OBA -> On Board Air Mega Thread & BS

Hose and gauge setup to fill 2 or 4 tires at a time?

I have read about these setups before, but I can’t for the life of me find them now. I would like to fab an in line gauge to let me know when the tires are full...any input or reference would be appreciated.

 

I have run to approx 160 to test. Also it shouldn't turn on between 135-150 and it still does

 

Certainly sounds like somethings wrong. Either with the sensor or how it's connected.

 

I am currently running the Viair "constant duty" kit, which has been fine for me, if a little slow. I am looking at upgrading my oba setup, and was wondering if any of you guys with experience might have some input? I have a 2.5g tank.

option A) quit whining, the 450c is fine
option B) add dual 400c for a total of 3 compressors
option C) replace 450c with dual 400c
option D) replace 450c with ARB twin

Breakdown:

450c : 1.52cfm @ 30psi, max 23 amps
dual 400c : 3.74cfm @ 30psi, max 59 amps
ARB twin : 4.68cfm @ 30psi, max 69 amps
450c + dual 400c : 5.26cfm @ 30psi, max 82 amps (speculative)

one other consideration; I am planning to be installing ARB lockers front and rear soon. I'm not sure if it makes a difference because I will likely run them from a regulator off of the tank. Unless there's a reason not to do this?

 

Compared to airing up tires, ARB lockers draw very little air, no comparison. For years, I had a system that used a GMC air pump from a 80's era Buick for my single ARB. Cost about $20 from a wrecker.

IMHO, either a belt-driven air pump, or a liquid CO2 tank( PowerTank for example) is the best solution for you.

 

Belt driven would be ideal, but seems like a hefty hassle to install in a Tacoma. The reason I didn't list CO2 is because I get decent prices on Viair or ARB through my business, but no good price options on CO2. I also like the built in, set and forget ability of a compressor compared to CO2... You are right though, it would be a great option

 

From what I've witnessed, dual 400Cs would be a good compromise for speed and cost. My Buddy Zane is running this setup. Though it is not quite as fast as my twin ARB, the airing up time difference is not that great. And the cost difference is significant as the ARB is not cheap. @Speedytech7

 

400C is a great setup for airing up and lockers, two would be nice for bigger tires. I have two of the 444C and they are a bit closer of a match for the ARB dual pressure wise but still about .97CFM less flow at 90PSI. All of the Viair compressors are rebuild-able which is cool and the 400C is closer in total flow albeit at lesser total pressures. I would sell your current compressor if you're unhappy with the speed and install the dual 400c kit instead, it'll be quite a bit faster. Three would be ridiculous space wise plus hose clutter, and the ARB while nice isn't as easily rebuilt and the price differential is high. The ARB makes the most sense if you need the space and can keep it cool and dry though, I worry about its little computer cooling fan and overall temps.

 

After installing my dual battery, I lost my mounting location for my compressor.

Ive seen people install compressors inside the bed cubbies, but I hate the idea of losing that storage space. Ive seem people run them under the bed mounted to the chassis. Saves space but leave the compressor exposed.

Has anyone mounted the compressor to the top side of one of the cubbies so it sits up inside the bed side out of the elements? Im kickin around the idea of mounting my MV-50 like this then running it to a quick disconnect either in a cubby or the bed side.

Thoughts?

 

I'm still working/planning on locating that same compressor and a 2-gallon tank in the bedside forward of the passenger side wheel well. My thought follows yours in that I want to keep the cubbies for removable items but I want any weight added to be as far forward as possible and on the passenger side. I'm pretty sure above the cubbies works(at least for the compressor) but I'm reserving that space for an ironton mini hose reel.

 

That space get plenty of road grime, water, and mud slung up there.

 

Yeah probably not a great location for an MV-50. The Viair compressors past 300c are all IP-6x rated though and have remote intake options so those could mount fine there.

 

That is exactly where I'm mounting my compressor and regulator, pics forthcoming if it ever gets above freezing here. My tank will be mounted below the cubby and the air intake inside the cubby.

 

Deffinitely interested in seeing how this works.

 

That's where I mounted my Viair. Looking up in there, there is some dirt, but not nearly as much as behind the wheel. I made a thread about that location that didn't really get much traction: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/the-ideal-compressor-location-long-box-only.488023/

 

Yup, that's the spot I'm looking to use. It's a snug fit but I think the tank will squeeze in there too since I'm keeping my spare right where it is. I have to make up a bracket to hold both that bolts through the sidewall of the bed and cut a hole to access the compressor if needed.

 

That's good advice. I'm still quite tempted by the ARB, but don't like that it uses proprietary hoses so that I would have to figure out some sort of manifold system to hook it to my tank. I haven't looked closely at it though, so it might not be all that bad.

You're right that 3 would be a bit of a tangle. Going for a dual Viair setup seems like the easiest option for me since it's all already wired, and I would just have to add a T to the input and mount it basically. You make some good points. Appreciate your input!!!

I have a tonne of space on my passenger side fender well after I removed the stock airbox, so I could easily fit 3 compressors there, plus my other spot in front of the rear wheel in the bedside, where I have mine mounted currently, where I could fit 2 on each side if I wanted... Maybe I should run 7 compressors and upgrade my alternator

I think you're both right, and for the money, the dual viair set up is the best deal. I'll keep thinking about it... if I can work it out that my business can buy the compressor, I might still do the ARB just because that's mostly what we sell, and I have one sitting there on the shelf. R&D/marketing you know haha

 

Well its been over a month since i first installed my twin ARB comp! Its been in n out 3 times now , had to ship back to ARB for problems. 1st time was for a bad motor, returned and installed only to not work correctly again motor fixed but really bad air pressure. Pulled out of truck shipped back diagnosed with a bad manifold. ARB returned me a brand new in box unit plus a really nice ARB digital tire inflator , a ARB key chain and some stickers! Really the best customer service i think i have had from any company!

 

Alright everyone, I read through and I feel like I need some critiquing/reassurance. I have an arb twin compressor that will be running lockers and filling a 2.5 gallon compressor. I was going to run the system like this.

Compressor>water trap>manifold

So from the manifold It will go like this:

Manifold>Locker solenoids
Manifold>pressure regulator>Tank>Water trap>Quick connect
Manifold>air gauge

The air tank will have a 150psi blow off valve and also a drain valve for any moisture.

I was planning on running airline for all of this since you can't really make custom air hose connections I think?

Do I have the right idea or am I way off?

 

I've had nothing but excellent customer service from ARB/OME!!