On Board Air Compressor

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adv_ranger

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I used a portable Viair compressor for my Jeep for about 5 years. It took maybe 15 to 20 minutes to air up my 33s. Not a terribly long time; but when when it’s the end of the day, you’re hot, and the kids are extremely vocal with their desire to get something to eat, those 20 minutes felt a lot longer. Plus, the portable one takes up cargo space. If you’re just out hitting trails and all you have in the back is a cooler, that’s not a big deal. But if you’re loaded up to take the family on a week long trip, cargo space is at a premium.

For my new 4Runner build, I wanted to free up that cargo space so I mounted an ARB dual compressor under the hood with air lines running to all four tires (the Wifey system sold by Rago Fabrication). I can air down all four 33” tires from ~35 psi to ~18 psi in about 3 minutes and then air them all back up to ~35 psi in about 5 minutes. Yes, there are cheaper options out there, but on board dual compressor air is such a game changer that I won’t go back.
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I would probably do the same thing if it werent for the space issue I have in my engine bay. If you have any ideas of where I could mount it let me know!

This is my engine bay for reference. IMG_5451.jpg
 

kwill

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I also have the Viair 88P that I keep in my wife's car. She attracts flat tires like no one I've ever known. A tire plug kit and the 88P let me plug and play easily. The Viair products have never let me down.
 
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adv_ranger

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Kenmore, WA, USA
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Nico
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I used a portable Viair compressor for my Jeep for about 5 years. It took maybe 15 to 20 minutes to air up my 33s. Not a terribly long time; but when when it’s the end of the day, you’re hot, and the kids are extremely vocal with their desire to get something to eat, those 20 minutes felt a lot longer. Plus, the portable one takes up cargo space. If you’re just out hitting trails and all you have in the back is a cooler, that’s not a big deal. But if you’re loaded up to take the family on a week long trip, cargo space is at a premium.

For my new 4Runner build, I wanted to free up that cargo space so I mounted an ARB dual compressor under the hood with air lines running to all four tires (the Wifey system sold by Rago Fabrication). I can air down all four 33” tires from ~35 psi to ~18 psi in about 3 minutes and then air them all back up to ~35 psi in about 5 minutes. Yes, there are cheaper options out there, but on board dual compressor air is such a game changer that I won’t go back.
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How do you secure your tubing when not in use? Looks like an awesome system!
 

Stormcrow

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How do you secure your tubing when not in use? Looks like an awesome system!
I use two Velcro soapstone coil all four hoses then slide them into a little carry bag from MSA and then tuck the bag under the driver’s seat. At first, I tried it without the bag, but the levers on the connectors would get snagged on the floor mat or the underside of the seat when I would pull them out, so I added the bag. If/when I add molle panels to the back of my rig I’ll change the bag out for a molle compatible one. As it is right now, I probably don’t need the Velcro straps with the bag but if I go to a molle setup the bag will stay place and I’ll just grab the coil when I need them.
81F06ABE-92D0-4F9B-B6F9-B9745C0BF28F.jpeg
2E5ACED9-5178-4CF1-9A10-6B357E752E3B.jpeg
 
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adv_ranger

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I use two Velcro soapstone coil all four hoses then slide them into a little carry bag from MSA and then tuck the bag under the driver’s seat. At first, I tried it without the bag, but the levers on the connectors would get snagged on the floor mat or the underside of the seat when I would pull them out, so I added the bag. If/when I add molle panels to the back of my rig I’ll change the bag out for a molle compatible one. As it is right now, I probably don’t need the Velcro straps with the bag but if I go to a molle setup the bag will stay place and I’ll just grab the coil when I need them.
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View attachment 160275
Right on! How is it that you have the tubing coming from the inside of the wheel wells to your valve stems? Looks complex.
 

Stormcrow

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Right on! How is it that you have the tubing coming from the inside of the wheel wells to your valve stems? Looks complex.
It’s just simple 1/4” pneumatic tubing running to the wheel wells. The tubing can melt if it gets too hot, so you need to be careful how you run it but it wasn’t terribly complex (they recommend getting a professional installation but I’ve used enough pressure fittings in my jobs that I just did it in my driveway). All of the fittings and tubing comes in the kit from Rago, though I needed to add 1/4” 45 degree fittings to get around the reservoirs for my rear shocks.
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39FF2024-3696-4C7A-80AE-EE79D2D6696C.jpeg
 
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LostWoods

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The more I see those 4-wheel setups the more I want to build one. I think compressor in the bed with a pressure gauge and a DPST switch to the compressor and a release valve would be a great little setup for quick air up and down.
 

Stormcrow

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The more I see those 4-wheel setups the more I want to build one. I think compressor in the bed with a pressure gauge and a DPST switch to the compressor and a release valve would be a great little setup for quick air up and down.
If you have a Tacoma, Expedition Essentials sells this mount: Toyota Tacoma Bedside Compressor Mount
Or, if you’re not opposed to having the compressor mounted in the engine bay, Rago Fabrication sells this one: 2016-2019 3rd Gen Tacoma Air Compressor Mount
They also have one for the Tundra, if that’s what you have.
 

Darunner

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Any one considering a CO2 tank ? Whether it’s a DIY or the ready made one .
 

Stormcrow

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Any one considering a CO2 tank ? Whether it’s a DIY or the ready made one .
From what I hear, they're the fastest way to air up. My problem with them is the amount of cargo space they take out. If I was just doing day trips where all I really needed to carry was a cooler, I'd consider it. But cargo space becomes a premium item when you take your family of 4 on a week (or longer) camping trip. Having a compressor mounted in the engine bay is a more efficient use of cargo space.
 

Grendel

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I would probably do the same thing if it werent for the space issue I have in my engine bay. If you have any ideas of where I could mount it let me know!

This is my engine bay for reference. View attachment 160145
Try removing the black cover between engine and grill, it should be pretty easy to pop off. I was going to mount mine there on my Tundra and put the plug through the top or the grill. I ended up getting a Xfaktr mount and mounted it next to the washer fluid container then mounted the up down air on the mount. My wife has a 4runner and we used the Rago mount for hers. I removed the panel on hers and there is a lot of room to mount a compressor under her panel to, so i would check it out. it will also help cool of unit being in that position
 

Grendel

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If you have a Tacoma, Expedition Essentials sells this mount: Toyota Tacoma Bedside Compressor Mount
Or, if you’re not opposed to having the compressor mounted in the engine bay, Rago Fabrication sells this one: 2016-2019 3rd Gen Tacoma Air Compressor Mount
They also have one for the Tundra, if that’s what you have.
I love Rago products most of the stuff on my Tundra and wife's 4runner are Rago, so there is no animosity toward them or their products, but check out the updownair system. To me it is a much nicer system for about $100 less. I was going to get the"wifey" system for the 4Runner(I even bought the tray with the mount" But after installiing it we didn't like that the "wifey" covered the fuse box. With the generic updown one you can mount it anywhere.
 

LostWoods

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lastname
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If you have a Tacoma, Expedition Essentials sells this mount: Toyota Tacoma Bedside Compressor Mount
Or, if you’re not opposed to having the compressor mounted in the engine bay, Rago Fabrication sells this one: 2016-2019 3rd Gen Tacoma Air Compressor Mount
They also have one for the Tundra, if that’s what you have.
Had a Tacoma and I really, really didn't like the fit of that bedside bracket. Had to leave it because at that point I'd chopped my box apart but I wished I hadn't.
 

adv_ranger

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UPDATE: I went with the portable ARB single compressor that comes in a box with a quick connect tube. I bought the ARB instead of the VIAIR since it is more waterproof and should I find an engine bay mounting solutions I can mount it and not have to buy a different compressor. I also bought the ARB rapid tire deflator/gauge and the digital ARB tire inflator gage. Supe happy with my setup and I am happy I didn't go for the twin compressor! This this really works! Filled up my tires from 15 psi to 31 psi in 40 seconds/tire!
 
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