A reliable source of onboard compressed air out on the trail is not only great for airing up tires and actuating lockers, but a good system can also make short work of trail repairs because it can power air tools. We installed a Viar X'Treme Duty Onboard Air System on one of our trail rigs and have to say we were impressed with its ease of installation and performance.
The Viar X'Treme Onboard Air...
The Viar X'Treme Onboard Air System comes with two 350C compressors, inline pressure regulation, a 2-gallon air tank, air lines, regulators, and all the hardware needed to install the system. This kit is designed to air up 35-inch-tall tires efficiently, but will work for any size tire.
The X'Treme kit is a 12V system that has a duty cycle of 100 percent at 100 psi, and a maximum working pressure of 15 psi. The system isn't too much of a drain on a rig's electrical system with an amperage draw of 29 amps. If the vehicle has a good battery and a high-amperage alternator, that will help, but running the system with a stock alternator and battery is adequate.
The compressors in the kit...
The compressors in the kit are smaller than most onboard compressors, which makes this system a good choice for rigs with limited room. We mounted our compressors inside a custom toolbox built by Pro-Tech Industries.
The mounting plates for the...
The mounting plates for the compressors mount to any flat or vertical surface and are sturdy enough for the most extreme vehicles. They should be mounted away from heat sources like the vehicle's exhaust. Also, the compressors are water resistant but not waterproof, so they shouldn't be mounted where they might be submerged.
The compressors and tank are...
The compressors and tank are mounted on vibration-resistant rubber feet, which protect them in rough terrain and cut down on noise. The compressors also feature small intake filters that protect them in dusty conditions.
It's suggested to mount the...
It's suggested to mount the compressors close to your power source so there will be less amperage resistance, otherwise larger guage wire will be needed to power the compressor. The Viar kit comes with an easy-to-follow wiring diagram, fuses, relays, and wiring.
The dash panel monitoring...
The dash panel monitoring gauge can be mounted anywhere inside the cab. The gauge monitors the system's current pressure and its on- and off switch.
The entire X'Treme system...
The entire X'Treme system mounted neatly inside the Pro-Tech toolbox and didn't take up much storage space, leaving room for more trail gear.