Onboard Air Compressor Mounting

[DonTX]

I am about to mount a 12v air compressor, one of those complete with tank and pressure shutoff switch primarily for my air bags. It is really too big for under the hood, and the instructions recommend against that anyway. I feel a bit unsure about mounting it "down under" to get all the road splash and dirt there, has anyone got any suggestions for mounting this or solved the problem another way?

 

[CUMMINZ]

I just put a new toolbox on my truck and plan to add my a/c in it for my horns.

 

[HBarlow]

What brand and size compressor did you buy? Is it capable of inflating truck/trailer tires?

I've thought a little about buying one and mounting it up under my flatbed. I have also wondered about how it would survive subjected to road moisture and debris. I suppose I could install it inside one of the storage boxes mounted under the bed.

A platform and shields on each end of a thin sheet metal enclosure would probably protect one from debris and allow plenty of circulating air for cooling. A sheetmetal shop could probably bend one fairly cheaply.

 

[CumminsBu]

What brand and size compressor did you buy? Is it capable of inflating truck/trailer tires?

Here is a good test on different brand if you want a small one.

Tire Inflator Comparison



I plan on buying a Superflow MV-50 and mounting it into my truck tool box and the tanks outside the frame rail under the cab.

 

[DonTX]

This one is bigger, 16 inches long with about a gallon tank, 7 inches tall, fully capable of tire inflation as well. I intend to have a quick release connector on it for just that purpose. I think along the frame rail with shielding is my best bet, since I have a truck camper. Wish I could use some of the bed side space for that.

Here is a good test on different brand if you want a small one.

Tire Inflator Comparison



I plan on buying a Superflow MV-50 and mounting it into my truck tool box and the tanks outside the frame rail under the cab.

 

[HBarlow]

Thanks, Black Pearl, for the excellent comparison test report. I saved it for more review and consideration.

Don, you didn't say what brand you purchased or offer any other details.

 

[rwitt]

I mounted my air compressor under the front of the bed, on the passenger side. There is quite a bit of room up there. It is an ExtremeAir compressor, similar in dimensions to the one you describe. It is fairly well protected there. My air tank is mounted on top of the transfer case cross member with a quick connect mounted to one the rear bumper brackets.

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Rich

 

[DonTX]

Hey, I like that idea. Helped me to think outside the box, I was just assuming I could not mount it upside down! My compressor is a bit larger than that but will fit nicely I think in that space. HBarlow my compressor is a Viking, kind of a no name china job I reckon, but looks well made and robust enough. To get the compressor, I had to buy one of those four air horn units with it, so have to find a place to put train horns as well!

I mounted my air compressor under the front of the bed, on the passenger side. There is quite a bit of room up there. It is an ExtremeAir compressor, similar in dimensions to the one you describe. It is fairly well protected there. My air tank is mounted on top of the transfer case cross member with a quick connect mounted to one the rear bumper brackets.

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Rich

 

[Grizzly]

Don, I can't remember if the door to your Host Camper is on the side or the back. If the door is on the side, you could use a cargo carrier to mount the compressor. If the door is on the back, you can build a box platform to one side of the door to contain and secure the compressor.



Whichever way you go you can build an enclosure to keep it dust, rain and road grime free.

 

[DonTX]

Out laying under the truck this morning, I think I found the perfect spot. At the front of the bed between the bed side and the frame on the drivers side. This would appear to be an area of least splashing and easy to protect, the rear of the cab providing some protection. Thiis side also keeps it away from the exhaust, and I already have my bags plumbed up that side. Upside down bolted to a couple of bed floor cross channels will work perfectly, very similar to rwitt photo plans. Thanks everyone for all the help.

Now my next quest, how to mount a satellite radio antenna on the camper so I can get my favorite music all the time, not just when the truck is pointed south or southwest.



. This spo

Don, I can't remember if the door to your Host Camper is on the side or the back. If the door is on the side, you could use a cargo carrier to mount the compressor. If the door is on the back, you can build a box platform to one side of the door to contain and secure the compressor.



Whichever way you go you can build an enclosure to keep it dust, rain and road grime free.

 

[BrianJ]

I was wary of the mag cloride they use in Colorado with mounting my compressor under the bed, so I was bound and determined to find a spot under the hood. Found a great spot under the front passenger fender. Remove the wheel liner and the A/C pump can be mounted under the passenger side battery tray. My 1/2 gal tank is mounted under the factory air box. Both are protected from the elements with the wheel liner back in place. I also like the fact that it is hidden from view.

 

[SHovis]

I recently killed a Viar Compressor. I mounted it under the bed on the driver's side, but didn't remotely locate the air filter. It sucked in road grime and killed the compressor. I found a bunch of mud packed into the check valve in between the compressor and air tank. An expensive lesson.



Apparently a steel enclosed filter is available for the Extremeaire compressor that does not allow any water through the filter.



Steve

 

[Garlic]

I mounted my Viair (450) in the bed box with a 1 Gallon tank and a 2. 5 gallon tank that can be isolated. reason is if I am not towing I really do not need the capacity of both tanks. Th horns work real well on the 1 gallon tank (about 1. 5 minutes at 115db) The tanks are also located in the box with a gauge and a seperate switch so I can completely turn the system off. It is wired to run when the ignition is on and shut off at 150 psi. The air bags have an automatic control so there is no need to have to explain to the wife how to level the truck when the camper is hooked to it. Viair also comes with a pretty good air filter.

 

[crobertson1]

Here is where I mounted mine to keep it out of the elements. It's quiet anyway, then with the fold flat floor closed, it's really quiet.



Here is the setup I have for the compressor and control:

2168 Firestone Dual Air Command II Super Heavy Duty Air Compressor Kit with Gauge and 1/2 Gallon Air Tank



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