Ranch Hand bumper ?
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 26,966
Likes: 50
From: Texas
I've seen it done. I don't know about running an impact off it, but they were used to top off low truck tires or air up little tires. In addition to the air hose fitting, you'll also want to put in a schrader valve so you can air it up. A gauge and possibly a water drain might be useful too. The ones I've seen done held 150 psi fine. I don't know if they had to weld up any leaks before using it that way.
Cargo Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,624
Likes: 7
From: OR and UT
I've seen it done. I don't know about running an impact off it, but they were used to top off low truck tires or air up little tires. In addition to the air hose fitting, you'll also want to put in a schrader valve so you can air it up. A gauge and possibly a water drain might be useful too. The ones I've seen done held 150 psi fine. I don't know if they had to weld up any leaks before using it that way.
Moderator
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 8,216
Likes: 1,231
From: San Antonio, TX
I used to work for Ranch Hand. This was back in the mid 90's though. We used sch 40 pipe, welded to a 1/2" drop plate. The end caps were 12 ga diamond plate. The welds were certified through a 3rd party testing company for rated weight strength, but not for porosity. Even if the welds were perfect, the end caps wouldn't support much PSI. There were some small companies building air tank bumpers with sch 40 caps on each end, but the demand was small and the price was high. I wouldn't try to convert a RH or any similar bumper to an air tank. You may be able to find a local pipe fitting or oilfield service welder to build you one based on a RH design.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,811
Likes: 15
From: Central Ohio
One idea I am toying with is making ss cab steps that are actually small air tanks for an onboard air setup.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 2,769
Likes: 8
From: Lubbock
The capacity would be the issue. If it were me and the impact was the goal. Get a nitrogen tank or a co2 tank and regulator. It will be cheaper than a compressor set up and is very common in the 4wheel world for the exact purpose your wanting. I just don't see 150psi of air lasting long with such a small capacity. Another option would be a 18-36v cordless impact. I actually bought a dewalt kit with the big impact (18v) haven't had a opertunity to play with it on lugnuts but it will be awesome if it works good.
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Junior User
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
From: austin Tx
the sides are 12 ga dimond plate on the one that i have i was looking at it yesterday. it seams like that is the weak link.these are all good points to consider, thanks guys. i really want onboard air but i dont want to spend any more money on the truck at the moment and i thaught this was a sure fire way to do it for cheap
Laughing Gas
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 939
Likes: 1
From: Central Kansas
I used to work for Ranch Hand. This was back in the mid 90's though. We used sch 40 pipe, welded to a 1/2" drop plate. The end caps were 12 ga diamond plate. The welds were certified through a 3rd party testing company for rated weight strength, but not for porosity. Even if the welds were perfect, the end caps wouldn't support much PSI. There were some small companies building air tank bumpers with sch 40 caps on each end, but the demand was small and the price was high. I wouldn't try to convert a RH or any similar bumper to an air tank. You may be able to find a local pipe fitting or oilfield service welder to build you one based on a RH design.
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Senior User
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or you could carry this 5 gallon tank. only 40 bucks
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5 GAL PORTABLE COMPRESSED AIR PRESSURE STORAGE TANK on eBay!
or even better one of these
Original HyperFlo SOURCE CO2 Air Systems
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Junior User
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
From: austin Tx
thanks for the input i installed the bumper yesterday and i will save some money and install a onboard air system later.
original 99-04 crome dent and scratch free bumper for sale in marketplace.
original 99-04 crome dent and scratch free bumper for sale in marketplace.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,321
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From: Mattawa Washington.
I built a pipe bumper for my winch on my old '88 F-250. and used the pipe as an air tank.
When I baught my 2004 F-350 King Ranch I didn't want to ruin the looks of the front end.( I like the stock bumper) so I built a push bar for the the winch. And took a air tank off one of our old semi trucks. I think it is 10 or 12" dia. and close to 2' long. I mounted it outside the frame between it and the sheet metal side of the box, at the front of the box on the drivers side. It is completely out of sight. I have a viarr in the cross box tool box and I installed a regulator in the tool box off a tee fitting, the 3rd part of the tee goes out the box to qd. for the air hose. The regulator is set up to automatically run the compressor and set at 175 psi. max. enough for the air impact or airing up tires....and of course the train horns
You can find these tanks at any trucking co. or salvage yard for next to nothing...Just anouther option to consider.. Ohh and I do have a switch in the cab to shut off power to compressor when not needed..
When I baught my 2004 F-350 King Ranch I didn't want to ruin the looks of the front end.( I like the stock bumper) so I built a push bar for the the winch. And took a air tank off one of our old semi trucks. I think it is 10 or 12" dia. and close to 2' long. I mounted it outside the frame between it and the sheet metal side of the box, at the front of the box on the drivers side. It is completely out of sight. I have a viarr in the cross box tool box and I installed a regulator in the tool box off a tee fitting, the 3rd part of the tee goes out the box to qd. for the air hose. The regulator is set up to automatically run the compressor and set at 175 psi. max. enough for the air impact or airing up tires....and of course the train horns
You can find these tanks at any trucking co. or salvage yard for next to nothing...Just anouther option to consider.. Ohh and I do have a switch in the cab to shut off power to compressor when not needed..
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