OBA Plans...input please!

[tremors834]

Just a couple of observations-
-The Puma 1006 uses a conventional pressure switch/unloader, compared to your orig. design of using a pre-set pressure switch and separate unloader (Load Genie).

-The Load Genie is actually a check valve/unloader combination so you shouldn't need the seperate check valve in your design.

-Typically a lot of money gets invested in an OBA system, some sort of unloader should be used for easier starting of the compressor.

-The Load Genie comes in 4 different flow rates, make sure you choose the correct one or it will not operate correctly.

Taken from the load genie spec pdf at the link below-
"It is most important to match the rated flow range of the Load Genie® with the compressor flow capacity. Also keep in mind that as the compressor discharge goes up, the flow goes down. If the flow capacity of the compressor drops below the minimum rated flow of the Load Genie®, the valve will react as if the compressor had stopped, and will vent the discharge line Therefore, it is better to size the Load Genie® towards the maximum end its rated flow range."

-I guessed when putting together my OBA and ofcourse I choose the wrong Load Genie. :smilies27 I haven't figured out the correct one to use because for other reasons I scrapped my design.
-I do plan on going with the DC-7600. It should have some sort of unloader present, if doesn't, I'll go with the 7500 since I have all the other parts needed for OBA. Then I'll try to reach out to the makers of the Load Genie to find out the correct one to use.
LOAD GENIE SPECS

 

[ARBTECH]

Hi guys,
just a word on the Air Lockers. The idea that too much pressure will hurt an ARB Air Locker is a myth. Too little pressure is a much bigger problem than too much. If your OBA system is running at 150PSI than DO NOT regulate the pressure down for the Air Lockers. Our solenoids will hold that pressure no problem and you will have faster and more powerful engagement on demand when you need them. The blue airline is rated to 300 PSI and the lockers far beyond that. Running a regulator can create a situation where the pressure build into the locker is slowed to the point where incomplete locking can occur resulting in damaged components in the diff. Not ideal.
Marc
ARB Tech Dept
Seattle, WA

 

[barlowrs]

Hi guys,
just a word on the Air Lockers. The idea that too much pressure will hurt an ARB Air Locker is a myth. Too little pressure is a much bigger problem than too much. If your OBA system is running at 150PSI than DO NOT regulate the pressure down for the Air Lockers. Our solenoids will hold that pressure no problem and you will have faster and more powerful engagement on demand when you need them. The blue airline is rated to 300 PSI and the lockers far beyond that. Running a regulator can create a situation where the pressure build into the locker is slowed to the point where incomplete locking can occur resulting in damaged components in the diff. Not ideal.
Marc
ARB Tech Dept
Seattle, WA

Great info, thanks!

 

[poriggity]

Everything looks good on the setup.. You can also run a regulator before the ARB's in order to regulate the pressure down to the correct level at the ARB's...
Scott

 

[theksmith]

if you end up with the DC-7500/7600, please update us on how you like it. i was planning to move to it now that one of my cheap dual compressors has died.

 

[barlowrs]

if you end up with the DC-7500/7600, please update us on how you like it. i was planning to move to it now that one of my cheap dual compressors has died.

I ended up with a Puma....I am taking my time on the install, but should have something up in a few weeks.

 

[jeepdreamer]

Late to the party...sorry.

Don't know if some of this could be useful for pluming in your Puma but thought I'd offer it anyway...sorry I'm late!

 

[Azlugz]

I have a puma and have used air tools on it with just the 1.5 gallon tank it comes with. You have to work in spurts, but I can pull a tire in one go.

I have just aquired 2 2.5 gallon ViAir tanks to mount and will build in the pump. the whole setup in my ZJ will give me 6.5 gallons and should work amazingly.

The other great thing about the Puma, it will air up my truck tires to 65 front and 80 rear (for the 5th wheel), most other pumps fail before they get there or just never make it. My previous ViAir Constant duty setup took 1/2 hour(on a cool day) to get my truck to 50 all the way around.

My Puma will stay as a one piece portable, but will mount on a shelf in the back of the ZJ and will plug into the rear battery with a QD fitting to hook the aire to the plumbed in tanks and outside hook ups. That way if I want to use it in the truck, I can unhook it from the ZJ and take it with the 1.5 gallon tank.

And yes, it is a 3/4hp

 

[barlowrs]

Hey Everyone, thanks for all the replies and info. I think I have my setup pretty much mapped out and parts are either here or in the mail.

The Puma (posted above) is going to be the heart of my system. From the compressor, I have a 36” steel braided leader hose that will run directly into a filter/oil separator. That will run out to a 1-6 cfm genie unloader valve that will dump into a 2.5 gallon Viair tank. I have a 90on/120off pressure switch that will be plumbed into the tank with a 165psi safety valve. From the tank, the line splits up and heads to a quick connect in the front and one in the rear of my rig.
I am using 3/8” compression fittings all the way around with DOT Nylon Tubing.

For wiring, I am running 6AWG to an 80amp breaker on my aux fuse block bracket (next to batt). Then I have 6AWG running all the way back to a 100amp relay next to the compressor. The compressor will be plugged into this, with the pressure switch and an in cab switch as the trigger for it.

I am doing a lot of fab work for this one, so its taking me longer than expected, but I wanted it to come out clean and be the “safest” for the compressor (low heat area, mostly protected, etc). Hopefully in a few weeks I will have a write up.

 

[poriggity]

I'd love to see a writeup! I am a diehard OBA freak, so any writeups are greatly appreciated!

 

[barlowrs]

I'd love to see a writeup! I am a diehard OBA freak, so any writeups are greatly appreciated!

Probably have it up next week. Got the compressor shelf fabed up and welded, the compressor is mounted now as well as the quick connects. Tank should be here mid week, and all thats left is to plumb it. :wings:

 

[Dave Bennett]

Is it next week yet?

 

[barlowrs]

Is it next week yet?

HAHA I have everything all ready to go to finalize the install, unfortunately, I am not stuck in Paris for 3 weeks for work...so I won’t be able to finish until mid December.

I think you will like what I did as far as mounting the compressor and stuff, so stay tuned.

 

[ScoutII]

Don't know if some of this could be useful for pluming in your Puma but thought I'd offer it anyway...sorry I'm late!

Looks good, but why do you have a line going from the pressure switch to the compressor? I assume that just cuts off the 12 volts to the compressor. I do like that there are no air couplers in the manifold too.
Not sure what type of line goes from the compressor to the tank as heat is a big issue on longer run times.

I really like the idea of using the engine to power one of those A/C compressors that are 10 CFM. You have to keep the truck running when running an electric pump or the battery might not start the truck when done. I have the small ARB pump, but it's kind of worthless for tires, works great for the ARB!

It's the same plan/setup with either type of compressor. Pressure switch, manifold, safety valve, tank, etc. I've been collecting parts but have yet to start. Picture of complete installs are always helpful to other for ideas.
For me I want to mount air couplers on each side of the truck like in your drawing. Found these at http://www.kilbyenterprises.com/universal-couplers.htm

 

[poriggity]

Just an FYI, Kilby Enterprises is now in the hands of another company, and the founder of the company is on to bigger and better things. I don't know much of how the new company is running Kilby Enterprises, but according to the website, you have to call to order, and check stock.... I will more than likely be buying my items elsewhere, simply because I like the ease of being able to order what I want online.
Scott