Train horn/ air compressor install

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Dane

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I have my 5 gallon tank mounted above my spare. I have a compressor (two total) mounted to either side of my frame at the rear of the truck (seriously tucked up there). I have my air lines and power run through the frame to the engine compartment. In the engine compartment I have an air quick connect and the train horn. I also have a quick connect poking out the rear by the license plate. I've installed a small manual ball valve so I can isolate the stuff in the front in case of leaks (I can still air up using the rear connect).

Make sure you put caps on your quick connects or they get filthy and stop working altogether.
 

Westside Offroad Group

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Mine is on the solenoid to fill as needed. However it is wired so that it will only fill when the truck is on. That way if i spring a leak while the truck is sitting the compressor wont kick on and kill the battery.
 

Dane

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Thx. Good info. Is your compressor on a switch or just let the pressure switch do it

The answer is yes - both.

The compressors themselves are wired straight (fused) to the battery, however the control wire which controls the relays (and runs through the pressure switch) is wired to the Aux switch. If the switch is ON, the system will fill to 150psi and turn off. I can leave the switch on and it takes care of itself (the aux switches are wired to ignition, so no worries when the truck isn't ON).

Does that make sense? I should mention that each of my compressors has a relay attached to it. So if you were to look at the setup you'd see two large gauge fused wires running from the battery to the rear of the truck - one to each compressor for ~40amp power. You'd also see a smaller wire running from one of the Aux leads under the hood and splitting at the rear of the truck to control both relays at the same time. Run all your wiring and air line at the same time if you can. The rigidity of the airline makes it slightly easier than the bendy wires. Just tape everything together as one unit.

I really like my setup because it's all invisible. I don't lose any bed space and it's been solid for a few years. You can hear/feel the compressors when they turn on - but I have some beefy (1/2hp I think?) compressors made for an air ride suspension. It isn't obnoxious though. You can hear them from outside much better and it doesn't take long to fill anyway. The system comes CLOSE to keeping up with the engine driven York compressor on my Jeep - with the Jeep idling at least, you still can't beat a York with an electric compressor, but for airing up tires it's great. The train horn was just a bonus!
 
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c19dale

c19dale

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thx guys. I got the tank mounted above the spare...closer to the differential and the compressor mounted in the bed front driver side corner. Now I gotta install the horns. I got an air hose running behind the bed rug to the tailgate and can hook my working air hose from there.

thanks for all the info.
 

Steve-O

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Train horns

Just ordered a set of train horns. Ended up going with the 5 gal tank and viair 400c compressor so I'll be able to have on board air. For those with similar kits, where have you mounted everything? I know in the bed would be the easiest but I do still use the bed sometimes and it'd be pretty tight for my 4 wheeler. Just looking for some ideas/tips/tricks/advice.
 

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5 gallon tank didnt fit well so i traded my friend for 2 2.5ga tanks. the 400c is the same one i use. i have 2 of them mounted under the truck. one on each side
 

Steve-O

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Is it safe to mount the compressors upside down? I thought I saw something that said you weren't supposed to?
 
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