Onboard Air using BD Exhaust Compressor

[Deleted member 995608]

I'm running the BD exhaust brake and love it.



I like to know how difficult is it to set up the BD compressor inorder to pump into a 1 or 2 gallon tank so that I can run airbags, horns etc?



I might be over thinking the project but how the DFIV module is wired into the compressor confuses me.

 

[Deleted member 995608]

After talking with BD, I've decided to keep the BD compressor for the exhaust brake only.



So much for trying to make things cheaper!

 

[jelag]

This should be a simple task... all you need is a pressure switch, to control the compressor and a relay with the pressure switch in series with the relay control connected to keyed power... . when the key is on, the pressure is low the tank is charged... a second relay and solenoid runs the brake based on the ECM or your switch...

You can search PacBrake's web sight and open and read the installation manual and wiring diagram...

If you called BD, talk to Harold... don't remember his nickname as there are more than one Harold... get the one that spent 20 years with PacBrake and ask him...

This should be doable for 30-40% of having to buy a compressor kit for the air bags... or the trouble of using a compressor at home...

 

[Deleted member 995608]

Thanks for the response and thank you for the great service.



I know in the long run, I'll be asking more of what this compressor is designed to do.



I'll just buy a continious duty 12 volt compressor and save the BD compressor for the brake; I use it more than I think.

 

[jelag]

I don't suggest this... a continuous duty compressor is larger and not needed... our trucks all have air bags, exhaust brakes and air horns... we use the stock pacbrake compressor. . the key is to prevent leaks from poor connections... when used this way, the compressor only runs 5% or so of the time when the exhaust brake or other device cycles... the rest of the time its off...

we offer customers a 100% duty cycle compressor that will run a 1/2 dive air wrench... works well for service trucks when you add a 10 or 15 gal tank... its a electric motor the size of a starter and a compressor that is like a compressor on a class 8 truck... . they draw 60 amps to start and shut down at 120 psi at 150 amps of current... .

Our largest customers for this compressor is service trucks for farmers and fleet service like Pepsi, Coke, and the other beverage companies that do their own road service... . they run $1350 need welding wire to connect them to the batteries and take up 8" x 12" x 18"

 

[DE Jeeper]

I run a pac brake and air bags off the Firestone compressor. I run the brake all the time and the compressor rarely turns on. If you can put a 2 gal tank in you should be fine. If you need continious duty spend the money and go with a Kilby OBA or similar system. On my Jeep I run the factory ac compressor to run tools and fill tires with ease.



Aaron

 

[JRMora]

I do pretty much the same as Aaron. When my Pac compressor died I added a Firestone HD compressor (50% duty cycle) and bags to my trailer. I can air up my tires with this compressor (to 80psi). It takes a little time to top them off (i only have a 1/2 gal tank). I have on-board air control for my bags.



The conversion from a brake controlled compressor to an air switch controlled was easy (and got rid of a lot of wiring, too).



Juan