OBA -> On Board Air Mega Thread & BS

Vertical!!

 

Trying to figuer out your photos. So the part we might normally consider the base of the compressor is vertical and mounted against the rear bulkhead for the tailights? I just bought a Viair 400C compressor and this looks like a winner location if mine will fit. I did not see what compressor you are using.

 

I keep it simple and carry a portable 20lb CO2 tank. I actually have two tanks that share duty if I catch myself slighty unprepared and haven't filled a tank before a long trip I can take the second tank. I try to keep at least one of the tanks filled always.

I have brackets for the truck and on my trailer to hold the tanks so I can take both tanks if necessary (one on the truck and one on the trailer).

I'm using an adjustable regulator in case I want to run air tools, but the primary use of the tanks is just filling tires and the CO2 handles that quickly and easily.

I have a few different configuration for how I carry the tank in the truck. This is the current setup for when I use my bedrack. The bracket is attached to the bedrack in this setup.




When the cap is on the truck I use this setup with the bracket mounted to a bed deck on the floor along with my fridge mount and bed seats.


I've also used this setup with the tank mounted at the front of the bed but I've moved away from this setup over time.


The trailer has a bracket on the tongue close to the front of the trailer.

 

Does that mean there will be a spod for sale?

 

Nice thread Sky,

 

Box Rocket: CO2 tank seem to suit you needs and I like the no power required aspect! I am going the 12 volt compressor route with a small tank because I allready spent the money on a Viair 400C 'presser.

That is a fine photo of your camping setup with the whole family, great to see the happy faces and a family enjoying the outdoors! I like the RTT on the off-road trailer idea too.

 

No, originally was going to buy one, or two. After another member mentioned them to me a couple weeks ago. They even have a Phone app now! errrr aaaa coming out (SEMA) - for my application, they do not have a big enough 'pod' with only 6 solenoids, thats not going to cut it. They should make a couple different sizes for the masses. Especially overland users. The form factor of the box they already sell is capable of double the capacity if they make a new board.

 

I know, I've been talking with Cindy about that very thing. My solution was to get two, but I'm getting set up as a dealer for them so price is a lil different. I still may need more than 2 and I'd hate to have to run a blue sea on top of the spod like xoverland did.

 

This is just in time for my install! Thanks for the great ideas.

I have my spare tire mounted on a swing out that is part of the Pelfreybily rear bumper. So the spare is no longer under the bed. If I buy a "pancake" style air tank I could fit it where the spare was then cover it with a good skidplate bolted to the frame rails to clean up the bottom of the truck for rock crawling.

 

The system is simple really. Am electronically sound. I was looking at cutting my own board and making a similar one. These company's "get it" but only stick to what their requirements are for the most part. OPTIONS are the key in this industry. Having this integrated into a Battery monitoring system for n all in one solution is the way to go here. Wouldn't be cheap, but would save people from shopping around so much, scratching their heads and asking "how are all these going to 'talk' to eachother"

Could be a Switch solution with all the solenoids, battery monitoring system, and a fuse block. Hopefully the whole system would be MODULAR to add solutions and remove them as requirements increase.

An idea i have had is that battery monitoring system. Right now, it is a corded 'dongle'. They could EASILY integrate all that tech into a switch platform. Dual LED marker lines/ gauges and a split rocker switch with an integrated buzzer for low voltage. The switch could be a 3 position. Up for monitoring, middle for 'set'?, and down to JUMP the battery's.

So instead of having a National LUNA DBMS w/Smart Solenoid, Blue Sea Fuse Block and an S-POD. Could integrate ALL the systems into one modular unit.

 

You could also get a couple smaller or slimmer tanks and mount them in the wells there. You have a HCRB right? If you are not using those storage boxes you could cut the bed storage box off in the rear of it and mount a conventional cylendar tank up in there. Additionally you would just need some of the 90º fittings.

 

DESERT - get a build thread going! Saves me from having to 'research' your vehicle to find key posts.

 

Another wise thing for anyone that will be running a heavier load in the rear of the vehicle would be to do as I did. Run a HEAVY Gauge cable to the rear from the front of the truck/

 

good idea, I want to add a couple 15W LED floodlights to use when camping for nighttime set-up, cooking, etc. Make a small "sub panel" at the back of the truck with fuses and a couple spare circuits.

 

Plenty of room behind those tail lights. I have mine there and will do a fuse box as needs arise.

 

That's an awesome spot to mount the compressor...what are your feelings on heat back there? Is the space large enough/enough air flow so the heat dissapates compressor doesn't overheat?
I wanted to go with an ARB and mount it under the hood but the 2012+ has the pesky air pump in the way. Might go with an Air Zenith and small aluminum tank from AVS.



Not a fan of hardlines, DOT line is the way to go. Easy to repair and work with, and for the riggors of offroad use less worry about fatigue/cracks. I am no stranger to OBA set ups, used to have an S10 with 12 gallons of air on board, 5/8" line through-out and 8 valve set-up laying frame.

 

You could run a #2 AWG from the battery to an aux fuse panel in the back, more times than enough I've run cables from the back all the way through the cab and under the hood, it's a PITA.

I don't think you would have issues with over heating, and I'm sure there is plenty of air flow. I've seen another member cut his driver side cubby up and cram a viair 440 in there and he has had 0 issues. I plan on running stainless tubing front to rear, I am running 2 compressors, an ARB under the hood for the air lockers and an external one I plan to mount my 400P in the cab somewhere. While running stainless tubing make sure you use expansion loops every 4' or so for body and frame flex. Hopefully I will have some OBA porn to show in here soon enough.

 

You going with hard lines purely for looks? Much easier IMO to properly run DOT air line, and push to connect fittings. Carry some spare line and a few union fittings. If using compression fittings carry some spare ferrules as well.

 

Looks & function. I've seen the flexible lines get snagged and break, and they are more prone to leaking, now I'm not saying the stainless lines won't have any issues but I know it's limitations. I've been an electrician / instrument fitter for 9 years and 1/4" stainless tubing is perfect for my needs. I will use probably 1' of flexible line from the nearest fitting to the lockers, tank and PSI gauge, and as for spare parts, I always have probably 100 assorted swagelok fittings and valves, with extra 1/4" tubing since it's pretty easy to store along with about 100 assorted nuts and ferrels, better to be prepared than SOL