Installing Klein Air Horns on a Ford Super Duty

Using an existing onboard air system to run air horns. The installation shows how to wire a relay to tap into the factory horn. Includes grill removal.
Klein Air Horns: amzn.to/2LJKp70
Viair compressor kit: amzn.to/3oYICPj

[@t_train3796]

I like your style. Straight to the point, providing amplifying info when necessary without any bullshit or belaboring!

[@KeepYourDaydream]

My boys would like air horns... and I'm a good dad.

[@joespanojr]

Keep Your Daydream When Marc from KYD comments on your video you know you’ve made it to the big leagues 😂

[@robcalif6337]

I landed here, because I had KYD envy of Marc's air horn, full circle. Haha

[@suburbanhobbyist2752]

@@robcalif6337 Same here. Watched KYD's air horn video and now I'm researching! This isn't a question of want....I NEEEEED an air horn!

[@donsvideos1985]

Love your channel. When I grow up I wan to be like you. :) I just got an F250 gasser and will be doing the Airhorn mod. first to rig the upfitter switch's and get the air system :/

[@nickzalan4762]

I knew I would see you here haha!

[@brianmcintyre6407]

Super clean easy tutorial. Nicely done.

[@BigTruckBigRV]

I use the same Klein horns and they sound much larger than they look. Great video sir

[@EpicCowlick]

They're slightly less loud as the Horn Blasters but only by a little bit. They are a lot cheaper though.

[@I5ZQ8]

Fancy seeing you here!!

[@ernestoalicea4594]

Beautiful installation and fab work ... 👍

[@armedprophet3321]

I am a firefighter and sometimes I have to drive the trucks, they have a foot switch and it’s so easy and better. If you need to use the airborne you just use your left foot. Great when some jack leg pulls out in front of you, you don’t have to flip a switch or anything. Great videos and I like your attention to detail. Thanks

[@EpicCowlick]

You're used to real air horns then! I do leave the horn switch on and only disable it when I need to use just the factory horn. Funny to watch when I've taken it to the dealer for warranty work. ;)

[@donsvideos1985]

I wish I could like this more! Great job and ideas!

[@melonhead1676]

very patient filming this video. Kudos! Very organized and informative. Much appreciated!

[@EpicCowlick]

Thanks!

[@billygoatct]

Great video!!! You take pride in your work. That's a lost art. 🙌🍻🐐

[@jerryknorr679]

Very nice , never put one in since I couldn't find room in grill area never crossed my mind to put horn under truck. Thanks for the idea. Great video

[@EpicCowlick]

The sound coming out from under the truck is plenty loud. Lots of options under there.

[@I5ZQ8]

Really neat way of wiring everything.

[@EpicCowlick]

Pretty straight forward. Relays can be difficult but they're no biggie when you get used to them.

[@solowfrful]

That brings up a question, what is the purpose of the relay and what relay did you use? Sorry that was two questions, not one.

[@_iron_patriot7018]

thats some beautiful wiring

[@scuddrunner1]

That is so cool!! Thanks for the video.

[@EpicCowlick]

Glad you liked it!

[@dhyde9207]

Never even heard of "solder embedded shrink to fit connectors". Excellent product.

[@EpicCowlick]

I use them all the time now. Seem to work fine.

[@code3responsevideos872]

Normally the longer the horns the deeper the sound. So something around 20-24 inches has a deep sound. The Wolo Chief horn has a great deep sound.

[@marcellopasini]

Very nice!!

[@EpicCowlick]

Thanks!

[@evanwest8778]

Any thoughts on using a T-Tap for the factory horn power vs the shrink and solder you used? Great video - best explanation of this style of solution I've found.

[@Joe333x]

Going to be doing a similar set up with the Viair but going with Hadley horns for the true big rig sound. Thanks for thrpe video for some good ideas

[@EpicCowlick]

It's a fun project

[@rvchipster]

I just bought one that came with a tiny air compressor in the kit. Just wondering if you knew any specifications on these add on horns as to the psi they run on. I would have thought the high pressure of your Viair would be too much without a step down regulator. Love your videos.

[@EpicCowlick]

The little compressor cannot run an air horn. Nowhere near enough air to do that. The airhorns can handle a lot of air at pretty high pressure. They all have a little different specification so you can check on that. The viair tank is at 150 psi and the horns handle that just fine, no need to reduce. As a matter of fact, if you keep them blowing you'll notice the tone of the horn fall off when the pressure drops below a 100 psi-ish. These horns are not the really loud ones. I had a set of Rocker horns by Horn Blasters and they were quite a bit louder but they also require 3/8 hose above 120 psi to have full tone. This particular Klein set runs well off 1/4 inch hose.

[@mvaldez3760]

Nice shirt🤙

[@GabrielGomez-hu2zx]

Great video. Awesome detail. What size relay did you buy and from?

[@EpicCowlick]

Standard 30 amp automotive relay that can be found at any automotive supply.

[@ernestoalicea4594]

So big big up to the father son team for the Fabrication insight, I changed it a bit to fit what was needed for my install and what was on hand .... 👍 thank you .. got er' all bolted in and ready to go ... I can not figure the train horn in the wiring... keeping the train horn separate... ?? Any help would be much appreciated

[@EpicCowlick]

Thanks. We love doing these little projects together. If I understand your question right, the air horns are not "separate" in terms of the whole circuit. They blow only when the factory horn is pressed and the overhead switch is turned on. You can't hear the factory horn but it is sounding. I use the positive line on the factory horn as one of the inputs to the relay. The other input is the overhead switch on the Ford. The relay will only send power to the air horn if it gets power from both inputs. Kind of a "this plus this makes that happen" kind of thing. I'm not sure if this is what you're looking for but it's classic relay wiring. It's not intuitive at first but anyone can understand it given enough tries.

[@ernestoalicea4594]

@@EpicCowlick correct for your wiring ... but I want to run the train horn and compressor all by its self ...

[@chrisfowler4007]

Did you tie the negative of the air horn solenoid to the little ground stub you made? Nice video.

[@EpicCowlick]

That's right. It's really not necessary to bring it all the way forward to that point though. It could have grounded anywhere right next to the solenoid.

[@makefitdepartment8621]

what is the name of the brass tubing fitting that you are using and where can I get some?

[@robertjones5669]

What gauge wire did you use? Thank you for a very easy to follow video.

[@EpicCowlick]

I used some wire that was left over from another project. It was thicker than needed but works fine.

[@Eric2010MCX2]

Which model Klein horn did you install?

[@matkam2220]

Perfect job, the system what you installed comes with everything and can you tell me what system you have? Thanks

[@EpicCowlick]

The airhorns are supplied by an onboard Viair compressor and tank system. Video is on the channel.

[@72FrostyOne]

There’s times to honk your horn and there’s times to honk your horn, especially in Utah at Idaho drivers. 😂

[@revvvrand]

I feel like I just watched my dad show me one of his dad-level tricks. Cool for sure, but he thinks it's way cooler than everyone else does.

[@EpicCowlick]

lol. I have plenty of those.

[@suzukirider3980]

ok saw the relay hook up and understood that part what happened to the other wire from the horn that I missed sorry hope you can understand what I mean ok thank you

[@stevenhernandez7721]

Did you use the same brackets you made to mount the horn to mount your air compressor or did you make an additional bracket?

[@EpicCowlick]

Check the channel for a video of installing the Viair system on the truck. I use a simple new system to mount the compressors and tank.

[@marcoperez4585]

How did you do the diagram for electric

[@brandoncoleman8514]

What tank did you use? The Amazon link is only for the horns and solenoid.

[@EpicCowlick]

The truck has a Viair compressor and tank system on it. Look for that video on the channel.

[@montydabarber9439]

Did you run the power for the compressor to the outfitter as well?

[@EpicCowlick]

Magnetic Gray

[@dzadas]

When you connected to the stock horn what wire did you connect to. It was hard to tell in the video since they were crossed and you didn’t mention too or bottom

[@EpicCowlick]

Good question. One of the wires carries 12v when the horn is pressed and the other doesn't. Use a voltmeter to confirm which one.

[@MatgyverATX]

So I think someone else asked the question but on my old truck I had a separate switch for my train horns, this truck I like the idea of using the upfitter switch to turn it off and on but I would keep the upfitter switch on all the time so does that mean when I get out of the running car with my keys in my pocket and the factory horn beeps twice does the air horn then honk twice too?

[@EpicCowlick]

Yeah, that would be a nightmare. I've disabled the double beep with FORScan so that's not a problem. There is a positive side though. I can start the truck remotely and then hit the panic button when someone walks by. ;)

[@MatgyverATX]

EpicCowlick see that’s the other thing I didn’t think of. Since I’ve bought the truck two weeks ago I’ve accidentally hit the panic button with it in my pocket. Then I fumble with the keys for a while before I can turn it off. I can’t imagine if that was my train horn. You could say just turn the upfitter off but most of the time when I use the train horn it’s a quick reaction to someone cutting me off or needs my attention and I don’t want the extra step of hitting the upfitter. Now unless the upfitter is the switched power when the truck is off the air horn should be disabled right?

[@EpicCowlick]

@@MatgyverATX Right. The way it's relayed the upfitter switch must be turned on AND the engine running for the air horn to work. I leave mine switched on 99% of the time and only turn it off if I have some reason to make sure it doesn't sound. Like if you take the truck in for safety inspection and they test the signals, horn, etc. Maybe you'd turn it off for a valet or something. There are times that I can think of. Just make sure you disable the double honk. That's annoying enough even without the air horn.

[@CristianoTurbinnMiami]

You taught how to install the horn but didnt go into details on how to do it, is there a way you can teach step by step of the electrical part?

[@user-bk3qg1it4z]

Can you post link to relay?

[@robertjones5669]

one more - can you show more detail on how you connected to upfitter 3? Thanks

[@EpicCowlick]

8:18 on the video.

[@darren6790]

BTBRV is watching your videos! You need to quit your day job and post more videos!

[@monkfactor5929]

Okay have 2017 250 I have no upfitter switches like you but love the way you can turn them off any ideas I really don't want to mess it up

[@EpicCowlick]

You can buy switches individually at any automotive store. But you'd also need another relay and make sure it's fused properly. You'd be free put a switch anywhere you want to but then again, that's why the factory upfitters are so cool. I hear they are really hard to install after the fact.

[@monkfactor5929]

@@EpicCowlick Ya I would be happy with a horn button and relay and a shut off but the relay hook up is most difficult since I was thinking of using wheel horn or stock but making all look good is not my forte just wish there was a good digram to follow on the whole process but thank you for getting back to me

[@rhengst22]

Anyway you can shoot me a message with how you mounted the tank and compressor?

[@EpicCowlick]

Video on the channel shows it in detail. Good luck!

[@matthewv3989]

I want to install an air horn kit on my truck but I’m not sure what type of relay to buy. Any suggestion on how to find the one I need? Please note I am terrible when it comes to knowing things about car wiring. Thanks.

[@EpicCowlick]

Any air horn "Kit" is going to have the solenoid included. Maybe look for a kit that includes one and you won't have to worry about getting the right one. Two wires and one air line. Pretty easy.

[@dontblameme6328]

Just get a 30A Bosch relay. About $8 at any auto parts store.

[@shawnherzog826]

TJ, why did you put the relay inside the cab of the truck and had a slightly different wiring system to the relay back in your 2012 set up video, as opposed to having the relay under the hood this time? Does it make a difference? Was there any wiring difference? Thanks for any reply comments.

[@EpicCowlick]

The only difference is the upfitter switch wires. 2011-2016 they are located under the dash. 2017 + is a much easier to access location under the hood. Wiring is the same.

[@shawnherzog826]

@@EpicCowlick thank you sir.

[@shawnherzog826]

@@EpicCowlick after reviewing the two videos again, it seems like you used two slightly different wiring methods on the relay... What I mean is, on the 2012 video, you said: • 4-way relay as follows: • 86 is the GROUND to the truck • 87 is the POSITIVE side of the SOLENOID from the AIR HORN • 30 is the SIGNAL LINE from the OEM Factory Horn Positive Line • 85 goes to the UPFITTER 3 (POWER, min 25AMP). • Powerline from UPFITTER #2 to the compressor Yet in 2019 you stated: • 4-way relay as follows: • 87 is the POSITIVE side of the SOLENOID from the AIR HORN • 85 is the GROUND stub (as displayed in the video) • 86 is the SIGNAL LINE from the OEM Factory Horn Positive Line • 30 goes to the UPFITTER 3 (POWER, min 25AMP). I'm guessing in this 2019 job you didn't wire the compressor right to an additional up fitter switch as you did in 2012 either? Just curious why? And also why the terminal numbers changed as to what wire went where on the relays if you can help me out? Thanks.

[@EpicCowlick]

@@shawnherzog826 It looks like you've done your research. I can't explain any differences without diving back into it myself. The 2011 and the 2017 are using the upfitters in the same way. The big difference with the 2017 is the two new switches rated at 40 amps each. The dual compressors are using #5.

[@EpicCowlick]

@@shawnherzog826 I'm not in a place where I can look it up, but you can Google a standard four post relay and see how it should be done.

[@nickadams2951]

I recommend using a fuse tap to the fuse box rather than splicing the factory wire. For my train horns, I created a 100% plug and play harness just in case there might be an issue in the future. But good job on your installation.

[@EpicCowlick]

Great tip. I know a lot of guys do that.

[@mvc00134]

So you use a separate switch to activate the horns rather than the factory horn button?

[@EpicCowlick]

@@mvc00134 The air horns are activated at the same time as the factory horn. No separate switch. The upfitter switch is used to disable the horn so I have the option to use the factory horn only. Upfitter Off = factory horn only, Upfitter On = Both horns sound.

[@mvc00134]

@@EpicCowlick Thanks Epic. My question was directed to Nicola Touma - was wondering what he was doing to activate the horns (the "beep beep button") since he said he didn't splice into the factory wire like you did. I figured that would probably require a separate button if done that way, correct? Is there a way to use a fuse tap to get a voltage when the factory horn button is pushed? I thought fuse taps gave you a separate source of power for whatever use but I guess if you tap off of the horn fuse (?) in a creative way you could do it that way?

[@EpicCowlick]

@@mvc00134 Understood. I'm assuming he's saying to tap into the fuse that operates the horn. If so, he would need a separate switch and that would be a pain.

[@robertjones5669]

Also - where did you mount your relay?

[@EpicCowlick]

Tucked it up underneath the fender lip right behind the battery.

[@rogelioillescas8469]

Great video man!! I just have one question, did you cut the positive or negative wire on the factory horn?

[@EpicCowlick]

Good question. I tried to clarify in the comment at 4:30. Make sure you tap into the positive wire, not the negative wire. Since both are black, it is confusing. Follow the yellow wire above the connector and that is the correct one.

[@rhengst22]

What size ubolts are those?

[@EpicCowlick]

It's just All-Thread bar bent to whatever size needed. Watch the video where I install the airbags and it's shown there.

[@Brooklyn-gz4wv]

Are you using another uplifted to power the compressor

[@EpicCowlick]

Yes, upfitter #5 runs the dual compressors because it and #6 are rated at 40 amps. 1-4 are rated at 25 amps. #3 for air horn solenoid, #4 for airbag solenoid and #5 for compressors.

[@Brooklyn-gz4wv]

Thanks. Perfect

[@yosefbenyah8732]

I did EXACTLY what you did and cannot get the horns working

[@Methos3769]

Where did you get the u Bolts and what size are they?

[@EpicCowlick]

It's just a length of All-Thread bar that I bent as needed. Watch the airbag install video for details.

[@kevinhillman5452]

Ok, wait. Is it possible I can just buy this and wire it right to my battery? I have an existing PA speaker with an extra wire that I can connect the horn too. So why can't I connect that and then run it through the firewall to the battery?

[@EpicCowlick]

Sure, you can wire it any way you want. You can always use a separate switch without a relay and power the air horn solenoid that way. The reason for tapping into the OEM horn is to be able to use the steering wheel center pad as the air horn switch. I use a relay as a safety to make sure the air horn only sounds when the engine is running. Tieing anything directly into the battery is a bit sketchy due to the possibility of running a battery down unintentionally. There's a dozen different ways to do it any a hundred reasons for each.

[@Brooklyn-gz4wv]

I know it's a older video. But can u tap into the horn line from the connector

[@EpicCowlick]

Sure can. I just find it easier to tap next to the horns than to try to find the wire in the harness or under the fuse box. Personal preference but the result is the same.

[@Brooklyn-gz4wv]

EpicCowlick , thank you. Just have to tap the right line. All the best

[@christopherdale354]

Hey how did you mount Air tank and air pump?

[@EpicCowlick]

Check out my channel. There's a whole install video on that.

[@christopherdale354]

@@EpicCowlick thank you! Are you familiar with forScan I want to run my fog lights with high beams on. I wasn’t sure if it would leave a Trace on computer.

[@driftkingofforzatrueameric991]

Why can't I find a video that shows me how to change a horn on a 1986 F150 super cap!?

[@suzukirider3980]

Sorry a tad unclear the aux is the one sending power to ur air and the power from regular horn is of when aux is on sorry I'm plaining on installing air horns along with on board air and air lift set up as well any info would be appreciated ok thank you so much enjoying ur videos and thanks

[@EpicCowlick]

2 upfitter switches are used for this. One to power the onboard air and another to power the air horn solenoid. The solenoid opens when the factory horn is pressed AND the upfitter switch is set to on.

[@suzukirider3980]

@@EpicCowlick ok sorry could I use a regular aux switch instead of an upfitter those isn't cheap LOL plus I'm using this in my Dodge ram thanks

[@capitalr8649]

Does the tank air up when u push on the horn? Mines does

[@EpicCowlick]

As soon as the pressure in the tank drops below 110 psi, the compressor will run to bring it back to 150 psi. So yes, if the pressure in the tank is at say, 115 psi and you honk the horn, the pressure will drop below the threshold and fire up the compressor.

[@capitalr8649]

@@EpicCowlick I rectified my issue by using a switch power source to pin 86 as oppose to having my factory horn to that pin.

[@dannymorgan3927]

What model of Klein is that?

[@EpicCowlick]

There's a link in the video description. These are not the BIG ones but still get the job done.

[@thiefofdreams]

Have you got out of the truck running with key in your pocket and blown your ear drums yet with that annoying chirp function?

[@MatgyverATX]

I’d love to know the answer for this too

[@67L48]

Most people turn off all of those annoying chirps with FORScan. It's free and takes about 10 minutes.

[@herveyforward5956]

That was alitttle fast can you post a simple schematic. When you blow the horn with the upfitter switch both blow ?

[@EpicCowlick]

They both blow, you just can't hear the factory horn. The upfitter switch enables and disables the air horn.

[@gotcheese9163]

Why not horn blasters horns again?

[@EpicCowlick]

The HB Shockers that I had on the other truck didn't always work well. Sometimes only one horn would blow. I figured I'd try these cheaper ones that only use the quarter inch hose. They work great so far (which has only been a month). They also are not as "big" sounding but they still are loud.

[@coldalaskan007]

your Upfitter switches should have the relays built in already.

[@shawnherzog826]

ColdAlaskan73, please explain, for my own knowledge. How would you wire this system in. All of these wires directly into the upfitters?

[@ryanfreebird1982]

Nice work.. But compressors mounted upside down don’t last and manufactures say not to do it. Anyway besides upside down. They last the longest facing strait up not sideways. Annoying but true. Just wanted to tell u. But 5 stars on the work quality

[@EpicCowlick]

Still working!

[@drownplayz]

a

[@sodiesarin1]

That kind of horn will get your Ass beat in New York

[@86royal420]

who the hell would want to live in that shithole let alone drive through it and honk theyre horn.

[@williamcarballo6658]

Why you don’t show how put the air tank