the onboard air thread

[jham]

My research has led me here, deciding to KISS and throw a CO2 tank in the back or install a compressor and tank. If go the compressor route, the compressor, tank, and air lines will be mounted out of sight, just as Lane did on his truck.

CO2. Pros - portable, added volume capability. Fills tires quickly (I dont care about this... where's the fire?), probably better at running air tools. Cons - takes up storage space. Costs time and money to refill.

Onboard. Pros - unlimited, free, on-the-spot refills. Mounted on the truck, so you never forget it. Its there when you need it, its outta sight when you dont. Cons - less actual air storage space, making tire refills slower. Fewer psi than CO2, making tools harder to operate (am I right on this?). The tank will need a drain plug to empty out the water. Elements are mounted under truck, so I'll need a skid, and to address rust and wear prevention.

What say ye? What compressors are out there for good prices? Viair seems like a great compressor, but the prices are high from what I see. What is your setup? Like it? Pictures? Recommendations?

 

[spencyg]

I have a Viair 460C system in my van (see the link to the build in my signature) and really like it. No, I can't really run an impact gun or die grinder, but it fill tires very well and knowing I've got an unlimited supply of 120psi air is comforting. I think CO2 has its place on a trail rig, but for overlanding I really don't see a practical application. The more "out of the way" you find yourself, the less chance there is of filling that CO2 tank back up after you need it. Its not a renewable resource onboard so for me that instantly puts a significant strike against it. I guess propane and diesel aren't renewable onboard either....so take it with a grain of salt.

I think I got my compressor on ebay for $150 or so, and probably the rest of the odds and ends ate up another $150.

Spence

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

I have used a PUMA 12v compressor for over a year and have been very happy. It does and will run a 3/8" IR impact along with various other air tools with no problems. If space is a concern you can divorce the compressor from the tank. The other feature I like about the Puma is it only draws 22amp.

 

[chnlisle]

Just got the Puma and Ditto Phil. And size wise they're only 14x14x6. Not exactly huge.

 

[01tundra]

I'm running a compact ARB compressor under the hood (solely for operating my lockers) and a 15# Powertank mounted in the bed. I made up a common manifold with PRV, isolation valves, pressure gauge, etc and have my Powertank and compressor plumbed together so I can operate the lockers from the tank if the compressor ever craps out while I'm out exploring......

 

[Nullifier]

I run a Viair 460c witha 2.5 gallon tank. So far after 3 years no problems and it has been used alot. Tires for my rigs and friends. Plus on our baja run 2 of the guys brought inflatable mattresses which they used my comp to fill.

Can't say enough good things about the viair comp. Although I really feel like I would have been just as well taken care of with out the tanks. The only wonder I have is if it would have been as easy reseat a tire bead with out the tank.

 

[pray4surf]

I run a Viair 460c witha 2.5 gallon tank. So far after 3 years no problems and it has been used alot. Tires for my rigs and friends. Plus on our baja run 2 of the guys brought inflatable mattresses which they used my comp to fill.

Can't say enough good things about the viair comp. Although I really feel like I would have been just as well taken care of with out the tanks. The only wonder I have is if it would have been as easy reseat a tire bead with out the tank.

I too have the Viair 460 with 2.5 gallon tank. Love it! Simplified things by using an 85-105psi pressure switch (in order to keep pressures ARB friendly). It is capable of using an air impact gun to remove lug nuts - though I the system does require a few minutes to repressurize after doing one wheel. The biggest problem I've encountered is isolating and fixing minor leaks. Use the plumbers paste rather than the teflon tape for superior results.

OBA Install pictures

Rick

 

[Waytec]

I am using my AC compressor, A little of screwing around but I would suggest an engine driven compressor. I can air back up four 31’s and four 35’s in the same time my buddy can air up two 33’s from his ARB compressor. I installed two 2.5 L air tanks so I can run air tools. A lot faster then electrics, I believe you have a Land Rover, you can import a very nice system from the UK for them. They tend to use an Eaton-Vickers pump.
Another option is a Warn Power Plant. Winch and air in one. You can run an impact to change tier off them.

 

[off-roader]

15lbs CO2 tank + Red Pep Boys/Costco compressor

I run primarily a 15lbs CO2 tank setup I built for all air up / air tool duties. I've mounted to my rig using a pair of Super Quik Fists.

As a backup, I also have a Masterflow MV50 Pep Boys / Costco 'high output' air compressor. Great little compressor that flow's at about the same rate as my old ARB compressor but is only $70 which includes a pre-coiled air line, air pressure gauge, & canvas bag.:ylsmoke:

 

[jham]

based on the responses I've decided to go with viar. Seems the price is justified. I'll look for a 400 series for the best price I can find. Hoping to get 1 or 2 RRC tanks to hold the air.

pray4surf, tip about the plumbers paste noted. Thanks.

 

[Willman]

I love having my Extremeaire compressor!

With having the trailer...6 tires only take around 15 minutes to fill up from 18 psi to 35 psi.....I have my compressor plugged in my 5 gallon bumper tank..

:sombrero:

 

[jham]

yeah, that's a nice looking compressor. but the price for that compressor is more than my whole system will end up costing!

very, very nice truck. makes me miss my tacoma.

 

[Big Daddy Chia]

I use one of these at work. Great little compressor. U can get em at pep boys. I am going to buy 2 of them and run them into a 5 gallon tank that I am gonna get from http://www.suicidedoors.com/front_page I will get a pressur swithc and wire them up to run till the tank fills up to 125-130 psi.

 

[jham]

mm, good link. those tanks prices seem very reasonable. anyone else have a hit on tanks?

 

[taugust]

I use one of these at work. Great little compressor. U can get em at pep boys. I am going to buy 2 of them and run them into a 5 gallon tank that I am gonna get from http://www.suicidedoors.com/front_page I will get a pressur swithc and wire them up to run till the tank fills up to 125-130 psi.

I bought my Viair compressor from them. Good company to deal with.