Help with Onboard Air + Tank Hookup
Thread Starter
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 133
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio, TX
Help with Onboard Air + Tank Hookup
I'm looking to add onboard air and an airtank. I have a VIAIR compresser (still need to install it) and will be adding a 2.5 gallon airtank. I was hoping someone could shed some light on what is needed to connect the two. Is it as simple as running a line from the compressor to tank? I've seen a kit that includes a "pressure switch" but am not sure if I really need it? Any help is appreciated. I probably would like to have a line coming from the compressor to use as well as one from the tank, so I would need a tee somewhere before the tank.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 249
Likes: 0
From: Cypress, TX
You will need a pressure switch to tell the compressor to turn off when the tank if full. I have done a dozen plus air ride suspensions and I could give you a full list of things I used if needed.
JK Junkie
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 2,818
Likes: 3
From: Folsom, CA
Depending on the model, your Viair compressor may have a pressure switch built in. Otherwise how does it turn off currently?
The air tank just needs a line between the output of your compressor and the tank, BUT you still need a connection on the vehicle somewhere to get the air out of the system. Usually people run a line to either the back for the front of jeep and install a fixed mount quick couple. In my TJ, I welded on a thread to the backside of my front bumper and used that bumper as an airtank. One side had the inlet and one side had the quick connect. It worked great for several years until I sold the jeep. On my current rig, the connection is on my air line and the compressor has the quick connect. Most people use plastic air line but I prefer braided line for reliability. They now also offer reinforced plastic that is more durable.
Good luck!
The air tank just needs a line between the output of your compressor and the tank, BUT you still need a connection on the vehicle somewhere to get the air out of the system. Usually people run a line to either the back for the front of jeep and install a fixed mount quick couple. In my TJ, I welded on a thread to the backside of my front bumper and used that bumper as an airtank. One side had the inlet and one side had the quick connect. It worked great for several years until I sold the jeep. On my current rig, the connection is on my air line and the compressor has the quick connect. Most people use plastic air line but I prefer braided line for reliability. They now also offer reinforced plastic that is more durable.
Good luck!
JK Newbie
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
From: Pahrump, NV
Viair Pressure relay switch
Has anyone had problems with the Viair pressure/relay switch? I have onboard air that worked well for about 4 months. I have a two gallon tank installed underneath, and the 400 compressor. The pressure/relay switch went bad, (with the power switch on, it made a buzzing sound) and I returned it under warranty to Viair on June 29. I purchased another one from Amazon rather than wait for a new one from Viair, and after running the compressor for about 30 seconds, the new one does the same thing. Viair tech support was unable to help. The tech guy said he's never heard of that before.
Did I end up with TWO defective switches? I've checked power and ground, checked for low voltage, and everything checks out.
Did I end up with TWO defective switches? I've checked power and ground, checked for low voltage, and everything checks out.