Best air compressor for trail use

I used an Oreilly electric compressor for a while. I liked it, but it was slow. Took ~5 min/tire to air up to hwy pressure. It was even slower trying to inflate the tires on our car hauler at 2AM in the Churches chicken parking lot, while it had a crown vic on it.

I converted my AC over to OBA and have been thoroughly impressed with it. Ive got probably $40 in it and no complaints. Airs up quick, takes up no additional engine space, I only had to run one switched wire, and I have 3 places to hookup (front, rear, and on the air manifold under the hood). My first attempt cost me a hose. I didnt quite realize the pressure I was working with and so I just made a modified tire chuck to let air keep flowing (Im cheap), blew the hose in ~3 seconds. So then I set up a manifold with a pressure switch, gauge, pop off valve, 2 lines going front/rear, and another quick connect. Works fantastic. Ill try to find a pic.

Def want a pic. I’d love to turn the compressor on my Jeep into an air compressor and plumb it to a small tank I have. Didn’t realize it could be so cheap.
Just not sure what to do about oiling.
 
Def want a pic. I’d love to turn the compressor on my Jeep into an air compressor and plumb it to a small tank I have. Didn’t realize it could be so cheap.
Just not sure what to do about oiling.


I went through my phone and I guess I deleted what I had. Ill snap a pic when Im working on the jeep this weekend (first time in months :eek:).


Heres a parts list:

Manifold - https://www.amazon.com/Interstate-P...=gateway&sprefix=air+hose+mani,aps,129&sr=8-5

Air hose (x2 because I used this to run my lines as well) - https://www.amazon.com/Amflo-Recoil...rds=air+hose&qid=1562330679&s=gateway&sr=8-26

Switch - https://www.amazon.com/Vixen-Horns-...ssure+switch&qid=1562330797&s=gateway&sr=8-11

Pop off valve - https://www.amazon.com/Control-Devi...teway&sprefix=air+pressure+rel,aps,149&sr=8-3

Connectors - https://www.amazon.com/WYNNsky-Coup...=gateway&sprefix=air+hose+conn,industrial,136

Tire Chuck - https://www.amazon.com/Coilhose-Pne...ateway&sprefix=tire+chuck+for+,aps,130&sr=8-7

=$41.

I used some connectors I had laying around for the other connections. I had the wire and switch, but those are both very cheap as well. If youve got a few bits and pieces already, you could probably get closer to $30. If you have absolutely nothing, probably closer to $50.

I have since upgraded my air hose to - https://www.amazon.com/Amflo-24-25E...59HQEDVA8XPNPTKTVDDR&qid=1562331353&s=gateway which is definitely a step up.



As for oiling, I keep a valve cover breather (similar, but I got a cheapo from Oreillys - https://www.amazon.com/62-1600RD-Ve...s=gateway&sprefix=valve+cover+,aps,141&sr=8-3) on the intake line and keep it soaked in oil of some variety. Ive had no issues with it to date. Its under the hood and stays dry and relatively clean. I always watch for oil coming out of my hose, when it stops I go spray more on the filter.

I ran my lines just zip tying to whatever is close. Since Im cheap and used $3 line, I had to heat it a lighter to get it over the ribbed connectors. But it seems to have worked fine. I dont currently have a tank, but Im planning to add one as well as a dash gauge to show pressure without having to pop the hood.

If you have anymore questions feel free to ask!
 
@JSJJ388 wow thanks for the links man! That’s very doable. Add some pics here when you get a chance. I think I’ll be tackling this on my YJ in the near future.
 
@JSJJ388 wow thanks for the links man! That’s very doable. Add some pics here when you get a chance. I think I’ll be tackling this on my YJ in the near future.
No problem! This is by far my most used mod.
 
You can lookup greased sanden.. baggers do it often. I did one, but run copper off the compressor or high heat hose if you plan on running it extended times... Actually don't use it extended, it generates a ton of heat. It'll burn up the seals in the compressor. I've got a York 209 I'd part with, but it's v belt drive but you can get an alternator pulley that has serp & v for that purpose.
 
Def want a pic. I’d love to turn the compressor on my Jeep into an air compressor and plumb it to a small tank I have. Didn’t realize it could be so cheap.
Just not sure what to do about oiling.

Inline tooloiler is what I used ....

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The rest is just a pop-off valve for safety, a fitting and lines. I used a 3 gallon tank mounted under the rear of the body above/in front of the axle. I have a pressure gauge, but I just ordered a 70-100 psi switch that im gonna replace it with.
 
The old York compressors, have a crankcase. I have mine mounted upright, which I think is better for oiling. Some are side mounted, but you can flip them. Folks disagree on the amount of oil, but I follow a mechanic's advise. I run about 1/4 - 3/8" oil, & have no issues, or noticeable oil in the air line.
 
@JSJJ388 wow thanks for the links man! That’s very doable. Add some pics here when you get a chance. I think I’ll be tackling this on my YJ in the near future.
As promised.

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Glad to see you using the off/on/air pressure switch, because I recently bought one. I wasn't aware of them, & been using the old well pump type switch, which is easy to adjust. I'll be using the New switch on the new compressor. I Do plan on making a better electrical connection. [:p]
 
Glad to see you using the off/on/air pressure switch, because I recently bought one. I wasn't aware of them, & been using the old well pump type switch, which is easy to adjust. I'll be using the New switch on the new compressor. I Do plan on making a better electrical connection. [:p]
Yea, that would be smart. I need to put some connectors on there, but it works for now.

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