Want to convert an A2 to CTIS???

[wehring]

Is there any interest in adding CTIS to an A2? My idea is to reverse engineer an A3 hub assy and omit the pesky electronic system. Good 'ole hand valves and gauges on the dash.

I have NO idea how much it will cost and I am not really interested in selling this conversion. I simply enjoy the chase of the hunt... I will fwd info as it becomes available.

Justin Wehring
979 997 3112

 

[txdodge43man]

lol

 

[gringeltaube]

I think it would be a very interesting upgrade for all the ones running on 14.5 MPT or larger size singles!

Put me on top of your potential customer list!

http://www.steelsoldiers.com/deuce/33621-ctis.html

G.

 

[ida34]

Anyone that has had to air the tires up and down when coming off blacktop into desert sand would not think this a screwy upgrade. I look forward to seeing your progress if you go forward.

Chuck

 

[Jones]

The CTIS systems haven't been very popular with anyone who's had to work with or on them.
Whether it's the electronics, hub seals at the wheels or whatever; they're prone to leaks and communication problems. A lot of our trucks have the CTIS disconnected or blanked off while we wait for parts.

If you get rid of the electronics in favor of manual controls you've shifted from a complicated system to one's that's simpler mechanically but with a higher need for driver attention.
The electronics (when working) are a set it and forget it design. Problem is that there's often no warning if that portion goes down. And no mechanical override if/when it does.
Manual control would require the driver check on it on a fairly regular basis when sometimes he already has his (her) hands full just piloting the vehicle.

If you're able to work out the bugs, I'm sure there would be interest in kits or even just a detailed how-to post.
I know that stopping and deflating or airing up ten tires isn't the high point of anyone's day.

Good luck and happy designing.

 

[Barrman]

Look at the DUKW from WWII. They had a manual CTIS system that might make a good starting point for your design.

 

[Stalwart]

Look at the DUKW from WWII. They had a manual CTIS system that might make a good starting point for your design.

External air lines to the outside of the wheel isn't a good solution.

 

[wehring]

Thanks all...

Thanks for the posts. I agree that the complexity of the factory system is additional drama. I am a fan of the K.I.S.S. approach.

Driver training and attention.... remember that the CTIS system as designed is for 18 y/o E1s with questionable backgrounds. Most EVERYONE on this site has a spoon full of mechanical know-how. A manual system will not be a negative to "mechanical" people.

I am bobbing as A3 and I have requested to keep the extra rear axle. It will give me a good working model to reverse engineer.

Justin

 

[nofearnohope]

I'm interested in your idea. I will continue to monitor this thread to see your progress.

 

[jesusgatos]

Me too. I don't know what the failure-points with the A3 CTIS are/were, but if those can be overcome, then I'd be VERY interested in retrofitting a simplified CTIS system to my M109. And I wouldn't mind a manual system that needs more attention if it was more robust and reliable than the A3 version.

 

[wehring]

Research begins...

The A3 axle is in-hand and I will begin the teardown when I have completed the A3 bob job. Here are some pics...

Justin Wehring
979 997 3112

 

[gringeltaube]

Good pics, keep'em coming! Just don't tell everybody that you did cut those good & usable dogbones in half...
G.

 

[Blood_of_Tyrants]

To make the system useful, you would need to add a much larger air compressor to the truck or it would take literally an hour or more to re-inflate 6 or 10 large tires. Next a simple back pressure regulator to the tires with the control knob and a gauge would be all you need for pressure regulation.

 

[wehring]

Thanks...

Good info. Thanks. Only working with 4 tires.

Justin Wehring
979 997 3112

 

[jesusgatos]

what kind of air compressor do the A3's have?

 

[jeryshery]

Did you ever get anywhere with this?

 

[camoyj7]

Heres a diagram of the system. Wonder if you could use a regular pressure reg. in place of the pneumatic control unit?
http://trucks5ton.tpub.com/TM-9-2320-272-24-1/TM-9-2320-272-24-10358.htm

 

[rtk]

Having a A3 with the CTIS system , I can tell you there is LOTS of maintenance with the seals and VERY VERY expensive wheel bearings . I am not sure if the person who designed the system is either a genius or a idiot ! You will have lots of o ring issues at the very least , which ARE a PITA to fix , IMHO , great idea , not very practical . Matter of fact , I am in the procress of removeing my CTIS system and converting to the A2 set up . I have the complete system , plus extra's if there is any intrest , PM me , bob k

 

[kawkev]

I shoulda traded that KLR for some of those wheels in the background.

 

[m-35tom]

it is my understanding that the wheel bearing is part of the system, and at $800+ each, seems like upgrading an A2 might run in the $10,000 range!!