Alternative Mounting Spot for ARB Compressor

I got my single compressor as part of the awesome group by set up by @ramonortiz55 a few weeks ago. I've been beating my head trying to find an ideal spot to mount it. Most people want it inside the cab, or in the bed of the truck (cubby box). Those that wanted it under the hood usually mounted it where I want to (eventually) mount a second battery, so I am reserving that spot.

Last night I came across this post by @moe2o4 where it was mounted on the driver side with some angle iron. I decided to give this a try:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...rage-anyone-running-one.470563/#post-14179584

I tried doing it exactly the same way, but I couldn't manage to fit it in there, so I decided to shorten the mount and move it forward. This is the result (compressor just set temporarily in place for the photo and to check fitment with the closing of the hood):



Here is a shot without the compressor (just showing the mounting bracket):


I'm curious to know the community's thoughts about this spot. I know that some people mount a fuse box here and some circuit breakers, so I'd be losing that "bolt on" location and would have to think up something else, but seeing as I don't have any of that yet, I'm hoping this will work.

Some things to note: The factory fuse panel cover can be manhandled out of there. I think if I take off 3/4" of the angle bracket, it will be easily accessible (the portion visible in the photo above). Right behind it is a smaller box with relays. In it's current state (and some wrist contortions) it can easily be taken off. Can't see what you're doing, but pretty sure the relays are accessible.

Thoughts?

 

I put mine in the bedbox because I wanted to run the shortest airline as possible to the rear locker for a quicker engagement. But mine is the smaller compressor.

 

Yeah, I had considered this spot... but I saw a post where someone put a water pump and shower connections here. I might never do that, but how cool would that be?

 

Side Note: If anyone is wondering the bolt size for the location shown, it is M8/1.25.

 

Is this for airing up tires? If so I would find a location that would be central so you can get to each corner easier

 

Yeah. Also, I have airbags with the valves mounted on the rear license plate. I ordered the ARB inflation kit and one person said that the hose was 25 ft long. I figured I was covered, but then I clicked around to another site and ARB says it's only 18 ft long.

It sure would have been nice to have it on hand to see if it reaches. Time will tell. I'll post up more pictures if I decide to commit to this spot.

 

For math purposes, the doublecab long box is aproximetly 18.5' front bumper to rear bumper, factor in that the compressor is now a couple feet back and that the tires are not at the back bumper and are infront, saving maybe another 18" leaving you with approx 15' from comp to tire on same side. Then factor in hood width and same dimesnions to other side.(passenger)

 

I've also ordered the ARB tire inflator with gauge. I figure that buys me an additional foot or so. I have a short bed, so I don't actually think I'll have issues reaching the tires. What's questionable is reaching the airbag inlets. Does anyone have the ARB hose who can verify the actual length?

 

ARB Inflation Kit finally arrived. The hose in question is exactly 20 ft long. Turned out neither description was correct. That, or they've changed the length over the years.

 

Another place for installing the airbag shrader valves is in the plastic behind your gas cover. Thats where we put them on the old low ride chevys. Just food for thought.

 

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Hmm, that is a pretty good idea.

 

Small update. I wasn't comfortable with the compressor mounted to just two bolts. It's pretty heavy so wanted it supported from the opposite side. I got a piece of aluminum and bent it to make a leg. It's mounted to the bolt/nut that holds down that side of the OEM fuse box. Very solid now. I also cut away some of the angle iron to allow access to remove the lid below. All in all, pretty happy with it.

Note: compressor set in place just for photos and testing the fitment of the hose quick connect.

 

that's very clever @Arlaghan i like it

 

Update: I've got the compressor mounted as shown. (No photos since it doesn't look any different than it does above.) But this time, I tested the hose length. Going along the driver side, I'm able to reach the air bag inlets mounted on my rear license plate without any problems. The hose does lift up off the ground, but I don't see any issue. Going along the passenger side and going on the outside of the hood support rod, it also reaches the rear passenger tire. Once you add the ARB inflator and gauge, it reaches everything comfortably. If/when I swap out my rear bumper, I'll definitely be moving the airbag inlets to the fuel cap area. All that's left now is to run the wiring harness and flip the switch (since I'm pretty sure I have it on upside-down).

Edit: I guess technically the photo part is not true. I did paint the mount a matte black. But you can barely see it anyway.

 

Nice work!

 

So today I attempted to do some wiring. The compressor was in the way, so I needed to unmount it. Of course, I end up dropping my socket adaptor and coupler down in the engine bay. Truck was hungry, because it's eaten - gone. Couldn't find it no matter what. Had to run to Home Depot to get some replacements after about an hour of searching. Huge waste of time. In any case, I found the spot I will run the wires into the cab for the switch. Of course the ARB switch included doesn't fit in the blank that I have, so I ordered a new one:

$22 CH4X4 Push Switch for Toyota Tacoma, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser, Fortuner, Hilux, 4Runner, Prado 12V 3Amp - Air Compressor Symbol 3 - Green LED

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B017C2YS3I/ref=s9_dcacsd_dcoop_bw_c_x_1_w?th=1

And in case I mess up the grommet, I'll leave this link here for a replacement:

https://www.toyotaparts.metro-toyota.com/90950-01955.html

 

It’s a tight fit. I know I’ll have to make a hole in the top to run wires out. Door still closes. Opinions?