On Board Air, Which route?

[iDRiVaT4R]

I'm looking into on board air solutions.

I was thinking about getting the Viair 450P, the portable version with a carrying bag, coil, etc. That's $300. Just keep it in the cargo with all the other crap I carry.

Or I could spend another $100 and get the Viair 450C Constant Duty kit with a 2.5 gallon tank. I would rather have this kit, permanently mounted out of the way, switch operated, etc.

I've done some research and even though the compressor is sealed and able to be mounted in the engine compartment, figured I would rather mount it inside in the rear, if there's room behind the side fender plastic, be a perfect spot, otherwise maybe just bolt it directly to the side plastic above the little storage compartment in the rear. It should last forever inside since it will not be out in the elements and extreme temps under the hood.

As far as the tank location goes, almost all FJ Cruiser guys mount in where our spare tire is mounted, so that's a no go, It does look like it will fit on the passenger side between the shrockworks sliders and the frame rail. Only problem there is it will sit lower than the sliders. I would most likely hit it someday offroad. Although a make-shift skidplate would help protect it.

What would you guys/gals recommend or plan to do yourself down the road?

I'm pretty much just planning on filling up my tires and as least 2-3 other vehicle's tire's so just looking for some guidance.

Thanks,
Nathan

 

[03_4x4Runner]

I use a 5lb co2 tank. Very quick and easy to use just like having a large air compressor at all times. It cost me $14 to fill it but it has lasted a long time so far. I bought mine complete on Amazon for $199 new.

 

[SeattleMike]

What would you guys/gals recommend or plan to do yourself down the road?

I'm pretty much just planning on filling up my tires and as least 2-3 other vehicle's tire's so just looking for some guidance.

Thanks,
Nathan

On my endless list of things to do grows, this has moved down the list a bit but...

I plan on mounting a compressor in the same place that Harper7 mounted his. I agree that the tank would be nice tucked in between the sliders and the frame but I have Rocky Road sliders so I have a little more length to work with on the passenger side. Then it's just a matter of plumbing the airlines so I can have a quick connect on either side of the vehicle.

Just waiting on the bank account to refill a bit over the winter.

 

[Underoath]

Well I love my power tank. If I had ARB front and rear lockers then I could see going with a compressor like mounted in the engine compartment. But if you are just inflating tires and possibly some roadside work on or off trail I would suggest the power tank or similar product. They are cheap to fill and portable. Mine came in handy when I was redoing the molding in my home too. Just removed it from my vehicle and hooked up the nailgun .. lol

 

[hamiltonj2w1]

I am planning on doing mine the way Harper did his looks nice and is out of the way less stuff to carry inside or smash underneath the vehicle. I think the pics are in his build thread.

 

[iDRiVaT4R]

Regarding CO2 tanks, are those safe to keep stored inside my 4Runner? On hot days here in So-Cal it can get up to 100, and when I'm out in the desert, even hotter, which would equate to even hotter temps inside my 4Runner.

I just called a local Five Star Gas just to get some info on refills and etc. and he said the safety valves will blow at like 95 degrees? It sounds like I could easily get a CO2 system set up there for cheaper than both a compressor and Powertank system, but cannot go this route if the max temp is in the 90's.

 

[scanny]

I was thinking about buying one of the portable 12V air compressors and carry it in trunk. Just not sure which one is fast and reliable enough.

 

[Snooperstyle]

I think Harper has the best setup, but since I cannot fabricate aluminum mounts and relocate things under my hood as easily as he can, I put in an ARB CKMA12 behind my fuse box on the driver side...I really like how it is not in the way and is fairly easy to reach. I keep my air hoses in a plastic box that sits in the secondary battery location behind the passenger side headlight housing. See my pics here:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/70796-arb-compressor-2.html

I don't have a tank though, which is probably a deal breaker for you. But it seems like you are gonna drain the tank pretty quick on the first tire and then rely on the pump after that anyways (if it acts anything like the air compressor I have in my garage for my tools). I must ask, why even have a tank? Is it so you can wait for it to fill up, and THEN air up the tire, which would take less time with the hose hooked to the valve stem?

 

[iDRiVaT4R]

I'm not dead set on having an air tank, cause yeah your right, it will be empty by the time my first tire will be aired up then I'm just getting air straight from the compressor. I used to take a 5 lb air tank outside here at work to fill up those Firestone MT's I had from 30-40 psi and the tank would only last for 2 tires. By the 3rd tire, the pressure in the tank would be equal to what was in the tire.



I just found this one made my Warn, Cost more than the rest but puts out 4 CFM at 90psi which is quite a bit more than the 1.3 CFM @ 40 psi the Viair put out. I just cannot find how many amps it sucks up.

WARN AIR-POWER SPI

 

[hamiltonj2w1]

I think Harper has the best setup, but since I cannot fabricate aluminum mounts and relocate things under my hood as easily as he can, I put in an ARB CKMA12 behind my fuse box on the driver side...I really like how it is not in the way and is fairly easy to reach. I keep my air hoses in a plastic box that sits in the secondary battery location behind the passenger side headlight housing. See my pics here:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/70796-arb-compressor-2.html

I don't have a tank though, which is probably a deal breaker for you. But it seems like you are gonna drain the tank pretty quick on the first tire and then rely on the pump after that anyways (if it acts anything like the air compressor I have in my garage for my tools). I must ask, why even have a tank? Is it so you can wait for it to fill up, and THEN air up the tire, which would take less time with the hose hooked to the valve stem?

Hmmm maybe I will just go this route it does seem you would end up using all the stored air on the first tire so I guess you wouldn't really need a tank. Have you tried filling up those new tires of yours with it yet?

 

[Narkhelek]

I picked up a Viair 450C system on Friday. I'm going to mount it in the same place as Harper7 mounted his. However, from what I can tell from his pictures, my 2.5g tank is quite a bit longer than his so I'm having to remove 2 wiring harness mounting brackets to make it fit right. The tank will be mounted up against the firewall with it almost extending to over the engine. I'm a little concerned about the heat from the engine causing the tank to over pressure.

I'm building some mounting brackets for the compressor from some sheet metal. I'll post some pics once I get it all done.

 

[nashman69g]

I just found this one made my Warn, Cost more than the rest but puts out 4 CFM at 90psi which is quite a bit more than the 1.3 CFM @ 40 psi the Viair put out. I just cannot find how many amps it sucks up.

WARN AIR-POWER SPI

80A draw--per (12-Volt Air Compressor Comparison - Equipment Tests - Overlander 4WD Magazine - Australia's leading four wheel drive magazine)

it comes with a 150A fuse--per(http://products.warn.com/truck/images/1115/77631A4_rs.pdf)

compare that to the Viair: 19A draw w/40A fuse.

 

[iDRiVaT4R]

Thanks Nashman, before I read what you posted I called Warn and yep 85 amps. Don't think My electrical system will be able to handle that. Darn

Narkhelek, yes please post some pics.

 

[Snooperstyle]

Hmmm maybe I will just go this route it does seem you would end up using all the stored air on the first tire so I guess you wouldn't really need a tank. Have you tried filling up those new tires of yours with it yet?

Yes. I have a number of times...one time when I was stuck on the side of the highway...read about it if you are bored...here ya go:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/71755-four-flat-tires-once.html

I have not done it with a stop watch, but airing back up after offroading has been real easy every time. Usually takes a minute or two to go from 25psi to 38psi. Certainly fast enough for my needs. My factory Limited tires pumped from flat to 40 psi in about 3 or 4 minutes. You have 285s, so your times might vary. If you want, I can go do the test. Need to check my pressure anyways probably. Just PM me.

I do accidentally hit the ARB compressor switch with my knee when I get into and out of the vehicle, so if you go my route, I would recommend that you put the switch up higher than I did.

 

[Titanpat57]

I'm loving where this is going!

Being a scuba diver for several years in my previous life(as a youngster)driving with an air tank in a vehicle, no matter how well secured, is something that just gives me the willys...and I know a lot of people do it, and use it, with no adverse affects.

On demand air(by compressor) is great, as long as it's 100% duty cycle rated compressor....I think anything else eventually, not today or tomorrow, will fail.

Here's what is on my wish list....Air Zenith OB2 Compressor, Air Zenith OB2 Air Suspension Compressors

 

[03_4x4Runner]

Regarding CO2 tanks, are those safe to keep stored inside my 4Runner? On hot days here in So-Cal it can get up to 100, and when I'm out in the desert, even hotter, which would equate to even hotter temps inside my 4Runner.

I just called a local Five Star Gas just to get some info on refills and etc. and he said the safety valves will blow at like 95 degrees? It sounds like I could easily get a CO2 system set up there for cheaper than both a compressor and Powertank system, but cannot go this route if the max temp is in the 90's.

I live in Lake Havasu City Arizona and it gets very hot here. I have had mine in the 4runner parked at over 100 degrees with no problem but I only have it in there when offroading or going on long trips. A guy I used to work with had one strapped in the back of a open top Bronco setting in 115 degree sun all day and it never blew.

 

[03_4x4Runner]

This link is getting kind of old but here is a test of compressors. Tire Inflator Comparison

 

[iDRiVaT4R]

I decided for now just to get the Portable Viair 450P. The CO2 tanks are cool and quick but I really don't want to run the risk of it releasing it's relief valve in my truck out in the desert. I was planning on having an air tank but as a few of you mentioned it would be empty by the time my first tire is re-filled, so whats the point. I am never gonna run air tools, I have a 18 Volt Cordless Impact that I can take out with me. I plan on airing up after each off road run at least 8-12 tires so on those tight trails, having a portable unit might be kinda nice.

I can always Hard mount it, I'm sure there is a way of doing it and I could always add a tank later if I choose to. This unit is a bit slower than the rest but it has a 100% Duty Cycle which I would rather have than twice the output with a 33% Duty Cycle. I've had a little red compressor that was bought at Kragen many, many years ago and works OK but only has a Duty Cycle of 33% and never stay's on long enough to refill my 4 tires. So half the time out in the desert, I'm running 30-35 psi just so I can drive home without refilling.

Thanks for everyone's input, Installing a compressor and tank the same way as Harper did would be awesome, but I really did not want to spend more than $300 at this time especially with Christmas coming up.

Please keep responding and posting pics to this thread though. I completely forgot Harper had a setup until it was mentioned here so readers will find this thread informative. And like I said I might always do something different in the future so this thread with all the pics that get posted will always be informative to me as well.

Thanks Again,
Nathan

 

[harper7]

Thanks for everyone's input, Installing a compressor and tank the same way as Harper did would be awesome, but I really did not want to spend more than $300 at this time especially with Christmas coming up.

Please keep responding and posting pics to this thread though. I completely forgot Harper had a setup until it was mentioned here so readers will find this thread informative. And like I said I might always do something different in the future so this thread with all the pics that get posted will always be informative to me as well.

Thanks Again,
Nathan

I have less then $300 tied up in mine not including the big rig horn. I bought my ViAir 480C on Ebay for pretty cheap here and he's a great seller.Viair 480c 200psi 480 C Compressor Air Ride airbags - eBay (item 320618303267 end time Nov-23-10 04:37:31 PST)

 

[cedarridgefarm]

York Air Compressor

Does anyone know anything about mounting a york compressor on the 4.0? Would a bracket from an FJ or a Tacoma work? Do those even exist?