How Much Air Do I Need?

[Bennett]

Looking for an onboard or portable air solution. Viair and Accuair both have onboard kits on sale right now. My question is, what makes the most sense? Single compressor, dual, aux tank, how many CC and CFM, etc…

I’m mainly looking to air up 33’s or 35’s and maybe use a blower to blow off dust and whatnot. Probably won’t need to run air tools, but it would be cool to have the option.

Would love input and recommendations.

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[Bandit’s Lair]

It really depends on your budget. I started wheeling with a harbor freight portable back in the day. It did the job of airing up 35s but it took time. I now have a Thor’s Lightning system that is way better but the cost is also more. Only on board I’ll be running is a single compressor for lockers. Air tools can easily be replaced by battery tools now. Battery impact is fairly affordable. Just make sure they’re charged before wheeling and have an extra or 2.

Budget is always the driver on this subject.

 

[Bennett]

If I wanted to factor in a front air locker, how does that change the setup I need?

 

[Steve@AccuAir]

Very good question and I'm excited to see everyone's opinion! One of the considerations (besides budget which is a very good consideration) is ease of use and installation/packaging. We use a Viair 485C compressor in conjunction with a 5 gallon tank which allows for a significantly large volume of air to use at a moments notice with minimal recovery time. This will allow you to air up tires or use air tools to complete the task at hand.

While this speaks to it's functionality, packaging is also an important issue. Our tank, compressor, and regulator come with included mounts specific to the vehicle and are out of the way of people or cargo which aid in the ease if installation and maintain the existing functionality of the vehicle with minimal impact.

While there are many great options on the market for onboard air these are a couple of the top features and benefits that I look for. And being on sale right now doesn't hurt either...

 

[Steve@AccuAir]

If I wanted to factor in a front air locker, how does that change the setup I need?

Running air lockers on an existing air system can get a little more complicated. You have to run solenoids and pressure regulators for those items. For example, if you have 180psi in a tank and your air locker is designed to operate at 100 psi, you chance damaging the internal seals of the locker rendering them ineffective if needed. While it's not impossible to do, it requires more planning to ensure you plumb and wire the locker correctly.

 

[Bennett]

Running air lockers on an existing air system can get a little more complicated. You have to run solenoids and pressure regulators for those items. For example, if you have 180psi in a tank and your air locker is designed to operate at 100 psi, you chance damaging the internal seals of the locker rendering them ineffective if needed. While it's not impossible to do, it requires more planning to ensure you plumb and wire the locker correctly.

That makes sense. Right now I’m leaning toward your 5 gal onboard kit and then probably an e-locker when/if I decide my Mojave needs a front locker in the future.

 

[Bennett]

What functional difference could I expect between a single 485c compressor and 5 gallon tank versus twin 350C compressors and a 2 gallon tank? Both options are essentially the same price (although the twin kit doesn’t include a mount, I don’t think).

 

[Thunderspud]

One of the considerations (besides budget which is a very good consideration) is ease of use and installation/packaging...........

..............While this speaks to it's functionality, packaging is also an important issue. Our tank, compressor, and regulator come with included mounts specific to the vehicle and are out of the way of people or cargo which aid in the ease if installation and maintain the existing functionality of the vehicle with minimal impact.

I have two ViAir tank systems in other vehicles and they have been great. That said, the mounts and general layout of the Accuair stuff is superior, and the primary reason I grabbed your kit for this truck.

What functional difference could I expect between a single 485c compressor and 5 gallon tank versus twin 350C compressors and a 2 gallon tank? Both options are essentially the same price (although the twin kit doesn’t include a mount, I don’t think).

If duty cycle @ a specific PSI is important to you, the 485C is a pretty big upgrade. That said, the 350Cs in my other systems do fine for airing up tires. For me it just goes back to the packaging/mounts. The ViAir kits come with a ton of small fittings, hoses, etc.....but it's all universal fit stuff and just ends up in a box in the corner of the shop once you shoehorn the compressors and the tank into your truck somewhere.

I like to tinker as much as the next guy, but taking an entire weekend to piecemeal together brackets, fittings, skids, etc.... for a thing I just want to work and never have to touch again is not my idea of fun, lol.

 

[Steve@AccuAir]

Well, the 485c is 2.0 CFM vs 2.68 CFM with the twin 350c's the two gallon tank doesn't leave you as much reserve. And since you have a tank that's half the size and with only a minimal increase in the ability to recover, it could take you longer to accomplish the same task. Also, the universal nature of those other kits requires you to come up with your own mounting solutions which can cost you more money and significantly more time to install.

 

[Steve@AccuAir]

I have two ViAir tank systems in other vehicles and they have been great. That said, the mounts and general layout of the Accuair stuff is superior, and the primary reason I grabbed your kit for this truck.



If duty cycle @ a specific PSI is important to you, the 485C is a pretty big upgrade. That said, the 350Cs in my other systems do fine for airing up tires. For me it just goes back to the packaging/mounts. The ViAir kits come with a ton of small fittings, hoses, etc.....but it's all universal fit stuff and just ends up in a box in the corner of the shop once you shoehorn the compressors and the tank into your truck somewhere.

Well said sir!

 

[Bennett]

Great info. Thanks all. Accuair system sounds like the winner.

 

[Steve@AccuAir]

Sounds good! Feel free to give me a call and I'd be happy to help you out. 833-247-3696

 

[Bandit’s Lair]

If I wanted to factor in a front air locker, how does that change the setup I need?

Sounds like you’re leaning towards a full blown system. For just running lockers you really only need a compressor like the ARB single or equivalent. 9 times out of 10 they’ll be used for short durations so reserve air isn’t really required. It’s nice to have but not required. AccuAir is a good company to work with. Haven’t had one of their systems but have seen a couple and heard good things through forums and such. If going full blown definitely work with someone who does all inclusive systems to meet your needs. It’ll save you a shyte ton of time and frustration vs putting together something you try to design yourself.

 

[VA6489]

Very good question and I'm excited to see everyone's opinion! One of the considerations (besides budget which is a very good consideration) is ease of use and installation/packaging. We use a Viair 485C compressor in conjunction with a 5 gallon tank which allows for a significantly large volume of air to use at a moments notice with minimal recovery time. This will allow you to air up tires or use air tools to complete the task at hand.

While this speaks to it's functionality, packaging is also an important issue. Our tank, compressor, and regulator come with included mounts specific to the vehicle and are out of the way of people or cargo which aid in the ease if installation and maintain the existing functionality of the vehicle with minimal impact.

While there are many great options on the market for onboard air these are a couple of the top features and benefits that I look for. And being on sale right now doesn't hurt either...

Expirence.... Your system installed in my Gladiator falls short of the mark. Liek the idea of an air tank but the supplied compressor did not measure up. 53 minutes to air up 4 tires from 12 to 35 PSI. Compressor over temp'd twice.

If the system could not air up tires in a reasonable time I doubt there is enough useful pressure to run a air tool.

With all the issues with this system I have since remove it from my rig.

 

[Bennett]

Expirence.... Your system installed in my Gladiator falls short of the mark. Liek the idea of an air tank but the supplied compressor did not measure up. 53 minutes to air up 4 tires from 12 to 35 PSI. Compressor over temp'd twice.

If the system could not air up tires in a reasonable time I doubt there is enough useful pressure to run a air tool.

With all the issues with this system I have since remove it from my rig.

Interesting. I ordered yesterday, so we’ll see. Accuair doesn’t make the compressor though, it’s from Viair.

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