which viair compressor

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Jul 9, 2006 | 03:29 PM

TNT in Round Rock

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From: Round Rock, TX

which viair compressor

i didn't want to hijack a thread, so started this one.

In looking for an onboard air compressor for a tank, to run horns and tools, I was considering the 420C .. in another thread seems like a lot of guys are using the 450C. The reason I liked the specs on the 420 was the CFM to keep a tank filled. But it does have a 10 am heavier draw, plus it's duty cycle is 33% versus the 450 which has the 100% cycle

What was the appeal of the 450C over the 420C for those that chose it ?

Last edited by TNT in Round Rock; Jul 9, 2006 at 03:33 PM.

Jul 9, 2006 | 06:53 PM

JOE-M

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From: N. Georgia

Quote:

Originally Posted by TNT in Round Rock

To begin with I don't have either of these compressors yet, but when I buy, it will be the 450. The 100% duty cycle is the reason for my selection. I would use the compressor to not only run horns but nail guns and to inflate tires as well. Thus I need the 100% duty cycle (it will run 100% of the time and not overheat and time out to cool off). With the 420 having a duty cycle of 33% I can only fill a tire or two before it overheats and times out (it will only run 33% of the time and then have to cool for 67% of the time). If you were only going to run horns either would be fine, but to fill tires and such I think I need more run time. I don't think either one would run an air wrench or anything like that. The volume and tank sizes are too small.
JMHO, Joe

Jul 9, 2006 | 06:57 PM

darth_calvin

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From: Longview, WA

I've only got the 350c which I chose because of the 100% duty cycle and the fact that I was too cheap to buy the bigger one, but if I had it to do over again... and I may eventually change it... I would go with one that outputs more cfm rather than the higher duty cycle.

I installed some quick connect couplers a couple weeks ago so I could use it to air tires, air mattresses, whatever. It works, but I had to sit and wait for it to catch up to finish my air mattress. With a higher cfm I could've finished quicker but it wouldn't take so long to where duty cycle would become an issue.

Matt

Jul 9, 2006 | 07:09 PM

TNT in Round Rock

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you said it wouldn't run air tools. What about if you have a 7 to 12 gallon tank? That would be sufficient wouldn't it ???

Jul 9, 2006 | 07:19 PM

darth_calvin

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I don't think a bigger tank would help you much. Maybe at the initial startup, but that's it. I'm guessing my tank is about 7 gallons (not sure, it was a used one off an old Peterbilt) and once I drain the tank far enough for the compressor to kick back on the size of the tank no longer matters. I am taking air out faster than the compressor can put it back in.

Matt

Jul 9, 2006 | 08:10 PM

TNT in Round Rock

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so, for any of you that have systems like this - am i being unrealistic wanting to run an air tool an on board tank ?? I'm not wanting to work all day, but just in case of a flat, quick jobs, etc ...

Jul 10, 2006 | 11:16 PM

TNT in Round Rock

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Well I contacted Viair to ask them what they thought. First off they recommended a tank no larger than 5 gallons !!! So for a 7-12 gallon tank they recommended the 450C due to it's 100% duty cycle and to actually run TWO compressors to keep the tank up.

So 12 gallons of air in a tank at 150psi, with a regulator to run an impact or ratchet at 90psi.

I think i found the solution .. not cheap, but not THAT expensive .. and looks like it can keep up with the demand !

http://www.4by4connection.com/exsev12volai.html

Last edited by TNT in Round Rock; Jul 11, 2006 at 12:10 AM.