Fitting Air Tank to 4WD

I have the toolbox version with the pressure switch. The pressure switch does switch the compressor off once a certain pressure is reached in the tank. This is what it is for. The cheaper tool box unit does not have the pressure switch therefore it just keeps on pumping. It also does not have the one way coupling thingy which allows the tank to fill.

I would imagine it is possible to have it fill a larger tank but I would think it would fill it bloody slowly. I wouldn't think you could run air tools from it as the compressor wouldn't be able to keep up with demand.

Utemad

The ARB pressure switch, when fitted as mentioned above, cuts the compressor out at around 100 psi. Providing you have a reasonable size tank, it will operate air tools for a short period until the pressure drops down. Similarly, when pumping up your tyres, it will initially fill most of the first tyre quite quickly but then you will find yourself simply relying on the compressor to finish the job. Having said all that, I do have a small tank on mine and have used it to clean out my carby with an air nozzle. Suggest you fit a valve between the compressor and tank so you can isolate the tank if required.

Cheers
Gerry

I have a similar set as the above, only diff is i use a refillable fire extinguisher as my air tank with my ARB compressor, (tool box type) works well it will run a rattle gun for about two wheel nuts, so unless your in a hurry it's fine.

Baz.

Talkin to a mate from ARB, he says that the ARB 'will do it - just' with an air tank... But depending on the volume of the tank, would take ages to fill, and probably not for rattle guns etc.

Depends on the tank and tire size - as to tires, you will blow up 1-2 tires with the tank, then be back to the compressor, so is it worth the effort?

I have an ARB compressor for the air lockers. I have a 5 Ltr Tank under the truck and a portable 20ltr tank I plug in on trips. (Either mounting on the trailer or in the back. The 5 Ltr takes about 2 mins to fill the 20 ltr takes about 10 mins. All works fine for me. System only runs at about 80PSI so I plan to discuss this with ARB. Could be a faulty cut-off switch.

Gaz

If you want a tank to run air tools etc then get an air conditioner compressor.
I have one and wouldn't go without it once you've used it. Under 2 mins to pump up tyres from 0 to 40psi and undo's 3 nuts before starting and shuts off before you can get the wheel back on, it's great. :)
Graeme.

NT Home,

do you have a steel bullbar? I've seen a section of a bar welded up to form a 'tank' with a relief valve set in it and clip on air hose connections. This setup was using an air-con compressor but held at least 25-30 litres of air. I don't know what the relief valve was set to go off at but it seemed fairly high. At a guess, 150-200psi. But as you have an ARB comp then you would get a relief valve for 90-100 if thats what ARB say their comp will pump to. Welding up a section properly shouldn't be too expensive if you know how to weld or have a mate who does.

SK

you can by a small compressor from big w stores [vic] its about the size of your avarage fire ext & 240 volt for noly $88 on special all you need to do pull the motor off it all ready has the pressure switch & gauge & the legs turn into mounting brackets & they work a treat if you drive a defender it mounts nicely on the chassis rail but i would get a better comp than an arb one there great 4 diff locks but slow for most other uses

hope this is of some use

Don't know how successful searching posts is here but there are quite a few contributions archived on this subject....just in case.....I have the ARB in the engine bay ... came with a cutout and harness....runs from a nice rocker switch on the console....always drops out around 100psi......I made a 5L tank from HP PVC pipe....put it in the bullbar area...plumbed with pressure hose.....extends the "blow" you get when blowing down items etc for maintenance....even sprayed the camper trailer with it harnesed to a spray gun...BUT as others have said........you can't expect much....its only a little pump and the bigger the tank the longer the run. I really don't think people should get too caught up on carrying 100psi air systems around with them 'just in case' - there is no need in my view - just run up some air when you need it....while you are topping up the tyres for the highway, SWMBO can make a cuppa and the kids are poking around stretching their legs....its called relaxing while on holiday ! (sorry re any presumption on my part re family, but you know what I mean).

I have an ARB compressor and a truck air tank (used for air brakes on trucks -most truck wreckers will happily be rid of them) mounted but seperate from compressor - its pointless blowing up tyres AND air tank at the same time. If need be I have an standard air line and an adaptor line I use to fill tank from compressor or garage or any other source. I use the air tank to get tyres back to a driveable pressure for bitumen after dropping pressure. Depending on pressure I get tank filled to - Tank will fill 2 tyres 32x11.50r15s from about 18 to 36 psi or put just enough in 4 to take out most of the bulge and top up with the ARB. The tank is invaluable when repairing tyres and needing lots of air fast but will only inflate 1 tyre from 0 to approx 23psi from flat.
I also use the compressed air for cleaning dusting inside of car, and any mechanical items. (all petrol engine owners should ALWAYS blow the dust and dirt from around spark plugs before changing them) and just about anything else I can think of. When I was younger I used to run a big air horn off an air tank I kept for similar purposes in my car (was a truckie at the time - not a hoon)

Most tanks like this are rated to 135- 150 psi most garages can supply similar pressure for a quick refill. I have a compact hose and air inflation,blowing and fitting kit approx $180 to set up properly if you can get all the fittings at the right price.

I just use standard air fittings on all my tanks and hoses. I am currently thinking about making an air line with a tyre valve (truck) in it so I dont have to take garages air line out of their system and plug mine in but havn't got around to solving a couple of simple problems.

Hi,

On a different track, you can also use a scuba cylinder with your air hose adapted to fit into the BC filler line.

A scuba cylinder pressure goes up to 230bar, and would have enough air to fill more than 10 tyres plus your air mattresses etc. Costs $5 to refill. Cylinder costs about $200 and you can get a s/h regulator for about $50.

I have been using this method for more than 10yrs.

Regards

Anthony