Louder horns?? (for VANdiana E350)

[mk216v]

I've searched the forums but haven't found any solid info.

Has anyone found any louder horns they've had good success with? I'm looking to add these to my 2007 Ford E350 turbodiesel.
I was originally thinking something along the lines of air horns(I will be getting UJOR's OBA setup soon, so will have a 2.5lb air tank), but then a friend made a good point; depending on which air horns, they might be too damn loud to where I may actually be afraid to use them. So no train horn suggestions please.

Looking for something than Ford's joke of a horn set....

TIA,
Jeremy

 

[tgreening]

I had train horns on a 79 Ford. I should say A horn, because the multi-horn they usually use was a bit much.

I'd check out some semi-truck salvage yards if you have them around. I sourced a set off an old KW for my Jeep CJ. Ran them off a 5 gal tank attached to my OBA converted A/C pump. I used an electrically actuated air valve tied to my stock horn circuit to fire it off. Using the horn function on a steering wheel is pretty much reflex at this point so to me it was the best way to go.

The horns sat on my drivers side fender under the hood so they were out of sight, but I'll tell you what, when I hit that button I get all the attention needed. It's a CJ. It's a mouse that roars...like a T-Rex.

 

[mk216v]

Thanks for your feedback tg.

Already recv'd one suggestion which looks promising for how compact they are;

http://stebelengineeredsounds.com/mini_air_horns.html
New Compact; http://stebelengineeredsounds.com/nautilus_compact_horns.html
Original; http://stebelengineeredsounds.com/nautilus_twin_horns.html

Twin tone output of 139dB (at 4") and 115dB (at 2 meters) at frequencies of 530Hz and 680Hz.
Redesigned so it will fit on motorcycles easier!
Will work with any 12v system (car, truck, motorcycle, golf cart, RV, Bus, Rhino, Gator, ATV, Boat, Hi-Lo,..)
Simultaneous high and low tones
Instant sound (no delay like normal air horns)
Includes relay for installation
Unique single point mounting system
Compact size for easy installation (4 1/2" x 3 1/2" x 4 1/2" tall)
Awesome Stebel quality
Shell constructed of high quality ABS plastic
Current – 18 amps at 12volts
Comes with the relay needed for installation as well as mounting bolt.
Under $39 shipped on Amazon, sheesh, feels like I'm stealing it.

 

[philos]

Hella horns.
Post number 13.
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/125320-New-ish-guy-sayin-hello/page2

I used a relay to power them, and I also left one of the factory horns for a total of three. Loud and abrasive, but not enough to cause havoc like a train horn.

 

[mk216v]

Hella horns.
Post number 13.
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/125320-New-ish-guy-sayin-hello/page2

I used a relay to power them, and I also left one of the factory horns for a total of three. Loud and abrasive, but not enough to cause havoc like a train horn.

Thank you. I was looking at the Hella Supertones too (118dB; unsure of the distance measured).

 

[ert01]

I installed the Hella Supertones in my van this summer. WAY better than the stock hooters but not so loud that you're afraid to use em. They're a good balance I find.

 

[mk216v]

I installed the Hella Supertones in my van this summer. WAY better than the stock hooters but not so loud that you're afraid to use em. They're a good balance I find.

Excellent, good to hear.

 

[mk216v]

Well, friend sent me some more horn reviews;
http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-horns/motorcycle-horn-comparison.htm
http://www.motorcycleconsumernews-digitalmagazine.com/mcnews/april_2014d/?pg=28#pg28

Definitely looks like back in '08 Nautilus had some quality control issues with the Original.
Recent Amazon'ers seem to have little/no issues with the Compact.
Biggest concern I see now with either Nautilus is the 18amp power draw, however horns will only be typically in short bursts.

I was thinking Hella would be higher quality but looks like Amazon'ers have had more complaints about Hella quality than the Nautilus.

Listening to youtube videos(I realize that's not a great comparison, but all I have), I wish either of them had a bit lower tone to them. However there may not be much Maximizing to be done, only Satisficing, right Mike?

 

[fog cutter]

loud horns DO save lives

 

[nely]

My friend with a subaru had me install sickspeed horns. They are really loud and would be great on the van.

http://sickspeed.com/pages/universal.html

 

[Herbie]

Another vote for Hella Supertones.

I've had a set in each of my last two Subarus (a badly needed upgrade since OEM horns are weak), and the second set lasted 14 years (installed on day 2 of ownership, went with the car). Have another set in a box ready for my van, but have been waiting until I sort out the tranny cooler before I mount them in the grill...

 

[mk216v]

Looks like the Supertone's are winning the poll.

Here's an interesting video, detailing tones of the Hella Supertone(500Hz and 300Hz at 118dB) vs Hella Sharptone(415Hz and 350Hz at 115dB)(these dB ratings may actually be higher than advertised, as seen by the 2nd motorcycle link test for the Supertone's);
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKOdNCv9UwE
http://www.hella.com/hella-sg/assets/media/Hella_Horns_Brochure_LoRes.pdf

Is it just the video or does the Sharptone actually sound louder, maybe due to the frequencies our ears pick up?

Again, the Stebel Nautilus Compact are 680Hz and 530Hz at 139dB(this dB rating may actually be lower than advertised, if independently tested)

My takeaway; if you don't have the extra room for the larger Stebel, just get the Supertone's or Sharptone's.
If you have a larger rig where the Stebel can better fit, the Stebel may sound even more unique and thus attract more attention due to the higher frequencies.

Whichever you choose, keep your OEM horns connected in case the aftermarket horns fail somehow.
I'll probably go with the Stebel Compact since I have extra room with VANdiana.

 

[mk216v]

Some further good info here on the Stebel; http://www.twistedthrottle.com/steb...cycle-air-horn-12-volt-139-db-black-or-chrome

Per the manufacturer, this horn should be mounted so that the cylinder is vertical (with the horn facing down). There should be no more than a 15 degree variance from the vertical position. If it is not mounted per these specifications, then the horn may cease to function after a period of time.