Shellshock's DIY inflator / deflator

Yeah, way more compact for it being the same time it takes. Makes good sense to have the 1/4".

 

I hope I did it right, sorry if I didn't. As far as prices go, they are reasonable. I think others are way over priced. That's why I started this company. Now I just have to get my name out there.

 

Where are you located out of?

 

Buckeye Arizona

 

I can attest to the quality of your products and awesome prices. I already had some stuff laying around and chose the DIY route when I built my kit. I have no doubt that I would've been just as satisfied with a full kit from you. Keep it up!

 

Big thanks to @Shellshock and everyone else in this thead! I just put together a kit for myself based on a lot of the info here. I was going to essentially copy Shellshocks Version 3 but setup for 4 tires rather than 2. But when the inflator/gauge I ordered ended up not having standard fittings and I couldn't customize the way I'd planned I decided to go a different route and use one of the 4 way manifolds like you see on many other kits out there. Found a cheap one online so we'll see if it works long term or not.

The kit should be pretty flexible, specifically, I can have it setup like the pics below for a 4 tire setup or I could use the hoses for one side and simply run them to two tires rather than 4 if I only needed. I bought 100' of hose but ended up using <50' so have tons leftover for other projects or a whole other kit. The Flexzilla hose ends are a little pricey but they really make for a tidy result and the fact that I can reuse them is a HUGE benefit. I plan to run on board air eventually so I can easily modify this kit to better accommodate a different setup later.

With this kit I can deflate at a rate of ~8psi/min (tested from 23 down to 15 psi) and inflate at a rate of ~2.5psi/min (tested from 15 up to 36psi). I'll need to keep timing this and see how things like elevation play a role. My thought here is that I can hook up the system and set it to deflate or inflate, set a timer and then let it run without having to pay attention to the gauge. When the timer goes off I can then dial in a more precise pressure if needed. This will be nice to stop and have a beer instead of manually inflating/deflating each tire.

Now I just need to find a bag or case for all of this. My Viair bag that came with my compressor isn't a good shape/size for this new setup. LMK if anyone has any suggestions.

 

Nice work! You might want to consider using Andersen connectors and you can do away with the clamps.

 

Not a bad idea. But still getting the compresssor mounted would be the ultimate goal.

 

That's where I am in the process.

For those that DIY - How are you crimping the connectors on?

 

The Viair could go behind your rear seat back?

I used to stash the lines in my storage trunk in the bed but getting to it when needed was a bigger pain. Now, I just toss them under the passenger seat.

 

For me:

 

Like many of the others I’m using a Clamptite tool. I bought it for a project where I needed to make some custom length garden hose but knew I would eventually use it for this I flavor setup. It’s already paid for itself. I also like to use heat shrink tubing to cover the clamps for both aesthetic reasons and so they’re less likely to snag.

While I like that spot the way I use my truck it’s often not easily accessible. Or were you talking about installing it there not storing it there?

I’d like it to eventually go in the engine bay. That way it keeps the noise out of the cabin and I don’t have to run anything thru the firewall.

 

Exactly I would not install an air compressor behind a seat.

 

Well, that is a killer idea. I do like the wire clamps as they do not snag for me, but covering them is a great idea.

Very true. Getting into the storage area could be a problem if you have all kinds of stuff packed in there.

I just meant for storing it though.

Unlike the ARB, I am not sure about mounting the Viair under the hood. It would likely be fine, but the ARBs seem more built for it? Still, mounted is lusty. Most everyone that I wheel with has a mounted version. A couple folks even have a QD fitting on the exterior. Very nice.

 

The

$600 ARB CKMTA12 '12V' On-Board Twin High Performance Air Compressor, Ideal for Air Lockers Locking Differentials, Tire Inflator, Air Horn, Air Tools and Pneumatic Tools.

ARB CKMTA12 is rated IP55. The

$221 Viair 400P - 40043 Portable Compressor Kit. Tire Pump, Truck/SUV Tire Inflator, For Up to 35" Tires

Viair 400P (portable) is IP54 so about the same but technically lower rated. the Viair 400C (non-portable) is IP67 which is much better suited for the purpose. Just depends on the specific model you get.

Personally when I was shopping, I was about to go with the ARB but after research I couldn't do it. Read lots of reports of ARB not having good customer service when it comes to warranty or replacement parts. Plus it's hella expensive. Viair might fill my tires 30 seconds slower but so what, I'll take the $300 savings on compressor cost and use it for other mods. For mine I also like the Viair footprint better for hard mounting in the 2nd gen engine bay. As they say though "your mileage may vary."

 

Do what I did. Buy an ARB single.

And then instead of that, they ship you a double. With an expansion tank. In an armored travel case. That you didn't pay for.

 

That's a pretty good deal but somehow I don't think ARB is going to do the same for the rest of us.

 

I will say 5 years in my ARB compressor still works great. I think people near me use it more than I do for tires though. And I don't use my front locker often, rear a couple times a year.