Auxilliary Air Tank
 

I currently have the Firestone Ride Rite air bags with the in cab controller and I want to add a small air tank for airing up tires or an air horn or maybe both. I would like to use the current compressor but am not sure if there is a way for it to automatically fill the tank while still having the in cab control of the airbags??

Anyone run a setup like this?

Kerry

I'm using the same bags. Check Craigslist for a used air tank off an Semi-Truck. They're 3 gals and I found both of mine for $5.00 each. They work GREAT! Just plumb in a air-pressure cut-off and a optional power cut off. It will keep your tank full. Works just fine on my rig.

Then use an nitrous solinoid to use as a valve to fill the air bags with.

Google air bagit.com or google air bag suppliers in Phoenix. Tons of info.

They have electric air solinoids for 20 bucks. They derived from nitrous solinoids though.

Low riders have used this technolgy for years. Just use a momentary switch to operate the solinoid when you need air to the air bags. The bags will fill out of the tank.. Youll need a bigger compressor. That lil firestone job is like 1/10hp. Need about 1/3rd hp at min.

My setup is exactly like the one you are describing and I use the same compressor/air tank to operate my airbags, horns and exhaust brake.

I'm using an in-cab switch to turn the compressor on and off (it's always in the ON position) via a relay. Of course, you will also need to add a pressure switch (mine is 120psi) and a blow-off valve on the air tank.

I have a Pac Brake, it came with a small tank. I installed a 'T' off that tank, then a one-way check valve and a line to a second tank. I use the second tank for all of my other air needs.


CD

Might think about grabbing a small air tank of a wrecked semi. Most of them have a bung welded in the bottom for a bleeder to dump water out of the system.

thats what i would do

If you're serious about the air horn and OBA (on board air) look at HornBlasters website (www.hornblasters.com) because they have ready made kits or can build you the DIY kit with all the parts you would need like a pressure solenoid, air tubing, gauges, tank, and compressor.

I'm putting a train horn on my '08 .... I was cut off by some moron in a Kia Rio while pulling my toyhauler and almost ended up with a new hood ornament [verymad][tapdshut] ..... I'm not proud of it but I let loose a plethora of swear words that would make a group of Hells Angels cringe.


Kris

HMX, that was my motivation as well. After having the air horn (big truck, not train) they still ignore it! Just beware!

To the OP: Go to a big truck wrecking yard. You will have your pick of tanks. Look for one that is aluminum. Less weight and same capacity! They also tend to be smaller diameter but longer. IIRC, I picked up 2 tanks for ~$20. And the horn (A 16" Trumpet) for another $10.

Tony

Tony,

What horn do you have?

The one I'm putting on is a Nathan AirChime K5LL ..... basically an Amtrak train horn but with a deeper Canadian tune/sound to it.



Kris

if you want an air tank google low rider air tanks. got a chrome 3 gallon for like 35.00 bucks plus you can get as many ports as want.

HMX,
I only have a 16" trumpet from Grover. I bought it from a local big truck wrecking yard.

Be careful using train horns near LEO's. They like to write tickets!

Tony