i have a couple of Grovers Air horns that I got off a Peterbuilt for $5 a piece from a big truck junk yard. I have a 5 gallon air tank that I got off another rig in that yard for $10. Now is time to get a compressor to make the setup complete so I can install it.

So let me hear opinions on a good 12V compressor for this setup.

I plan on mounting everything back where the spare tire used to be. I keep it in the bed now. I was thinking about mounting the horns behind the front bumper for the sound to come fron the RIGHT place more or less....and so they are not in view.

 

Well many options out there for comps.

I went with extreme outbacks extremeaire http://www.extremeoutback.com/index....id=1097106.740

Viar seems to have a good rep

Kilby enterprises uses a york compressor http://www.kilbyenterprises.com/KE-3100-K.htm

Theres few to look at and many more as well that I cant think of at the moment

 

theres a little 12volt tire compressor at the hardware store (120 psi)
for 30 bucks.

do you think i could use that one? just need to figure out how it would refill automaticly the tank and shut off when full.

 

Viair Viair

 

12valve
All you need is a pressure switch hooked up in your system. Once it reaches a certain psi it will kick on the compressor until it reaches whatever psi the pressure switch is for. If you are just using the comp for horns than that comp might work fine. For some wiring diagrams check out the following
http://www.extremeoutback.com/index....ireinstall.htm
http://www.extremeoutback.com/index....ingDiagram.htm
http://www.extremeoutback.com/index....Compressor.htm this last one might be more applicable to the type comp you are looking at but you could sure as heck wire in pressure switch like the other methods show. The first two are for higher amp type units hence the much large relays etc

 

Thanks a lot!!!

 

Being the King of Cheap, here's what I did. Strapped a 7 gal. Walmart tank to the inside of the frame on left side of truck by transfer case.

Bought a high volume 12v pump from Harbor Freight for $70. (this one http://www.harborfreightusa.com/usa/...bCategoryName= )

It's on sale for 49 or so now. Be sure to get the additional lifetime warrenty for $20. I burned up one compressor when a check valve stuck. Exchange, no problem. You've gotta run a check valve with this compressor. I now have a 1/4" stainless ball valve next to the compressor I turn on when I start the compressor.

I don't run a pressure switch since I've heard compressors running due to air leaks on vehicles. I just turn mine own when airing up a tire or when the tank gets below 60 psi or so.

I installed a quick connect under the running board, drivers side with a cover to protect from mud/snow that's great for airing up tires, blowing dirt etc. I carry one of those small 50' coiled air hoses in the tool box and can't tell you how many flats I've fixed using this set up.

Oh, and it works great for the air horns as well.

Good luck RJ

 

Justy so it's been said ~

When considering a compressor (12vdc), pay attention to the :

Air volume - usually expressed in CFM (Cubic Feet Per minute) typically presented at 0psig and 100psig. This will effect how long it might take to fill the tank, tire, etc.

Maximum Starting Pressure - You'll want the compressor to be able to start easily at the minimum pressure you want in your tank.

Duty Cycle - most often presented as a percentage (RE: 30% - meaning 3 minutes on of every 10 minutes). If you've a large tank, tire, etc, this will be important as you can burn up the motor by not allowing enough off-time for the motor to cool between on cycles.

Technology is such that more often, compressors are of the oil-less design meaning less maintenance at the expense of a shorted compressor life.


Hope this helps.