On board air?

[Full Size 66]

This maybe the wrong board for the question but I'll ask anyway. Does anyone have a good idea for 12 V air compressor ? My application is on my tree service truck. I would want a small tank, 3-5 gallons. Uses would include tire inflation, saw cleaning and small air tools. Not huge requirements but it has to be one tough unit. Also to answer the question NO I do not have engine or pto or air brake ability to supply for the system those have already been explored and are not good options for this system otherwise I'd have already done it.

 

[35mastr]

Does your truck have A/C?

If not you can use an A/C compressor to do what you need.

If not you will need to explore some more.

 

[sammerdog]

fwiw - We played around with 12v systems in truck applications, but with little success over the years. Inevitably, we'd either mount a compressor on the front of the engine or bed mount a Tecumseh or B&S powered unit.

 

[rocketman]

Check out the 4X4 sites. You'll find more information about onboard air than you'll ever need. You may want to look into a CO2 5# or 10# system. WAY cheaper in initial cost. You only need a aluminum tank, 150psi regulator, variable or fixed. You can run air tools, fill tires, many things.

 

[snorky18]

check http://www.roverworx.com/compressors.htm

I really like endless air specs...

Also consider:
http://www.jedi.com/obiwan/jeep/yorkair.html

 

[Skyline]

Check out Viair if you want an electric compressor:

http://www.viaircorp.com/

Warn also makes a nice 12v unit.

With either of these, air tools won't run for more than 30 seconds or so, then you will have to wait. Fine for filling tires, but not a lot of CFM. When you start getting multiple cylinder compressors ($$$$), and bigger tanks, you get a little better, but not much. A CO2 tank will give you much more use for air tools...but you will need to have it filled every once in a while. My 5hp 110v home compressor just barely keeps up with air tools, so imagine the difficulty of the 12v units. As mentioned above, the units that use a converted A/C compressor, engine mounted, will probably outperform all but the biggest of the 12v units. If you have A/C, and don't want to give it up, maybe there's room for a second A/C compressor...pretty good (and tricky) fab project though. Still no comparison to a garage compressor.

A VERY costly, but really cool option, is an SCBA tank like what firefighters use, but with a special regulator for air tools. They hold 4500lbs of regular air, but the bottles are about $1,000, and the regulators another $600 or so. Will last many times what a similar sized CO2 system will run, and can probably be filled by the same place as the CO2 tank, or (any firefighting supply store).

The bottle based systems will give you prefect use of air tools for quite a while...but then they are completely done, there's no simple way to recharge them on the road.

 

[cnyeco1]

I don't know if this is an option for you but this is what I did for air when I go camping. I bought a small cheap air compressor that weighs less than 20 pounds for $50.00 and then a cheap generator for $40.00 on craiglist. Built a small cart for them to set side by side on. It works great. I can air up my wifes air matress, blow dirt of camping stuff, and our air beds. All for less than $100.00 bucks. I went all out and put wheels on mine for another $6.00 so I can roll it around.

Good Luck.

 

[talon]

Why not go with a gas powered compressor?

 

[boiler7904]

I'd say the same thing. Works well for house framers that don't have access to power other than a generator. Quincy makes a small compressor with a Honda engine. I think Rol-Air and Thomas do too. Should be able to get one of these good quality units for 4-500 dollars and it will last for a long time if you take care of it. It would also be nice to have a unit that is not hard-mounted to one truck in the event the truck is ******* on a job and you need the compressor for something else.

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

I bought a tankmounted 12v aircompressor on eBay for about...hmmm...I think $200. I use it to fill the airbags on my Chevy 3500HD Dually and to fill water toys, air mattresses, etc. I WAS going to install an onboard system from Viair or similar, but I like the portability (is that a word?) of this and it wasn't too expensive. The 4x4 board (DieselPlace.com) guys wil tell you to install the onboard system because you will need to fill your airbags when on a trip. I find I fill them before I load my slide in camper and don't need to refill or change the pressure once done. I suppose this could change but if it does, I can just fill them with my portable unit. I have a photo of it at home. Will upload it here later.

P.S. The leads clamp onto one of my two battery's terminals.

 

[hodag]

I run a York AC compressor on my Landcruiser. It fills a 5gal tank mounted under the passenger floor. It will run an impact wrench long enough to take off six lugnuts at a time before having to wait. It will fill a 38" tall tire from 15psi to 35 psi in about 4min.

Ive read of guys using big fire extinguisher bottles with SCUBA regulators filled with CO2 for cheap onboard air too. Check www.pirate4x4.com or www.ih8mud.com for ideas.

Hodag

 

[Full Size 66]

These are great ideas & links you guys are great. The engine driven compressors seem to out perform the 12V systems by far, see endless air link this thread. I'm impressed but don't know what to do for pulleys etc. I dont know if Ford made my engine combo w/ A/C for my bracket. The possibility is not gone but I do not want to look cobled together or fail prematurely cause it wasn't done right. I can not afford down time or forbid the "Angry cat in a garbage can" sound as your going down the road. There is a load of stuff to think of when it is a comercial driving situation.

 

[rsanter]

you can get a small air compressor used for nail guns ans such for under $150 for a nice one
get an inverter to power it and you are done

bob

 

[akdiesel]

There is a lot of info on the Dieselplace web site as mentioned in the DIY section.
I use to have a Viair 450c 12v along with a 3 gallon air tank. It did fine for filling my air bags and it was 100% duty cycle but it would not support any air tools needs.
I since then went to the York 210 engine mounted compressor with the same 3 gallon tank. This unit will put out approx 8 cfm at 1200 rpms. the compressor can be run at idle or on the road with a pressure shut of switch.
If you have money to blow you can always go with the Vmac air compressor. It too is an engine mounted compressor that is the screw type and can put out upwards of 75cfm for the smaller unit or 140cfm for the larger unit. But it will set you back approx $4000.
As for brackets I made my own bracket to fit my '02 GMC duramax and many more for other individuals as well. Not sure what year you have but a bracket for the York models is fairly easy to make. They can be mounted upright or sideways depending on the model.
They make many different belt pulley configurations and belt lengths to choose from.

 

[Full Size 66]

Again thanks to you who have answered this thread lots of help. I'll check the web for these names. keep it coming though. there can't be enough info, I know I'll get it done to overkill status w/ your guys help! Have you looked at some of the "GARAGES" on this site?!

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

Here's the portable unit I bought. Also, some pictures of other guys installations including a nice quick disconnect installation behind the spare tire jack access door in the rear bumper. If I ever decide to permanently mount mine on my truck I will add a 3-5 gallon tank and put the quick disconnect in the same place. Hope this helps.

 

[Full Size 66]

D in pasadena you got good photos best help yet especialy the unit along the frame rail w/ what looks to be a york compressor. I got good room in the side rail area & big boxes to protect it for the most part. This is a tree truck like the big orange ones. I wish I could find one to see how its done in real life.

 

[kvom]

I have a 20# CO2 container with a bracket that holds it securely. While I bought to inflate tires for offroading, I have also used it to run nailers and impact drivers. It's not good for grinders or the like. I fill it up about once a year for $20 or so.

 

[1redTA]

if you get an SCBA get a steel bottle

Steel cylinders should be tested every five years. They have an indefinite service life until they fail a hydro test.
Aluminum cylinders (not including hoop-wrapped) should be tested every five years. They have an indefinite service life until they fail a hydro test.
Hoop-wrapped cylinders should be tested every three years. Hoop-wrapped cylinders have a 15-year service life.
Fully wrapped fiberglass cylinders should be tested every three years. They have a 15 year service life.
Fully wrapped Kevlar cylinders should be tested every three years. They have a 15-year service life.
Fully wrapped carbon fiber cylinders should be tested every five years. They have a 15-year service life.

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

Full Size,
Hop over to DieselPlace.com and you will find all you need to know about installing one of these systems. None of the pictures I posted depicts a York compressor. I think they're all Viairs.

On DP, you will find a few guys that have installed old fashioned car AC York compressors on their trucks and larger tanks, but most guys have the Viair type smaller compressors. Some guys run two of them side by side. Airlift also makes some for their airbags.

 

[d33pt]

i use a viair 380C. strictly for airing up my tires after a trail run. extreme air makes some really beefy units. the viair is pretty slow.

 

[onemoretry]

Probably won't work for your application, but I run an ARB unit for my lockers that is a pretty quality set up, but would be too small for you I fear. I also have the CO2 setup that is the cheapest and easiest way to go. I use it to air up tires in my jeep and it works faster than a large 240V unit from the shop. Of course there is a finite volume to work with, but it is really cheap to refill at a fire extinguisher shop.
I know neither of these is what you want, but if someone comes here on a search it is friendly to at least include the info.

 

[ket-tek]

I had an oasis on my last truck. It worked great. There not cheap, but have plenty of power to run air tools. can be used at 12v or 24v.

It puts out about the same cfms as york engine driven compressors because it is basically a York compressor mounted to a 5hp modified winch motor..

Back when I bought mine, I called the mfg and they talked to me for quite a while to help understand the requirements, and features of the units. They were very helpful and patient.

http://www.oasismfg.com/

I've also had a couple Viairs and they were very reliable, I never had any mechanical issues but you will be waiting for the tank to refill for a while as they are fairly slow.

The portable co2 tanks mentioned are nice to have. You can also just use scuba tanks, my local scuba shop sells 80# tanks for under $100 and fills them to 4500psi for $7. But if you want to use a lot of air on a regular basis then it's better of the get a self recover setup and not have to go get refills.

 

[d33pt]

what do you use that oasis for? it looks awesome, but seems overkill for what i need. the power requirements are pretty crazy. basically a winch like you said. the viair does the trick, i just have to wait a little longer.

 

[d33pt]

I just looked up the cost of one of those Oasis units. $1500!!!!!!! Geez....i was thinking $500-700 bucks at most.

 

[35mastr]

That Oasis is way better than a Viair any day.

1500.00 for something that you can right off at the end of the year does not sound bad to me.

If your going to use it daily and have to wait for tanks to fill does not sound good for a business.Here in the west "Time is money and time waisted is money lost"

Remember you get what you pay for.If its part of your business.Might as well do it right the first time.

 

[Full Size 66]

Hi guys I'm the one who started this damn mess so I thought I'd chime in again. Thanks again for all the info and links. I'm a computer idiot so the pics and stuff help a lot. I'll be doing more research in the next few days and making a purchase. There are some smart people out there and till today I thought I was one

 

[ket-tek]

what do you use that oasis for?

Airbags.

it looks awesome, but seems overkill for what i need. the power requirements are pretty crazy.

The numbers look huge but that's where it's best to call the mfg and let them explain it to you and tell them what you have and how you will use it.

I had a stock alternator and a yellow top optima and it was fine, never had any issues. You don't want to run it without the car running, but you don't want to do that with any large power draw device.

It pulls a ton of amps and that freaks people out, but if it's gonna fill a 5 gal tank in 54sec @ 100+ amps then it actually comparable to the power drained with a Viair that might take 10 minutes @ 30 amps to fill the same 5gal.

I just looked up the cost of one of those Oasis units. $1500!!!!!!! Geez....i was thinking $500-700 bucks at most.

wow, It was a few years ago when I bought one.. I see the current models are the xd3000 and xd4000. When I bought the xd1000 it was $799 and the xd2000 was about $1200.. It does look like they have made quite a few design changes and upgrades to the new units...

Still worth it. And if I ever finish my current project truck I'll probally get an oasis again even if it is $1000-1500 now.

Here Streetbeat Customs has the xd3000 for $1099 with free shipping:

http://www.streetbeatcustoms.com/oashp1000-sy.html

 

[Full Size 66]

Ket tek, looks like one vote for Oasis. I would like to hear more from the end user rather than the sales guy. Anybody else have this equipment on thier rig? If so how is it going? How long they been around?

 

[nissan_crawler]

I have the viair setup, but they are slow. I have under $200 invested in mine with line, gauges, switches, wiring, etc., so I'm ok with it.

 

[dustym]

i have a york a/c compressor and my front and rear bumpers are inclosed tubes that double as air tanks.

 

[Full Size 66]

Anyone running Extreme Air or Oasis ? I'm interested to see what your reviews are? I'm seeing the price to be a little bit better for my application w/ Extreme. Realy like to see compareson side x side. Oasis vs Extreme w/ 3-5 gallon tank.

 

[Stephenw]

I wonder why no manufacturer has produced a "real" onboard air compressor. It seems like there is a demand for one.

Converted A/C compressors have drawbacks such as oiling issues.

Needs...

1. Oiled compressor similar to a stationary unit, but a more reasonable size for underhood installation.
2. Magnetic clutch similar to an automotive A/C compressor.
3. Small storage tank.
4. Control system. This would allow the driver to turn the compressor clutch on or off manually. A pressure switch would also be needed to turn the compressor on or off based on tank pressure.

I use a CO2 tank.

 

[ket-tek]

Anyone running Extreme Air or Oasis ? I'm interested to see what your reviews are? I'm seeing the price to be a little bit better for my application w/ Extreme. Realy like to see compareson side x side. Oasis vs Extreme w/ 3-5 gallon tank.

Never used an Extreme Air. But it looks like a Thomas. If it is then is nothing special.. Not sure how many people around here are into bagged vehicles, but it looks alot like the models that AIM, airbagit, chassistech, blowjax (all same terrible company) sell. One of the model here: http://airbagit.com/product_info.php?cPath=198_200&products_id=3061

I posted the link but do NOT buy anything **** from those scam artists.

They look scarily similar:

The oasis is not really comparable to the extreme because the oasis an oiled engine driven compressor being turned by a winch motor so you don't have to fab it to you car motor. The extreme is just another standard dc motor.

If you buy any regular dc motor compressor get Viair. As everyone else mentioned they are GREAT compressors, have good warranties and support, they are just slow pumping like any dc motor comp out there will be, including the extreme air..

I've had a few viairs and they were solid and great. When I had the oasis it was a little quieter than the 2 viair 450c's running that it replaced which I was suprised, and the fill times cannot be matched.

If you have two batteries the oasis can be ran at 24v and it will almost double all the fill times. 5-gal 0-150psi @ 12v=54sec / @ 24v=28sec

It would take my 2 viairs like 6 minutes or more to do the same.

I think it's more about how much air do you need. If you want to run impact wrenches for more than just an occasional tire change, or filling up 40" tires you should really consider an oasis or engine driven. For using an air gun to blow off dust, and filling car tires a couple Viairs would work fine..

Here's a very reliable company that sells tons of stuff including viair, oasis, many different tanks, pressure switches, gauges, etc for car use.

http://www.suicidedoors.com/catalog/air-management

I would buy the Viair 480c 200psi Two pack for $399 over the extreme air anyday of the week:
http://www.suicidedoors.com/air-management/compressors/viair-480-dual-pack-chrome

Of course as continually mentioned C02 or Scuba gives tons of pressure and can be taken away from the truck deep in the field if needed. You just gotta get them filled.

 

[ket-tek]

I still have my old Viair 450's, I found one out in the garage.. These were mounted to the frame under the bed of the truck for 3 years and got abused every day running the airbag system, saw a few winters, tons of rain and water and 100+ degree hot summers.. Never let me down.

I just wanted more air and I didn't want to ditch my a/c to mount a york, and didn't have the underhood room in a minitruck to fab a bracket to add the york as an additional accessory so I went with the oasis.. I have pictures backed up on cd somewhere of it installed, I sold that truck about a year and a half ago..

Here's a couple pics, the old 450 still works, and also the scuba tank I used for a while before getting the oasis. I got tired of having to go get it filled, though it worked awesome!