Air Options...

[Explore]

Starting to upgrade the JK again, and I am thinking about installing an on board air system. I have been looking around at different types and need some input..
-would not mind a aux tank in the vehicle or underneath..
-needs to be able to inflate 35's, a shredder, and possibly air tools later.
-pros/cons with powertanks vs installed air comp..

Thanks in adv.

Explore

08 AEV JK Unlimited

[elmo_4_vt]

The only problem is your question is too open... The options are infinite. Though, I personally decided on a 12V compressor and 5 gallon tank and mounted them to my skid plate under neath for protection. A York, or similar belt driven compressor would be much more efficient and powerful, but a little bit more tricky for setup and maintenance.

-

[nwoods]

Install a Kilby or York onboard air kit, never look back or wish you'd gone another route

[EJAZ]

Having had on board air systems, the "best" or at least most expensive 12v pumps, etc...I now have a power tank, in my opinion is the only way to go. Mostly because I like fast, and it airs up fast (I run 35x12.50's). It is kind of a pain that you have to get it filled, but worth it every time I air up and everyone with 12v pumps are waiting and waiting....

[Azlugz]

Look up the Puma 1006. Love mine and am building it into the Jeep with two roof tanks for 6.5 gal's and 3.4cfm

http://www.4x4him.org/4x4him/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=6442.0;attach=1597 0;image

http://www.4x4him.org/4x4him/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=6442.0;attach=1597 1;image

[Bennyhana]

I have the ARB compressor and there is a bracket that mounts it to the brake booster. It's a very clean/easy install and with the ARB tire inflation kit I can reach all four tires. I currently run the stock 32's and it will inflate them from 15 to 35 in around a minute per tire. http://www.jeepswag.com/jeep_jk_on_board_air/index.html#CMK
This company makes a bracket that mounts a small tank to the round crossmember on the front of the JK's.

[Martyn]

Have a look at our "On Board Air" Video series. There are 11 parts to the series. It will help you decide what you need depending on what you are doing, and selecting the right sized air compressor with an applicable duty cycle.

[Explore]

yeah I guess the question was a little vague, but whats been replied is what I was looking for.. Ideas, suggestions..

Not sure what direction Im heading but price is playing a factor...
2 8yr olds + X-Mas = roughly 500 budget..

Thanks to all for the replies and if you got something else keep it coming..

[alexrex20]

for $500 shop around for a 100% duty cycle AirRide compressor from an ambulance, HD truck, conversion van or fleet vehicle. they pop up on eBay or craigslist (and here) from time to time.

[theksmith]

i don't know if anyone makes an engine driven compressor system for the JK, but having just researched 12v compressors quite a bit...

the Puma PD-1006 (ebay ~230) is your best start at a full system, it gets you a 100% duty cycle good compressor and pressure switch, solenoid, regulator, safety valve, etc. then you'll need to get a bigger tank, air line, splitters, misc fittings, drain, maybe a water separator and pressure release/blow-off valve, etc depending on exactly what setup you want to do. if you could afford the step up from the DC7000/pd-1006 to a DC9000 that would be really bad-***.

see this page for how all the variations of the same compressors and how they stack up: http://www.hornwhistleboard.com/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=1131

and you might even get some ideas from my system (on at least not repeating any of my mistakes): http://www.offroadpassport.com/forum/showthread.php?t=427

[alexrex20]

and you might even get some ideas from my system (on at least not repeating any of my mistakes): http://www.offroadpassport.com/forum/showthread.php?t=427

i just read all 26 pages of your build thread on your forum. awesome rig!

btw, whatever happened to your axle swap? did you junk those trusses?

[bluejeep]

In my Jeep and my Dakota I installed an inverter and am running a 110V aircompressor. Advantages include much lower rpm on the compressor (should last longer), 100% duty cycle, less noise, can be used around the house if not permanently mounted, and I have the inverter in the truck(s) for other things. I have a 3 gal tank and recoil hose unit to mount in the Jeep, but haven't gotten to it yet. In the Jeep the compressor is hard mounted under the hood. Thinking of moving that to a cooler place. In the Dakota the compressor is stowed in the back. On the Dakota, I use an extension cord, move the compressor near what I'm filling up, use a 3' air hose with gauge on it. Much smaller storage space required when you compare the extension cord to the air hose.

[njjeepthing]

The only OBA system I've seen that can truly run air tools is a York system. Worth the $$$ in the long run.

[Akecj7]

You might want to take a look at this set up from Jeep Swag. This is prob the route that I am going to go when I do an air set up on our JK.

http://www.jeepswag.com/jeep_jk_on_board_air/index.html

Here are some pics of the this set up. This thead is long but pretty good.

http://www.jk-forum.com/showthread.php?116418-Dominion-OffRoad-Viair-On-Board-Air-System-Components-at-JeepSWAG.com&highlight=dominion+offroad

[JIMBO]

:sombrero: This is a great setup and I've had mine for over 1½ years-



I have the ARB compressor and there is a bracket that mounts it to the brake booster. It's a very clean/easy install and with the ARB tire inflation kit I can reach all four tires. I currently run the stock 32's and it will inflate them from 15 to 35 in around a minute per tire. http://www.jeepswag.com/jeep_jk_on_board_air/index.html#CMK
This company makes a bracket that mounts a small tank to the round crossmember on the front of the JK's.

The position of the compressor is ideal for the JK, it's in the clear, draws clean air and gets plenty ventilation for cooling

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm83/jimbowby/PICT0023-2.jpg

Can'tbeatit

:costumed-smiley-007:wings: JIMBO

[Martyn]

The only OBA system I've seen that can truly run air tools is a York system. Worth the $$$ in the long run.

If you look at the ExteremeAire Magnum (http://www.extremeoutback.com/product/14/ExtremeAire+Magnum.html) I think you'll find that it can run all your air tools all day long. It has a 1.5 HP fan cooled motor, it's a continuous 12 volt compressor, and it puts out 6 CFM free flow and 2.6 CFM at 100 psi..

[BigAl]

I am very happy with air built into my Warn winch. It is roughly $500 more than a winch alone and is plug and play. I run 35s.

[Azlugz]

I can run air tools on my Puma

[Ron B]

that's a great compressor Martyn. I have been using a Viair 460C for about 3 yrs to run my airbag system and an occasional air tool. I keep a 5 gal tank at 200 psi at all times for the bags. It is 100% duty at 100psi, 60% at 150 and 50% at 200. I have had no issues but was looking to either pick up another one for a spare or get a belt driven compressor. Not a bad deal at $220-ish.

rb

[Explore]

thanks to all for in input,
I was really uneducated in this department, and have been stuck researching this all night..

Reading all the stats, I am leaning towards the Viair constant duty setup..
http://www.viaircorp.com/OffRoad/10007.html
setup will be from "jeepswag"

Anyone had any issues or heard anything about it having issues..

Im planning on using this for weekend trips to the Mtns, trail use, and inflating my fishing shredder.. So not too hard corps but a good add-on none the less..

[Azlugz]

thanks to all for in input,
I was really uneducated in this department, and have been stuck researching this all night..

Reading all the stats, I am leaning towards the Viair constant duty setup..
http://www.viaircorp.com/OffRoad/10007.html
setup will be from "jeepswag"

Anyone had any issues or heard anything about it having issues..

Im planning on using this for weekend trips to the Mtns, trail use, and inflating my fishing shredder.. So not too hard corps but a good add-on none the less..

Had that system in my TJ and it is SLOW!!!! That is why I went to the Puma for my ZJ. I can air up two vehicles in the time I used to do one

[Ron B]

Had that system in my TJ and it is SLOW!!!! That is why I went to the Puma for my ZJ. I can air up two vehicles in the time I used to do one

didn't know Puma made them for vehicles -- gotta a link?

[K2ZJ]

-pros/cons with powertanks vs installed air comp..

Here is my take. Please feel free to move edit or add to my list.

I am going to install a york hopefully soon, but I currently have CO2. I used a cheap regulator and an air line.

Pros:
portable, not stuck in your rig needing 50' of air hose or in just one rig, you can loan it out or put it in the tow rig.
cheap, doesn't cost much to refill or purchase outright

Cons
CAN RUN OUT! Bad news if you need it.
you have to keep paying to refill, plus time to go somewhere to get it filled.
Did I mention you can run out!?!?
Depending on the regulator it can freeze up.
slight hazard having a bottle of compressed gas in your rig.

A/C setup

Pros:
Tons of air
No refill needed

Cons:
cost
setup
not portable
need the engine running to run it, so if your rig is dead so is your air
need room in the engine compartment

12v, similar to an A/C setup..?

Pros:
lots of air
can be mounted in many places
portabilty? depending where and how you mount it?

Cons
portability? again depending on where and how you mount it?
have to wire it in, could be easy near a battery, or harder to the back away from a battery
needs power, so if your rig is dead so is your air after you kill the battery

[Azlugz]

didn't know Puma made them for vehicles -- gotta a link?

First page of this thread has pics of mine, i bought it slightly used for $175 with air hose and chuck. You can get them on EBay tho. search on Puma 1006 and you will find and ebay distributer named Buzzard Gultch


Or page 104 of their website http://www.buzzardgulch.com/page104.htm
listed as NCPD-1006 for $259.95

[Warn Industries]

Just to let you know some options that might work for you from WARN:

http://www.warn.com/truck/images/1114/air-power-spi.jpg
WARN Air Power SPI
http://www.warn.com/truck/aircompressors_spi.shtml

http://www.warn.com/truck/winches/images/1365/powerplant_hp.jpg
If you're looking for a winch, too, the PowerPlant Dual Force HP would be a good choice. Granted, it's more than $500 (the SPI, however is not).
http://www.warn.com/truck/winches/powerplant_hp.shtml

Both of these units can be plumbed to tanks, too. Anyway, just a couple of options.

- Andy

[Out2PLAY]

You might want to take a look at this set up from Jeep Swag. This is prob the route that I am going to go when I do an air set up on our JK.

http://www.jeepswag.com/jeep_jk_on_board_air/index.html

Here are some pics of the this set up. This thead is long but pretty good.

http://www.jk-forum.com/showthread.php?116418-Dominion-OffRoad-Viair-On-Board-Air-System-Components-at-JeepSWAG.com&highlight=dominion+offroad

I have the same set up and can air up all four tires at the same time

[johnnyc]

I used to have a Powertank, but got rid of it for all the reasons listed by K2ZJ.

I now have a York compressor in my 92 MJ, which I absolutely love. The most expensive part was the Kilby bracket and alternator pulley. But I pieced everything else together myself, using Kilby's website as a guide. I probably have less than $300 into my OBA setup.

For the 07-09 JK, Kilby's bracket kit is $260. Then find a good used York for about $30-50. You could definitely do it for less than $500.

[nwoods]

Reading all the stats, I am leaning towards the Viair constant duty setup..
http://www.viaircorp.com/OffRoad/10007.html
setup will be from "jeepswag"



The 450 is dog slow. No, that's an insult to dogs. I'll sum up. It takes 30+ minutes to air up four 35" tires on my Jeep with a Viair 450 and a 2 gallon tank

[jeffy]

I love my Kilby setup BUT keep in mind Kilby Enterprises closed shop a few months back.

I had a Sun Performance Quick Air II and a 2.5Gal tank. Got rid of the compressor. It was 2.19CFM at 0PSI which isn't very helpful at all. IIRC, it's less then 1 CFM at 60psi. I think it's duty cycle was less then 100% as well. The york will do 4 CFM at 90psi at 1200RPM and will go up with with the RPM's. 100% duty cycle. If you want to run tools you're going to need a decent size compressor and or a large tank.

A York or Sanden isn't that expensive if you can make your own brackets and get a salvaged compressor. All of the small fittings, filters, manifolds and such can really add up though,

[TOTJ]

I love my Kilby setup BUT keep in mind Kilby Enterprises closed shop a few months back.
,

Not true. It has changed ownership. Brad Kilby had two companies and only time for one so he sold the Kilby company. That being said I have the Kilby system and would not think twice about getting another. Purchased the complete kit that included evrything I needed. It took about 2 hours to install the compressor and about 4 hours to plumb all the lines.
It has now been on my jeep for 6 years and I have not even had to add oil. I use the oil return kit. I normaly never run it over idle because it supplies all the air I need. I run a 1.75gal tank and I can remove all 5 lug nut w/ my impact with out having wait for the compressor to refill the air tank.
I have used it for all my air needs even at home. The extra cost up front
Im sure has paid for its self in CO2 refills.
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m244/genkat_2006/IMG_0754.jpg
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m244/genkat_2006/IMG_0752.jpg
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m244/genkat_2006/IMG_0748.jpg
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m244/genkat_2006/IMG_0753.jpg

[jeffy]

Not true. It has changed ownership. Brad Kilby had two companies and only time for one so he sold the Kilby company.That's right, it changed ownership but there hasn't been any word from the new owner if and when production will resume. Most of the big stores have stopped listing KE stuff so getting one might be difficult. So if the OP needs it now, he's a bit SOL.

[Ron B]

a correction --
I put down the wrong model Viair a few pages back -- I have the 480c (200 psi) not the 460c (150 psi). It is not the fastest pump around but I use it to keep a 5 gal tank full, not fill tires directly (takes about 10 min to fill a 5 gal tank from 0 to 200 psi) so filling tires is quick and easy. There's a 490c coming out soon that will do the same in half the time.

These compressors can't comparer to the Kilby's (I checked their page -- very cool!) but do well, hold up under severe conditions and are relatively inexpensive.

[wjeeper]

Just my experience with my CO2 set up I have right now................. I liked that it was fairly cheap initially. You can just buy a beverage CO2 tank, a regulator, a hose and a fire extinguisher bracket and you have essentially the same set up as other "store bought" CO2 systems for less that half the cost.

I have a fancy adjustable regulator. I set it at 130 psi and haven't ever adjusted it yet. Also it has two gauges, kinda pointless because its always left at 130 psi and the tank pressure gauge doesn't give you an indication of tank level. The only way to tell how much is left in the tank is to weigh it. So all the features of the fancy regulator don't really matter to me.

Its light and simple. No fuses, wires, solenoids, PRV's, A/c style clutch and other things to go wrong. I sometimes use it as a shielding gas for my welder when my 75/25 runs out on the weekends.......and you can use it with a beer keg:sombrero:

Having the tanks filled is a major annoyance, just another thing you have to run out and do while your getting ready for your trip. Also everybody always wants to use it to air up back after a trip, making the gas go faster and the trips to fill it come more often. People always ask if they can borrow it.......lent it out once and it came back all scratched up:mad: The portability between vehicles is nice, mine has been in three rigs now.

All in all I like the set up but if I were to do it all over again i think I would go with a York pump based system. The benifits of unlimited air without annoying refills beckons to me:drool:

[TOTJ]

Brad decided to stop selling to the big stores long a go. They wanted all the profit and Brad found that selling direct was much better for him and he could control prices. He kept a few of the original dealers but it was only 2 or 3.


That's right, it changed ownership but there hasn't been any word from the new owner if and when production will resume. Most of the big stores have stopped listing KE stuff so getting one might be difficult. So if the OP needs it now, he's a bit SOL.

[Woods]

Just found this thread and I wanted to add one detail. Yes the Viair 450 is slow. I recommend the 400C by Viair. It's much faster and has plenty of duty cycle for the JK. I fill my 35" tires on 15" rims from 9 PSI to 27 PSI in about ten minutes. Here's a link the my compressor torture test: TORTURE TEST (http://www.dominionoffroad.com/jeep_jk_onboard_air/viair_torture_test.html)

[nwoods]

Just found this thread and I wanted to add one detail. Yes the Viair 450 is slow. I recommend the 400C by Viair. It's much faster and has plenty of duty cycle for the JK. I fill my 35" tires on 15" rims from 9 PSI to 27 PSI in about ten minutes. Here's a link the my compressor torture test: TORTURE TEST (http://www.dominionoffroad.com/jeep_jk_onboard_air/viair_torture_test.html)


Wow how weird. Another Woods from SoCal...with the same opinion!

[Woods]

Classic. I see that you hang a bit with the MJR guys. I've wheeled with some of those guys in JV.

Is Onyx Peak closed now? Did the entrance used to be directly across from the Burns Canyon road at the 38? I was there a couple of days ago and walked over the dirt pile too check it out.

What city you in?



Wow how weird. Another Woods from SoCal...with the same opinion!

[nwoods]

I'm in Yorba Linda. I recently sold our Jeep, but went up Onxy Peak last fall with no problems. Entry is on west side of 38 right at top of summit, opposite a large dirt staging area.

[Woods]

I'm in Costa Mesa. Found Onyx Summit on the map. Looks like it's down the 39 at Pipes Canyon Rd.

Sorry bout the hi-jack here. Now back to our previously scheduled programming.


I'm in Yorba Linda. I recently sold our Jeep, but went up Onxy Peak last fall with no problems. Entry is on west side of 38 right at top of summit, opposite a large dirt staging area.

[rdonahe]

Another C02 guy here. I purchased a tank & regulator used from a reputable local source, then hose & fittings at Lowes and am into it roughly $150. I've only had cheap 12V compressors prior to this so I can't compare to York etc., but the C02 is easy and fast, fast, fast.