VIAIR OBA

[3DCrawler]

Was wondering if anyone is using or has used one of the VIAIR compressors. Im looking at doing a OBA system and wondering if the 450H 100% duty cycle could keep up using moderate on-trail air tool usage. I already have the 2.5 Gallon Tank and all the switches and really not sure that using a York A/C comp is worth the extra baggage and fab work.

 

[jdubb]

oba

Try to make your setup portable, maybe cig lighter plug or something. Just in case your buddies rig pops a bead and you can't get to him on the trail. My .02

 

[Tacoma747]

Don't buy one, a friend had one, and it took him a LONG time to air up his tires. They are way overpriced, get something that is engine driven (york), if you can, much faster and will run air tools if need be much better than the ViAir

 

[Caver Dave]

If your going with a self contained system (like the ViaAir)... PepBots carries the "Tsunami" portable... It draws way too much amperage for a cig lighter plug (comes with clips for the battery) and came in ahead of the Via products in testing (IIRC).

Got my brother on for Xmas, and he says it's the shat...

 

[Rich]

I've got a little Viair compressor on the tow rig to fill the ~5 gallon air tank on board, and it does a very nice job of that...it's nowhere near the CFM of the one you mentioned.

The quality of the unit is nice though. If you want to run tools of any kind, the bigger the air tank, the better.

 

[Roughshod]

really not sure that using a York A/C comp is worth the extra baggage and fab work.

If you even have an inkling that you may want to use air tools on the trail, a York is worth it. The Viair compressors are way overpriced for the goods that they deliver. No, plumbing in a York was not the easiest mod I've done, but it is definitely one of the most useful. I use it every time I wheel. Not just to air mine back up, but several other rigs I'm with too. I ran hoses out the front and back just to make that easier. The York bangs enough air so that I can air up two rigs at the same time. Would you want to wait around for one of those slow electric compressors to air up three or four rigs? Not a chance. Go with the York, you won't regret it.

 

[upnover]

David
What engine are you running? If AMC, then the York is the way to go. If Chevy, then just use a compressor off of a small block. get all the factory brackets and so on. You may have to put an oiler and a separator inline, but it's no big deal really. You will be happier with one I do think.

 

[3DCrawler]

Yeah im running a SBC. Would the little R-4 or the long A-6 compressor be best?

 

[upnover]

I have 2 friends running SBC's. One runs the long one, one runs the short one. Both work very well.

 

[3DCrawler]

Thanks for the info Chip.