Since we got the Bounder I’ve had to air up the rear bags before every trip. I know there’s a minor leak some where but with it only leaking down after 30-45 days, the tank is still a great long term accessory even after I fix the leak.  For this old of a coach, I didn’t want the expense of a built in compressor, I’ll wait on that for when we move up to a Diesel pusher in a few years.

After a lot of shopping around I found a cheap 1.5 gallon tank for air horns. It was cheap and the right size so I don’t lose space in the basement. I added a tire valve, a gauge, pressure release valve and leak proof ball valves. Instead of spending $250-$350 for a fancy automatic air bag system, I got by for $95 for a tidy little manual system.

I added a valve to keep pressure in the tank when I drain the air bags. As it turns out, the tank valve is the perfect way to maintain pressure while the tiny leak near the bags leaks off some of air. This fall when it gets cool enough I’ll go trace down the leak, but for now the tank has held air for two full months with only a 20psi loss after that time.

Here’s the parts list and cost.

• Vixen 1.5 gallon tank: $60
• Side mount pressure gauge: $12 (the back mount the tank came with is not be visible where I mounted the tank)
• Tire Valve with 1/2″ pipe thread: $6
• Ball type water drain valve: $5
• Fittings and two extra ball valves for controlling air flow to bags: $12

Once I assembled the tank, fittings, valves and gauge, I did an under water leak check. The only leaks will be the fittings under the RV until that gets my attention in cool weather.