Questions regarding Air Compressor and Dual Battery Mod

[rhombus]

I'm looking for some advice and options:

I want to add an air system and dual battery setup to my X.

For the short term I will be using it to air up after 4x4ing.
In the long term I will be adding an air locker and will need a compressor for it.

So here are my questions:

I was thinking about getting an air tank for the short term and then adding a compressor later (when I get the locker).
The thinking behind this is that the tank would be much faster than the compressor for filling up.
Does think make sense?
If so where are you guys keeping the tanks?

For the ARB locker what other compressors will work (I was thinking about getting a 100 duty cycle compressor for air tools down the road)?

For the dual battery I was thinking about the idea that has been going around about building a box where the spare tire is.
Is anyone else working one this?

Just trying to get some ideas.

[xterrabull]

Warmonger has just such a system (probably he's the only one).
Go to the "Just what can I make my X do" thread under the "mods/exterior" section.
The thread should contain a link (towards the end of the thread) to Warmonger's homepage where he details his system.
I suspect many of your questions will be answered.

[ScottG]

Unless you are using a really big tank, I don't think it would be much good without the compressor. The small tanks that fit under your hood would probably only fill up one tire. What is the advantage of dual batteries over one good battery like an Optima? It seems to me like one good battery and maybe a heavy duty alternator would be better than dual batteries. Just my opinion on the subject

[Mobycat]

I assume when you say "tank" you mean a CO2 tank? I kept debating the same thing you are and finally went ahead and got the ARB compressor. It may not be as fast as a CO2 tank, but it never needs refilling and it's half the price of a CO2 tank (unless you build it yourself). Maybe down the road I'll get a tank, too.

Figure it this way - you get a CO2 tank (10 lbs). You fill up your tires and invariably someone else needs airing up, too. (I think T and Will can attest to this). Not sure how many times either has re-filled their tanks, but it's $7-10 US each time. Refill for an ARB - press of a button.

[Synchro]

Originally posted by ScottG
Unless you are using a really big tank, I don't think it would be much good without the compressor. The small tanks that fit under your hood would probably only fill up one tire. What is the advantage of dual batteries over one good battery like an Optima? It seems to me like one good battery and maybe a heavy duty alternator would be better than dual batteries. Just my opinion on the subject

yes, a heavy duty alternator would be cool. when you find one that will fit the X, let us know.

the reason to have dual batteries, is you put all your accessories on one battery (offroad lights, winch, air compressor) and the main operating systems on another (ignition, headlights, etc) so if you blow the battery with your winch or whatever you can still get start your truck and get home. you also isolate these things to keep them away from each other and fighting for juice.

[rhombus]

Thanks for the replys.
I have seen Warmongers site but that is a more advanced system than I will end up with (not that I don't want it).

I think that I will go with a compressor (maybe not the ARB as it is not a 100% duty cycle). But then again it is nice and small.

What do you guys think about trying to put a battery where War has his air tanks (just build a little box for it). Just thinking about it now. Not even sure if one would fit.

[Mobycat]

Originally posted by rhombus
Thanks for the replys.

I think that I will go with a compressor (maybe not the ARB as it is not a 100% duty cycle). But then again it is nice and small.

If you want a 100% Duty Cycle compressor, prepare to pay out the wazoo. Extreme Air has one - it's $400. It also gobbles up a LOT of amperage.

[rhombus]

I agree that they are expensive but not out of line.

ARB $300 20% 17 AMP
Extreme Air $400 100% 35 AMP
Currie Air $490 100% 32 AMP

So it is about $100 to $150 more for a 100% DC compressor.
Not that crazy if this thing is going to last years.

The dual batteries should take care of the extra AMP draw.

[ScottG]

Originally posted by Synchro


yes, a heavy duty alternator would be cool. when you find one that will fit the X, let us know.

the reason to have dual batteries, is you put all your accessories on one battery (offroad lights, winch, air compressor) and the main operating systems on another (ignition, headlights, etc) so if you blow the battery with your winch or whatever you can still get start your truck and get home. you also isolate these things to keep them away from each other and fighting for juice.

I e-mailed Premier Power welder a couple of months ago and was told that the X has a "standard small case alternator with saddle mount." How about dual Optima batteries and a 170 amp alternator? That setup would never leave you stranded I have'nt gotten to serious about buying an alternator yet, but I think that high performance alternators are available. Of course, as low as the alternator is in the X you would probably ruin it during your first water crossing OffroadX has an interesting theory about swapping the location of alternator and the power steering pump. Apparently that is the way the Pathfinder is setup.

[Synchro]

the other problem with the extremeair is just the shear size of it. it's HUGE. it's perhaps twice the size of the ARB compresor. so where would you put it?

i am running the ARB compressor right now and have been very happy with it. after Tellico this past weekend. i aired up all 4 32" tires from 15 psi to 35. i think each tire took 3-4 minutes. which is fine for me for the cost of the compressor and not having to modify anything substantial in my truck. (i had to relocate the alarm horn). would i like a faster system? sure, but for the moment this does great.

[Mobycat]

Originally posted by rhombus
I agree that they are expensive but not out of line.

ARB $300 20% 17 AMP
Extreme Air $400 100% 35 AMP
Currie Air $490 100% 32 AMP

So it is about $100 to $150 more for a 100% DC compressor.
Not that crazy if this thing is going to last years.

The dual batteries should take care of the extra AMP draw.

$300 for an ARB compressor??? Is that CDN $? I got mine for $195 at 4x4 Connection. I've never seen them for more than $210. $400 for the Extreme Air is US$.

[OffroadX]

Originally posted by ScottG
OffroadX has an interesting theory about swapping the location of alternator and the power steering pump. Apparently that is the way the Pathfinder is setup.

I don't know if you saw my post on XOC, but I'm not as optimistic as I was. Apparently the power steering pumps have an integrated bracket, and are not interchangeable. You'd have to buy a pre-01 Pathy pump, they list for $400, and good luck finding one from a junker. The alternator bracket for the Pathy alone lists for $200+ as well.

If anyone has the gumption to pull their bumper, grille, and radiator to have a really good look at things, it would be a start. I'm almost tempted, but the damn A/C condenser is the kicker to an otherwise simple exploration. Don't know if it can be moved aside without opening anything up. Otherwise it's just the tranny cooler circuit in the radiator and the coolant itself to be conscerned with, and I'm up for that if I can spare the time.

Brent

[xterrabull]

Here's a couple compressor links.
The first is Macromotive with some okay prices on popular compressors & some Viair compressors (no mention of duty cycle, but high PSI).
The second is Extreme Outback with the Big Red Plus compressor, a belt driven compressor, and, at the bottom of the page, the ExtremeAire which I believe is the same as the BlowJax unit.

[Philosopher]

Originally posted by Mobycat
You fill up your tires and invariably someone else needs airing up, too. (I think T and Will can attest to this). Not sure how many times either has re-filled their tanks, but it's $7-10 US each time. Refill for an ARB - press of a button.

Ain't that the truth. Because I've filled up other folks' tires on every run, I fill up my tank about every 2 or 3 months to the tune of $16 - not a big deal ... especially when I can be completely aired uip and ready to hit the pavement in about 5 minutes. Plus I could use the tank to run air tools if need be.

[rhombus]

Originally posted by Mobycat


$300 for an ARB compressor??? Is that CDN $? I got mine for $195 at 4x4 Connection. I've never seen them for more than $210. $400 for the Extreme Air is US$.

I got those prices (USD) from an article in FOUR WHEELER.
If the ARB is 150-200 then that is a big difference.

I guess my thinking was I would hate to burn up the ARB or be limited with it's performance for a extra $100.00.
It seems like a lot now but on the trail it would seem like a deal if it make the difference in a tough spot (even though this is unlikely).

CD has the ARB and I might just go that route for now.

Thanks again for the thoughts and ideas