osinrider04

Hey everyone - Time to ask the peanut gallery their thoughts on my build. My jeep has been built for overlanding where I take it to different mountain biking trails across the US. Right now I currently don't have any kind of on-board air system. The purpose of the system I want to build is for multiple reasons.
1) Obvious benefits of onroad/offroad travel when airing down
2) For longer trips, peace of mind in case of tire issues
3) Mountain bike tire airing
4) Road Shower pressurized water system
5) Future air lockers
6) Future air tools

With that being said, it seems the 2 main competitors are viair and ARB. I would like to get a debate going between the 2 without personal opinions or other non-fact related things. My goal is to have a complete system strong enough for 35s, air lockers, and maybe even a tool setup one day. Reliability and function are my main factors.

Thoughts?

shooptube

Have you ever looked into using the AC compressor?

osinrider04

I have not given it much thought. I just read over some of the threads and it seems pretty cool. Two questions though--can you keep ac when doing this, and would it ever be feasible to power air lockers with it? Keeping the ac working is a big importance since this jeep is designed to be driven in for quite a while at a time.

shooptube

Oh no. I figured you got rid of the AC. The only way would be to have 2 AC compressors. ARB is a good alternative

XJwonders

I converted my AC compressor to become my OBA. I use it for my front locker and fill my tires.

osinrider04

I haven't had ac for almost 3 years and I literally just had my heater core replaced today lol. So I'm def excited for that. Usually no ac isn't a problem but overlanding it's almost necessary in my opinion and that's why I got it fixed.

Is there anything I'm missing if I go with the twin air compressor by ARB?

osinrider04

Unless dual ac compressors was a thing, the ARB twin air might seem like best option. Any viair supporters out there?

XJwonders

which model of Arb compressors because most of the time they are adequate enough just to power the lockers. I would go with Viair.

andrewmp6

I have used viair for air ride and their stuff is good and takes a beating.As long as you plumb it right you won't have any problems.They do have kits http://www.viaircorp.com/oba.html

SteveMongr

I had the Viair 400 in my XJ, hardwired in cargo area. It would fill two 31" tires at once. Used it for 5 years. Located in cubby area.
In the WJ I use a portable Viair 88.

osinrider04

Is this the viair 400? http://www.viaircorp.com/oba-dual400C.html

The one thing I noticed about the 400 is it's only 33% duty cycle. The ARB says it is 100%: http://www.quadratec.com/products/16104_900X_PG.htm

The other thing is in regards to syncing it to air lockers. If I have arb air lockers, what kind of struggle might I have with connecting a viair to 1 or 2 arb lockers?

SteveMongr

If I remember correctly, the 33% duty cycle translates into 45 minutes of run time at over 30 psi. I only used it for tires and did not have an air tank or air lockers.
It was the portable version http://www.viaircorp.com/400P-auto.html

osinrider04

So the Constant Duty VIAIR system is 100% duty cycle @ 100psi (max 150psi) and a 2.5 gallon air tank. https://www.amazon.com/VIAIR-Constan.../dp/B000YC42RG Amazon has it for $350. Seems like a much better deal considering you're getting a tank and compressor for $170 less than the ARB.

I also see the Ultra Duty http://www.4wd.com//200-PSI-Ultra-Du...l_productSpecs for $420---still cheaper than the ARB.

Is there any reason to go with the ARB considering these alternatives?

Fred/N0AZZ

I have a Viair the 400 and well pleased with it for going on 4 1/2 yrs.

osinrider04

So did you buy the portable compressor and essentially hard wire it as well?

Air lockers are not guaranteed in my future, but I'd like to have the set up ready in the event I do. Not to mention, air tools sounds great. Not sure the 400 could handle either of those.