I have a JD Marz under hood compressor mount, but I have been moving my Viaair between my Bronco and F150. I don’t really like the bungie mounting method, so I decided to permanently mount something on the JD Marz mount https://broncoaccessoriesusa.com/.
I have done some research and several different brands use the same basic compressor. I found the least expensive “reputable” reseller on Ebay and ordered one up. I will do a report once I have it mounted and operating. I figure I should use the least expensive option, as living under the hood seems like it will be a tough environment (John form JD Marz has done a lot of testing on these compressors and finds no negative effects from the under hood heat).
I think the whole set up, including an inline fuse holder and 12v quick disconnect would be under $300. Full disclosure, John gave me the mount for testing and promotion if I liked it. I do, it is super solid and easy to install. I can replace 3 more compressors before I equal the price of the ARB. I have used this same compressor on rides in the past. It is very similar in capacity to the ARB, although I expect is not up to the same quality and duty cycle of ARB or similar compressors. Since I am not running lockers or any other accessories, it seems like a reasonable solution.
I have this setup and it works great. Got it from JD Marz as well and I went with the All Top dual compressor which works great. I had/ have the Viair but like having it hard mounted and ready to go anytime.
Ok, the compressor came in today. It appears basically identical to the NAPA and similar twin compressors. I had to loosen the mount and shift it forward to make it fit, but it’s really solid. More finishing work and testing, but so far, so good
Hey there everyone, I’m glad this is working for some of you. This under hood mount for air supply has been doing really good out there in the wild. I finally trashed my compressor which had a total of 275 fill ups. That’s 275 time filling up 4 tires. It didn’t actually just up and die, it was just taking 10 minutes plus to fill the tires so I did a teardown of the unit and seen the seal was torn. I would suggest passing some oil through it every once in a while to help keep it lubricated. Hope to see you all out there and let me know if you have any questions. thank you again.
I built my own 4 tire inflation system. I still don’t know if it saves time, but it does let me air down quicker for sure. I tried a couple of different set ups, so I didn’t save any money, but I think you can put together your own version for just under $100. Nice part, I can trim it to just the right length. I went with 3/8” id hose, it’s really nice and flexible, but it’s a big could have hose to store.
One more little update. I had a temporary wiring solution and it was not adequate (even on a short run, the 12ga wire was to small). I also couldn’t keep a fuse in the 12v line from the battery. I fixed both with a 150 amp breaker and running a very well insulated 10GA power and ground to the battery and common ground. Seems to be working great now and I feel much safer with the revised setup. I was inspired by the great job @AB8DT did on his power distribution setup.
I edited the pictures a bit to try and show where I mounted the breaker. It’s on a 1/2” (it’s so odd there is SAE on vehicles still) bolt and really sturdy.
1/2 inch is 12 mm, FYI. There are no SAE bolts on a car. Everything is Metric.
(19 mm is also 3/4, which is why most lug nuts are 19 mm to work with all the 3/4 tools for swapping wheels).
Further insanity, almost all battery terminals are a 10 mm. In fact almost every fastener in your car is one of the following:
7, 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19 mm. Literally you will not find 9, 11, 14, 16 or 18 mm fasteners. If you do its a rare one off (like on a suspension fastener). When I work on my car I grab those tools and I almost never go back to the tool box.
Well, that’s what I thought too, but the 12mm that I was using just wouldn’t t fit on the fender bolt, 1/2” worked perfectly. Maybe my socket was damaged I don’t even really touch my SAE tools anymore, unless it’s an old mower or household project.
I have two of the same tool, one fits the other doesn’t (ones a socket type the other are key or screwdriver type). Usually its a tolerance issue on the tool.
What do you think about doing the winter ride at DI in March btw?
I don’t even really touch my SAE tools anymore, unless it’s an old mower or household project.