Which Air Hose for OBA

[barlowrs]

OK I have been searching all over Expo, TTORA, ih8mud, etc and have basically come up slightly more confused than before. Most OBA setups do not get into the air hose they used.

So.....what is the best air hose/tubing for an OBA setup? The hose will be routed under the vehicle, and possible some in the engine bay.

There is Polyurethane such as this: Click Here

There is Rubber such as this: Click Here

There is PVC such as this: Click Here

All have a workign pressure that is ok for what I need, so is one better suited for OBA system than another?

Thanks!

 

[Patman]

I have run semi hard pvc with push lock connectors for a long time with no issues.

My original oba kit from sun (quickair 2) came with black line (basically semitruck air brake line) and after 12+ years 50k+ miles on 4 different rigs I'm still using some of that original line. Recently replumbed some of it and picked up 20' at Ace for less than $5

I've played with brass compression fittings, but prefer a quality pushlock connector for ease of leakfree assembly and field repair (should it ever be needed).

So my input would be none of the above

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

Rubber is a good balance. Very durable, good in all temperatures, hard to pinch, heat resistant, and easy to roll up.
I have use this Speedaire Hose for the last 10 years on several different OBA systems.

 

[barlowrs]

I have run semi hard pvc with push lock connectors for a long time with no issues.

My original oba kit from sun (quickair 2) came with black line (basically semitruck air brake line) and after 12+ years 50k+ miles on 4 different rigs I'm still using some of that original line. Recently replumbed some of it and picked up 20' at Ace for less than $5

I've played with brass compression fittings, but prefer a quality pushlock connector for ease of leakfree assembly and field repair (should it ever be needed).

So my input would be none of the above

Do you have any links? I was always under the impression the pushlocks can leak pretty easily. I was planning on the old barb and hose clamp method...is this outdated?

 

[Patman]

My original fitttings came from sun, not sure on the specific mfg.

I recently bought a few dozen fittings off of ebay. Seller is out of Ontario (the one further from you ) "pnevmo" prices and service was great, fittings are quality, and he was very accomodating to piecing together a quantity discount. No relation, blah blah..

Hose barb and clamp works. But always seems so non oem to me, from what I know of your build it doesn't seem right.

Soft hose, rubber, especially under hood, will dry out and crack long before the pvc has an issue.

 

[dms1]

I am also using the hard PVC hose with pushlock fittings. I bought the fittings from McMaster Carr. I set this up in my 85 4runner in 2001 and the hose is still fine and I have not had any leaks.

 

[Martyn]

We sell a 30ft coiled poly hose you can see it here

 

[mudbutt]

This is what you want.... It works with the push lock fittings

http://www.mcmaster.com/#9149t34/=99uygx

 

[jcbrandon]

...So.....what is the best air hose/tubing for an OBA setup? The hose will be routed under the vehicle, and possible some in the engine bay. ...

Robert, if I read you correctly you're looking for some hose or tubing to mount on your truck, routing air from a compressor to a fitting where you will then connect an air hose when you need it. Yes?

I've had great success with a compressor mounted on two different trucks that did not require any hard-mounted lines. On the first truck, I mounted it in a toolbox in the bed. That same compressor is now mounted under the hood of my current truck. In both cases, the mounting was simple and just required running some wire. The switch is on the compressor, the compressor is fully accessible, and I just plug in a self-coiling poly line that I bought at Sears. The line easily reaches to all four tires on a full-size truck.

 

[MotoDave]

Robert, if I read you correctly you're looking for some hose or tubing to mount on your truck, routing air from a compressor to a fitting where you will then connect an air hose when you need it. Yes?

I've had great success with a compressor mounted on two different trucks that did not require any hard-mounted lines. On the first truck, I mounted it in a toolbox in the bed. That same compressor is now mounted under the hood of my current truck. In both cases, the mounting was simple and just required running some wire. The switch is on the compressor, the compressor is fully accessible, and I just plug in a self-coiling poly line that I bought at Sears. The line easily reaches to all four tires on a full-size truck.

I do the same thing, I have a quick disconnect on the compressor that's under the hood. I figure it will be easy to add plumbing later if I find its a hassle, but so far popping the hood to air up doesn't bother me.

One thing I've noticed is the hose and fittings right at the compressor get REALLY hot. If I plumbed in a system I'd think about having the first foot or two be metal, and then pick up the PVC or other air line.

 

[theksmith]

i tried a couple things, ended up using 1/4" black DOT-Approved Air Brake Line from Napa with compression fittings. unlike my previous attempts involving hose clamps and rubber/pvc lines... no leaks and clean/simple connections.

oh and like an other poster, i did use push lock quick connects (from Grainger) on the input side (from the compressor to the tank), but i prefer the compression fittings on the side holding pressure (from the tank to the quick coupler).

 

[Martyn]

If you want tubing to go from the compressor to bulk head fittings etc. on the vehicle we have all the push on fittings. We use 3/8" DOT flexible hose, I think it's $1.00 per foot.

 

[1leglance]

I am on my second Extreme Outback setup and whatever they use is super tough and works great.
The first setup I installed myself and it was easy to do with push on connectors that never leaked a bit.

The current one was installed by Sportsmobile with the compressor mounted under the rig with the air hose hookup in the front bumper box of the Aluminess.
Killer easy to use and love it.

 

[bj70_guy]

I have the poly hose - it's nice. Small, pliable and light, rated to -40. Seems just fine, though I don't have any routed under the truck or under the hood.

 

[poriggity]

I've always used the goodyear 3/8" hose sold at Kilby Enterprises, but I don't see why some other hose wouldn't work. The goodyear stuff is spendy, but in my experience, it is a very nice product.
Scott