Onboard air compressor

JustaZ71 · December 5, 2016

I am a new Sierra owner and am now looking to do some personalization to make it officially mine. One of the items that I am wanting to do is installing an onboard air compressor and tank. I want to have the ability to air up tires if needed for the dreaded roadside visit.

I have a tank that I will be fitting up under body, but what I would like to know is if others have installed one of these units, where the air compressor was mounted, switch location and any tips or tricks that they may have done to make the install clean and hidden.

Thanks in advance for any and all responses.

Scott

camcamaro1991 · December 5, 2016

I seen some guys, mostly Jeep guys use these. http://store.arbusa.com/ARB-On-Board-High-Performance-12-Volt-Twin-Air-Compressor-CKMTA12-P21341.aspx

I thought about adding one as well, back in my younger days I was roadside tech during my first year as a MB tech, they made us do it to get experience. I always need air, so many folks never check their tire pressure until its too late, esp.. the spare tire.

At home I have a 80 gallon quicy air compressor, on the road I have a tiny compact 12volt tankless air pump, takes a bit long but works.

It would be nice to see someone make use of all that open space between the outer & inner bed after the rear fenders, if you have rear fender wheel well guards its fairly clean in there.

Edited December 5, 2016 by camcamaro1991

JustaZ71 · December 5, 2016

Thanks camcamaro,

I had a Jeep that I was planning on putting this tank and air compressor on, but my wheelin buddy passed away and I lost all interest in the Jeep. I am looking forward to installing them on my Sierra though. I am planning on the tank up under the bed, but not so sure about the compressor install location yet. The spare battery tray would be great, but I'm thinking of adding the second battery.

Another question is, where in the world do I mount the switch???? All that leather trimmed panel sure makes me leary of drilling anywhere to install a switch!

I will keep you posted on what my decisions are and I will try to post a few pics as I get into the install.

Thanks again,

Scott

camcamaro1991 · December 5, 2016

Sorry about your friend.

I have a console in my truck, for the switch I would guess the lower rear map holder areas towards the rear inside pocket, or bottom/lower side of the "inside" of the center console.

from Jeep forums the ARB compressor is compact enough to be mounted in the engine bay area, or maybe the inside of the frame.

I am a fan of this, as I would rather just carry it with me when I need it vs mounting it and running the wiring = https://www.amazon.com/ARB-CKMTP12-Performance-Portable-Compressor/dp/B007KEVN00/ref=pd_sbs_263_5?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B007KEVN00&pd_rd_r=X4113WHCX4Z7MGBB096B&pd_rd_w=q60lT&pd_rd_wg=Ipoix&psc=1&refRID=X4113WHCX4Z7MGBB096B

Edited December 5, 2016 by camcamaro1991

tenscourts · December 5, 2016

I bought the AirLift Quickshot air supply kit. 2 gallon tank and compressor. Only place I could find to mount was passenger side between frame and steps. I bought Firestone's mounting brackets which matched up fairly well but they protrude farther than I'd like. Thinking I may have some custom brackets made for a cleaner look. I have a second battery so engine compartment was out of the question but you're not supposed to do that anyway due to heat.

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Panik · December 5, 2016

I haven't installed yet but I am in the process of getting organized to install an Airlift 7200 wireless system to control the airbags on my truck. One of the things I came across while searching for install ideas is that a lot of sellers do not recommend putting the compressor in the engine bay. Apparently over time the heat may have adverse effects on the compressor functionality. That being said I have also read where a lot of people have put them in the engine bay and stated that they have not had any issues. YMMV.

One thing I did see online that I liked and am copying is where a guy took an ammo can and mounted his compressor on the inside of the lid, cut breather holes in the floor (now ceiling) of the can and then mounted the whole thing upside down to the frame rails of his truck. The idea being that the ammo can provides protection against debris, salt and water. His thought was that if he ever needed to access the compressor he could open the lid and the compressor would swing down from the underside.

In any case that's where I am at the moment, trying to shoe horn things into a 50 cal. ammo can. Whenever it stops raining I'll climb up under the truck and figure out a decent spot to mount the thing. One idea I had was to purchase a waterproof computer fan, mount it over the ventilation hole and wire it up so that it comes on when the compressor comes on. (Probably way over kill, and I likely won't do it.....but it seemed like a need thought at the time)

JustaZ71 · December 6, 2016

Thanks all, great tips and ideas. I do appreciate your input.

Scott

TheTunaHunter · December 6, 2016

Another option that's always been interesting to me the Power Tank setups. Yes there are long term costs/fillups but I'd much rather put it in the truck when I need it, or mount it to the bed, can think of all sorts of uses. From what I've read the average 10lb tank is good for about 4 x 4 tire fill-ups from offroad pressure (16-20?) to road ready (36+).

JustaZ71 · December 7, 2016

^{What would the long term costs be? Can't these be filled with a home compressor or do they require specialized equipment? I guess I need to do my homework!!}

sdeeter19555 · December 7, 2016

^{What would the long term costs be? Can't these be filled with a home compressor or do they require specialized equipment? I guess I need to do my homework!!}

The tanks are compressed a lot higher than the typical DIY air compressor is capable, that's how they have enough volume to fill multiple sets of tires. Someone might know better, but those might be compressed far enough that the gas becomes a liquid (think propane).

I own a Puma 12V air compressor, basically a 12VDC version of a portable 120VAC air nailer compressor...has a small tank and decent compressor.

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JustaZ71 · December 7, 2016

Ok, I follow you now. Similar to filling tanks for scuba diving. Bear with me. sometimes it just takes me a while to get up to speed....

iamdanieltuck · December 10, 2016

I have a viair 450c with 2 2.5 viar tanks on a 110 on 14( off pressure switch. I wired a Bosch relay into the gm stock upfitter harness and later added in wiring it to the inadvertent power controlled by the bcm. I run train horns and a full filter water separator that's mounted on my tool box. I run 1/2 ID brake grade line and push in DOT connectors. It's the easiest, most durable and leak resistant setup I could find. The compressor is 100% duty cycle and this is the 3rd truck I've ran it on. I don't beat it up too bad except a blue nozzle to clean truck, occasional impact gun and train horns like it's my job.

I made a harness to tap into the upfitter port by the pedals that's oem parts. I'm selling them since I had to purchase a large quantity of parts to get them cheap. GM sells the un pinned parts for $68

I'll build, pin and ship ready to wire for $45 plus $6.80 shipping

I am a new Sierra owner and am now looking to do some personalization to make it officially mine. One of the items that I am wanting to do is installing an onboard air compressor and tank. I want to have the ability to air up tires if needed for the dreaded roadside visit.

I have a tank that I will be fitting up under body, but what I would like to know is if others have installed one of these units, where the air compressor was mounted, switch location and any tips or tricks that they may have done to make the install clean and hidden.

Thanks in advance for any and all responses.

Scott

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JustaZ71 · December 13, 2016

Daniel,

It is obvious that you are much better versed at electrical work than I am. I do like how you have these set up for a clean finished install. Nice and neat makes it easy to trouble shoot if needed.

Thanks for the info and if I decide how I am going to do my install, maybe I will order one of these to tie it in.

Scott

iamdanieltuck · December 13, 2016

Thank you sir!

I learned some lessons about inadequate wiring the hard way when I was young. I'm happy to help out any way I can.

There are plenty of resources for wiring in these trucks available if you have any questions. Tons of people on here can help too. Best of luck!

Daniel,

It is obvious that you are much better versed at electrical work than I am. I do like how you have these set up for a clean finished install. Nice and neat makes it easy to trouble shoot if needed.

Thanks for the info and if I decide how I am going to do my install, maybe I will order one of these to tie it in.

Scott

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iamdanieltuck · December 14, 2016

This harness will provide two battery power sources, 1 Rap accessory, 1 crank accessory and a ground. It is very useful in adding any mod. I just wanted to clarify due to some inquiries. My harnesses are soldered at every joint and will handle far greater current than factory equipment. I will offer wiring support for anyone that buys one and stand behind my product as long as I'm alive and able. They come with braided friction shielding and I can custom build and write up plans for just about anything you want to install. This is just something I do to make things easier and since this is my hobby. Any questions, please feel free to openly post or pm.

If you know you are going to order please include name, shipping address, email address truck info to include trim level as well. Thanks for your time. I currently have a couple left pre built but they are going faster than anticipated. I've place an order to replenish supplies so I should be able to maintain same day shipping.

I have a viair 450c with 2 2.5 viar tanks on a 110 on 14( off pressure switch. I wired a Bosch relay into the gm stock upfitter harness and later added in wiring it to the inadvertent power controlled by the bcm. I run train horns and a full filter water separator that's mounted on my tool box. I run 1/2 ID brake grade line and push in DOT connectors. It's the easiest, most durable and leak resistant setup I could find. The compressor is 100% duty cycle and this is the 3rd truck I've ran it on. I don't beat it up too bad except a blue nozzle to clean truck, occasional impact gun and train horns like it's my job.

I made a harness to tap into the upfitter port by the pedals that's oem parts. I'm selling them since I had to purchase a large quantity of parts to get them cheap. GM sells the un pinned parts for $68

I'll build, pin and ship ready to wire for $45 plus $6.80 shipping

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk