On Board Air Setup Questions and Accessories

As the title states, I am interested in a good compressor for general purpose uses like airing the tires, using some air tools, and providing air to a new horn (and lockers when I finally get some). Does anyone have any recommendations for a good compressor? I know arb and viair are pretty reputable brands. What type of features or performance should I look for? If I understand correctly a 100% duty cycle means that it would never need a cool down period so it could constantly compress air. What about psi ratings or mass flow rates? Higher would be better so it could fill a tank faster, correct? Then what size tank should suffice for various needs, but be small enough to fit underneath the truckbed (or another compartment)?

Next, what other pieces are needed for an OBA setup? I know the compressor, wiring, relay, switch, and fuse/circuit breaker, air lines, tank, but what else? I have seen a water catch/filter, manifolds, gauges, etc but Idk what is necessary.

Lastly for the immediate use (other than air lines for tires) would be for an air horn. I know some people love or hate the train horns, but Im interested in the big rig ones. They arent as loud and I personally think they sound cooler. As a kid hearing that sound I knew some bad ass truck was comin by so I guess I want that sound as well haha But there are so many vendors of train horns and such, but what would I look for to get the big rig style? maybe its just a different size to the same air horn, so then does anyone know of a good brand/material/size for air horns?

I know I wrote a ton, but I wanted to go into depth to describe my situation. Thanks a lot for the help guys!

 

I'm going to be looking for a compressor for all the same reasons you listed above. I've been thinking about 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. The two major downsides are that it's pretty expensive and that it's apparently difficult to find a space to get it mounted under the hood.

Sub'd to see what everyone else has to say.

 

That is a pretty nice compressor. I am also curious about installation whether or not certain placements are better. Like you said engine compartment is one option if there is space might as well use it, but it gets very hot in there. Also its close to the battery to do all the wiring. Another placeis in the bed cubbies, so thats out of the way, not very hot but farther from the battery and switches. idk if there are any others. hopefully we can get some more people to chime in haha

 

These are the horns most trucks use along with fire trucks and ambulances.

http://www.airhorns.com/

http://www.buellairhorns.com/

The adjustable ones are nice so you can tune them how you want them to sound.

 

I finished my OBA install a few months ago. I went with the Viair kit (10007) with a 450c 100% duty cycle compressor mounted in the driver side storage compartment and a 2.5 gallon tank mounted under the bed, over the rear diff. The kit comes with everything you need for a basic install (pressure switch, gauge, few fittings, ect...) Currently i have my air bags, semi horn, air gauge, and air chucks hooked up to the tank. I would suggest getting a 100% duty cycle compressor because you will find yourself constantly recharging a 2.5gal tank (esp when running an air horn and filling tires).

As for the air horn, i found a Grover 32'' semi-truck horn for cheep. I promised my GF that I would only use it for good rather than evil but it is the funniest thing scaring the piss out of ahole Prius' that cut me off!

My install was a bit complicated (esp mounting the tank and installing/plumbing everything for the air springs) let me know if you have any questions or want pics of my install.

-BKY

 

Cadillac Air level/ride system compressor. this seems like a neat idea. and shouldnt be to hard to do.

 

http://www.amazon.com/Masterflow-High-Volume-Compressor-Inflator/dp/B004CNSKX0
This is the one I have. I am currently (as in, this week) moving it from under-seat-storage to hardmounting in the engine bay, between the ABS pump and the air intake (upside-down, mounted to the side, with bracket support from below). I'll be adding a high-flow computer cooling fan to the head so as to help keep it cool, as well as isolate it via double-wall divider.
I'll be using plastic big-rig air line to route throughout the truck. The plan is to have a dedicated in line and out line for the tank: in from the compressor, out for use. I'm not, at this point, planning on running a single-line system where everything feeds directly off the compressor. My thinking is this allows me to remove any water and contaminants from the air before I use it.
I have an old Craftsman 3-gallon 120V compressor a neighbor gave me. I'll be cannibalizing it for parts (tank, safety valve, etc). Haven't quite worked out where the tank is going, but that's kinda small beans. There is an off-chance I'll just use a few runs of large-diameter black iron pipe mounted to the inside of the frame to give me capacity.
The last thing the charged air will see before going into the tank will be a filter/separator. I have a couple laying around.
The tank will have a drain valve, of course. I'll include Schrader valves so I can fill the tank at a service station if I want (saves wear and tear on the compressor).
Usage will include: pressure gauge, horn, suspension bags, F/R ports (for airing up on the trail), maybe a blowgun for the interior (truck stops/shops have these), and eventual lockers F/R.
Control will be from the dash with an auto/off switch.

Anyone want to add/critique/recommend anything to this?

 

Btw- the place to get most of the parts is a junkyard that carries big-rigs. If you want new, go to a truck shop.

 

This is a great compressor as well. The tank and pump can be separated.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/PUMA-12-VOLT-1-5-GALLON-OIL-LESS-AIR-COMPRESSOR-FREE-SHIPPING-/280790586347

 

My stepson has a scuba tank in his Jeep to air his tires.
I am planning to do the same and use an 80cf steel scuba tank. Steel ones are about 20 inches long and 7 1/2 inches diameter. It should fit under the hood on the passenger side.
A regular tire has about 5-6 cf of air in it, so 80 can inflate a lot of tires, you don't need electric, it doesn't get too hot, and most important, it can air up at a very fast rate, since the tank starts at 3000psi. You can also carry it around to other vehicles if you are helping others air up in a group setting. The downside-you have to go get it filled for $15 occassionally, and unless you can find a cheap used one, the tank will cost about $350, plus hose and regulator.

 

Have you considered co2? I don't think I paid much more for my PowerTank. There are other companies beside PowerTank and some are less $$ too!

 

This is the compressor I ended up getting. However, I just moved down to Florida and still adjusting, moving in, etc so I wont be able to install it for a few weeks. I'm still looking for a good semi truck air horn though. I'm probably going to install the tank and comp under the bed maybe in the cubbies. gonna use a contura V series switch and probably copper for heat dissipation and water condensing purposes to plumb from the comp to the tank. Then maybe just rubber hose to the QD mounts on the front, rear and horns. Barlowrs build helped me a lot