice, i think you made it hand tight to 196 ;-)
Nice video once again 🙂
Happy New Year all, enjoy your voyage James, and hurry back, (or not,) I need you to work on my Coach!
mine is located just above the rear axle. I thought it was a huge PIA to access until I saw yours..... Exact same unit. I found that it was easier to remove the entire unit, 3 hoses and 2 bolts, and rebuild the entire unit. Bubble test the hose connections and I'm ready to hit the road.
It's not as much of a time frequency to change the filter. Calculate it by mileage. If your only running a couple thousand miles a year, you don't need to change it so often compared to running 10,000 miles a year. Commercial trucks run hundreds of thousands of miles between changes. Most important thing is to drain your tanks daily while on the road.
Great video, I think they should make the "engineers" who draw up this stuff work on it. They might make it easier to get to.
Nice Beaver! Great job, thanks for the video James. Happy trails!
Happy New Year James. Learned more as usual! Would love to see a video with you and the Beav getting some chill time!
I would agree that the desiccant cartridge is probably the most overlooked maintenance item on these coaches.
I am shocked when I have this discussion with people and I get the deer in the headlights look. 😲
I think Country Coaches are some of the easier ones to access.
On the Monaco S-Series coaches they are usually located inboard on the framerail of the street side tag tire/wheel.
I have a Monaco chassis maintenance video on my channel where I explained a relatively easy way to access the dryer and how to remove and replace the cartridge.
Replacement intervals will depend greatly on the environment the coach is usually operated in. For wetter areas I would stick with the annual recommendations but for drier more arid climates every 2-3 years is usually adequate. I tell people when they drain their tanks if they are getting moisture then they should look at replacement of the desiccant cartridge sooner rather than later. But then again, I don't think most people realize that they are supposed to drain their tanks occasionally. 🤔
I also recommend rebuilding that purge valve occasionally as it is quite common to get some buildup in between the valve and seat, which can potentially leave you stranded with a coach that won't build pressure.
Glad to see that you used oem filters, air and fuel!
Its tough to keep up with the maintenance on these complex machines. My Class A's tanks had almost two gallons of clear water and one gallon of oil in when I first drained the tanks (after buying it). I added the air drains that can use a pull-wire for the main three tanks so they can be easily drained.
You should make some roof rails with inverted rain gutters.
It would hide the ACs from the side view.
Painted the same color as your RV that would look sweet. That's what I'm doing to mine
Great video James, and so informative 👍
Happy New Year!
Good job James Happy New Year
🇨🇦Happy New Year. Great wrk.
❤
120 +240 = 360 in.pounds
360 ÷ 12 = 30 ft. Pounds.
I think. As always, looks good
Happy New Year
Great job as always. Thanks again Don
Maybe a nice wash job 😊,this is a nice maintenance upgrade 👍
Doing your own stuff sometimes is done last 😂 Thumbs up 👍
Seeing that horrible if not impossible access to work on engine and chassis components make me really glad I bought a 97 Country Coach. Lift the bed and I can sit on the engine to work on/around it.
But then you are much younger and agile. 🤓
The C12 is a great engine. good for 30,000hrs or million miles
Happy New Year to you as well
Happy New Year James
Great video James!!
Excellent content James...ty
Will keep dirt and crud out. Good job.
i was just under my 06 monaco camelot yesterday to greese the chassis and located my air dryer and i need to do mine too
Freightliner says 3 years on their RV chassis. I could smell that abs as you cut it.
HAPPY NEW YEAR! -James, are you not concerned about mice with all those cables? What are your thoughts?
I inspect for rodents constantly and have bait, traps and repellent but I don't have anything inside for them to eat or anything but tires touching the ground.
Thank you for the video.
On our 2015 Tiffin Allegro Bus with the Cummins L9, it says to change out the air dryer filter every 3 years.
Genius !!!
Just curious, but since you were that deep into it, why not just relocate the dryer separator to be mounted in the same bay as the fuel filters? Worst case you need a couple of extension hoses, but then you don't have ever to do any surgery to change the dryer separator. From what I saw, that would also free up a lot of space around the hydraulic pump, allowing much easier access from under the coach.
I might have missed it, but did you remember to fill that air dryer filter before putting it on?
Great idea making that access port. I'm curious, was the new filter lighter than the old one?
Good job! Thanks
Hey James, how do I get my 2000 Beaver Marquis into your shop for a couple repairs? And may I pay you for an hour (or 2) of your time to tutor/school me on my rig? Seriously I know you are crazy busy but please can we make this happen sometime? Thanks for continuing to teach this old lady lots of new "tricks"!
We call that a Wiggle Stick not a oscillating multi purpose tool. Try an send someone for a ompt or yell get me the wiggle stick. See it fits. 😅
Hi James love the video’s. I don’t know if you mentioned it but should all the air be out of the system before taking that filter off? I haven’t changed mine yet it’s due next year .
yes drain air before working on the system
At 1:55 you’re kneeling on a rug that says “liquid asset” except that as you lean forward a few letters at the end of asset go out of frame. Leaving the audience with the impression that you might need some Pepto …. Liquid Ass…..nothing says fun like that does😂😂😂😂😂 we’re roughly the same age and I 100% never grew up. Best of luck and I love your content 👍💯
20:12 The goop on the new filter is very frustrating.
May wanna check that air filter too…
James does this need to be done to air brakes on a gas powered rv? Inquiring minds want to know. Thanks. Happy New Year.
Was that computer cleaner you were using to clean up? Thank you
Did exhaust from your tank drains contain loads of moister? my drain routine shows none.
Call Big Tony to wash that classic.
Nice job!! Question, I am thinking about doing something similar, would you recommend lock tight on chassis bolts? Like the new bolts you added?
You mean your hand isn't calibrated to inch pounds?😅
Time off, great ENJOY get some rest
Blah 480p! Where's the HD Beaver?
Thankfully mine is in a more accessible location.
I think the Beaver needs a bath
Could you actually move that to an easier service location?
Your RV seems to be a little dirty and a bunch of wires hanging loose every place under there. I thought that'd be a lot more organized and a lot more cleaner. I love to clean all underneath my vehicle
they would charge you for 10 hours of work to take the whole box, filter, out to change that filter
You keep saying next person are you planning to sell right away?
Not right away, I just assume I will not be the last owner
Do you still have a e-mail account?
I happened to see your air filter indicator in one of the shots and it looks like it is showing quite the restriction. Time to service it?
its reading clean, I checked the filter a few months ago and its good.
I can tell by your voice you're not well.
Click
what a hack! :(
At 1:55 you’re kneeling on a rug that says “liquid asset” except that as you lean forward a few letters at the end of asset go out of frame. Leaving the audience with the impression that you might need some Pepto …. Liquid Ass…..nothing says fun like that does😂😂😂😂😂 we’re roughly the same age and I 100% never grew up. Best of luck and I love your content 👍💯