ExtremeAire Compressor Plus Mounting
Author: Don Lamb (puulboy) Dec 13, 2013
I decided to look for a permanent air source for my truck. I thought about a co2 tank, but didn't want the hassle of refilling and finding a place to keep it.
Next up would be an air compressor. I have been running a Puma 12 volt that I keep inside over the rear fender well for some time. I was trying to find another place to mount it, but it isn't water proof. The other option would be to install one under the hood. I wanted to save all the space I could, under the hood, in case I decide to run another battery.
Next thought would be to to mount a compressor exterior. Since there is ample real estate available under the back of the truck, this was a good option. So it would have to be waterproof.
That's where the ExtremeAire compressor comes in. These are really good compressors that have great stats, plus they are waterproof to so many meters, for so long. Perfect.
They make a few different models, even 24 volt if needed. The standard compressor is 3.4 hp.
Here are the details on this one.
Next up would be an air compressor. I have been running a Puma 12 volt that I keep inside over the rear fender well for some time. I was trying to find another place to mount it, but it isn't water proof. The other option would be to install one under the hood. I wanted to save all the space I could, under the hood, in case I decide to run another battery.
Next thought would be to to mount a compressor exterior. Since there is ample real estate available under the back of the truck, this was a good option. So it would have to be waterproof.
That's where the ExtremeAire compressor comes in. These are really good compressors that have great stats, plus they are waterproof to so many meters, for so long. Perfect.
They make a few different models, even 24 volt if needed. The standard compressor is 3.4 hp.
Here are the details on this one.
ExtremeAire 12 volt Compressor
$414.95
$414.95
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The ExtremeAire Severe Duty Compressor is setting standards for high output compressors. By utilizing a 3/4 horsepower fan cooled motor, overheating is a thing of the past. Designed to fill the largest 4WD tires or the highest-pressure RV tires, this unit can fill tires continuously with no fear of motor burnout. With a 150psi working pressure, you can fill air tanks and run impact wrenches to dismount and mount wheels easily. For clean air in the dirtiest environments, the ExtremeAire uses an oversize UNI-Filter that is crush proof, washable and reusable. All major motorcycle teams use UNI-Filters for Baja and motocross racing. In addition, the fan shaft has a sweeper filter to keep dirt and debris out of the motor and brushes, at the same time, allowing moisture and condensation to escape. The ExtremeAire is permanently lubed with sealed bearings so it can be mounted in any position making installation much easier. Every ExtremeAire utilizes stainless steel fasteners Loctited for a long and trouble free life in the highest vibration applications. Uses for the ExtremeAire include 4WD, RV, Agricultural, Construction, Motorsports, etc. No other 12-volt compressor has the speed, continuous duty cycle, output, pressure rating, and reliability that the ExtremeAire can deliver.
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Tech Specs:
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Next choice is the ExtremeAire Magnum.
ExtremeAire Magnum
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Imagine an ExtremeAire Compressor with TWICE the power and speed, all in a package only 2" longer than the original! Now you can have a continuous 12 volt compressor that will put out 6 CFM free flow and a whopping 2.6 CFM at 100 psi. Nothing in its size, class or price range even comes close! The ExtremeAire Magnum utilizes a 1.5 HP fan cooled motor and longer piston stroke to make the impossible possible. The Magnum has all the key features of the original ExtremeAire such as superior filtering, stainless steel hardware, heat dissipation cylinder coating and powder coated filter housing and fan shroud. Plus it can be mounted in any angle or position, even upside down! Sealed bearings mean no servicing or lubrication is necessary. Uses include filling tires, running air tools, air bags, lockers, train horns, etc. It is the perfect unit for jobsite chores or ranch duties. Since the unit is totally sealed from the elements, you can mount it under your truck on the frame rail so valuable storage space is preserved.
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Specs:
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My final decision was to go for the Magnum. I wanted to put the worst case scenario in as far as size goes. Since it was only 2" longer, it still will fit where I want to go.
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Here's what brown brought me.
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Along with these items pictures were 25Ft high pressure reinforced brake/air line. 25 ft black and red 4 awg 2 quick disconnects front and back . a bunch of quick snap air fittings. a head pressure bleed off switch, so the cylinder unloads for start up. air regulator solenoid. 80 waterproof circuit breaker , 100 waterproof relay and various terminals heat shrink.
I made a plan on where I wanted it, so I needed to build a crossmember to make it work.
Here's what I came up with.
I made a plan on where I wanted it, so I needed to build a crossmember to make it work.
Here's what I came up with.
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It fits perfectly between the frame rails attaching to 3 threaded holes on the frame each side. It doesn't hang below, the rails at all. I will make a skid plate to protect it and put heat shields under the exhaust pipe. I intentionally mounted the heavier compressor on the passenger side, to not make the FJ lean any worse.
December 15, 2013 Updates
After test fitting the bracket some adjustments had to be made. I actually wheeled with the bracket in place yesterday. The adjustment I made was making sure there was a separation between the compressor frame and the body above it. I thought I allowed enough in the original fabrication, but after pulling the bracket, today I saw rub marks on the body above the frame so now it is spaced more.
The compressor and tank were mounted, pressure switch plumbed in, blow of valve attached and everything from the compressor to the tank is now complete.
The hard stuff is done. Next phase is plumbing the air fittings and running all the electrical. I hope to have it running this week and do some testing.
The entire unit together weighs 47 lbs. I'm not sure what a CO2 set up weighs full, but if someone could give me the weight, that will be a good comparison.
Here are some pics mounted:
The compressor and tank were mounted, pressure switch plumbed in, blow of valve attached and everything from the compressor to the tank is now complete.
The hard stuff is done. Next phase is plumbing the air fittings and running all the electrical. I hope to have it running this week and do some testing.
The entire unit together weighs 47 lbs. I'm not sure what a CO2 set up weighs full, but if someone could give me the weight, that will be a good comparison.
Here are some pics mounted:
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January 2, 2014 Updates
At the CSC meeting, we had a compressor shoot out between the Puma and the ExtremAire, then the ExtremeAire and the a/c compressor off the motor.
The Puma filled a 35 General Grabber on a 17 inch rim from 0 PSI to 24 psi in 3 minutes, the ExtremeAire did the same test and got 34.5 psi. The a/c compressor blew both of them away getting 40 psi in less than 3 minutes. Obviously that would be the very best system to run if it could be done in a kit for different platforms, but I am happy with the ExtremeAire because of its performance and ability to mount under the truck, since it's waterproof to a few meters. The cost of the ExtremeAire is more than double to the Puma, so that is a consideration for sure.
Real world air down and air up happened yesterday, when a few of us did Asbestos Point. I put my Hankook 285/17/17s back on for trails. I aired them down to 15psi . After the trail I was able to air them back up to 40 psi. It took 1.35 minutes, air each tire up. I was totally happy with that. I also decided to try an impact wrench for changing out all 4 tires. I didn't run my motor and did them all with no real effort. It cycled on during the first lug, but only slowed down a bit on the last of 6 lugs. Since I run the Odyssey 2150 battery, it didn't even break a sweat. For the trail I will keep the truck running, but at least I know it can handle it, with no problem.
The Puma filled a 35 General Grabber on a 17 inch rim from 0 PSI to 24 psi in 3 minutes, the ExtremeAire did the same test and got 34.5 psi. The a/c compressor blew both of them away getting 40 psi in less than 3 minutes. Obviously that would be the very best system to run if it could be done in a kit for different platforms, but I am happy with the ExtremeAire because of its performance and ability to mount under the truck, since it's waterproof to a few meters. The cost of the ExtremeAire is more than double to the Puma, so that is a consideration for sure.
Real world air down and air up happened yesterday, when a few of us did Asbestos Point. I put my Hankook 285/17/17s back on for trails. I aired them down to 15psi . After the trail I was able to air them back up to 40 psi. It took 1.35 minutes, air each tire up. I was totally happy with that. I also decided to try an impact wrench for changing out all 4 tires. I didn't run my motor and did them all with no real effort. It cycled on during the first lug, but only slowed down a bit on the last of 6 lugs. Since I run the Odyssey 2150 battery, it didn't even break a sweat. For the trail I will keep the truck running, but at least I know it can handle it, with no problem.