Air Supply
A necessary addition to the build, we needed a way to inflate tires, operate air lockers in the differentials and even run air tools like an impact wrench. After looking at various compressors available on the market, we decided on a powerful compressor built for use on tow trucks and other industrial vehicles. Made by Oasis Air, the units are manufactured in California.
You can look at the photos below individually with the descriptions, or open a "picture only" slideshow here.
Air Supply Build Sequence
The open area behind the passenger seat, underneath the new rear deck, was sufficient in size for even the large Oasis air compressor.
The volume output by this compressor was large, so this meant that there was a great deal of heat generated by the pump head when it ran for extended periods. So sufficient space around the head for air cooling was necessary.
The compressor unit is powered by a winch motor, so larger power leads were needed.
The deep cycle batteries were going to be mounted behind the drivers seat, under the deck, so we were able to keep the power leads short.
The compressor is low maintenance. But we did need to be able to check the pump head oil level. This was accomplished by removing the passenger seat to access the side of the pump head where the oil filler is located.
With the removable part of the deck back in place, the compressor is well hidden out of the way. Only the air filter is exposed, and this was protected by the truck box when it was in position.
A nice clean installation.
The compressor air lines run through the floor and down to the water separator, air tank and distribution block.
The assembly on the far left has the two electric solenoids to route the air to the front and rear differential air lockers. They are wired into two switches on the dash so they can be operated separately.
The blue airlines were run to the front bumper and the rear bumper as shown here. This provides an air outlet front and rear for tire filling etc.