Onboard Compressor Installed Behind Bumper

[BigMF]

Just wrapped up my install of a Viair compressor. While installing my DV8 bumper and winch, I noticed there was large volume of space behind the plastic bumper, below the headlights on both sides. I fabricated a bracket and welded it to the DV8 bumper. The compressor fits perfectly and I was easily able to run the inlet and outlet hoses up for easy access and protection from water crossings. The compressor itself is waterproof and able to withstand being completely submerged for short periods of time. I did have to make one minor adjustment to the fog light due to the wiring harness/plug that was very close to the compressor body. I was worried about the heat coming off the compressor so I just shifted the plug to a slightly different position.

Inlet and Outlet both bolted with OEM bolts that were already present in the locations and securing something else. It's great when you can find a bolt that can be used for securing multiple things!

 

[AgRN16]

Impressive work!!

 

[RideWithYanu]

Very clean install.

 

[EOD Guy]

That's a clean install! I had initially started going for that location, as my install on my Taco is almost in the same place, but 3/4 through figuring out how to get the bumper cover off, I noticed the large space between the ECU and fuse box, so I went that route.

 

[jay3253]

I have the same compressor. I wanted to remove and replace the hose coming from the top of the compressor because the one that is on it is inconvenient. I contacted the company they said it should not be replaced becauseit has a oneway valve that is needed for itsoperation. How did you shorten or replace you hose?

 

[BigMF]

I have the same compressor. I wanted to remove and replace the hose coming from the top of the compressor because the one that is on it is inconvenient. I contacted the company they said it should not be replaced becauseit has a oneway valve that is needed for itsoperation. How did you shorten or replace you hose?

If you pull back the label that they wrap around the connection you’ll see that it’s just a hex nut that is something like 5/8 or 9/16.

The connection itself is a standard 1/4NPT. There are plenty of options on Amazon for replacement hoses. I went with a stainless steel braided option and swivel right angle connector as you may be able to see from the pictures.

 

[jay3253]

If you pull back the label that they wrap around the connection you’ll see that it’s just a hex nut that is something like 5/8 or 9/16.

The connection itself is a standard 1/4NPT. There are plenty of options on Amazon for replacement hoses. I went with a stainless steel braided option and swivel right angle connector as you may be able to see from the pictures.

Company told me there is a one way valve it the hose. I have yet to install mine (under the cover where they hybrid battery is) so I can still make the change easily. So, nothing in the hose that I need to keep?

 

[BigMF]

Good point and I honestly hadn't even thought about the check valve. I've just ordered one from Amazon and will install it between the air hose and the ARB air chuck at the top.

Regarding your install location, where exactly are you going to put it? I didn't think thre was enough room anywhere near the hybrid battery.

 

[jay3253]

These guys are putting an auxiliary battery under there and they say it works for both the 5 and 7 seat versions. If there is room for that there is probably room for the air compressor. I will be looking this weekend as it is finally cool enough.

 

[BigMF]

Have you taken the covers off of the hybrid battery yet? Based on what I'm seeing in that video, the Aussie version appears to have a much smaller hybrid system than ours but I may be wrong. Below is what it looks like when you take the covers off. I don't have a picture of what it looks like once you take that metal "cage" off but if I recall correctly, there no space in there like there is in the video of the Aussie one.

@EOD Guy might have some pictures with the "cage" off so you can see if there is enough space to cram a compressor in there. Even if there was, I'd be a little concerned about putting one in there due to the heat that they put off and the negative impact it could have on the hybrid system.

From the front. The space in front of the hybrid system is for that plastic storage tray right behind the rear seat.

From the rear. The fpace behind the hybrid system is for that plastic storage tray just in front of the rear threshhold (obviously).

 

[jay3253]

I agree Im pulling it off just see what is under there to get a better idea of location. I have had the front bumper off and the location shown under that looks really promising. I am running power up there directly from the battery anyway so if the back doesn't pan out I'll still locate it there. I have to run power to the front and back to Anderson plugs anyway. Im also going to run airlines to the front and back also.

 

[EOD Guy]

You would have to leave the storage trays off or cut them up in order to put the compressor in either the front or rear locations. Additionally the compressor would most likely have to be laid on it's side and that would be more of a concern for me. There's only about 1" between the top of the battery cover and the battery

I mounted mine under the hood, just in front of the Dvr's side fuse box (see my build page) I went to a hydraulic hose shop and had a custom hose made (it was spendy tho).

 

[mobin_ch]

View attachment 44031

These guys are putting an auxiliary battery under there and they say it works for both the 5 and 7 seat versions. If there is room for that there is probably room for the air compressor. I will be looking this weekend as it is finally cool enough.

When you open it up. Post some pics, thanks

 

[fftfk]

Very nice install!

 

[jay3253]

View attachment 43781

I don't supposed you have picture of this plate or a drawing?

 

[ultane]

Just wrapped up my install of a Viair compressor. While installing my DV8 bumper and winch, I noticed there was large volume of space behind the plastic bumper, below the headlights on both sides. I fabricated a bracket and welded it to the DV8 bumper. The compressor fits perfectly and I was easily able to run the inlet and outlet hoses up for easy access and protection from water crossings. The compressor itself is waterproof and able to withstand being completely submerged for short periods of time. I did have to make one minor adjustment to the fog light due to the wiring harness/plug that was very close to the compressor body. I was worried about the heat coming off the compressor so I just shifted the plug to a slightly different position.

View attachment 43782

View attachment 43780

View attachment 43781

Inlet and Outlet both bolted with OEM bolts that were already present in the locations and securing something else. It's great when you can find a bolt that can be used for securing multiple things!

View attachment 43783

View attachment 43784

How much weight does that bumper add to Elsie?

 

[BigMF]

I don't supposed you have picture of this plate or a drawing?

This is the best I can do. It is NOT to scale and I just eyeballed it when I was making it. I just made sure the "arms" were long enough and in the right place on the angle iron before welding them on. Then used the compressor itself as a template to mark and drill the holes for the bolts. Lastly, I welded the whole thing to the DV8 bumper.

 

[BigMF]

How much weight does that bumper add to Elsie?

I think the bumper itself is about 65 pounds but you remove the aluminum crash bar and two steel brackets, which probably combine for 30-40 pounds if I had to guess. So, between the weight difference and the winch, I probably added about 75 pounds to the front. Not ideal but worth it if it gets me out of a ditch or snow drift or off a mountain.

 

[ultane]

I wish I had skills like some of you guys….

 

[ultane]

I think the bumper itself is about 65 pounds but you remove the aluminum crash bar and two steel brackets, which probably combine for 30-40 pounds if I had to guess. So, between the weight difference and the winch, I probably added about 75 pounds to the front. Not ideal but worth it if it gets me out of a ditch or snow drift or off a mountain.

Can you tell a difference in ride quality.. smoothness, etc?