On-board Air questions

[MuddyButt]

I got an air compressor for Christmas and want to install it like an on board air system. Anyone have any tips for me?

Here's what I'm working with
-VIAIR 88p
-cables connect with positive and negative cables like jumper cables
-comes with an in-line fuse

One issue. There is a small LED light that comes on as soon as I connect the compressor

 

[MuddyButt]

Cut off the clamps already

I already plugged it up and placed it under my seat where I want it to be and the only issue still is that the little LED is lit up even when the compressor is off.

 

[rkntoy]

I already plugged it up and placed it under my seat where I want it to be and the only issue still is that the little LED is lit up even when the compressor is off.

What did you wire it to? Sounds like it is always powered. If you want the LED to go off you need to wire it to a switched source that either you switch off or that switches off when you turn the truck off.

 

[wake_rider]

What did you wire it to? Sounds like it is always powered. If you want the LED to go off you need to wire it to a switched source that either you switch off or that switches off when you turn the truck off.

Yep. Wire it through a rocker switch to cut power when you're not wanting to use the compressor.

 

[csp]

It would be smart to wire it to a switch, using a relay to provide the power to the compressor.

 

[rkntoy]

It would be smart to wire it to a switch, using a relay to provide the power to the compressor.

Most likely would need a relay as you would be pulling too many amps through the switch - unless you bought a really beefy switch.

 

[alumarine]

You could mount something like this near the battery. They're inexpensive.

https://www.princessauto.com/en/detail/12-24v-battery-master-switch/A-p8437402e

You'll have to run leads to the battery anyway.

 

[MuddyButt]

What if I do this

It has an in-line fuse. maybe I could just pull that while I'm not using it. Wouldn't that work instead of installing a switch?

 

[JWaldz]

It has an in-line fuse. maybe I could just pull that while I'm not using it. Wouldn't that work instead of installing a switch?

Theoretically, yes lol

 

[Dezert4Runner]

I have the same compressor. I never thought about hard mounting it, but if I were going to, I would do as most said and run it to a relay in the engine bay and run the trigger wire to the cab on a dash mounted switch. Leave the switch on the compressor in the "on" position, but it would only get juice when you flip the switch on the dash. This is a bit involved, but would be the safest and cleanest way to do this in my opinion. It's a decent portable compressor for the price, but airing up my 33's (255/80/17) from 18 to 40-42 psi takes 20+ mins for all 4 tires.

I'd probably get an air tank to go with the 88p or buy a dedicated ARB OBA twin compressor to hard mount in the engine bay or even a portable Co2 tank before I used the 88p as a standalone OBA due to it's relatively slow fill capabilities.

As a side note, the built in gauges in these things aren't real accurate, so I use a separate dial style air gauge to check my PSI when I get close to my desired PSI.

 

[MuddyButt]

I have the same compressor. I never thought about hard mounting it, but if I were going to, I would do as most said and run it to a relay in the engine bay and run the trigger wire to the cab on a dash mounted switch. Leave the switch on the compressor in the "on" position, but it would only get juice when you flip the switch on the dash. This is a bit involved, but would be the safest and cleanest way to do this in my opinion. It's a decent portable compressor for the price, but airing up my 33's (255/80/17) from 18 to 40-42 psi takes 20+ mins for all 4 tires.

I'd probably get an air tank to go with the 88p or buy a dedicated ARB OBA twin compressor to hard mount in the engine bay or even a portable Co2 tank before I used the 88p as a standalone OBA due to it's relatively slow fill capabilities.

As a side note, the built in gauges in these things aren't real accurate, so I use a separate dial style air gauge to check my PSI when I get close to my desired PSI.

I was thinking about adding a switch but decided just pulling the fuse while I'm not using it is good enough. I've already installed it under my seat and everything seems to be working as it should.
I'm really only going to use it for airing up bike tires and possibly my tires if I take a trip to Uwharrie or the beach. And even then I would probably only air up my tires enough to get me to a gas station then Air them up the rest of the way.

 

[MuddyButt]

Theoretically, yes lol

My issue is whether what I'm doing is safe. I already know it will work. maybe I should have rephrased that in the post.