Got OBA? - On Board Air

civicjoe

lone wolf mod
Founding Member
Location
Nevada
I dont at least not yet, if you do post it up to help others feed their mod bug odds are it hungry!
images


Lets see what you got:
Brand:
Cost:
Mounting Location:
Pros:
Cons:
 

Oz_X

First Fill-Up (of many)
Founding Member
This is an old post from the newx. Over 3 years old. I mention this because at the time that I did this there were questions regarding how the tsumani would survive being exposed to the elements. Well since 11-07-2009 its been working like a champ. It has yet to fail! And it has been exposed to rain, snow, dust, dirt, mud, water, heat. Haven't had to do a thing since its been there.

- - -
OBA On The Cheap
OBA (On Board Air); I've wanted to do this for a while. First I picked up this portable compressor about 2 years ago. Tsunami; a really cheap one from The Boys at Pep for less than $50 bucks. Not the greatest by any means but works like a champ:
51RRHMZBY8L._SS500_.jpg


First carefully remove the front plastic grill by carefully removing the (4) plastic clips:

DSCW2477.jpg


Inside I found a really great mounting spot. There's a structural plate on the inside of a SWs bumper. You can kind of see it here: (arrow is pointing to it)

DSC_2492.jpg


Here's another view of the mounting location:

DSC_2493.jpg


I drilling 4 holes that lined up with the base plate holes of the Tsunami. You'll have to remove the rubber feet that were inside those holes. Put the compressor in there and mark the holes for drilling. Make sure the compressor in not too close to any wires or hoses that could cause future probs by any rubbing. Remove the compressor then drill your holes.

Next tap the hole that feeds the air line. Tap it for a 1/4" brass air nipple (Note: the threads measure like 5/8"). You'll have to remove the quick disconnect fitting first obviously that came with the compressor (its the cheap, chrome crappy one). Yellow arrow in the picture shows which hole it is. (forgive the 'already installed' photos - I did take step-by-step photos while i was during this but my flash card failed and I had to do these after the fact)

DSCW2471.jpg


After tapping that hole install the compressor with your favorite fastener.

In this picture purchase these (3) items: (1), a 1/4" brass nipple, (2) a 1/4" brass elbow, and (3) some kind of airline that will have 1/4" brass fitting on both ends. I opted for a teflon stainless steel braided line. Mine was 17" long and cost $26 (you dont have to go for this expensive of an option - you could use a piece of an old airline with 1/4" barbed ends and hoseclamps. I always like to use teflon tape when doing any kind of fitting like these.

DSC_2496.jpg


Here's what it looks like so far:

DSC_2494.jpg


On the other end I put a quick disconnect in case I need to dismount the bumper I can disconnect the airline easily.

DSC_2495.jpg


Using a washer and a 1/4" brass coupler I mounted a quick disconnect male fitting here:

DSC_2491a.jpg


On the back side of this is another quick disconnect male fitting, this is where the stainless hose connects to.

DSC_2491.jpg


Inside view installed:

DSC_2490.jpg


After that you can just wire the compressor directly to the battery. The Tsunami has an inline fuse in the power wire. Switching it on/off is easily done by reaching into the square access holes in the SWs bumper.

Here's what it looks like in operation:

DSC_2488.jpg

DSC_2486.jpg


That should be it! Now say goodbye to the crappy storage bag and the one dimensional airline:

DSC_2497.jpg
 

Jmac289gt

Sliders
Founding Member
Location
Dickinson, TX
I have that same air pump myself. I have thought about installing it but it has came in handy for taking it in my wifes vehicle for river trips and other things around the house at times, so until I get another im just keeping it in the back of my X.

I was aslo concerened about the weather getting to the cheap air fittings that it came with so glad I saw what you did...this thread has already helped another member.
 

Blaze

Test Drive
I really like this. My only question would be can the same male quick disconnect in the SW bumper work on a stock bumper? And if so, how and where can it be mounted? I have no plans of
replacing my bumper, but I am interested in doing something like this.
 
Last edited:

Jmac289gt

Sliders
Founding Member
Location
Dickinson, TX
Hey Oz, So I was thinking about this on the way to work the other day.

1. What about moisture getting on the screw on air filter?
I have never taking it apart but would assume it is a paper filter.

2. Since it is a pump type system and from factory is designed for continuous air flow from the nozzle area, what style did you put on the end?
It looks like you used a trigger style that would be on the end of a compressor, if that is it do you think it will hurt the pump with the air being restricted?
 

Oz_X

First Fill-Up (of many)
Founding Member
Hey Oz, So I was thinking about this on the way to work the other day.

1. What about moisture getting on the screw on air filter?
I have never taking it apart but would assume it is a paper filter.

2. Since it is a pump type system and from factory is designed for continuous air flow from the nozzle area, what style did you put on the end?
It looks like you used a trigger style that would be on the end of a compressor, if that is it do you think it will hurt the pump with the air being restricted?

Yeah on either of those accounts I haven't had any issues - going on 3 and a half years. I am going to upgrade it soon as I will be going to bigger tires, so for me its served it purpose well.
 

RATTFINK

XN OG Admin.
Founding Member
Location
Conroe, TX
I have the same compressor and want to do just this when I get the ARB bumper on. You lucky 2nd Gens have a lot of space available.
 

dhyde79

Titan Swapped / SAS'd
Founding Member
Location
Amarillo, TX
as a side question, why didn't you mount the air nozzle in a spot that nothing would be able to hit it? like, right behind one of the upright bars? as far as on a stock rig, mount the connector under the hood somewhere...
 

Oz_X

First Fill-Up (of many)
Founding Member
as a side question, why didn't you mount the air nozzle in a spot that nothing would be able to hit it? like, right behind one of the upright bars? as far as on a stock rig, mount the connector under the hood somewhere...

There probably is a better place, but its easy to get to and easy to replace. But nothings ever gotten even close to hitting it.
 

dhyde79

Titan Swapped / SAS'd
Founding Member
Location
Amarillo, TX
ok, give me a bit of an idea here, how low do you drop the air on your tires, and how long does it take you to get them back above 35psi so that the TPMS sensor will STFU with your setup?
 

Oz_X

First Fill-Up (of many)
Founding Member
ok, give me a bit of an idea here, how low do you drop the air on your tires, and how long does it take you to get them back above 35psi so that the TPMS sensor will STFU with your setup?

I go from 12-14 psi to 38 psi in about 5 minutes per tire (315/75/16r). I have also found it pumps faster with the engine running.
 

drbandkgb

Titan Swapped / SAS'd
Founding Member
I remember you posting this on CX.. I plan on doing this.. Its on of those I keep forgetting about mods :)
 

The Red X

Test Drive
Location
Home
I have a dual Viar 360...running into a 2.5 gallon tank... Air port on rear bumper...set up is where the spare goes, protected by a big skid plate. I paid around 500 for the parts...and a lot more for the custom install...but it was worth it. I air down to around 13 psi with my 35" km/2 's... I am rolling up the air hose at about 17 mins... In a couple weeks, it will also be powering my ARB rear locker...and some air horns :D

Sent from my A500 using Tapatalk
 

civicjoe

lone wolf mod
Founding Member
Location
Nevada
i have a dual viar 360...running into a 2.5 gallon tank... Air port on rear bumper...set up is where the spare goes, protected by a big skid plate. I paid around 500 for the parts...and a lot more for the custom install...but it was worth it. I air down to around 13 psi with my 35" km/2 's... I am rolling up the air hose at about 17 mins... In a couple weeks, it will also be powering my arb rear locker...and some air horns :d

sent from my a500 using tapatalk
WOW
how bout some photos????
 

Maxterra

Wheeling
Founding Member
Location
West Haven, UTAH
I have the same compressor (tsunami) as Oz does. Actually won it on a drawing on thexterra.org a few yrs ago, and it's been great!
On a run a few weeks ago, it did 8 tires in the time 3 other compressors did in 4 tires so no complaints on speed.

Definitely want to get one permanently mounted with an air tank, probably under the rear where the spare used to reside. Still searching for the right unit. Will also need it for the upcoming air locker(s)
 

Muzikman

Test Drive
Location
Pittsburgh, PA
Brand: Viair 480C w/ 5 Gallon Tank
Cost: Forget ($500+)
Mounting Location: Spare Tire Spare on Custom Skid. The quick release is tucked in where they crank handle would go to lower the spare tire.
Pros: Been there since 5/2007 and have had zero problems.
Cons: Rather slow even with the tank. Plan on adding a second compressor and maybe a larger tank (plenty of room).

xterra_oba_070511_181618_8948.sized.jpg

xterra_oba_070512_001648_8955.sized.jpg

xterra_oba_070512_001742_8957.sized.jpg
 

civicjoe

lone wolf mod
Founding Member
Location
Nevada
Brand: Viair 480C w/ 5 Gallon Tank
Cost: Forget ($500+)
Mounting Location: Spare Tire Spare on Custom Skid. The quick release is tucked in where they crank handle would go to lower the spare tire.
Pros: Been there since 5/2007 and have had zero problems.
Cons: Rather slow even with the tank. Plan on adding a second compressor and maybe a larger tank (plenty of room).

xterra_oba_070511_181618_8948.sized.jpg

xterra_oba_070512_001648_8955.sized.jpg

xterra_oba_070512_001742_8957.sized.jpg

Wow that's pretty sick. Sad to hear it is slow


Sent from the Nighthog mobile command unit.
 

Bklyn.X

Skid Plates
Moderator
Supporting Member
Founding Member
Location
Brooklyn, NY
No love for co2?

It seemed like the easiest and cheapest way when I needed it back in the day. I got it to fill my tires quickly where no air was available. I now run my lockers off it and carry two tanks so that I will not be stranded if one runs out.

I went with an “OFFROAD AIR HyperFLO MAX Regulatorâ€.

oareg150max.gif


It is adjustable and accurate up to 200PSI. It has an E-Z to read, large liquid filled stainless gauge on a non-freezing, high pressure regulator. You can get this regulator for around $140 or get a cheaper one from power tank or any co2 supplier.
I went with “OFFROAD AIR Heavy Duty Mounting Brackets. You can get them for around $52

I have one tank mounted on ether side in the back of my truck leaving room for all the other crap I carry on the trail. I not only needed to have access to the tank but needed it to be able to operate while I was driving so it could run my lockers with it (the tank needs to be mounted upright when operated). The tank on the passenger side is set up to run my lockers.

DSC_0002-5.jpg


Mine are mounted to the body of the truck.
I cut the carpet then drilled holes in the floor, filed; spray painted and ran bolts through them.

DSC_0437.jpg


I lay the carpet back over the bottom of the holder to avoid the metal on metal vibrations.

I found that alone it was not secure enough to keep the whole deal from rattling around so I detached it and…

Just above the pocket and below the speaker I found a strip of sheet metal under the plastic molding. I figured out where to drill lining up two holes through it and the molding.
I ran a long (maybe 6â€) but not very thick (1/8-1/4â€?) through the sheet metal and secured it to the sheet metal with a lock nut. Put the plastic molding back running the protruding bolts through it and added another lock nut.

DSC_0440.jpg

DSC_0439.jpg


I then lined up the detached tank bracket to those bolts and drilled holes through it.
I secured the bracket to those bolts with a nut on one side and a lock nut on the other cutting off the excess of the bolts.

DSC_0438.jpg


I then bolted the bracket to the floor as before.

It was a lot of work but it does not move now and when I did the other side it went pretty smooth.

DSC_0001-4.jpg


My CO2 regulated to 150psi airs up one of my 33"x12.5†MT's in less than a minute, 15psi-35psi and I can get over 30 fills per 10# tank. I can set the bead of my tire with it. I’ve never seen anyone’s air compressor system set one although a few guys have said they’ve done it and I’d bet the double compressor/2.5gal tank set up could. I can run my impact wrench off it at close to 200psi.

The only down side is you need to pay to have the tanks refilled. I do an exchange at the local welding supply. It cost $30 last time I did it, cost only $20 the time before, it seems as though the price changes with the breeze.

I might get a compressor at some time in the future because it burns me when I get ripped off at the supply house and I’m liking the double compressor/2.5gal tank deal (need more details) but for now I’ve run this set up for more than a few years and it has never let me down.
 

dhyde79

Titan Swapped / SAS'd
Founding Member
Location
Amarillo, TX
the main reason I ruled out CO2 is knowing what I do about it from paintball.

if you leave a black tank in the vehicle in direct sunlight on a hot day you risk blowing your pressure valves, and, more importantly, as CO2 heats up, it expands MORE than regular air, so, if you blow your tires back to 35psi, and drive a good drive home, it's very possible you're upwards of 40+psi when you stop. If you want to go the route of compressed air that you have to pay to fill, I highly recommend Nitrogen. it doesn't expand as temperature rises, and you can get a small scuba tank, have it filled with Nitrogen, and get an adapter to run an air hose off of it, whether you want to run just a tire inflation line or an impact wrench or anything else. Scuba tanks are MUCH cheaper than I've found any of the CO2 tank setups...

I'm personally leaning toward doing a small scuba tank with nitrogen (33 cubic foot carbon fiber tank most likely) for filling tires, and a decent air compressor with a 5gal tank for other stuff...or, just running a large power inverter, since I already have a nice pancake air compressor that I can take with me in the back of the X....
 

Cyclemut

Wheeling
Founding Member
Location
Morrison, CO
I've run CO2 tanks for years, never popped a valve or had to worry about over pressuring my tires. And I was filling up 35's, not the small ones.

The only thing I ever worried about CO2 when I played paintball was going over my FPS.
 

dhyde79

Titan Swapped / SAS'd
Founding Member
Location
Amarillo, TX
well, most decent tires can handle 40psi, but, think from a different angle, if I filled to 70 which is what my tires are rated for and they gained another 5-10psi, that would be a very unpleasant blowout.
 

Cyclemut

Wheeling
Founding Member
Location
Morrison, CO
If you're filling your tires to 70, you have other issues. With larger tires, since they're usually rated to higher loads for heavier vehicles, you run them at lower pressures to begin with. So when the tire says 44psi max for a 10ply unit, you're usually running them around 28 or so on the street. For the expansion of the CO2, they'll balloon up to around 33-34psi. If you notice that you're running the centers out of your tires, start out at a lower pressure to begin with.

CO2 isn't a monster to be chained down, it works just fine. And you can use it to operate air tools, just watch for the regulator freezing over in humid conditions.

I ran a 5lb tank for years, in direct sunlight (cage with zero windows) with temps running upwards of 110 degrees in the high desert. Never a problem and the 35's that I ran for several years were the soft Pro Comp X Terrains.

And you have to recertify tanks. SCUBA tanks are more expensive to certify and are more heavily regulated. I typically got my CO2 tanks filled at my local home brew supply store. You can't do that with a SCUBA tank and Nitrogen.
 

dhyde79

Titan Swapped / SAS'd
Founding Member
Location
Amarillo, TX
If you're filling your tires to 70, you have other issues. With larger tires, since they're usually rated to higher loads for heavier vehicles, you run them at lower pressures to begin with. So when the tire says 44psi max for a 10ply unit, you're usually running them around 28 or so on the street. For the expansion of the CO2, they'll balloon up to around 33-34psi. If you notice that you're running the centers out of your tires, start out at a lower pressure to begin with.

CO2 isn't a monster to be chained down, it works just fine. And you can use it to operate air tools, just watch for the regulator freezing over in humid conditions.

I ran a 5lb tank for years, in direct sunlight (cage with zero windows) with temps running upwards of 110 degrees in the high desert. Never a problem and the 35's that I ran for several years were the soft Pro Comp X Terrains.

And you have to recertify tanks. SCUBA tanks are more expensive to certify and are more heavily regulated. I typically got my CO2 tanks filled at my local home brew supply store. You can't do that with a SCUBA tank and Nitrogen.

oh I know you don't have to run em at their full pressure, and I never would unless I was going to be hauling a good load either in or behind the X. I run at 35psi so the dummy light on the dash shuts up about my tires ;)

I know CO2's a nice thing, but, I keep going back to the worry of "direct sunlight makes tanks vent" with paintball tanks, and thinking OBA tanks can't be that much different. They've gotta have a pressure safety valve (I'd bet that it's a 3K burst disk just like a paintball tank is, since most CO2 tanks fill to 750psi) and if that ever happened while in the vehicle (or worse, happened while the child was in the back seat) that'd be an immediate evacuation moment, or risking death. The safety aspect of it is really my biggest worry.

as far as regulation, CO2 tanks are just as heavily regulated, unfortunately too many people just look the other way....my neighbor has paintball tanks that've been out of hydro for 7 years already, and yet everyone happily fills it for him, makes me nervous for the workers...

scuba tanks I can get filled cheaper locally than I can a CO2 tank, and even better, if I would just do a SCUBA tank with compressed air (33 cubic foot tank filled to 3300psi?) I can get it filled for $7 at the scuba shop right up the road.

thanks for all of the good things you're saying on the CO2 though, it does ease my mind a bit and open it back up as an option, I'm just leaning toward the scuba setup with regular air now because honestly, it'll be cheaper in all aspects...and, if I decide to go diving somewhere, I already have my tank ;)
 

Bklyn.X

Skid Plates
Moderator
Supporting Member
Founding Member
Location
Brooklyn, NY
I am not trying to be argumentative, just letting you know why I went with co2 when I did.

When I first looked into this I asked about nitrogen I was told (by the manufacturer of my regulator) that “CO2 in liquid form results in air storage with 3 times the energy of nitrogen”. I never confirmed this because at that time I could not find nitrogen in Brooklyn so the point was moot.

Further research reveled that at that time in NYC a 5 year hydro-test from either the last stamp on the cylinder or the actual manufacture date was required by DOT. A 2000 year cylinder would require a hydro-test in 2005. The tank is pressured up with water @ 1.5 times the Maximum Allowable Working Pressure (MAWP) to make sure it is still capable of holding a gas. If there are no leaks, they stamp a new hydro test date on it.
The service pressure of a 10# tank is 1800PSI, there is a safety burst mechanism (burst valve) that is designed to “let go” when cylinder is introduced to extreme heat, fire or overfill (@ 3000PSI).
CO2 @ 70 degrees is 700-800PSI.
All of this sounded pretty safe to me.

Since I’ve added my co2 I’ve found that welding, beverage and fire suppressant places that fill co2 tanks in NYC hate when I insisted on getting my tank filled and charged me a premium for the service. When my tanks became out dated I started swapping them rather than getting mine tested. Shops in NYC are required to have the tanks tested as needed and can be fined if they hand me a filled “out of date” tank.

Like I said this was the cheap way to go at the time and I haven’t had a problem with mine to date but hey, any kind of high pressure gases and/or equipment can be dangerous if we don’t use precaution and common sense.
 
Last edited:

Muzikman

Test Drive
Location
Pittsburgh, PA
There is no comparing scuba vs CO2 when it comes to filling tires. Even at 3000psi you will never get the volume of air out of it that you would a similarly sized CO2 tank.
 

dhyde79

Titan Swapped / SAS'd
Founding Member
Location
Amarillo, TX
Honestly, I'd really be curious to see a head to head measurement of tire count or something like that to settle whether or not the increased pressure does in fact balance the lower volume. with HPA/Nitrogen vs CO2
 
Last edited:

Jmac289gt

Sliders
Founding Member
Location
Dickinson, TX
ok, so, lets follow some math here
10lb CO2 tank = 160oz = 88 cubic feet at 750psi

33cubic foot 3300psi scuba tank = approx 4.5x the pressure

***IF*** it takes an equal volume per PSI to raise the pressure in the tank, then obviously the latter tank is better.

the only real world explanation I can give is this.
on my paintball marker, it shoots with 450psi of air pressure, I get the same number of shots out of a 3000psi 72cubic INCH tank as I do out of a 20oz CO2 tank

now, with that, I see that the volume of the CO2 tank is much higher (11 cubic feet @ 750psi), but, given that 1 cubic foot = 1728 cubic inches I'm getting the same number of shots out of 18,936 cubic inches LESS volume so logically, the increased air pressure does make a large difference.

Honestly, I'd really be curious to see a head to head measurement of tire count or something like that to settle whether or not the increased pressure does in fact balance the lower volume.

What?
 

dhyde79

Titan Swapped / SAS'd
Founding Member
Location
Amarillo, TX
ah hell, disregard the above math, I found where I was getting screwed up, HPA tanks labeled in CF are talking about air volume capacity, HPA tanks labeled in ci are talking about water fill volume.

and given that, I actually see where they're saying that CO2 gets WAY more volume...

I still may go small scuba tank anyway, just because it's easier to get filled for me.
 

Jmac289gt

Sliders
Founding Member
Location
Dickinson, TX
ah hell, disregard the above math, I found where I was getting screwed up, HPA tanks labeled in CF are talking about air volume capacity, HPA tanks labeled in ci are talking about water fill volume.

and given that, I actually see where they're saying that CO2 gets WAY more volume...

I still may go small scuba tank anyway, just because it's easier to get filled for me.

It was really beautiful though.
 

gorillamel

Lockers Installed
Founding Member
Location
Idaho!
Ok guys, back on to the main topic of the thread (interesting discussion tho :-D).

Post up the set up you all have for OBA.



Sent from my PantechP8000 using Tapatalk
 

dhyde79

Titan Swapped / SAS'd
Founding Member
Location
Amarillo, TX
I'll post my scuba setup once I get all of the parts....I found a local scuba shop that's got a used 80cf tank they're selling me for $70 and that's with it filled to 3300psi...yay for killer deals!
 

sleeper00

Bought an X
Founding Member
Location
Dirty Jersey
I also went with a CO2 system

Brand: Powertank

Cost: $509 (description of package provided in link)
http://powertank.com/products/sfID1/13/productID/440

Mounting:

2012-01-05_15-06-36_614.jpg


I mounted her on the driverside rear plastic. It holds strong and seemed like the perfect mounting point.

Pros:

- fills tires VERY quickly. Approximately 35 seconds from 18 to 45 psi. (With my tank i filled hoagie's, chris', crash's and my tires before steve could fill his with his air compressor)
- powers my air tools (nuff said)
- portable
- looks freaking B.A.

Cons:
- needs to be filled ($16 to fill for me)
- when your out of air, your out (but there's plenty of juice in a 10lb tank)
- may freeze up in cold after extended use ( heat it up in your truck)
- EXPENSIVE (only reason I got it was because I had a 40% off coupon)


Hope that helps :)

Sent from my DROIDX
 

sleeper00

Bought an X
Founding Member
Location
Dirty Jersey
It would really help if you could give us that 40% coupon LOL

I won it at my first ever GPAX run! I probably would have built my own kit if it wasnt for the coupon. I love the powertank system, but you can piece together a CO2 setup for much cheaper.

Sent from my DROIDX
 
Top