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Air Tanks on a KW T800

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by Big John, Apr 17, 2011.

  1. Apr 17, 2011 #1
    Big John

    Big John Road Train Member

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    Oct 7, 2006
    Oklahoma
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    How many air tanks are required or how many do you really need. I have a 2001 KW T800 and it has five air tanks. All factory tanks and one is mounted under the sleeper on the inside of the frame, one is mounted on the inside of the frame behind the sleeper and then one underneath it. On the outside of the frame I have another tank mounted along the frame with one mounted below it. All tanks are on the passenger side of the truck and all are the same size. Do I need all these tanks? My Pete 379 only had two tanks and I am wanting to do away with at least two maybe three of these tanks.
     
    Big John, Apr 17, 2011
    Big John, Apr 17, 2011
    #1
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  3. Apr 19, 2011 #2
    Heavyd

    Heavyd Road Train Member

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    It isn't the number of the tanks that is important. It is the volume of compressed air that is. Reducing the number of tanks will reduce the volume of air available for the truck. Since this includes the air brakes I would advise you to leave them alone! Your truck as been engineered and tested for that many tanks and air volume, removing one or more may throw out and alter brake application timing, number of brake applications and slow down response of your air ride or other air accessories. The truck may have been spec'd originally with extra tanks due to hauling a trailer with lift axles or something. I think most of the tanks on KW aren't very big and are placed strategically for air operated systems including the rear air ride. I really think you should just leave them alone!
     
    Heavyd, Apr 19, 2011
    Heavyd, Apr 19, 2011
    #2
  4. Apr 23, 2011 #3
    Krooser

    Krooser Road Train Member

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    Jul 25, 2010
    Wisconsin
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    They pay engineers a lot of $$$ to design air systems to be safe and reliable... leave it alone.

    My 379 has FIVE air tanks... and sometimes, during a hard stop when I feather the brakes, the low air light can still come on.
     
    Krooser, Apr 23, 2011
    Krooser, Apr 23, 2011
    #3
  5. Apr 29, 2011 #4
    Nitropickup

    Nitropickup Bobtail Member

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    Apr 18, 2011
    Houston, TX
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    Ha, this is funny. I have a w900 and have been wanting to add an air tank or two to run a big air impact wrench. Should the need ever arise I'd like to save those road service fees by doing my own tire work.
     
    Nitropickup, Apr 29, 2011
    Nitropickup, Apr 29, 2011
    #4
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