Using a ARB Compact On Board Air System to fill tires?

[adrenaline503]

Happy New Year Everyone,

Just as the title says, is it possible to use a ARB Compact On Board Air System to fill 31" tires? After getting horribly stuck in the snow yesterday I plan on getting a locker and since ARB is the only option for me I was going to get the Compact model since it interfaces with the locker controls. I know other models would be quicker at the task but I don't want to overkill it if I dont have to.

Thanks!

 

[Mr. Leary]

The compact model is not built to run anything other than the lockers. The bigger one works well for me, and fills my 33s up with a little patience.

 

[adrenaline503]

Damn it. Maybe a Compact model and a power tank is the way to go. I really don't want to wire up a larger model since it will be located under my flatbed. Thanks for the confirmation though.

 

[teotwaki]

Th CKMA12 is not that big. I squeezed one in under the hood of my 4Runner
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=19634

 

[adrenaline503]

Yea, I saw your write up and thats a really clean install. I just REALLY dont think I will have room under the hood, especially if I want to go to dual batteries. The other consideration is I have a TON of wasted space under my flatbed.

Does anyone know if you need an air tank for the locker or can you run it straight from the compressor? I imagine that the compressor would cycle less often with a tank...

 

[java]

well theoretically it shouldnt cycle if there are no leaks.

 

[adrenaline503]

well theoretically it shouldnt cycle if there are no leaks.

Correct. I have heard multiple reports of the ARB air lockers leaking somewhere in the line and cycling the compressor. Of course I have no idea how rare that is and how many of those issues were caused by poor or incorrect installation.

 

[teotwaki]

Yea, I saw your write up and thats a really clean install. I just REALLY dont think I will have room under the hood, especially if I want to go to dual batteries. The other consideration is I have a TON of wasted space under my flatbed.

Does anyone know if you need an air tank for the locker or can you run it straight from the compressor? I imagine that the compressor would cycle less often with a tank...

That silver cylinder on the compressor is a mini accumulator tank so for running lockers you don't need to add one. I timed my compressor after the install and it sat for over 22 minutes without cycling. The next morning there was still air pressure in it even though the power was off. Right now the blue air line to the locker has a plug in it so I have no leaks in the system. When I connect the blue air line to the locker I'll time it again and any cycling will be due to air leaks in the locker.

I also have dual batteries under the hood.

 

[Mr. Leary]

Some guys have removed their stock airbox in favor of a cone filter. This fees up the extra space needed to install the compressor. This may be an option if you are not running a snorkel.

The compressor can be anywhere on the truck and still work, but preferably somewhere protected from debris and moisture. Maybe inside the truck? Not like there is exhaust or anything. Maybe make an enclosure similar to a ported speaker box to house it and reduce noise. Just throwing ideas out right now. Hope it helps!

 

[Mr. Leary]

well theoretically it shouldnt cycle if there are no leaks.

Mine cycles every once in a while, with no sign of leaks. I know this defies theory, but the angels have their share as well! :coffeedrink:

 

[adrenaline503]

I was thinking of mounting it in a vented alluminum battery box under the flatbed.

 

[Mr. Leary]

I was thinking of mounting it in a vented alluminum battery box under the flatbed.

Put a small filter on the main vent. Make sure it has a small drain hole if it gets wet. Make sure it is removable so you can clean it up every now and then. Not sure how many water crossings you are planning, but the compressor probably doesn't like being under water. Make sure it doesn't get flooded.

 

[adrenaline503]

Thanks for the idea about the filters and drain holes. It will be pretty high (above) the frame so hopefully it wont flood.

 

[teotwaki]

Mine cycles every once in a while, with no sign of leaks. I know this defies theory, but the angels have their share as well! :coffeedrink:

Soapy water and a toothbrush is how I found my leaks because they couldn't be found with a stethoscope. The last one was very tiny but would cause the compressor to cycle. No leaks = no cycling. I ended up using multiple wraps of teflon tape on the NPT fittings.

 

[teotwaki]

Put a small filter on the main vent. Make sure it has a small drain hole if it gets wet. Make sure it is removable so you can clean it up every now and then. Not sure how many water crossings you are planning, but the compressor probably doesn't like being under water. Make sure it doesn't get flooded.

Earlier someone posted about an ARB compressor running fully submerged in a fish tank because they had a remote inlet.

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=531831&postcount=2

Also see this ARB PDF page 19
http://www.arb.com.au/resources/pdf/news/ARB_Newsletter_Spring07.pdf

Just run the proper size of hose from the ARB compressor and create a mini snorkel for it. With drain holes in the mounting box you should be good to go.