ARB Twin Compressor in a Tool Box

[Seanz0rz]

I started with this box:
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4735/39244972491_969ac5caa3_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/22MWK3K)

It is a DeWalt ToughSystem DS130. I picked it up at Home Depot: https://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-ToughSystem-DS130-22-in-Tool-Box-DWST08130/207205062

I added a female quick connect to the compressor and clocked it over as much as possible. I then found the ideal location where the quick connect would nest into the lid of the tool box. Using the template supplied with the compressor, I marked and drilled the holes to bolt it into the tool box. I used blue loctite on the threads. I did have to notch one of the bosses on the bottom to make way for the bolt and washer.
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4640/27469729269_a9844b3b52_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/HRpxtT)

I purchased some cheap alligator clips from Amazon (the China stank is nearly unbearable) and soldered those onto the main wiring harness. There is plenty of space to coil it up to the left of the compressor:
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4591/39244977261_51ba664aae_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/22MWLsZ)

With the compressor mounted, there should be enough room for a coil hose? next to it. My coil hose is pretty old, and its coils have become larger and larger with extended use. I will have to look around for either a new coil hose or a standard hose that I can store separately.
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4597/39244976551_8655e4eb87_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/22MWLfK)

To get the switch to work, I had to swap around some wires on the 3-pin connector and I 3D printed a bracket for the switch.
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4640/39216692442_eaaa5eb54d_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/22KrNnG)

So far this thing is quieter than my Viair, and took no time to add 5 psi to my 275/70r18 tires on the Lexus.

Eventually I will move this compressor to a hard mount in the Lexus, but that is 6 months out at least.

Any recommendations for a good air hose? I have about 4" x 4" x 8"

[Good Times]

Nice work Sean! I love the creative portability factor. Great idea thinking outside the box. Good air hose? You're telling me you didn't find anything cheap on Amazon?!

[Seanz0rz]

I found lots of cheap stuff on Amazon! One I really liked but had a rating of 120 PSI, and the pressure switch is set at 150. I have no interest in blowing up an air hose.

Also, I can't take credit for the idea. ARB sells a kit for over $800(!!!!!!) with an air tank and everything. This will fit under my planned sleeping platform, so a relatively low height of the box was key for the project.

[4x4mike]

Great job Sean. Those boxes are very nice and sturdy. We use those at the fire department for portable radio kits and they have held up to heavy loads and being thrown around.

As for a hose I'd look into one with tighter coils, like Powertank.
https://powertank.com/products/sfID1/57/productID/182

That link is for a short one but with your limited space I think you'd have to go short or small diameter to fit. Years ago I copied BruceTS and used some ice maker water line to make a hose. It was cheap and smaller diameter so I ran 30 feet of it. It was nice and rigid but can kink if you force it.

I currently run one of these: https://campbellhausfeld.com/25-in-pu-recoil-hose-mp515200av.html?category_id=341
It's got the tighter coils and is much more flexible than the hard yellow ones.

[Seanz0rz]

Thanks Mike! That Powertank hose looks like the one for me. They have a 30 foot one that will be perfect.

I am finding most of the coiled hoses like the Campbell Hausfeld linked are only rated at 120psi. While I know they can withstand more, it just means a shorter life and more chances of it failing me at the most inopportune time.

[4x4mike]

But will the 30 footer fit in your case? I forget what I have my York set at (maybe on at 115 and off at 140) but I haven't had any issues with hoses. I've used the Powertank ones and they are nice.

[Seanz0rz]

Good point about the size. I asked on Amazon, I'll see if I get a response. If not I'll contact power tank. I might just roll the dice on a cheap Amazon hose.

[Seanz0rz]

Got an email from Powertank.

Diameter of the coils is 2.25" and overall length of coils is 32". You can fold in half for a width of 4.5" and length of 16".

That is a bit too big for my box, I have about 11" in length to fit it in, and about 4.5" in height and width. I am slightly tempted to order it and "make it fit" with folding it twice to make 3 ~10" long sections of coils and stack them in a triangle fashing. 10' will just not be long enough to do all 4 tires. I might pop down to Lowe'st Expectation and see what they have on the shelf, I already checked Homeless Despot with no success.

[paddlenbike]

That's a good looking compressor and unit you built, nice work Sean.

[Seanz0rz]

Thanks Ken. It worked great airing up on NYE out in Mojave.

[paddlenbike]

Thanks Ken. It worked great airing up on NYE out in Mojave.

Whaaat, no trip report? ;)

[4x4mike]

As far as making it fit; have you considered trimming out the lid?


Like cutting out the ribs and storage pockets? That might free up a little room to avoid stuffing everything too tight.

[Seanz0rz]

Yellow storage pocket is removable. This gives me about 4.5 x 4.5 x 11 for a hose, probably just enough to get that power tank hose in

[Seanz0rz]

Took a gamble on buying the 30' hose from Power Tank.

Fits like a glove:
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4704/38772994165_0548f090b3_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/225eJkp)

I'll have to pick up some quick disconnects for it, but this project is now complete.

[4x4mike]

Cool, nice to see. They are nice hoses.

[4x4mike]

How are you liking this compressor Sean? With the new 4Runner I'm exploring options for air and am wanting to install it underhood. I've seen the twin compressor installed with little problem but wondered on it's performance. In your option how do you think it stacks up the Viair you have or other Viair options? Does this twin compressor lend it self to being plumbed into a system like you have on your 3rd gen?

I've got an MV-50 and I know now a days there are newer versions of it and ones with dual compressors. Pricewise they are quite a bit less than the twin ARB but I know that the ARB's have a good reputation and are sizewise a bit smaller. I'm pretty spoiled coming off a York (almost 18 years worth) and while I don't need to run air tools I appreciate a lot of air.

[Seanz0rz]

I love it so far. Really only aired up once with it. It would be better if it was hard mounted with a tank, something that is even easier than the viair setup due to the pressure switch being built into the compressor.

I am going on a trip next weekend. I will give you a good final review then.

[4x4mike]

Thanks. It's about $100 more than when I looked at it some time ago but definitely a contender.

[boyfester]

What is the price of those ARB compressors these days?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Seanz0rz]

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0050DI9YQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1517373279&sr=8-2&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=arb+twin+air+compressor

If you shop around, you can find them under $500

[4x4mike]

The new 4Runner needs air so I picked up one of these today. $495 on the Amazon. Thanks for the info Sean.

[Seanz0rz]

Great choice! Looking forward to your thoughts on it, as well as how you mount it.

[4x4mike]

From what I can tell it's a great performing compressor and that's what I'm after. I've got an MV-50 that I bought when I first bought the 3rd gen. I had had a York on my white truck and couldn't be without air. I think I used the MV-50 on one trip before I knew I had to have another York.

To avoid the head scratching of building a bracket and tensioner I decided it's time for an electric compressor. The plan is to build a custom mount and put it in the same place as this guy. I'll probably plumb lines to the bumpers as well for easier access.

http://im.toyota-4runner.org/attachments/4th-gen-t4rs/184331d1450810537-show-me-your-compressor-mount-1.jpg

[4x4mike]

Great choice! Looking forward to your thoughts on it, as well as how you mount it.

I fabbed up a mount for the little spot I wanted to stick this large compressor. I utilized factory threaded holes in the location which made things easier in some instances but added some difficulty in others. If you look closely you can see all the cut outs to clearance the brake lines, it's a tight fit.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4744/26371656918_50949c51d5_c.jpg



In place
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4627/40244066791_55e0ca6b00_c.jpg

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4614/26371670188_d1c01cc99e_c.jpg


Sean as you know this compressor comes with a large wiring harness and last night I hacked into it. It's very nice but too much if you don't run air lockers (yet). I omitted the solenoid pigtails and the long four wire switch harness that goes through the firewall. I don't have a ton of clearance above the compressor and plan to run it with the hood up. As such I mounted the switch next to the compressor instead of running it to the dash using wire I ran instead of the long ARB harness.

Question for you Sean. It's kind of hard to tell from your picture but it looks like you only have the purple and black running to your switch. Like you omitted part of the harness as well. Do you have a 12v ignition wire going to the switch? Without one my compressor won't kick on. The switch has the 2 blacks, purple and 12v ignition going to it.

[Seanz0rz]

You have a 3 pin connector with purple and black wires and one empty terminal. I think I swapped the outer wire from one side to the other. Requires you to depin the connector but a couple of dental picks makes short work of it. This allows the switch to be just on/off and powered from the input from the battery. I'll try and get some pictures of mine tomorrow when I have a spare few minutes.

[4x4mike]

I didn't de-pin anything but rather cut. Using the image below, I cut the 2 wire harness at the red line. There is about one foot of purple and black wire.

I attached the purple to the terminal (#3) shown on the switch.

I added a short black wire towards the end of the existing black wire and attached each to the terminals (#7 & #8) shown in the diagram.

I tried to fire it up and no dice. I added a jumper from 12v to the #2 terminal (shown in green) and it then worked properly via the switch.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4648/39535598114_976d8ee8d5_b.jpg


I'm thinking you don't have a jumper or power to terminal #2?

[4x4mike]

You have a 3 pin connector with purple and black wires and one empty terminal. I think I swapped the outer wire from one side to the other.


From some Google images it appears the outer wire is the black wire, with the purple in the middle. So you're saying swap the outer black wire to the empty slot? Well yes. That's what you said, I'm just talking outloud (and typing it out). I'll give it a try, thanks.

[Seanz0rz]

Yes swap the black.

I should add that I am just using the switch as on off, no light.

[4x4mike]

I'll do this tonight. Thank you.

I'm doing just on/off as well. Once everything has settled I'll find a forever home for the switch. If possible I'll find a reason for you to print out another bezel.

[Seanz0rz]

Text me if you need help with it. I either figured it out thru staring at the wiring diagram and trial and error.

[4x4mike]

Sean helped me get this squared away. In the end purple goes to 2 and black goes to 3 for the configuration I'm running.

Thanks Sean.

[4x4mike]

Sean helped me get this squared away. In the end purple goes to 2 and black goes to 3 for the configuration I'm running.

Thanks Sean.

[Seanz0rz]

glad you got it figured out.