Air connections under the body

[Atomiklan]

I am planning on doing an ARB compressor and probably tank here pretty soon. I really want to plumb everything right into the vehicle to minimize extra gear as much as possible (ie not have to bring super long or bulky hoses). I plan on running a line to the back of the inside of the cab to a panel mounted quick disconnect for a water system, but I also want to be able to use this system to air up all four tire simultaneously. Sure there are custom (and bulky) spider hoses, but they take up a LOT of valuable space. What I would LOVE to do is have a branch of the air line go off to near each wheel well and be permanently mounted. Then I can just store 4 super short quick connect hoses when I need to air back up. I am concerned about mud, dust, etc. getting into the quick connect fitting on my first trip out, rending this cool idea useless. Any thoughts?

Perhaps there are really well protected quick connectors with tight sealing rubber caps for harsh environments, or perhaps I can use something else at this point which will be easier to protect from the muck. Any suggestions?

Thanks!

 

[Chris In Milwaukee]

There's a really good write-up and video of a system that describes what you're after here:

The "Wifey" Air System – Rago Fabrication
ARB Dual Air Compressor “The Wifey Air System”

As you described it, there are local outlets in each wheel well for each tire, requiring only a short hose to get there. Looks pretty cool.

 

[jhguth]

just go to any hydraulics shop and they should have various dust caps, or search online for pneumatic/hydraulic quick connect dust caps

I'm not 100% positive, but I think you would need 1/2" cap for your connection

So for example, something like:
Parker 5209-4M Hydraulic General Purpose Dust Cap 1/2 Rubber Black

 

[Jetboy]

I think you're wasting a lot of time and effort for something that's kinda pointless. The 12v compressor isn't capable of out running a single tire fill. So the best case scenario is that you'd save a few seconds of time it takes to move the air hose from one tire to the next. In trade you're going to a lot of work and spending a fair amount of money for something that's destined to be problematic with a lot of failure points and putting the connections where they're expose to the elements. Plus you'll still need short air hoses for each tire. And you'll probably make airing up slower because you're adding a lot of extra feet of small diameter air hose that will reduce the flow of air compared to a larger diameter air hose you'd normally use.

If you were setting up a system for CTIS, sure, then it makes more sense to have a full air system to all 4 corners. Otherwise a simple air hose is just as easy to fill with, easier to keep clean, and a lot cheaper and easier to setup.

 

[Atomiklan]

There's a really good write-up and video of a system that describes what you're after here:

The "Wifey" Air System – Rago Fabrication
ARB Dual Air Compressor “The Wifey Air System”

As you described it, there are local outlets in each wheel well for each tire, requiring only a short hose to get there. Looks pretty cool.

Perfect! I even already purchase tons of Rago gear. I dont know how I missed this solution... Thank you!

 

[<<<<]

I done it by running 1/4 in lines to both sides of frame just under front doors.
It works perfectly and I use ARB hose to reach each side but in reality any 5ft hose would be enough to reach each tire (think about helping some one on trail, you might need more hose so they are not in your face).

updated to this fitting since last pic:

and this cap:

ARB hose:

 

[tral]

Dust Cap "Pacifiers"

​

Here are some dust caps i have for mine. Note there is a special version for ARB

Quick Connect Air Coupler Plug (ACP)

 

[BobsTrail]

I think you're wasting a lot of time and effort for something that's kinda pointless. The 12v compressor isn't capable of out running a single tire fill. So the best case scenario is that you'd save a few seconds of time it takes to move the air hose from one tire to the next. In trade you're going to a lot of work and spending a fair amount of money for something that's destined to be problematic with a lot of failure points and putting the connections where they're expose to the elements. Plus you'll still need short air hoses for each tire. And you'll probably make airing up slower because you're adding a lot of extra feet of small diameter air hose that will reduce the flow of air compared to a larger diameter air hose you'd normally use.

If you were setting up a system for CTIS, sure, then it makes more sense to have a full air system to all 4 corners. Otherwise a simple air hose is just as easy to fill with, easier to keep clean, and a lot cheaper and easier to setup.

:iagree:
Way too complicated even if you are airing up daily. Don't cook a good compressor under the hood, put it in a milk crate with a coiled hose and use battery clamps when needed.

But then I'm the guy who uses CO2 because it's a lot faster - 30 seconds per tire, not 3 to 5 minutes.