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DIY compressor with cheapo from HF and 1 gallon tank from Ebay
First I modified the compressor from Harbor Freight: got rid of all the useless plastic trims, removed the switch and fuse holder (using a 16A switch for 30A was a bad idea anyway), installed a barb fitting for the air input and made it watertight. The 1 gallon tank from Ebay got a 100/70psi pressure switch and is filled through the flexible leader hose with integrated check valve. Tank and compressor (with 4 rubber isolators) were mounted on an aluminum base plate. The whole thing fits nicely into the SLS compressor bay (I will use a longer hose to get the air intake above the worst case waterline):
I haven’t poked around too much on that area of the truck but I guess I was thinking more along the lines of stones kicking up there at highway speeds.
The tank is quite sturdy, typically they are made out of 10 gauge steel. I wouldn't expect damage if some small stones hit it other than exposing the bare metal. Otherwise parts like mufflers wouldn't last that long. To better protect it against corrosion is a good idea though, maybe I should spray it with some heavy duty bedliner.
Looks really clean.
Thinking about doing the same - any reason you used the hf pump instead of the viar? They seem pretty similar. How much time does having that tank save you when filling tires?
How is it wired?
Simply because I had the hf pump already and it fits. The tank allows me to fill it while driving and I have pressure right away when I stop. Most time is saved, because I don't have to unpack it, connect it to the battery, move it around, and let it cool down after use before I can stow it away. I run a awg10 wire into the engine compartment where it is connected via a relay to the aux battery.
The tank is quite sturdy, typically they are made out of 10 gauge steel. I wouldn't expect damage if some small stones hit it other than exposing the bare metal. Otherwise parts like mufflers wouldn't last that long. To better protect it against corrosion is a good idea though, maybe I should spray it with some heavy duty bedliner.
That makes sense to me, now that you mention it. I am about to explore adding compressor and this has me thinking quite a bit- I love it.
That makes sense to me, now that you mention it. I am about to explore adding compressor and this has me thinking quite a bit- I love it.
I have a small arb mounded in the engine bay above pass wheel well. It's a little more protected in there and shorter wiring lengths. Just something to consider, though this write up looks to be very well done!
DIY compressor with cheapo from HF and 1 gallon tank from Ebay
