Forum Discussion

JoeChiOhki's avatar
JoeChiOhki
Explorer II
Aug 03, 2020

Onboard Air System Planning - Components Suggestions?

So, as I near the hump on rebuilding Ms. Merry the Amerigo, I'm starting to do the planning for upgrades and improvements to Jake, Ms. Merry's "chauffeur".

One of the big things planned is I'd like to add an onboard air compressor and tank system along with the in cab controls and gauges.

I like tank based systems, as this will also be driving the new air horns that will be going under the hood, plus the addition of a quick disconnect so that we can use this system for airing stuff up like bike tires, the trucks tires, inner tubes, etc.... And having an air supply where the compressor doesn't need to run constantly would be a plus.

As many folks here are more intimately familiar with what's already on the market and what could be combined to create what I'm after, I am asking for suggestions on what brands and components I should invest into :).
Truck Campers
  • markowwes's avatar
    markowwes
    Explorer
    Aug 05, 2020
    JoeChiOhki wrote:
    One of the kits I've been looking at, so far, was Viair's Ultra Duty setup, but I can't recall if there was issues with these being run alot.

    VIAIR 200 PSI Ultra Duty Onboard Air System


    i have a kelderman full air ride system in my F550, they use the Viair system, it runs 6 big air bags with now problems.
  • DWeikert's avatar
    DWeikert
    Explorer II
    Aug 07, 2020
    I went with the Airlift Wireless Air to avoid having to run air lines into the cab. I did have a failure of the controller/manifold but it was replaced painlessly under warranty and no issues since. One big advantage is it automatically maintains the pressure setting or the minimum 5 psi. Another advantage is I can walk around the vehicle with the controller in hand and adjust the air while watching the springs. I like to inflate the bags until the springs lift off the overloads then lower the pressure until they just engage. That seems to work best for keeping the side to side rocking at a minimum. They now have multiple wireless options.
  • JoeChiOhki's avatar
    JoeChiOhki
    Explorer II
    Aug 07, 2020
    BarryG20 wrote:
    I am not Moomba but outback extreme does sell tanks. I bought mine local many years ago. As far as a blow down valve. They also sell those but they are not automatic. It is spring loaded, has a ring on the end of it that you can just pull on and it empties the air. I placed my valve on the bottom of the tank and while I don't really do it that often I can just reach up under the truck and pull it. What I do on a more regular basis is when I disconnect my air chuck from the quick connect is as I start to pull it apart I let a pretty fair amount of air out which also expels some moisture certainly not all of it but probably the majority. My tank is at least 15 years old and still hasn't rusted through yet from the inside and the outside still has plenty of original paint on it after living its life under the truck (though I do not live in a salt state)


    My main concern was in winter operation with moisture in the system may cause damage to the valves and fittings, a manual valve will likely corrode on the tank before terribly long as road spray hits it, sadly :).

    Moomba2002 wrote:
    As Barry said I got all of my components from Extreme Outback Products talk with George he can give you more information than a brain can handle. They aren't inexpensive but the product and the customer service can't be beat.


    Aye, I was eying their engine driven compressors they listed as well, though those I'm thinking are not 100% duty cycle units?

    DWeikert wrote:
    I went with the Airlift Wireless Air to avoid having to run air lines into the cab. I did have a failure of the controller/manifold but it was replaced painlessly under warranty and no issues since. One big advantage is it automatically maintains the pressure setting or the minimum 5 psi. Another advantage is I can walk around the vehicle with the controller in hand and adjust the air while watching the springs. I like to inflate the bags until the springs lift off the overloads then lower the pressure until they just engage. That seems to work best for keeping the side to side rocking at a minimum. They now have multiple wireless options.


    My only thing about Wireless type things like that is its one more thing with batteries or electrical needs that's got a higher proneness towards failure. For major systems, the more basic and simplisticlly mechanical it is, the easier it will be for me to make emergency field repairs and maintain it :).

    The convenience of being able to stand and remotely level the camper would be pretty cool, though.
  • DWeikert's avatar
    DWeikert
    Explorer II
    Aug 07, 2020
    JoeChiOhki wrote:

    My only thing about Wireless type things like that is its one more thing with batteries or electrical needs that's got a higher proneness towards failure. For major systems, the more basic and simplisticlly mechanical it is, the easier it will be for me to make emergency field repairs and maintain it :).

    The convenience of being able to stand and remotely level the camper would be pretty cool, though.

    I'm an IT guy and like newfangled gadgets. But, I also prepare for their failure. That's why I also T'd into the line feeding each bag and installed a Schrader valve in the wheel wells. If for whatever reason I can't use the onboard compressor I can still air up with a bicycle pump. Likewise, a short hose with a lock on air chuck on each end and I can now inflate a tire using the airbag pump. It's going to take some time but better than having to resort to a hand pump if I'm in the middle of nowhere.

About Travel Trailer Group

44,029 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 13, 2025