Part 2 of 3
So you bought yourself an air horn kit for your ride. Congratulations!! There are many different applications that an air horn and a VIAIR on board air system can be install in. We cannot possible cover them all. Below are some suggestions and things to think about BEFORE you install your new air horn kit. Assured Automotive Company has been in the auto industry since 1994. The sales staff and technicians got together to give you some suggestions.
PLACEMENT OF COMPONENTS
When deciding where you are going to locate the air horn and the on board air system components you will want to pay special attention to the protection of those components.
VIAIR 20000 Series Kits: These VIAIR Plug-N-Play style kits are designed to be mounted upright with the compressor on top. Idea location for mounting would be in a truck bed or a cabinet like on a RV or boat. The reason for this is because of the drain petcock location on tank. Also if you mount the unit other than upright, condensation can build up in the check valve, corroding it and shortening the life of it.
VIAIR Under Body Kits: These VIAIR kits are the most versatile when it comes to mounting. The compressor is not mounted to the tank and this makes install a lot easier. When finding a location for the components you will want to keep it away from vehicle parts that get extremely hot, like the exhaust. In most cases you may not find room in the engine compartment for the compressor, let alone the tank. Mounting the kit under vehicle is your only option.
If ground clearance is an issue, like a car, mounting the kit in the trunk is a great option. A lot of installers make a mounting plate and actually mount the compressor and tank to it. Then, if car owner needs extra trunk space in the future the kit can easily be removed and reinstalled quickly.
Low ground clearance SUV many installers mount just the air tank in the SUV cargo area, then just mount the compressor under the vehicle. Inside or just behind the rear bumper is the most ideal spot.
If ground clearance is not an issue like on large SUVs and pickups, compressor and tank can mount easily under the vehicle. Mounting the tank to the actual under body will raise the tank high enough to it cannot be seen.
On any mounting you will want the compressor mounted to a frame rail or frame component. Mounting the compressor to a vehicle body panel will cause a vibration inside vehicle and compressor will be heard easily on the inside of vehicle. The VIAIR compressors are oilless and can be mounted upright, upside down, side ways or any which way. When locating a mounting spot you will want to consider being sure the unit is not exposed. Road debris can get throw up onto the unit causing damage to compressor. Mounting the compressor below the frame rail is discouraged.
When mounting the compressor and tank near each other, whether being in the same compartment or under the vehicle. It is a good idea to keep the compressor within 12 inches of a air tank port. This is so you can run the stainless steel braided compressor feeder line directly into the tank. This is not required to do, but it allows the compressor to fill the tank more efficiently.
The staff at Assured Automotive Company would be more than happy to assist you with any install or mounting questions you may have. We are sure you will enjoy your NEW Assured Performance Air Horn for years to come.