Like all coaches without an engine compressor, my Barth uses a 12 VDC air compressor for the horns.

I've had 2½ Hadleys (2 motor failures and a cylinder rebuild). The end cap kept popping off, allowing dirt into the crankcase. The Hadley pictured had a seized rotor. So I decided to get a Viair instead. The Hadley has a 23% duty cycle; the Viair, 100%. The Viair includes a replaceable air filter that can be mounted remotely, a built-in check valve, and a flexible discharge hose.

The Hadley cost $188.76 + shipping. The Viair 350C was $189 + shipping (although I got mine on Amazon for $179.95 with free shipping).


Hadley on the left; air filter is circled. Viair on the right - the grey canister is the air filter holder.

The new compressor is installed; it pumps up the horn system in about one-fourth the time.

WOW. I like the 100% duty cycle. Not only does that promise some modicum of durability, but it would be good for airing up my 4WD after running around at 8-12 psi.

It certainly pumps up faster than the typical 12 VDC portable (has a 15A draw) from an auto parts or WallyWorld.

Thanks to Rusty I found a nice ViAir 12v compressor for an onboard air system for Barth. Pressure switch, old Freon tank, gauge and some fittings and the system is mostly complete.



Decided to mount it under the sofa. There is space there and the 12V power box is close for power.





I will wire it to the heavy 12V supply. For now I'll run air hose to it to use it.

Eventually, I will install phase 2:

I will plumb an on board air system, with air available in gen compartment and other side basement, also a line to the front for air horns, a dedicated regulator for the tag axle air bags, and air for tires, etc. I will have a driver's panel switch and pressure gauge to control the system.

I'll post phase 2 soon.

Nice work! I currently have the gauge on the local manifold now, but I plan to tee it off the tank, which is in the genny compartment (up front), and move it to the dash. Gotta figure out where to put it, as the dash is getting full...

BTW, the Hadleys are set up for ~135 psi, so you may need to reset the cutout switch and put in a new gauge.

The cutout is set about 125 psi, (that gauge is not happy!) I'll eventually have a proper gauge up on the panel. Thanks again for the research on the air pump, good ones are hard to find!

Great looking job! 100% duty cycle on the air pump is fantastic how long is the run time to fill tank to pressure?

Is your pressure switch adjustable? Where are you planning on mounting air horns?

Real nice setup!

I haven't checked the fill time... I'll get back to you. The switch I have is not adjustable, it is set at 105 to 125 psi. There are adjustable ones available.

The horns are already on the top of the coach above the driver. They came with the rig! That's what got me started on this air system.

The original system had a Rube Goldberg vacuum driven air compressor running off the engine manifold vacuum. It was hooked to a small (about 1 qt) reservoir tank. Nothing worked.

I hooked the line from the horns to an air line and a cloud of crud flew out, followed by raspy noises, followed by HORNS!!! I was hooked...

Meanwhile my tag axle air bags depend on a very cheesy little belt driven compressor waiting to fail... again. The drive axle air bags also need air now and then, and tires, impact wrench, etc... I wanted an onboard system to cover all bases.

Then my buddy (?) Rusty comes along with this fancy sweet compressor a while back...

I couldn't stand it...

You definitely have a sweet setup.

Ahh it's great to already have the horns there, mine I would need to mount the horns and than find a path for the air line. Well I quess I could buy one of those portable handheld air horns and use that when I want to sound cool.

haha NOT!

quote:

Originally posted by Tom & Loraine:
You definitely have a sweet setup.

Nice job Steve!!!

Finally got around to hooking up the air system.

To my surprise, there were 2 spare breakers in the 12 V power box! I wired the compressor to one of them.



I ran a temporary 1/4 air line through the floor to the front end. It attaches to a tee with the air horn solenoid out the top. The side leg goes to a small regulator and out to the rear tag axle air bags. (The regulator limits the pressure to the bags, they can't stand over 50 psi)





I finally retired the old air bag compressor. I promised it to Jeff and Joy for a spare.



You should hear them Hadley air horns!
Eventually I will plumb in larger steel lines and some air chucks for attaching hoses to inflate tires, etc. Also I would like to install an air pressure gauge and switch on the instrument panel.