howson
Hi Howard,

As you know, I run a "basic" 100% duty cycle VIAIR 450H for both the AirLift air bags and filling tires. (No pressure limit switch to gum up) At first, I used the AirLift controller to set tire pressures, but learned that it has a 45 sec timeout feature. I did not encounter this when topping up tires, but found this restriction when trying to fill a completely flat tire. On to iteration "B".

I rewired the compressor so that I have a selector switch for "AirLift" or "Tire Fill". I do not have a pressure switch in the tire fill scenario (something that I have been considering adding) so, I would not walk away from a filling tire .

In my tire filling process, I disconnect the stainless braid quick connect from its Airlift connection and attach this to the tire fill hose. I can insert an air drier, depending on weather. Note that the pressure gauge is at the compressor end (where the on/off switch is) and the tire connection is the clip on variety so that I do not have to hold it on to the tire valve stem. Once everything is connected, I turn on the compressor and watch the gauge until the required pressure is reached and then turn off the compressor.

WRT the VIAIR kit that you are considering . . . I wonder at the need for a reserve tank for the application you are considering. I assume that the remote pressure switch maintains the set pressure in the tank . . . which would be nice, but would prevent using the AirLift controller to turn the compressor on as required for my alternate application. I really don't like those coiled air hoses. You have to fight with these to get anywhere near their claimed extended length. The straight (coiled) air hose that I use stores in the same space and is much easier to work with.

See related pictures attached.

Rob

As always, excellent work Rob. (That pink desiccant does require some attention, though!) Where did you get the drier? Desiccant was used in the radar systems I used to work on so very familiar with it.

The air tank will give me the ability to run light air tools and/or a "distracted driver attention device" should I want to mount one. I don't plan on inflating (or sustaining) the Airlift bags with the onboard compressor--the Airlift compressor will do that work.

Should the Airlift compressor fail, I do wonder how much input pressure the manifold can accept before it fails, too. I suspect if I plumbed in the Airlift bags to a device like VIAIR's Constant Duty OB system (with a tank) there'd have to be a regulator in the line to set the maximum pressure that can get to the manifold. I'll probably call VIAIR and/or Airlift to discuss what I'm planning to get their recommendation.

howson
Hi Howard,

I could also use one of those (freight train) "distracted driver attention devices" .

Good point on the desiccant . . . I will have to go looking for my replacement supply. I got this device from a Canadian supplier much like your Harbor Freight stores in the US.

I have been thinking about how to operate an Airlift system from a pressurized tank . . and, this should be fairly simple. All you need is a 12V solenoid valve on the airline from the tank to the Airlift controller. When the controller wants to increase bag pressure, it sends 12V to the compressor. When command pressure is reached, this 12V is turned off. The controller would not know whether it was opening/closing a solenoid valve vs turning a compressor on/off. It might be wise to have a pressure reducer in the airline to the Airlift controller set to the max air pressure you might send to the bags.

Rob

Guys,

How often do you make changes over the road on your Airlift systems? I have the bags only and am still playing with pressures.

Jim

Hi Jim,

When I first got the Airlift system, I tried a lot of different pressures, looking for the “sweet spot” for my setup. Settling on 30 psi as being right for me, I seldom vary from this. A long stretch of rough road will cause me to try higher pressure but seldom lower pressure.

What is interesting is how often the controller releases air or starts the compressor to adjust to set pressure in response to temperature change. A cold morning, a hot afternoon or high sunload on one side while travelling will all cause an automatic adjustment. The other big automatic adjustment is hitching or unhitching the trailer.

Those who set their bag pressure on a cold morning before hitching the trailer will be towing at a much higher bag pressure than they think they are. A system divided side-to-side will have higher pressure on the sunny side.

Rob

Rob,

Thanks for the information. I too am playing with the pressures where my bags are on separate lines for roll control. From my recent trip from GDRV, I aired up the bags to bring the truck with bars to an unloaded stance at 20lbs with an empty trailer, where it handled well overall. Did I mention the roads in Michigan are not so good?

I can see there would be an advantage in having the compressor and may end up with one in the future.

Jim

howson

Thought I would mention (some you said all ideas) I carry a 115v pancake compressor in my rv storage. It runs off the rv inverter, and I carry enough hose to get to all the rv tires and truck tires. Goes to 150 psi, and has enough cfm to fill the tires quick, and run the nailer I keep for fixing trim. Also good for the bike tires and pool inflatables. If you’ve got the airlift compressor for he bags I might recommend this route. It takes up a fair amount of space, but I keep it tucked away and run it where it is, so I never need to take it out. Reasonably cheap too, they go on sale frequently at Home Depot and the like.

That is definitely a consideration. I don't have any room left in the pass-thru storage, unfortunately, so the most obvious storage location is in the truck's bed.

I like the small, quiet compressors like Harbor Freight's Fortress line.

Good catch Howard . . . one more "maintenance" item resolved . . .
Thanks
Rob