I'm new to the board but have viewed the messages for about a year. Thanks to all for all of the great info.

I'm looking into doing my first mod. On Board Air. I have been looking at the Viair air compressors. I know the 3500's have two batteries, but should I be looking at the 12v or 24v version of compressor. I'm also thinking of getting an accessory relay from Geno's for ease of wiring for this and future mods. Where do install the wiring harness/relay? Directly to battery making 12v or to the ignition making 24v?

 

Welcome to DTR 3-Drig,
Look at the 12V compressors. The 2500/3500 HD diesel Rams have 2 batteries hooked up in parallel, so the voltage is 12V (you get double the current). I have a 12V Viair 450C waiting to be installed. Still looking for a 2-3 gallon tank with a enough ports on it. I plan on wiring it to a relay directly off the battery. I will turn the relay on and off via a switch that will be using the Painless 7 Ckt. fuse block that I already have installed.

~Rob

 

These trucks are 12V....There are no 24V dodge w/ cummins: The batteries are wired in parallel for the starting current. So, a 12V compressor is in order. I've heard the name viair, but not familiar with the style. Are they york style? If so, you should be ok.

I've also looked at the wiring kit from Geno's. Looks like a quality part and making aftermarket wiring easier, can't be all bad.

Apparently we were posting at the same time....

Look at the big truck wrecking yards. I pick up a pair of tanks in good shape for $25 when I set up air on my flat bed trailer.

Tony

 

Thanks for the information !!!

TonyB

I could be wrong here but my understanding is that the York compressors are belt driven - mounts (with bracket) directly under your alternator. The Viair looks to be one of the better 12v air compressors that is electrically run. Although the Yorks have a higher cfm and are probably a better unit - they are much more expensive. I think I saw a Viair 325C for around $159.00 and the Viair 450C for $249.00. The best deal I saw on a York is $555.00

Yes I thought of that too !!! I hit all of the dis-mantling shops from Lorton to Stafford couldn't find any that had any large trucks. If someone knows of any large truck junk yards in No. Va - let me know