For those with onboard air

[The Waco Kid]

Ok, I have a multifaceted question for you lot.

Background:
I'm looking to run an onboard air compressor in the typical location (behind the airbox). I will be using this to air up my tires on the rare occasion that I go offroad (generally a few trips to the beach or similar), airing up my mountain bike and dirt bike tires, maintaining proper air pressure in my tires, as well as in the case of an emergency (I have had great luck with tires lately, sarcasm intended). With all this considered, it usually relates to almost weekly usage.

Also, I'm becoming increasingly more paranoid about my truck being broken into, so I'd like to limit my exposure, if at all possible. (I work in Houston... nuff said)

I originally didn't plan on doing this mod, hence the "p" variant of this compressor (see equipment below), but it's becoming more and more of a need.

I've read just about every on-board air thread there is, but I guess I'd just like some reassurance before I try tackling this mod. I feel like I have a good plan for this set forth, and the necessary tools (minus fabrication), but I'd like to hear y'alls thoughts.

Equipment:
I currently own a VIAIR 400p compressor.
I have Shrockwork step sliders on order
I have AOB switches waiting to be used
I'm pending "mod funds" for an sPOD
And I intend on running rock-lights near the sliders for illumination when operating the compressor at night....also for poser points. :rockon:

I have no modifications at the moment, aside from minor cosmetic "enhancements" but will be running the sPOD for all my electrical hook-ups.

Questions:
1. For those of you that aren't fabricators or have access to one, how did you mount your compressor? What, if anything, did you have to relocate to get it to fit? What you recommend someone do in this situation?

2. Would I be alright mounting this compressor under my hood? The handle appears removable, but the cap at the end of the compressor where the on/off switch is, appears to be plastic. Would I be fine running with this equipment or should I look else where? I'd rather not have to purchase a new compressor, and I'm completely comfortable with modifying the wiring on the unit to fit my application.

This may be a pipe dream, but something I want to look into:

3. Has anyone run air lines down the lengths of the frame? This may just be me dreaming or over complicating things, but I'd like to run lines down the passenger AND driver side frame rails, with quick connections on either side to make things easier to reach. I'd keep a small hose in the truck and just hook up the hose to the respective line on the side its needed.

Goals:
I'd like to keep this install as clean as possible, hence the sPOD, and I'd like to make sure it's convenient for me or a passenger to operate.

What are y'alls thoughts, opinions, or ramblings?

 

[Jono.ful]

I used the behind-the-air-box-space for my second battery, so I did this with some aluminum plate

honestly, running air lines are over out of a need of convenience is a fool's errand. just put a quick connect on a manifold or on one of the ports on a tank, and get an air hose like this

 

[The Waco Kid]

Well, I have '14 runner, so the air injection crap is in the way of putting anything there. And I hear yah on the air lines. I just picked up a 50ft rubber hose to extend my range.

Edit: I think I could mount mine like that using the plate that the compressor mounts too behind the airbox. Good idea!


Thanks for the quick reply!

 

[Okki]

ARB dual compressor (100% duty cycle) on a custom bracket. There is a compressor mounting thread of mine that got resurrected, so your timing may be good for scoring a bracket at the moment.

I have my airchuck inside the rear hatch. I need to open the hatch anyway to get the hose etc out, so keeping it clean inside is a plus with no extra hassle.

I obviously ran an airline along the frame to get to the rear. See my build thread for details on that (link in my signature below).

I would not run dual hoses on either side of the car. you don't need it. Also limit the length of the hose you use to run your tools, etc because you loose pressure for each ft of length beyond the compressor.

With the dual compressor you don't need a tank, but it's highly recommended. I will be adding one inside the Shrockworks bumper once I do that mod. That's one of the few places where you could fit a tank.

Keep an eye on the air filters for your compressor. They get dirty just like the one for the car (usually faster).

I posted the Frontpanel Express file for the face-plate I used for the pressure gauge and airchuck on my build thread, so you can download and use that if you want to go the same route.

Hopefully this helps!

Okki

 

[The Waco Kid]

ARB dual compressor (100% duty cycle) on a custom bracket. There is a compressor mounting thread of mine that got resurrected, so your timing may be good for scoring a bracket at the moment.

I have my airchuck inside the rear hatch. I need to open the hatch anyway to get the hose etc out, so keeping it clean inside is a plus with no extra hassle.

I obviously ran an airline along the frame to get to the rear. See my build thread for details on that (link in my signature below).

I would not run dual hoses on either side of the car. you don't need it. Also limit the length of the hose you use to run your tools, etc because you loose pressure for each ft of length beyond the compressor.

With the dual compressor you don't need a tank, but it's highly recommended. I will be adding one inside the Shrockworks bumper once I do that mod. That's one of the few places where you could fit a tank.

Keep an eye on the air filters for your compressor. They get dirty just like the one for the car (usually faster).

I posted the Frontpanel Express file for the face-plate I used for the pressure gauge and airchuck on my build thread, so you can download and use that if you want to go the same route.

Hopefully this helps!

Okki

I credit most of my inspiration for this mod to your build! I like the idea of keeping the connection in a clean spot. Makes sense.

I'd rather not have to purchase another compressor, since it pretty much doubles what I'm looking to spend to get this going, but I will consider it if I can't get what I have to work (It fits my needs perfectly)...or if it's just a bad idea. Will what I have not work?

Also thanks for the tip on the filters!

Edit: If my compressor can't handle the addition of a line to the rear plus it's normal duties, I think I'm better off running Jono.ful's setup. I didn't consider the drop in pressure (glad I asked).

 

[Jeremy556]

I began my current OBA setup with a 400P, which I later converted into a 400c and added an additional 400c. I removed the handle and replaced it with a stainless leader hose with check valve, and replaced the switch on the side with custom wiring to a pressure switch. Both compressors are mounted to a cutting board (@antman) and all secured to existing mounting points behind the air box with aluminum brackets (@harper7)

 

[Okki]

I credit most of my inspiration for this mod to your build! I like the idea of keeping the connection in a clean spot. Makes sense.

I'd rather not have to purchase another compressor, since it pretty much doubles what I'm looking to spend to get this going, but I will consider it if I can't get what I have to work (It fits my needs perfectly)...or if it's just a bad idea. Will what I have not work?

Also thanks for the tip on the filters!

Edit: If my compressor can't handle the addition of a line to the rear plus it's normal duties, I think I'm better off running Jono.ful's setup. I didn't consider the drop in pressure (glad I asked).

The ARB dual compressor will let you run airtools. If you just want to air tires you are probably fine. It will simply take longer. also in your case you may want to add a tank sooner.

Okki

 

[The Waco Kid]

I began my current OBA setup with a 400P, which I later converted into a 400c and added an additional 400c. I removed the handle and replaced it with a stainless leader hose with check valve, and replaced the switch on the side with custom wiring to a pressure switch. Both compressors are mounted to a cutting board (@antman) and all secured to existing mounting points behind the air box with aluminum brackets (@harper7)

This is exactly what I was hoping for! Thanks so much. I'll take another look at Antman and haper7's threads again.

Sounds like I need to crack open the 400p and see what I have in store for myself. Shouldn't be too bad.

The ARB dual compressor will let you run airtools. If you just want to air tires you are probably fine. It will simply take longer. also in your case you may want to add a tank sooner.

Okki

I'll definitely look into the tank. This would be the ideal (ARB) set up, but right now, I don't really feel like it's necessary as I don't run (or own) any air tools at the moment. And the extent of airing uo my tires from a super low pressure is pretty minimal ATM.

Thanks so much for the help guys! This is going to serve as a pretty good reference for me going forward!

 

[kboxvegas]

Here is mine, I was undecided on a tank but after using it a few times and knowing I am never going to run tools off it I don't think I will. Still want to add a pressure release valve to the manifold. Mount was made using some 16ga plate from home depot attached in four locations and lined with dynamat so no extra noise.

Crappy cell phone pic:

 

[The Waco Kid]

Here is mine, I was undecided on a tank but after using it a few times and knowing I am never going to run tools off it I don't think I will. Still want to add a pressure release valve to the manifold. Mount was made using some 16ga plate from home depot attached in four locations and lined with dynamat so no extra noise.

Crappy cell phone pic:

That looks really clean! I like that! Noted on the pressure release valve! Looks like I need to spend a little more time at Home Depot this weekend.