TRANSCRAFT DTL-2000 STEP WILL ONLY RISE WHEN IT SEES WEIGHT

[henboy1]

This is a 99 step.
The airbag will only inflate when there is weight on the deck.My 5000ibs personal vehicle did not even make it rise.The previous owner said transcraft stepdecks do that and this was normal.Another rigger said the same thing while others said otherwise.Because of this, the previous owner always kept the red knob(trailer valve) down all the time and only applied the yellow valves when parked(truck).Personally, I don't think this is normal.The bags will only rise after the trailer is loaded and when I drive for about 5-10 miles.Is there a lever under that trailer to look out for?My ABS light is also on (on trailer and no dash ABS light)

[GMAN]

The air should inflate the air bags whether there is weight on the trailer or not. I assume you are not talking about a trailer that has air bags that will rise so that the axle can be moved? The ABS light should not remain on. You may check to see if you have a switch for a dump valve. It could be on the dash or trailer. I have another trailer that doesn't have ABS. If I hook it to my KW the air bags will deflate unless I switch my air slide for my fifth wheel on the dash. Apparently, the dump valve on that trailer uses the same pin as the ABS on the tractor. If I pull that trailer I have to disconnect the dump valve to keep the air bags inflated. I have a switch on the dash of the other truck for the dump valve.

[henboy1]

The air should inflate the air bags whether there is weight on the trailer or not. I assume you are not talking about a trailer that has air bags that will rise so that the axle can be moved? The ABS light should not remain on. You may check to see if you have a switch for a dump valve. It could be on the dash or trailer. I have another trailer that doesn't have ABS. If I hook it to my KW the air bags will deflate unless I switch my air slide for my fifth wheel on the dash. Apparently, the dump valve on that trailer uses the same pin as the ABS on the tractor. If I pull that trailer I have to disconnect the dump valve to keep the air bags inflated. I have a switch on the dash of the other truck for the dump valve.

I dump my air by the rear ends and I don't have a switch in the dash.I hope there is an adjustment nut for the trailer suspnsion that is used for its' height.

[Orangetxguy]

The air should inflate the air bags whether there is weight on the trailer or not. I assume you are not talking about a trailer that has air bags that will rise so that the axle can be moved? The ABS light should not remain on. You may check to see if you have a switch for a dump valve. It could be on the dash or trailer. I have another trailer that doesn't have ABS. If I hook it to my KW the air bags will deflate unless I switch my air slide for my fifth wheel on the dash. Apparently, the dump valve on that trailer uses the same pin as the ABS on the tractor. If I pull that trailer I have to disconnect the dump valve to keep the air bags inflated. I have a switch on the dash of the other truck for the dump valve.

I dump my air by the rear ends and I don't have a switch in the dash.I hope there is an adjustment nut for the trailer suspnsion that is used for its' height.

Check the trailer ride height valve. If it has an electrical wire to it, you need to have the system checked. It might be wired to the trailer electrical connection, and your pig tail makes the suspension dump air.


You might also just have a bad ride height valve.

[special k]

Do you mean there's no air at all in the bags or just that the bags are still flexible? Check the ride height valve they usually have a rod that is easily disconnected so you can manually raise and lower the suspension if it doesn't change the height then you probably need a new valve. Any good trailer shop can give the measurement for the bag height.

[henboy1]

I went underneath and I couldn't find any leveling device(Iwas between the spread) .This is a step which is quite different from most component location for vans.For ex... my air tank is between the spread while air tanks for vans , I think are further up.What would the adjusting valve look like under the step?O am quite familiar with my air dump valve at my rears. The bags have no air when I am empty and it only rises when it sees weight.No air in the bags are causing my tires to wear.
When I went underneath, I saw the hoses that goes to the tank and the ABS connection, I will try going under again.

[henboy1]

I cut down my headache and called an authorized dealer.I gave him the VIn and he said this trailer comes with an AUTO DUMP VALVE.This means there is no manual lever to adjust the ride height.I am sure this part went out.

[Orangetxguy]

I cut down my headache and called an authorized dealer.I gave him the VIn and he said this trailer comes with an AUTO DUMP VALVE.This means there is no manual lever to adjust the ride height.I am sure this part went out.

Good job! That little sucker is right by the front two tanks.

[henboy1]

I cut down my headache and called an authorized dealer.I gave him the VIn and he said this trailer comes with an AUTO DUMP VALVE.This means there is no manual lever to adjust the ride height.I am sure this part went out.

Good job! That little sucker is right by the front two tanks.

As you can see from my previous responses on top I never knew the diference between the "ride height valve" and the "air dump valve".I thought they were all the same because I never had a truck that had the air dump valve in the dash but rather(was never a company driver either) I always pull on the strings on the dryer to drain my tanks or move the lever on my rear end to change the ride height.
Anyway, I found the "ride height valve" on the trailer and it was quite hidden.
Viola!fixed my problem.
Thank you guys!

[allan5oh]

No problem!

I love taking all the credit without contributing a damn thing :P

LOL