I have air adjustable shocks (Rancho 9000XL) and have a small air compressor and control panel used to adjust the shocks at will. This little compressor doesn't put out much air and can't really be used for any other function.I am considering setting up on-board air (compressor and tank with necessary controls) so that I have enough volume and pressure to run of few more accessories (air horn, exhaust brake) and have the ability to air up tires, float tubes and/or do any other general maintenance things that I might need while out in the field.I have been doing some research on what kinds of 12v compressors are used in these kinds of situations and I am finding more options than I expected. Seems like there is no shortage of 12v compressors and they come with varying duty cycles, varying volume and pressure capacities. Seems some take a long long time (i.e. 30 minutes) to air of tires, some get really hot when working hard and some blow circuit breakers often.I see names like Vair, Extreme Air, Q-Industries, Pittsburg (Harbor Freight ), ARB, Smittybuilt etc.I've seen prices for compressors alone run from $59 to over $400.I am interested in knowing if anyone on this forum has installed on board air and what you have used and why you made that choice. Where did you install your equipment and did you have to do anything to protect it from the road water and grime?I am currently thinking that I need something capable of 4-5cfm and pressure capability to 120psi and a receiver of 5gal or so. But in relaity I have no experience nor do I have any source that can provide me with some practical user knowledge.Any practical insight would be greatly appreciated.

Never researched this, so I'm taking a SWAG here.......................Is there room under the hood to put a mechanical compressor under there that's belt driven with a clutch like your AC compressor???? That would be the route I'd go were I looking to do this. Just saying.

DW, yes that could be an option. I read an article somewhere in years past (when I wasn't looking for on-board air) that talked about converting an old AC compressor into and air pump. I will have to look around and see if I can find it again.I don't remember what the air volume and pressure capability would be for that kind of compressor but the power to make it run would probably less work than wiring in an electrical one. But I would probably have to custom make some sort of mounting bracket and then find a drive belt etc.I'll do a little research and see what I can find.I am hoping I can find some practical knowledge out there.

A friend of mine has front and back tube bumpers( about four inch steel tube two in front one in back) that he made. Old school smitty built style. Looks real good though. Anyway he had them plumbed into a belt driven compressor of some kind and had enough air to run a nail gun and had it plumbed into his air shocks too. It was slick.

FIL took an old semi truck compressor many years ago, and made my first homemade shop air compressor. It came with a about a 8 inch v belt pulley. It's a single cylinder, all cast iron, I believe it was even plumbed for engine oil.. (which I just filled with oil and capped) Dang thing went almost 40 years before I had to have something with a little more CFM.. It is made to run all the time, and has internal valving to stop pumping when a certain pressure is obtained.... usually 120-130 is where it kicks out.All I can say about those 12v pumps... "beware of Chinese junk" Check your boneyards for possible take offs.

Thanks Guys!! My SWAG has been answered!!!!

York makes a bolt on kit, but unless your using a lot of air daily (think mobile repair truck) it's nearly impossible to justify the cost. I have had several OBA setups in multiple rigs over the years, and for irregular use it's really hard to beat the ViAir 450C. It's a 100% duty cycle pump, with enough volume to fill tires at a decent rate. It's small enough that it can be installed in multiple locations, and only draws 19 amps at full load.I would put some thought into tanks. It takes a lot of volume to make tanks worth while on a low CFM pump. Once the tank pressure drops to tire pressure you are now filling the tank/tire and fill time is increased, unless you install a valve which is more work. I used to run a pair of 2.5 gal tanks and they were less beneficial than one would think, aside from exhaust brake and air horn use. If you need a tank for either of those I would install a check valve between a small tank and the pump so that when your filling things the tank isn't part of the equation.

Good thoughts everyone. I am learning some things here.Keep'm coming.Thanks

Back in the rock crawler days, we'd mod an old VW ac compressor into an air compressor to re-inflate "aired down" tires after the trail ride. We'd also mod big alternators into welders ;) Here's a primer:

I saw this video 3 days ago when I was doing some research on OBA systems. I also saw some other install solutions over at the RV.net site as well. http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/25966285.cfm I am still thinking of finding a solution where I can mount something outside the truck rather than trying to carry something in the truck.

I'd like to install an on board air compressor also, this information should help my research.

Just a quick update.  Several things on my to do list are coming together for me.  Bought a Viair air compressor and a 2.5 gallon tank and am working on the install details.  Got a very cool sounding air horn that is just begging me to install and I have ordered a Pacbrake that will need air. Projects and more projects.

 

I plan to do a write up on the install and will include pictures also.

Recently finished the install of an OBA system with air horns and a PacBrake.

 

I have completed a write up of the install (with pictures) and I am going to start an new thread showing the install.

 

Should be up shortly.

Recently finished the install of an OBA system with air horns and a PacBrake.

 

I have completed a write up of the install (with pictures) and I am going to start an new thread showing the install.

 

Should be up shortly.

now you can  install...... air starter,  air actuated  radiator cooling fan, hmmm   what else??