On Board Air

[Muad'Dib]

I have been searching around and reading about on-board air. (yes I'm a noob)

My first question is this...

Is the biggest reason to have on-board air to air up your tires? Next would be to also use for air lockers if/when applicable? How often do you lose tire pressure anyway?

What about air tools? Can you run air tools off of your average on-board air system?

I was thinking of doing something similar to this:

http://www.4x4wire.com/tech/hardmount_oba/

Just wondering what i could realistically do with it.

I mean i guess if i needed it to air up my tires that would be cool, and i know i will need it for lockers in the future... but it would be really cool to use with air tools also. Speedy road/trail side repairs.

Comments, answers. thoughts?

All appreciated.

 

[T3hk1w1]

small air tools might be possible, most air tools need an air tank to work decently, to keep up pressure/keep pressure stable.

 

[RCP Phx]

Maybe "Matchbox" size airtools!:laugh3:

 

[jmop]

With a 2gal tank I can run my Impact wrench off my OBA. Not continious but it does Ok in bursts. That comes in really handy when I have to break down my H1 beadlocks.

For the most part it is just used to air up tires. Once you have OBA you figure out real quick that most don't, mine spends more time airing up other peoples tires then anything I do with it.

Is the biggest reason to have on-board air to air up your tires? Next would be to also use for air lockers if/when applicable? How often do you lose tire pressure anyway?

I've used mine a fair amount on the trail to air up tires that have lost to much air. It seems there is always someone around without beadlocks who's slipped a bead and needs to get aired back up.

 

[Markos]

How often do you lose tire pressure anyway?

It's more about adjusting tire pressure than losing tire pressure...

Once you have OBA, you can reduce the pressure in your tires when offroading. Often referred to as 'airing down your tires'. This give the tire a bigger footprint (great for sand) and allows it to conform to uneven ground (rocks, logs, etc). It also makes for a softer ride.

 

[Muad'Dib]

Ok, i understand better now.

My next question is this...

Is there a way to incorporate a system that can be used to air up tires/ for lockers/ and for air tools without using the A/C (cause im keeping that).

If possible, what would be needed? A bigger electric compressor? A bigger tank?

 

[friscokidd]

imo, if you decide to go with air lockers, just get the air compressor that is made for the locker and get a CO2 tank for OBA. I just ordered a 20# set up from http://www.formattfab.com/ and i have heard nothing but good things from him. The 20# bottle should be able to run air tools and fill up tires quickly, but not sure how long though. Only down side is that it takes about $10 - $15 to refill the tank.

Just an option

 

[BruceB83]

Here's a recent thread about getting a CO2 tank setup going...
http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=948086

This is the route I'm going...just have to find a used tank and a regulator that's not 1 Billion dollars.

 

[Muad'Dib]

Thanks, but im not interested in CO2.
I dont want to have to worry about running out of air, and im always helping people out when in trouble, so im sure ill use my air ALOT. I also dont want to have to worry about getting it refilled somewhere.

 

[BruceB83]

Thanks, but im not interested in CO2.
I dont want to have to worry about running out of air, and im always helping people out when in trouble, so im sure ill use my air ALOT. I also dont want to have to worry about getting it refilled somewhere.

Well you may want to ask around some more. From what I understand a 20lb. CO2 tank will hold enough to fill about 40 tires from 10psi up to 32psi. You have to remember that the 20lb. CO2 tank has more "air power", or whatever, than a 20lb. air tank since the CO2 is compressed into liquid. Most places charge about $10 to refill that tank.

 

[Muad'Dib]

Well you may want to ask around some more. From what I understand a 20lb. CO2 tank will hold enough to fill about 40 tires from 10psi up to 32psi. You have to remember that the 20lb. CO2 tank has more "air power", or whatever, than a 20lb. air tank since the CO2 is compressed into liquid. Most places charge about $10 to refill that tank.

To me it just easier to have something installed that i rarely have to maintain. Im really not keen on monitoring how much CO2 i have left and getting it refilled accordingly however cheap it may be to refill. Plus the price tag is AT LEAST 250 bucks from what i have seen, and its way cheaper to just do OBA. ANOTHER Plus is that if you go to OBA, its already inplace for air lockers... no need to spend even MORE money for a compressor for the lockers only.

These of course are my opinions, some of you obviously may feel differently.... i definetly dont want this thread to be about C02 vs OBA ... im plainly trying to figure out if its feasable to habe OBA that can ALSO do air tools... thanks.

 

[BruceB83]

I gotcha. I'm not trying to convince you one is better than the other. I just thought I'd throw that out there for you to check out. ($250 is really high if you do it right)

Have you checked out the York compressors?

 

[KG6ZJM]

I love my OBA system. I have a viair hooked to a 2.5 gal tank. The primary reason that I have the system is to air up and run the ARB locker. I also run some air tools on it, and it works well for short bursts. I'm sure if I had gotten the larger viair the cycle time would be less. I also found that an air gun is really handy for cleaning out the jeep after trail runs and hauling the firewod around. Thats actualy what i use the system for the most is just cleaning up.

Its also really fun to pull into camp and watch the people blowing up their air mattresses with foot pumps, and just pull out the blowgun and fill our mattress like 10x faster than them. Either way you go though, i would get a system with a tank. You won't regret it.

 

[JoesXJ]

http://www.viaircorp.com/10009.html

 

[Muad'Dib]

I gotcha. I'm not trying to convince you one is better than the other. I just thought I'd throw that out there for you to check out. ($250 is really high if you do it right)

Have you checked out the York compressors?

Viable option for sure, unfortunately im not willing to sacrifice my A/C. If i was, i would definetly go with a york.

http://www.viaircorp.com/10009.html

Hmm interesting.. Looks to be exactly what i want to do. I wonder if you could peice together something similar without spending the bookoo bucks for that kit (approx $540).

I also wonder if a tank that size would fit under the jeep (havent looked to see how much space is really down there).

 

[Markos]

Based on your requirements, I'd suggest that you get a decent electric compressor. You can use it for air lockers down the road if necessary. If you rearrange some items under the hood, you could even mount it in there. Otherwise, you can keep it as a floating unit or mount it in your hatch. Don't waste your money on name brand electric compressors. Check out this thread:

http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=908393

Next ask yourself what type of mobile air tools you need. I'd think an impact wrench would be most important, possibly an air drill. Both can be satisfied with cordless electric tools. Electric impacts have saved many people on the trail. I usually spot some quality electric impacts on craigslist. Otherwise, you can get a decent new one for under $100.

 

[jeeperjohn]

The most effective, but not the cheapest, setup I've seen is the York compressor setup. It supplies about 10 CFM@ 90 PSI. That's enough pressure to run most any air tool and air up a set of tires in very little time. The cost is a little high but the performance is only beaten by Co2 tanks.

 

[Muad'Dib]

Based on your requirements, I'd suggest that you get a decent electric compressor. You can use it for air lockers down the road if necessary. If you rearrange some items under the hood, you could even mount it in there. Otherwise, you can keep it as a floating unit or mount it in your hatch. Don't waste your money on name brand electric compressors. Check out this thread:



http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=908393



Next ask yourself what type of mobile air tools you need. I'd think an impact wrench would be most important, possibly an air drill. Both can be satisfied with cordless electric tools. Electric impacts have saved many people on the trail. I usually spot some quality electric impacts on craigslist. Otherwise, you can get a decent new one for under $100.

I have read that thread, its great. Its actually what has got me modivated for more idea's.

The most effective, but not the cheapest, setup I've seen is the York compressor setup. It supplies about 10 CFM@ 90 PSI. That's enough pressure to run most any air tool and air up a set of tires in very little time. The cost is a little high but the performance is only beaten by Co2 tanks.

Yea, as i stated earlier however im not willing to sacrifice my A/C.

 

[jeeperjohn]

I have read that thread, its great. Its actually what has got me modivated for more idea's.




Yea, as i stated earlier however im not willing to sacrifice my A/C.

I believe you can install a York and keep your A/C. This is what I plan to do. The battery will have to be relocated, I will probably put it in the back. The bracket for the York mounts to the top of the existing A/C compressor and mounts the York where the battery was. You install a dual pulley on the alternator that has a serpentine as well as a v-groove and that's how you drive your OBA. Which ever you decide, good luck and please post up about how the install went.

 

[Muad'Dib]

I believe you can install a York and keep your A/C. This is what I plan to do. The battery will have to be relocated, I will probably put it in the back. The bracket for the York mounts to the top of the existing A/C compressor and mounts the York where the battery was. You install a dual pulley on the alternator that has a serpentine as well as a v-groove and that's how you drive your OBA. Which ever you decide, good luck and please post up about how the install went.

Interesting... although im already cramped for space under the hood, i would hate to have to move my battery. Especially with all the custom wiring i have going to it. Im definetly trying to steer clear of re-locating anything into the rear cargo area. Just too cramped back there. I still want to put the seat down for a little extra room. etc. Shit i even talked myself out of two 12" subs in a custom box like i usually do in all the vehicles i have had, for two 8" W7's in a custom made soundbar so i could keep them off of the rear floor!! Thats huge for me, cause im a BIG TIME bass head.


Im very seriously considering going with this kit:

http://www.viaircorp.com/10009.html

Its got everything! The only problem i forsee is installing the tank somewhere. Maybe i can squeeze it under the Jeep.. who knows! The only other problem is the cost...