mastacox

So I have pieced myself together a cheap on-board air system based on previous experience and research around here. Here's what I have so far:


The famous MasterFlow MF-1050 from Pep Boys. Basically the best "budget" compressor you can get, approximately equal in performance to a basic Viair compressor, but only costs $59.99.


The MF-1050 comes with a strange connection and non-standard air hose that connects to it. To connect standard air hoses to it I drilled and tapped the output hole to 1/4"-18 NPT and connected a coupler. This way I can plug regular air hoses and attachments to it.


I wanted a small tank to assure the "emergency use" of air tools, as well as having some compressed air available. This 7-gallon unit was very cheap, and I attached a coupling to it so that I can use standard air hoses with it. My compressor is able to fill the tank to 60psi in 4 minutes, and 100 psi in about 12 minutes.


So here's my system as it stands right now. A 7-gallon tank, a compressor, a hose that attaches the two, and then a 25-foot air hose with standard coupling at the end for filling tires or using tools.

I also ordered one of these:

It's a Viair 85psi on/105psi off pressure switch with built-in relay for use with my compressor. I plan to hard-wire the compressor in, and use a switch on the dash to turn it on and off. This way, the compressor will automatically turn on or off when it needs to to try and maintain a pressure in the tank.

So far the price has added up to the following:
- MasterFlow MF-1050 Compressor: $59.99
- 7-Gallon air tank (125psi max): $19.99
- 20 pc. air tool set for random connectors and compressor-tank hose: $19.99
- Assorted couplings and parts: ~$12.00
- 25ft. Air hose: $9.99
- Viair Pressure Switch: $21.95
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Total: $144

No bad for a fully featured on-board air system. I figure I'll need $20 more for random wires, switches, and connectors to go with the system. Looks like I'll be able to stay under $170 for the entire system With this set-up I should be able to use an impact wrench in bursts, and hopefully will be able to air up all of my 285x75r16 tires from 15psi to 50 psi in around 30 minutes (I estimate it will take about 7-8 minutes per tire).

Stay tuned for a write-up on my website, and pictures of the installed system...

DeathCougar

iTrader: (23)

50 PSI?!!! THATS TOO HIGH!!

mastacox

They's Bridgestone Dueler Revo's on a 16" rim (load range D) which means the max psi on them is I think 65 psi. I have found I get excellent mileage (22mpg hwy) and treadwear at 50 psi.

Knuckles

i can't wait to see the install pictures! iv been wanting to do something like this for that budget.

rocket

iTrader: (1)

Nice setup you got there. Looking forward to know how well it works. I have two of those compressors and wouldn't mind modifying one of them..

mastacox

Thanks man, I'm still trying to decide how I will mount things. Problem is the compressor's kinda loud, but wouldn't survive outside... Maybe I can put it under the hood somewhere, and then the tank in back. We'll see.

tc

30 minutes?!?!?! Hell, my ARB will do that - hope it's significantly faster for ya.

It's amazing how much air is in tires:
http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTri...tml#HowMuchAir

Sonofmayhem

My mv50 filled up all 4 33x12.5s from 15psi to 35 psi in under 10 i hope yours doesnt take that long.lol

My compressor isnt load at all either.

mastacox

You guys do realize I'm talking about filling ALL FOUR TIRES in under 30 minutes, and I'm adding 35psi to each one? Testing with this compressor by other people has yielded about 4 minutes for 15-30 psi with a 33x12.50r15 so I don't really think my estimates are that far out... especially consider the higher you go in PSI the exponentially longer it takes (as evidenced by the four minutes for 0-60 psi in the tank, but an additional eight minutes to get to 100 psi.)

rocket

iTrader: (1)

I did. :bigclap:

A lot of us only fill up to ~34psi (adding ~20psi to each tire) so your estimates seem pretty accurate. Again, nice job on piecing everything together. Who woulda thought that little MF-1050 could power an air tool?

Will do.

jjrgr21

where are you gonna mount your air tank? i have the same compressor, and want a tank, i was thinking of a 3 gallon mounted under the truck.

drguitarum2005

sounds good, be sure to update us on where you put everything and how it performs!

tc

http://www.parksoffroad.com/prodrevi...flatormain.htm

mastacox

Yup, for the price it can't be beat... but really the air tool will run off the tank, the compressor wouldn't keep up. For emergency short bursts is all I want though, mainly just impact wrench. I'm thinking I may end up doubling up on them in the future, but this will be fine for now.

Well, this one is too big to go under the truck, so in the back it goes. I'm going to make it easily removable for if I need room. Personally, I don't really think a 3 gal is worth the trouble being so small, but I suppose anything's better than nothing.

mastacox

Yup, good review of lots of compressors. Based on those numbers my GUESS is 25 minutes for all four tires. I'll have to time myself next time I go off road.

jjrgr21

i have a platform bed in the bed of my truck and really don't have anywhere else to put a tank

mastacox

Well I say go for it and see how it performs!

rocket

iTrader: (1)

yeah i know, thats why i typed "power" in italic.

waskillywabbit

iTrader: (-1)

25 minutes to air up all 4 tires? I'll be back at camp by then eating a sandwich and drinking a beer.

That system may be cheap but damn is it looks like a space hog. My 100% duty cycle compressor and 2.5 gallon air tank, about $400, is worth every penny.

lee

yeah i have the same air compressor, but wont be hardwiring it. ill wait till i put on a spare tire carrier to the bumper, and then ill get a small air tank.

its a nice thought though, good parts, i just think it is not efficient enough.

i air up to 25 psi for the street and i cant stand waiting for them to fill from 12-15.