On Board Air Compressor

[dwaters]

G'day guys/girls, I am wanting to install an air compressor under the bonnet on my 2016 D4.
I have just ordered a D3 Traxide dual battery kit as I will be able to fit an optima D34 on the drivers side after discussing this with Tim so this leaves in front of the main cranking battery a spot to install a compressor.
It seams from this forum, most have mounted the ARB high output compressor's on their vehicles.
Are these any good? I have read some reviews and there seems to be better compressors out there and they are a lot cheaper.
I have also read that ARB are the only ones that can be installed under the bonnet but considering it will only be running when the bonnet is open, is this really an issue?
It would be great to know your thoughts and also see some pics of your set ups if possible please?
Thanks
Darren

[Russrobe]

I wonder if anyone has ever wired up an AMK Compressor for this. Would be great to be be able to use it as a spare suspension compressor too. Although probably be easier to just buy one of Gordons kits...

[LandyAndy]

Personally,I would be looking at a decent portable compressor and running it off the anderson plug.Look up the ARB portable twin compressor.
Andrew

[LRD414]

Personally,I would be looking at a decent portable compressor and running it off the anderson plug.
Look up the ARB portable twin compressor.
I have done the same as Andrew suggests and am happy with the ARB unit.

It would be great to know your thoughts and also see some pics of your set ups if possible please?
Have a look at this thread:
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/l319-discovery-3-4/225848-arb-cmk-compressor-traxide-setup.html

Cheers,
Scott

[dwaters]

I also wondered about the air suspension compressor??
It has a massive accumulator and I would assume it is activated via a pressure switch and the tank would surely have a higher pressure rating than your tyres.
Would it be possible to tee into it and install an isolation valve and nitto air fitting connection point??
You could also carry a spare portable compressor as an emergency?? Such as a compressor failure............
Be interested to hear anyone's thoughts??
Thanks

[LandyAndy]

I was thinking that too.
2 issues.
Warranty,if you are using it to do something it wasn't designed to do and it fails,no claim.
The AMK compressor is already at its duty limit or beyond as an OME compressor,so you are only stressing it further.
Andrew

[Mungus]

I intend on mounting Traxide second battery in the drivers side battery box, hoping a yellow top will fit there and mount the ARB twin compressor in front of the main battery passenger side. I have done a quick trial holding their twin compressor on an angle and with a purpose made bracket it appeared as if it will fit.

[Ralasa]

Hi Darren , I have a small ARB compressor under the bonnet, in front of the main battery, pumps up tyres very quick also has a pressure switch so i don't have to turn it off when changing to the next tyre

[scomac]

Mine is similar a similar set up, just an older compressor. Still going strong though.
Cheers
Scott.


Sent from my GT-N5120 using AULRO mobile app

[Babs]

I intend on mounting Traxide second battery in the drivers side battery box, hoping a yellow top will fit there and mount the ARB twin compressor in front of the main battery passenger side. I have done a quick trial holding their twin compressor on an angle and with a purpose made bracket it appeared as if it will fit.

I don't believe the Yellow Top fits on the drivers side, just had mine fitted by DPL and they said they tried but to no avail, in saying that I don't know how hard they tried. So my Yellow Top sits in front of the main.

Oh and they charged me 6hrs fitting time for my Traxide :o :o :o

Cheers, Babs :D Sent from my iPhone using Forum Runner

[AnD3rew]

Personally,I would be looking at a decent portable compressor and running it off the anderson plug.Look up the ARB portable twin compressor.
Andrew

I have an ARB single compressor that comes mounted in a box and I run it as Andy suggests from my Traxide rear Anderson plug. I prefer this to the under bonnet mounted kits as it is more flexible, easier to get to in the back than under the bonnet, and you can transfer it between vehicles and even lend it to mates. Little trick, when you cut the alligator clips off to put the Anderson plug on, attach the Alligator clips to another Anderson plug and you have an instant adaptor so you can still use the clips on battery on a vehicle not equipped with an Anderson.

I have found the ARB unit to be long lasting and reliable and I reckon when I am coming off the beach is seem to pump my tyres up more quickly and be on my way faster than many of the others I see using the cheaper compressors, especially when it is hot.

[Bytemrk]

I don't believe the Yellow Top fits on the drivers side, just had mine fitted by DPL and they said they tried but to no avail, in saying that I don't know how hard they tried. So my Yellow Top sits in front of the main.

Oh and they charged me 6hrs fitting time for my Traxide :o :o :o

Cheers, Babs :D Sent from my iPhone using Forum Runner

The yellow top should fit .... you just need to rearrange some stuff.

and 6 hours to fit the Traxide kit..???... really.. took me significantly less to do my own..:angel:

[l00kin4]

The yellow top should fit .... you just need to rearrange some stuff.


I think the issue in later models is that the nutsert for the battery tie down at the front is obstructed by the ABS pump. Certainly the case in mine. Not easy to make the installation fit. Info from Tim (Traxide) in this thread: http://www.aulro.com/afvb/l319-discovery-3-4/102180-clearing-d4-aux-battery-tray-3.html

David


http://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachment.php?attachmentid=112824&stc=1&d=1471474350


http://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachment.php?attachmentid=112825&stc=1&d=1471474350

[Guppy]

Traxide in front of main battery and Compressor in the drivers side battery compartment.

I had the portable ARB one which I mounterd permantley. Not too fussed on the time to open the bonnet :)

[l00kin4]

Yep, that's what I have too but I put the switch and outlet on a bracket next to the second battery on the other side of the engine bay.
David

[drivesafe]

Hi Folks, if you are contemplating fitting one of my kits in your D4, while my D3 kits will fit in many of the D4s, as David has posted, the D3 kits are only valid on a D4 if you have clear access to the "nutsert" in the driver's side battery compartment.

In some D4s, this "nutsert" is partially obscured by the ABS unit.

If the "nutsert" is obscured, then the hold down bracket can not be secured in place.

Now here is the problem, it is a random situation where the "nutsert" is obscured or not and it is not determined by one type of D4 over another.

This only applies to later D4 models that do not have the black box fitted in the middle of the driver's side battery compartment.

If you want to test to see if your D4 can have the battery fitted on the driver's side, remove the hold down bolt from your cranking battery and this is the bolt located between the battery and the fuse box.

Take the bolt over to the driver's side battery compartment and see if you can screw it into the "nutsert" next to the ABS unit.

See David's photos above, for the exact location.

[Not_An_Abba_Fan]

This may be relevant, it may not. Since I use my car predominately on the tracks and not as a daily, I have converted my AC compressor to onboard air running to a tank in the rear. The AC system wasn't working anyway so I did the conversion. I have a switch on the dash to engage the AC clutch when there is no air in the tank, and a pressure switch that turns it off at 120psi. Once it drops down to around 90psi it engages the clutch.

[dwaters]

Gday guys, I plan on installing my switch for my ARB compressor under the bonnet next to the compressor.
Does anyone know where I pick up the ignition and dash illumination wires from??
Thanks

[l00kin4]

Gday guys, I plan on installing my switch for my ARB compressor under the bonnet next to the compressor.
Does anyone know where I pick up the ignition and dash illumination wires from??
Thanks
For simplicity I connected both to the same place- whenever ignition is on switch light is on- piggyback fuse holder from the fuse box in the battery box passenger side. Can't recall which fuse off the top of my head but it's pretty well labelled.

Cheers,
David

[Salt grinder]

I also wondered about the air suspension compressor??
It has a massive accumulator and I would assume it is activated via a pressure switch and the tank would surely have a higher pressure rating than your tyres.
Would it be possible to tee into it and install an isolation valve and nitto air fitting connection point??
You could also carry a spare portable compressor as an emergency?? Such as a compressor failure............
Be interested to hear anyone's thoughts??
Thanks
For the records . . . . For some weeks I have been playing around with the idea of using the "air suspension compressor" as a means of re-inflating tyres after we go bush/beach. Seemed like a good idea.
I've located all the fittings and hoses necessary BUT, thought to run the idea past a couple of LR workshops before snipping and fitting. The short answer is NO NO.
One workshop says the temp switches shut the compressor down too often. The other advice was that the suspension compressor should not be compromised, they already replace too many and they cost much much more than a portable unit. So the answer is NO.

Now looking for another good idea . . . . hmmmmm!

[Mungus]

Plan on installing mine here! D34 is in drivers box... well not yet but I've made the required changes and it fits. :thumbsup:

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/12/308.jpg

[Ozzy119]

Plan on installing mine here! D34 is in drivers box... well not yet but I've made the required changes and it fits. :thumbsup:

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/12/308.jpg

It's a hot and dusty environment up there. Do they cope ok and capable of pumping 4/6 tyres. I'd need a long hose to reach the trailer too, so for me it seems just as easy to connect to the rear anderson power using a portable one and service all wheels from there.

I've always thought i'd like one on board but really don't see it getting used that much and have carried the portable one for years inside, without too much extra hassle.

Curious to know how they perform in the engine bay though.

[ATH]

I run my compressor off an Anderson plug and have done that on the last 3 vehicles.
Works well and makes it easier to get to the vans wheels as well.
Plus as someone suggested, I used the clips and another Anderson to make it truly versatile.... and forget them when I took the D4 with no plug for a beach run and it's first time off road with LROCWA last Sunday. :mad:
AlanH.

[Redback]

Traxide in front of main battery and Compressor in the drivers side battery compartment.

I had the portable ARB one which I mounterd permantley. Not too fussed on the time to open the bonnet :)

Mine is there also, been there for 2 or 3yrs now, the cover fits over mine, so minimal dust, mine is a Big Red(By Thomas) never had any issues with heat dust, I figured if the transmission ECU can handle this spot, then the compressor should be fine also.

[Mungus]

It's a hot and dusty environment up there. Do they cope ok and capable of pumping 4/6 tyres. I'd need a long hose to reach the trailer too
Curious to know how they perform in the engine bay though.

I'll let you know in a couple of weeks. I'll be running a permanent hose to an outlet at the rear bumper so I can reach vehicle and trailer. Compressor switch will be just inside rear cargo. Hose and other air accessories fit neatly in the cargo passenger side cubby box.

[l00kin4]

I'll let you know in a couple of weeks. I'll be running a permanent hose to an outlet at the rear bumper so I can reach vehicle and trailer.
Looking forward to see how you do this - I've been pondering how/where to mount this...
David

[AndrewM]

It's a hot and dusty environment up there. Do they cope ok and capable of pumping 4/6 tyres. I'd need a long hose to reach the trailer too, so for me it seems just as easy to connect to the rear anderson power using a portable one and service all wheels from there.

I've always thought i'd like one on board but really don't see it getting used that much and have carried the portable one for years inside, without too much extra hassle.

Curious to know how they perform in the engine bay though.

I had an ARB single compressor mounted here in the D3, in front of the main battery, with a D34 in the RHS box. It worked faultlessly and never appeared to suffer from the heat or dust :). The permanent mount is just so convenient - set and forget - and I just used an extension hose to reach the wheels on the TVAN.

I am planning to mount an ARB twin in the same location in the D4, once Mungus designs the mounting bracket that is. ;)

[Mungus]

Don't hold your breath Andrew! It took me week to fit the bar & winch; installed the DBS wiring a month ago and still only half way there!

Bit of time off over xmas; so who knows?

[Catmatt]

I have mounted an ARB single compressor up inside the right hand side of my ECB alloy bull-bar. I cannibalised everything that came with the compressor in the box and have run the air intake up into the engine bay and the switch to the left hand aux battery. I've run the outlet air line down to the rear of the vehicle and mounted the quick fit push-pull fitting onto the rear bumper bar underneath the rear wheel carrier so with the included flexy air line, I have good access to my trailer and all 4 wheels. All I have to do is lift the bonnet and turn the compressor on/off - it works a treat.

The only problem I have had was some issues with keeping the original electrical connectors water-proof (Now fixed with quality marine connectors). The compressor has been completely immersed during river/creek crossings but as the air inlet is now a metre higher up in the engine bay, it hasn't ingested any water and runs fine.

They are a great compressor with good output......and the old box now carries tools!

[Mungus]

Trial fitted my prototype bracket this evening. Overall it's as I expected from my rough measurements. Needs a few dimensions adjusted on the drawing, then I'll get the final one fabricated in s/s. Height needs to drop 17mm for the side support and it'll sit slightly more vertical with depth reduced about 10mm.

[Mungus]

Second attempt at the bracket and it's come up a treat. 2mm S/S. Thumping it creates movement, so as I like to over engineer things, a small gusset in the inside corner will be welded in along with a resilient mount below that inner corner for additional support. I've turned the Traxide USI-160 upside down to lift the cables higher for this small gusset to fit. The inner guard roof screw will be replaced with a root nut. Still have to fit the airline but all looks good moving forward. Stoked.[biggrin]
https://www.aulro.com/app/data/1432/medium/DSC3798_CR.JPG

https://www.aulro.com/app/data/1432/medium/DSC3800_CR.JPGhttps://www.aulro.com/app/data/1432/medium/DSC3801_CR.JPGhttps://www.aulro.com/app/data/1432/medium/DSC3802_CR.JPG

First bracket from 2mm gal plate cost $125. Second one from 2mm S/S cost $135+gst. They had a minimum charge of $120.
If anyone is interested in doing similar and wants the .dxf drawing file for a laser cut place to fabricate, PM me and I'll email it to you.

[Russrobe]

Mungus after all that do you still have to pop the bonnet to use it? Or have you connected a short airline and mounted it to the front bumper with switch in cab?

[Mungus]

For now Russ I will have to pop the bonnet. The idea though is to tee off and run a line down to the rear of the vehicle. Second switch will be in the rear as well. Most likely supply some of that good hose David l00kin4 has sourced and get LR to run this line along the body when they do a body off job in June. Then again I'll have it up on the hoist next week, finally fitting my modified Prospeed Compressor guard, so I might look into it then.

[l00kin4]

For now Russ I will have to pop the bonnet. The idea though is to tee off and run a line down to the rear of the vehicle. Second switch will be in the rear as well. Most likely supply some of that good hose David l00kin4 has sourced and get LR to run this line along the body when they do a body off job in June. Then again I'll have it up on the hoist next week, finally fitting my modified Prospeed Compressor guard, so I might look into it then.

It's looking good Mungus - nice installation. Will be interested to see where / how you run the line to the rear, especially how you set up the outlet.
Not sure if it's any help but to pass on the info, I went into ARB to buy a second outlet and the one they sold me has a different screw connector to the original quick connect outlet (which is part#171402). So rather than the 1/4 NPT they use everywhere else, this new one has a JIC / SAE 7/16" (or I think 4AN) thread which is more compact. More importantly though, in terms of mounting flexibility, is that it is effectively a bulkhead connector because of the nut on the supply end (underneath).
David

121118

[Mungus]

Just a heads up for those with an ARB Twin Compressor.

When I powered it up for the first time, I was looking for somewhere to cable tie the outlet (fitted to a short piece of air hose) and the outlet coupling arced out on the bracket. Took a few measurements and found I had 14V going through the airline to the fitting.[bawl] Not having time before our maiden voyage to take it back, I pulled it apart to see what was wrong; initially thinking I had squashed a wire putting it back together after rotating the outlet. Nope! Pulled the tape of the wiring loom and found a crimp joint from the control loom +ve to the first main power +ve. I got continuity from pin one on the power socket to this supposedly insulated joint by simply resting the test probe on the joints insulation tape. Not very well insulated at all. Pics below. I taped it properly and put some loom tube over the whole loom as well to protect the wiring where it is cable tied to the frame. I have sent this information to ARB head office and received a thankyou letter in response. They will follow it up for improving their product. I know a few people who have had these for years with no problem, so maybe mine was a Friday job. In any case, just though I better share this on here.
Works a treat now! [biggrin]

122805122806

[Tombie]

Mungus, what did you need to do to "modify" your ProSpeed? What was wrong?

[Bundalene]

For the records . . . . For some weeks I have been playing around with the idea of using the "air suspension compressor" as a means of re-inflating tyres after we go bush/beach. Seemed like a good idea.
I've located all the fittings and hoses necessary BUT, thought to run the idea past a couple of LR workshops before snipping and fitting. The short answer is NO NO.
One workshop says the temp switches shut the compressor down too often. The other advice was that the suspension compressor should not be compromised, they already replace too many and they cost much much more than a portable unit. So the answer is NO.

Now looking for another good idea . . . . hmmmmm!


I was looking at this a while ago when we dismantled a D3, Buy a suspension air tank from the wreckers and install this on the drivers side, pretty sure there is enough room, then plumb this into your ARB under bonnet compressor, speeds up tyre inflation considerably.

Erich

[timdo1]

Don't know if your interested but I have a twin aluminium air tanks off a maxis air compressor. Yours for nothing, great way of storing air for faster inflation.

Let me know. I'm about to throw them.

[TuffRR]

With at best 18" tyres, there really isn't a need to speed up tyre inflation. I can have all four of mine done before my mates with 16's have even done two! [bigrolf]

[travelrover]

If he doesn't want them I'll take them off your hands :-)

[Mungus]

Mungus, what did you need to do to "modify" your ProSpeed? What was wrong?
Tombie,
At the time of purchase (one of my first), ProSpeed couldn't tell me if it would fit the new AMK compressor as they hadn't fitted one to an MY14 yet. I bought it anyway. I added 12mm plate to the two mounting faces so it would clear the compressor. In hindsight I could of got away with 10mm plate. Still sits higher than the fuel tank guard though, so I'm happy with it. Bloody solid.

[timdo1]

Well whoever wants them let me know. i'll box them, you arrange pickup. Happy to get rid of it.

[AGRO]

Hi Mungus,

You mention that you have a modified Prospeed Compressor Guard. I have Prospeed gear as well and was interested in the modification you have done.

I have been wanting to remove the vertical lip from the rear of the base plate. It seems to catch a layer of dirt and mud.

Agro

[travelrover]

Well whoever wants them let me know. i'll box them, you arrange pickup. Happy to get rid of it.

I'll certainly take one or both if no one wants the other one. I'll pm you :-)

[Mungus]

Hi Mungus,

You mention that you have a modified Prospeed Compressor Guard. I have Prospeed gear as well and was interested in the modification you have done.

I have been wanting to remove the vertical lip from the rear of the base plate. It seems to catch a layer of dirt and mud.

Agro

Agro,
See post above. I simply added plate to the mounting surfaces so it would sit below the AMK Compressor. Mine is a few years old. The guards they make now should fit the AMK. I'm going to drill the drain holes out in the rear corners a little larger, but leave that lip for strength.

[LRD414]

I'm going to drill the drain holes out in the rear corners a little larger, but leave that lip for strength.
I did similar to my APT compressor guard, both adding extra drain holes and elongating the existing one. The rear lip, which I guess is similar to the Prospeed, contributes to making the guard bullet proof and with extra drainage is still easy to flush clean. I still have the first one Ben fabricated.

Cheers,
Scott

[Tombie]

Interesting... my D4 has the AMK and the Prospeed mount fitted straight up without any modifications.

I did enlarge the drain holes though!

[Salt grinder]

Don't know if your interested but I have a twin aluminium air tanks off a maxis air compressor. Yours for nothing, great way of storing air for faster inflation.

Let me know. I'm about to throw them.


Thanks for the offer but no thanks. And sorry for not responding sooner, I only just got back into the thread of compressors. Been otherwise occupied working on another invention.
All will be revealed in 4 weeks or so.

[l00kin4]

It's looking good Mungus - nice installation. Will be interested to see where / how you run the line to the rear, especially how you set up the outlet.



Hi Mungus,

A few months down the track now so though I'd follow up to see if you'd run the air line to the rear yet?

I've now got my hands on a LR OEM air tank which I'm modifying to fit under the driver's side and plan to run air lines from my ARB compressor in the engine bay and also from the tank to the rear somewhere...

I'm hoping you've worked out a good way to run the hose.

David

[l00kin4]

Interested too if / where / how anyone has installed a rear air outlet...

Thanks,
David

[l00kin4]

Just to tie them together, I've just added a brief write-up on adding an OEM EAS air tank and rear air outlet and switch in this thread
ARB CMK Compressor/ Traxide setup (https://www.aulro.com/afvb/l319-discovery-3-and-4-a/225848-arb-cmk-compressor-traxide-setup-7.html)

David