Shellshock's DIY inflator / deflator

I just like that because of the partnership we now have Toyota parts numbers for a lot of ARB accessories and equipment

 

I don't get that, but no big deal. ARB stuff is good.

 

Do you like the 7 port manifold vs the t-fittings?

 

The manifold worked well for the 4 tire and I think makes for a cleaner setup with that much hose. For the 2 tire, I could go either way.

 

The time to take the chuck off a valve stem and attach it to the next one, less than a minute, times three, which you have to do anyway. I just don't see the sense in the system for the added complexity, cost and space?

 

Okay.

 

I used to think like you do and then I had some kind of valve failure in my ARB twin so I had to borrow a buddy's vi-air and he has one of these systems and... I'm sold. The multi-tire system is fantastic. Much easier and faster than multiple hookups. As silly as it sounds.... It just works.

 

Built one this weekend inspired by this thread.

Compressor is modified to have a pressure shutoff switch to be safe with closed air chucks. Short lead line so I can stand up while filling/deflating.


Line is split to minimize hose to front tire for easier storage. Has just enough hose to get both rear tires if needed, but require moving the compressor around. I typically run F/R the same pressure, so this works well for me.


Rolled up kit


Stores in existing compressor bag


Some other thoughts:

• There's a
  $30 CLT05 - Clamptite - 4 3/4" Plated Steel/Aluminum Tool w/ Wingnut
  cheaper model of the clamptite tool. Works great, it's really a nifty tool. I used mechanics wire I had sitting around that originally cost a dollar.
• Harbor freight is your friend for cheap NPT air hose fittings (and mechanics wire).
• I did this for around $100, including the $30 tool. Have a bunch of air hose leftover.
• I used 1/4" hose for storage reasons. Use hot water to soften the hose to aid getting it on the fittings. Take care to lay the fittings (especially the T) so things still coil nicely.

 

Nice!


Great price on the tool.

 

I'm in process of building this out to use with an arb dual compressor I just picked up which will be mounted under the hood. Dumb question I think, but the compressor itself does not come with a coupling - is the arb specific coupling needed to attach directly to the compressor that an extension hose would then connect to from the inflator? I'm not sure if the arb coupling is universal to fit 1/4".

 

It’s a standard 1/4”. You can get that coupling, any other one, run a hose with a remote coupling. Whatever you want.

 

Perfect thanks remote I think is going to be the way to go. Switch in the cab, remote coupling somewhere up front, no need to even open the hood. That beer while others are fussing with airing up each tire is going to taste so sweet.

 

Admittedly I started down this path to save money on a system like this. Technically I achieved that

All in all the grand total came out to $398.62 (including taxes and shipping). Justified only by the $454.98 it would have been to just buy Morrflate's system (pre-tax and pre-shipping being added).

Used it twice so far to play with some Apex valves I had installed and it's been working like a dream. The only improvements would be made to the compressor itself. That's a whole other rabbit hole that can wait until funds magically appear. I do have another 6ft hose from Tekton on the way to replace the 1/4" hose the Astro AI inflator tool comes with.


It's all currently sitting in a Pelican knockoff I got from Costco. Parts post will be separate as I feel like I'm bombing the thread already with pictures

 

It’s $50 more to be lazy? Man that’s tempting

 

Started off with hoses I bought on a whim from Tekton before I even ran across this wonderful rabbit hole. Fortunately/Unfortunately I got all of them on clearance since they're discontinuing all air hoses for the time being. Also had some rewards burning a hole in my pocket and that helped bring the cost down.

This one is currently set to connect to the compressor. Apparently nylon has a high melting point. (I hope).
https://www.tekton.com/25-ft-x-1-4-in-recoil-air-hose-4625

Two of these for the front tires a la @Shellshock
https://www.tekton.com/3-8-inch-id-x-10-foot-hybrid-lead-in-air-hose-46134

Two of these for the back.
https://www.tekton.com/3-8-inch-id-x-25-foot-hybrid-air-hose-46135

Replacing Astro AI hose with this one.
https://www.tekton.com/3-8-inch-id-x-6-foot-hybrid-lead-in-air-hose-46133

Subbed Haltecs for these just for aesthetics. Stupid I know.

$45 Thor's Lightning Air Systems Dynamo Lock-On Air Chuck (Closed) (Set of 4 Chucks)

Thor's Lightning Air Systems Dynamo Lock-On Air Chuck (Closed) (Set of 4 Chucks)

This one had a lightning deal. If I had to do it again I'd get one with a manual glow in the dark gauge. And a different trigger design.

$24 AstroAI Digital Tire Pressure Gauge with Inflator, 3-250 PSI Air Chuck & Compressor Accessories Heavy Duty with Quick Connect Coupler, 0.1 Display Resolution, 1pack

Limited-time deal: AstroAI Digital Tire Pressure Gauge with Inflator, 250 PSI Air Chuck and Compressor Accessories Heavy Duty with Quick Connect Coupler, 0.1 Display Resolution, Car Accessories for SUV, Truck, RV

These are the bee's knees.

$14 Flexzilla Pro Air Hose Reusable Fitting with Ball Swivel, 3/8 in. - RP900375BS

Flexzilla Pro Air Hose Reusable Fitting with Ball Swivel, 3/8 in. - RP900375BS

Mostly only got this for the manifold itself. Ended up swapping out the couplers for male ones from the compressor seller.

$22 Hromee 4-Way Straight Air Manifold 5 Ports Aluminum Industrial Pneumatic Air Compressor Quick Connect Socket In Line Type Air Hose Splitter with 4 Couplers and 1/4" Male NPT Plug

Hromee 4-Way Straight Air Manifold 5 Ports Aluminum Industrial Pneumatic Air Compressor Quick Connect Socket In Line Type Air Hose Splitter with 4 Couplers and 1/4" Male NPT Plug

Speaking of the compressor seller....killer deal on basically the same base compressor Morrflate sells. No pressure switch is the cheapest option. You do have to order more than $40 or it won't let you check out. Probably freight pricing issue.
https://www.tireflate.com/product-page/300lpm-12v-twin-cylinder-heavy-duty-air-compressor

Female couplers to attach to Flexzilla Pro Ends.
https://www.tireflate.com/product-page/4-universal-1-4-female-npt-quick-connect-air-couplers

Male couplers to replace the ones that came with manifold.
https://www.tireflate.com/product-page/1-4-inch-npt-male-industrial-air-hose-quick-connect-adapter

Random coupler kit from Walmart to add more quick connects to the Astro AI body.
Hyper Tough Red Aluminum Universal Air Coupler & Plug Set 5 Piece , 13-205RHT

Pelican knock-off case from Costco. Didn't add to total cost since I already had it for ratchet straps and misc. stuff.
https://www.costco.com/coho-pack-and-carry-box.product.4000101667.html

I think that's it. Thank you to everyone for the great ideas and solid base to build on. This was a blast to plan and put together. Hoping it lasts long enough to justify the costs

 

I borrowed from this thread to do a straight-to-wheel permanent install that is similar to Rago's wifey kit just... cheaper and better. I can't imagine why anyone would buy that kit.

I just grabbed the Viair 92820 from Amazon:

$23 Viair 92820 6 Port Manifold with Mounting Holes, Black

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00RMC4J2Y and the Haltech Schrader valves along with some generic fittings. The nice thing about the Viair 92820 is that it mounts to the mount intended for the ARB manifold on the Slee Offroad mount because it has a base plate. If you just omit the base plate but run the bolts down the side and throw a larger washer on the bottom, it fits in perfectly.

 

Anybody looking for a Morrflate/Maxi Trac style compressor should keep an eye on this group. Vendors throw coupon codes on there from time to time.

https://td-distributing.myshopify.c...6Nebe3TX3rBqU3K5KozQeP5X3K7hHz-1bNSZl0yU9QC1c

Right now Trickflate is doing $30 off. Base model is $129.99. That's $100 bucks for a solid compressor.

 

But it doesnt say ARB on it....