What is a reasonable size system for our 250’s?

who makes the best system, a solid medium system and who to avoid?

pics of set ups?

I have seen one or two systems installed under the cab, it would seem to make more sense to install under the bed if possible to reduce any interior noise.

 

I have this one. Works great. Mounted under the cab. I can hear it run, but only turn it on when I need to use it. Mostly for filling up trailer / equipment tires but occasionally use a framing nailer for small jobs.

 

Viair and ARB are the two big players for reliable air. Things to consider:

• Duty cycle - how long can the compressor run continuously?
• A tank can extend the usefulness of your OBA in filling large tires or other long-draw airflow tasks
• Twin compressors may be necessary for some applications

I will be towing my lifted Wrangler as well as a tandem axle RV. Tire inflation will be critical, particularly for 35x12.50x17 tires aired down to 15 PSI for off-road.

I’ll also have airbags, and after a recent blind-as-a-bat / dumb-as-a-dog-turd idiot pulled out in front of the big red truck with LED lights going 55mph, an air horn is in my future. If nearly dying didn’t make you ***** your pants, the noise of that horn will.

Anyhoo, scope out your use cases. Incremental upgrades can be done if you plan early (adding a second compressor down the line because you made room for it and have plumbing routes figured out, etc).

You don’t want to go through the expense and work only to have to rip-and-replace later.

If you’re going under the bed, make sure you have a compressor which can handle the elements. Watch for exhaust heat, and make sure there is drainage for any mounting plates you use.

Im learning that there might be more room under the spare than I originally thought, although I’m seeing lots of people mounting on the outside of the passenger frame rail.

I have not seen a good variety of well-designed mounting brackets, this may be a custom job. I’m handy, but I’m no fabricator, and will likely be looking for some help.

I don’t plan on heavily modding my truck (compared to my Jeep), but I will not be cutting corners with the onboard air. If I could, I would equip the thing to run air tools.

 

Air horn justification. Three week old truck on wet pavement. 55mph down to 25mph in an instant.


Big LOUD horns are in my future. Much more civil than describing the maternal issues in another driver’s family.

 

Look for an OBA thread here from Squirrel13. I followed his install to a T. An ARB CKMA12 compressor with a 2.5 gallon ViAir tank mounted above the spare tire. Also have a QD at the license plate which makes getting to all 4 tires as well as the tires on my camper very easy with a 25’ hose. And of course I have an air horn!

Edit to add link:

LINK

 

I have the ARB twin mounted above my spare tire and it has worked well so far.

 

I have an ARB twin compressor, tank, bags, and Klein horn. I mounted the compressor just aft of the transfer case, with a simple piece of 1/4' plate bolted to existing holes in the crossmember. I added a 3 gallon tank under the bed just forward of the right rear wheel-well. It works well - when it works. I have replaced the pressure switch twice and the relays once, and sent it back to ARB and got a new motor under warranty on one side. Even when the pressure switch fails, I have it wired to an upfitter switch for master power, and a blow-off on the tank for over-pressure relief.
If I had it to do over again I would have installed an ExtremeAire compressor from Extreme Outback. I have one of those on my '78 F250 and it has been trouble free for close to twenty years. It is less of a package deal than the ARB compressor though - you have to add your own relay and pressure switch system.
Either way, I highly recommend a tank for filling tires as mentioned above, and the horn is really nice when you need it. I installed an air chuck at the front and rear bumpers of the truck and can reach all my tandem axle trailer tires from the back, or my buddy's from the front.
Its noticeable when the compressor runs while the truck is idling, but not so much when you're going down the road.

 

Should have recorded the sound too. Love how the idiot waits for you to get close before brain dump. One sure might consider insurance fraud there.