Onboard air system
 

Who makes the best onboard air system with a small tank and uses 30 amps or less to run? I have a/c in the jeep and have come close to converting it over but really have been spoiled by it. Any companies you know of or web sites to check out? I have seen viair and am looking for others. Thanks, Scott

kilby makes a good kit from what i've heard, not sure what kinda amperage it takes though.

greg

What about a CO2 setup? I have been looking into them some. Lot simpler and have some good advantages. Only bad part would be having to get them refilled. www.powertank.com and www.ultimate-air.com.

Guess it depends on what you plan to use it for the most.

i'm all about co2 systems... easy and simple, and they work when your vehicle isn't running.

I seem to use alot of air for myself and others. Like to make plastic bottle pressure bombs while taking wheeling pit stops. :rolleyes:

I ended up converting my Saden stock AC compressor to be an OBA compressor and so far everything is running great. I put an oiler and a filter in so that it runs correctly and I have a 5 gallon tank that supplies enough air to bead a tire and a pressure switch that regulates the pressure in the tank. I have two quick disconnect and a 25' hose to reach around with.

I do understand the point of not having the vehicle on to use it sometimes I wish I could have the Jeep off and have air. But the volume I can run beats out the CO2 system and not having to refill the tank s what sold me plus $125 total for the system is nice.

I do not want to add another air compressor under the hood. I want a seperate electric pump and 3 gal. tank. I can run it with vehicle off with the backup battery for a bit if needed.

Very true I have heard the Viair and Kilby are both very good having complete kits but you might be able to piece it together cheaper if you don't need all of the bells and whistles.

http://www.viaircorp.com/480c.html that is the higher end Viair compressor.

Although this compress draws 40 amp it can really push some air http://4by4connection.com/exsev12volai.html

http://www.4x4wire.com/tech/portable_oba/

older write up on a system.


Also search on ebay,,, found a few systems in the 150 price range on there

I'm in for CO2. I have a 10lb tank and a back up 10lb tank. They cost $9.00 to refill and will air up about 30 tires. Most importantly I run air tools on CO2. The right angle grinder with metal cutting wheel is awesome. The impact uses a lot of air but you only need to run it for a few seconds.

Best of all though is the speed of CO2. Mine is set to 150psi and airs up the tires in a hurry.

i challenge anyone to seat a bead with an on board air system and 3-5 gallon tank faster than a 10 lb CO2 bottle can, if it can do it at all.

I accept your challenge! Starting fluid is the fastest! Where can I get one of these bombs, I mean CO2 tanks filled other than a paintball shop? Who sells them reasonably priced?

You need a regulator (fixed pressure is cheapest and easiest - I have 150psi, you can get a variable one off any old, cheap used air compressor) and a tank. It cost $12 to certify it (done every 5 years) a used beverage tank will do. you can buy a used tank and get it filled at Sparkling Carbonic on Glendale Milfrd Rd just west of I75: http://www.sparklingcarbonic.com/

Stay away from paintball shop, they are way expensive.

Used beverage CO2 tank! Yes that is what i have seen people use before. That may be the ticket! Sounds like it could be cheap but finding the right sized bottle could be tricky. Thanks Wilson1010!

5 lb or 20 oz. tank large enough?

Nah, 10lb is the minimum. If the CO2 tank could be used horizontally, I'd have a 20lb, but if its mounted on its side, frozen CO2 can squirt into your tire---not good. 5lb too small.

http://i85.photobucket.com/albums/k7...0/IMG_4317.jpg

Cant beat the "MV-50" superflow sold at Pep Boys for $60.

Here's a write up on how to port the head and make it work even better. After the mod, it will fill a single 33" tire from 18psi to 35psi in just over two minutes.

http://www.4x4wire.com/index.php?opt...ects&Itemid=83

I've got 2 that I plan on running together with a 5 gallon tank.

I have an extra York 210 compressor, would make a nice OBA with a bit of fabrication..

It's a V-belt with working elec. clutch..I'll let it go cheap!

Thanks for the offer. I have 2 extra compressors already. The engine bay already has one for a/c and is getting tight for space with the coilovers in the way and other junk. I am leaning towards CO2 from ultimate air now.

I've got a beverage tank from Sparkling Carbonic as Wilson1010 mentioned. Works well and the price was right. I might have about $130-$140 dollars in the whole setup.
http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/a...149/noname.jpg