2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Arb On Board Air Compressor / Tank

[JMcCoy]

I recently completed my ARB onboard air compressor/tank install. I figured I would share the results. I decided on an ARB CKMTA12, which is a 100% duty cycle unit and maxes out at 150 psi.

 

[JMcCoy]

First off, I had trouble finding a suitable location to mount the compressor. Our trucks really don't have many places to put it. Due to the dual batteries, brake system, air box, and turbo, I could find no room under the hood. I decided to install the compressor in the cavity between the bed and the bed exterior skin, mounted against the bed interior. I bolted the tank to the bottom of the bed. As you can see from the four extra holes, I had to move the tank because it interfered with the Torklift camper mounts I installed a couple weeks later. I recently removed my bed liner and discovered the only rust on my truck. That has been added to my list.

 

[JMcCoy]

These are pictures from below. As you can see, the compressor is well protected from the elements. I live on a dirt road and is still very clean, even after approximately two months and a few hunting trips. The compressor is water "resistant" and may be briefly submerged. I hope not to test this. The air is taken from above. The filters on top may be extended even higher like snorkels. The harness and fittings are extremely well made and are water resistant.

 

[JMcCoy]

My rear ARB locker is limited to 100 psi, so I purchased a small regulator from Home Depot. I then mounted the ARB pressure switch to it. I installed a 3/8 air hose coupling so I could air up the tires on my truck or dirt bikes. I went with 3/8, to increase the flow, should I have to seat a bead. I plan to install a regulated coupling so I may run air tools. I used push in quick connectors between the compressor and tank. I used pipe tape (Teflon tape) on everything. After two weeks, I am holding 150lbs without losing even a pound. Though well protected, I wrapped everything in wire loom for extra protection. I did have to extend the two wires going to the solenoid for the locker (not yet wrapped). I soldered the connection and used shrink wrap. I am extremely happy with the outcome. I plan to install cab controls for the airbags in the future. As of now, I have the schrader valves in place of the license plate bolts.

 

[JMcCoy]

Pacbrake Airbags Installed

When I get a chance, I will add pictures of the in-cab switches.

 

[mfurrh55]

Nice unit, the only thing i can tell you is i had an air compressor mounted down where yours is and i went northwest in winter and froze up my compressor and killed it, moved mine back into the bed with the new one, just keep that in mind if you travel through snow or ice, Monte

 

[Hammer]

We run Nathan K5LA's on all of Our rides with using the Air Zenith OB2 compressors.Ours are mounted in under the rail toolboxes using remote mount air intakes to ensure good cool air goes into the compressors.Tanks are also kept in there and We have never had a failure with the way they are mounted.The system is also set up with a coupler to run a hose outside to either fill your tires up or run a small air wrench if needed.Tank drains are run down through the bottom of the box and through the factory drains on the bed to rid the system of water and keep the system free of debris.

 

[mfurrh55]

We run Nathan K5LA's on all of Our rides with using the Air Zenith OB2 compressors.Ours are mounted in under the rail toolboxes using remote mount air intakes to ensure good cool air goes into the compressors.Tanks are also kept in there and We have never had a failure with the way they are mounted.The system is also set up with a coupler to run a hose outside to either fill your tires up or run a small air wrench if needed.Tank drains are run down through the bottom of the box and through the factory drains on the bed to rid the system of water and keep the system free of debris.

you have any pics of this setup?,Monte

 

[JMcCoy]

Nice unit, the only thing i can tell you is i had an air compressor mounted down where yours is and i went northwest in winter and froze up my compressor and killed it, moved mine back into the bed with the new one, just keep that in mind if you travel through snow or ice, Monte

Thank you for the heads up reference the cold. I imagine it gets very little airflow tucked up where it is. It has a built in fan, which I am hoping will keep it cool.

 

[MLee]

Nice unit, the only thing i can tell you is i had an air compressor mounted down where yours is and i went northwest in winter and froze up my compressor and killed it, moved mine back into the bed with the new one, just keep that in mind if you travel through snow or ice, Monte

Maybe a skid plate type thing to protect it from the elements.

 

[mfurrh55]

Maybe a skid plate type thing to protect it from the elements.

I did have it mounted where the skid plate would protect it, I thought, anyway it froze up, put it back in the bed, have it mounted to one side of my auxiallary fuel tank and under tonneau cover

 

[JMcCoy]

I don't know if you can tell from the pictures, but it is mounted in the cavity between the interior of the bed and the outer bed skin.
With the wheel well reinstalled, it is well protected. After a month of dirt roads and hunting trips, the compressor is still clean. If I find it starts getting too dirty, I will take Mlee's advise and build fabricate some sort of skid plate. The ARB also has hard water resistant filters, so they will not get ruined if submerged (which means I probably have bigger problems) LOL. Thanks again

 

[MLee]

Do you have a drain valve on the bottom to get rid of moisture that develops in the tank? The ORT trucks have a spring loaded valve with a lanyard for dumping the water build up. Something to consider. Looked at the pic #3 from the bottom, looks like a drain of some sort. your covered.

 

[JMcCoy]

I do have a drain valve. After the initial install, I had a slow leak. Using soap and water in a spray bottle, I found it. I was extremely pleased the location of the leak was the drain valve. I just twisted it back and forth a couple times and it stopped.

Here is a better photo of the compressor location. The ARB compressor is the only on I could find that would mount in that cavity. I'm sure there are others though. Thank you agian

 

[Hammer]

Monte....
Just sent you an email.....Andy