OBA - VIAIR Kit Box, "Work In Progress"

**WANRING - Kind of long and Winded :anon: **

I bought the VIAIR Constant Duty Onboard Air System about a Year and a half ago. I got a GREAT deal on it so I snagged it up. It's been sitting in the box in my garage ever since.

Yes I know I could have just gone with a CO2 tank but finding a place for a CO2 tank with all of my gear in the back of the rig is a PITA, especially when I take the family camping. I also like the idea of being able to refill the tank on the trail and I only paid $250 for the entire kit (vs. the $450 selling price today).

Here is the kit


http://www.viaircorp.com/10007.html

After I bought the kit I realized I didn't want it permanently mounted in my rig. This is my DD and I have a kid and a wife so I need the room. I did some reading and found some great ideas on how to set up similar OBA systems but all of them were permanent installs.

With that said I decided I was going to build a portable box to house the Compressor and the 2.5 Gal Tank. There was a lot of thought that went into this.
1. I had to have the box internal height and internal width to allow room for the fittings and hoses and room for it to breath.
2. At the same time I wanted it to fit in the back of the rig with the back seat up.
3. I also wanted it narrow enough so I could fit my cooler or camping bin next to it.
4. Then I wanted it strong enough to handle the weight of my camping bin if I have all 3 in the back at the same time.

Now mind you, I am not an Engineer nor am I a Carpenter :helpme:

Here is a crappy camera phone pic of where I am to date (sides, front and bottom assembled)



I am using 1/2" Standard Ply Wood along with 2" L Brackets for extra support.

Measurements:
Base Dimensions: 34" L x 18" W
Height 10" H x 33" Long
Top is 29 1/4" long. The top is a shorter in length because I cut the back at an angle that matches the angle of the back seat up to allow maximum space for fittings (more pix tonight). The top will also be cut in half and hinged so I can have access to the Compressor and Tank.
Opening in front 6"x6". I am going be adding a little door soon.

I have done some test fitting and from what I can tell everything will fit perfectly. I am going to install a computer fan next to the compressor that will be connected to the On/Off Switch. I am going to also have the On / Off switch mounted to the front of the box.

That is as far as I have gotten so far. Still need to wire the power source
and get a plug to unplug and plug it in.

Once the box is assembled and I have all of the accessories mounted then it will be covered with Grey Indoor/Outdoor Carpet.

I will be updating this with my progress over the next week.

Thx for reading -

Mark

I forgot to mention: The Air Tank will be on the Right and the Compressor will be on the back left. I am going to build a wall that seperates the compressor from where the hose will be stored (behind the door).

Wow you got a steal on that. Thats basically the cheapest youll ever get that setup. how do you like it?

Trouble said:

Wow you got a steal on that. Thats basically the cheapest youll ever get that setup. how do you like it?

Click to expand...

I'll let you know when I get it up and running....

A couple more pix with the COmpressor and Air Tank in.

Looks good, I am thinking about buying that VIAIR kit.

-Alex

I have a Viair compressor and have totally forgot I own a CO2 tank. Well worth the money!

The box is 98% complete. All I have left is to clean up some of the wiring, find a decent plug and carpet. It's not as heavy as I thought it would be. It's cumbersum though and not easy to lift in and out of the Jeep.

Fired it up last night and it holds pressure. Tested it on our bikes, filled them tires up quik

Here are a couple of pix off my camera phone.....

Split Lids and everything mounted - I decided to add the brace across the top at the last minute.

Common Ground

Pressure Gauge and Power Switch Wiring

Ground and Power run out the back


My wife is downloading the ones I took with the regular camera. Should have those in a bit.

Nice Box!

That's a sweet setup, congrats on the smokin deal those are always welcome in my book

A couple more shots. These were taken before I got it wired but the Tank and Compressor are mounted.

The Fan is in-line with the power from the Cut off Switch. When it's on the Fan is on. I worked with a couple of engineers and they said I should have the Fan pointing out and have vents on the opposite side.


Inside shots with nothing in it.



Tank and Compressor Mounted.




In the Jeep...


I am pretty happy with how it came out. :cheers:

That setup eats alot of cargo space(that will get old quick)....other than that I like it.

This is my set up.. Yours is cool, but i need more room..





under rear sit, when i run it i lift the sit up..

scottmcneal said:

This is my set up.. Yours is cool, but i need more room..

under rear sit, when i run it i lift the sit up..

Click to expand...

What compressor is that? I wonder if mine will fit under there... no problems with it overheating?

outlander said:

That setup eats alot of cargo space(that will get old quick)....other than that I like it.

Click to expand...

I hear ya and I thought about that.

I really like Scottmcneal's set up but I was concerned about banging the tank around when I put stuff in the back.
Scottmcneal - I considered putting the compressor under the seat however, I don't think it has enough room to "breath". That comressors get pretty hot and the directions state it needs plenty of air space.

The box won't be living in the Jeep - this is strictly for my trips. Part of my thought process on this was "How much space do I have?". I thought back to all of the trips I have done and realized this box will work for how much gear I bring. I have a roof rack so all of the little stuff gets thrown up there in a bag.

Appreciate the feed back - It's always welcome :wave:

can you fit a little 12v fan next to the compressor under the seat. maybe you can vent it into the cabin?:huhr maybe you can bring cool air under the seat with a fan from the cabin?