Viair constant duty onboard air system any my eventual solution

[bstoner59]

i'm not allowed to eat popcorn

You can eat popcorn anytime you want birdman!! we got the sequel going on in another thread...

 

[BigJ]

Hey all, just a quick update.

Last week turned into a hectic week for me, so I just bit the bullet and had my local 4x4 shop install this system. Overall I think they did a good job (see below for a question I have), but I'm not 100% thrilled with the tank placement. They welded on a bracket to the outside of the frame rail, then mounted it to that bracket. Its pretty exposed to side damage. I think sliders are now a must with this install. And to be fair, after climbing around under there myself I'm not really sure where else it could have gone and been more protected.

Here's my question: is it normal for a system like this to loose air when not in use? Its set to turn on at 110psi, and turn off at 145psi. I've noticed that after around 6 hours it will kick on, run for maybe 2 minutes then kick off, which tells me its loosing 35psi in that time. Is that to be expected, or do I have a leak?

I'll get some pics up a bit later, once I've had time to really get under there.

 

[AndyR]

You've got a leak. I'd need to see how they ran the lines (and what air line they used) and where (if) they put a check valve in place, and what type of air chucks are installed - some chucks inherently leak.

Mine is set for 110 PSI max (which is more than enough for all air tools). I'd have it set to kick in at 80-90 and off @ 110.
To look for leaks, get a little squirt bottle and fill with soapy water - then hit all the couplings.

 

[MagicMtnDan]

Hey all, just a quick update.

Last week turned into a hectic week for me, so I just bit the bullet and had my local 4x4 shop install this system. Overall I think they did a good job (see below for a question I have), but I'm not 100% thrilled with the tank placement. They welded on a bracket to the outside of the frame rail, then mounted it to that bracket. Its pretty exposed to side damage. I think sliders are now a must with this install. And to be fair, after climbing around under there myself I'm not really sure where else it could have gone and been more protected.

Here's my question: is it normal for a system like this to loose air when not in use? Its set to turn on at 110psi, and turn off at 145psi. I've noticed that after around 6 hours it will kick on, run for maybe 2 minutes then kick off, which tells me its loosing 35psi in that time. Is that to be expected, or do I have a leak?

I'll get some pics up a bit later, once I've had time to really get under there.

Thanks for leading the way on the tank and compressor installation Jason.

I've always been concerned about damaging the tank/components under the truck. Having to now consider sliders just to protect the equipment makes it not only more costly but adds other issues (sliders vs. steps).

Please do post pics when you have time.

By the way, after watching Andy air down and back up a number of times on Saturday and watching him air all 4 of his tires up in less time than it took to air up one tire using a compressor, it's obvious to me that going with a tank of CO2 is the way to go.



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[Xjrguy]

<SNIP>

By the way, after watching Andy air down and back up a number of times on Saturday and watching him air all 4 of his tires up in less time than it took to air up one tire using a compressor, it's blatantly obvious that going with a tank of CO2 is the way to go.

I returned those two compressors yesterday and going with the model up (unit on the left) from what I bought.

Supposedly a lot faster than the unit(s) I had purchased - (which is on the right)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSZe25to95A

 

[BigJ]

Here's a handful of quick iPhone pics I took. Andy... see anything obvious?

 

[BigJ]

We'll have to do a time trail between a tank and compressor (coupled with a tank). I have no doubt that a compressor will lose to a CO2 tank. But a compressor coupled with a tank held at 145psi (or in Andy's case at 110psi?) I'm not sure the difference is dramatic enough to be of huge concern.

 

[MagicMtnDan]

But a compressor coupled with a tank held at 145psi (or in Andy's case at 110psi?) I'm not sure the difference is dramatic enough to be of huge concern.

I'm sure you're right Jason. And I appreciate you taking the lead on this so others can follow!

The install looks good. I know you'll check all the fittings and then check the lines especially where the bends are sharp. Can you tell from how the system is working if the leak is before or after the tank? That could help in your search.


One place that might be good for a compressor installation is under the hood in the area in front of the radiator. I know it gets hot under there but there's significant air coming in as well.

 

[AndyR]

We'll have to do a time trail between a tank and compressor (coupled with a tank). I have no doubt that a compressor will lose to a CO2 tank. But a compressor coupled with a tank held at 145psi (or in Andy's case at 110psi?) I'm not sure the difference is dramatic enough to be of huge concern.

Here's mt 4c (as I have both types of systems lol)

The tank is only useful to supply a couple of seconds of 'quick hit' air, once the tank pressure drops and the compressor kicks in, the tank is effectively 'useless' until demand on the air system drops. Otherwise the tank can act as a buffer to prevent over cycling of your supply system.

CO2 is fast, but.....you need to remember how much you've used (Weighing is the only accurate method), cos when you're out of C02 it can be a long way to get it refilled.

And finally: http://www.parksoffroad.com/prodreview/inflatortest/inflatormain.htm

 

[Xjrguy]

I brought a pair of Superflow MV50's on this trip (since returned to Pep Boys and I ordered the model size up, MV90). This unit was mentioned on the great link Andy posted above.

Just a quick correction on the price. Pep Boys a while back priced these units as $24.99 by accident. They are actually $59.00 and even at that price a GREAT deal. They can also be hard mounted (as can most portable compressors, with modification)

Compared to other more pricey alternatives, these "cheapy" MV50's held their own. They were just a little slow (for me) filling up the Raptor's 35's from 28 to 50psi.