OBA -> On Board Air Mega Thread & BS

I have ride rite bags and a viair 380c with a 2.5gal tank in the bed. I adjust the bags manually, because I just don't do it that often. Maybe add a few lbs every 3-4 months.... Adding all the extra complextity to make them automatic is low on my list of projects. Tank size? Small. You could probably use a bike pump with the airbags. No need for anything big

 

Yup, 30 psi and no more volume than than mtb tire.

 

The more I think about it the less I actually need a closed system with a tank. Its just over kill for what I actually need vs what I want.

I dont use the compressor a ton as it is. Inflating tires here and there. The bags take so little air pressure, I really dont need 120psi on reserve. And Ill most likely set them and leave them unless Im hauling something heavy in the bed. At that point, I can just manually add air to them from the compressor via 2 schrader valves.

I think for the time being, Ill just relocate the QD coupler back to the bed from under the hood just to make it more easily accessible.

Cheaper and simpler, and still functional.

 

Viair 400p in the truck bed using the expedition essentials mount. Grounded to the frame cuz only a fool would run 2 wires all the way to the battery.

 

Just make sure you seal the cubby. A LOT of mud got to my compressor before I moved it. The location of the cubbies are prone for mud since the tires are right there

 

There is a user on here who makes caps to seal the cubbies. To tired to find the thread but just google Tacoma cubby caps.

Edit: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/bed-cubby-caps.491909/

 

Good call.

Just curious, how bad did it get in there? I didnt like how the expedition essentials box was so exposed so i designed it to be as weather proof as possible. Where did u end up moving your compressor to?

 

The compressor actually seized up. But did this trick and flipped pos and neg wires and it turned on in reverse and kind of unseized itself in the process. Flipped the wires back and luckily it worked just like new.

After getting a Vagabond Outdoors Drifter, it now sits in one of the cabinets I made.

I really didnt wanna say anything bc you have it wired nice, but TBH I’d definitely install it somewhere better protected by the elements. However if those seals that @Jakoda mention work well, then definitely get them.

 

They work really well 100% a must buy game changer

 

Aw too bad those were designed for the stock composite cubby. So it actually got sucked up past the air filter huh? Ill have to keep that little reverse wiring trick in my back pocket.

Luckily im in socal so we mostly got desert dust to deal with. I figure ill use the compressor to dust itself off once in a while.

Some good info tho @MJonaGS32 and @Jakoda

 

Got the compressor installed today.

Next step getting the manifold and all the parts assembled and loctight. At least now I can use the compressor till I get all the tubes ran.

 

Just got an ARB compressor and I'm trying to figure out how to run lines for quick disconnects to the front and rear bumpers. Where do people typically go for random fittings and steel braided hose?

 

Amazon.
Viair sells the steel braded line on there

 

Ya I got all of my parts from Amazon as well

Also northridge 4x4 has a good supple of the ARB quick connect fittings

 

Mine is simply a quick disconnect and the fittings form the air hose

Make sure to use the loctite 545

 

Yeah, seems like I need to do some measuring to see exactly how much line I'll need.

Northridge 4x4 looks promising. Seems like they have all of the fittings I need for a better price than Amazon.

I'm going back and forth between just using generic air line hose or going with stainless steel braided since I want to run it under the truck all the way to the rear bumper.

 

DOT plastic air line is a good option too from the water trap out.

Run a leader line from the compressor to the check valve to the trap. Then you can use whatever you choose from there.

I’m in the process of moving fittings and I’m using 1/4” DOT air line and PTC fittings.

Always used this same set up on cars I’ve installed air ride on and never had an issue.

 

I’d highly suggest running the first ~16” from the compressor in stainless steel. The compressor will get quite hot and that will help cool the air a small bit.

 

This +1, it’s not so much to cool the air but to prevent the overheated airline from failing right at the initial connector which gets just about as hot as the compressor head it’s connected to.

 

Decent hardware/contractor/lumber yards or auto parts stores will have most fittings but not all specialty types. Or Amazon. You can get some of the necessary bits from a used or even busted compressor unit since it will have the braided steel hose, drain cock, check valve, pressure release pin, and quick connect fittings. If you find one with brass fittings your gtg. Might even find one with a tank you can use.