Installing Viair Onboard Air Compressor System

[@diokaef]

That’s how you make good kids for the future, you are a good father man

[@guillermokylen3818]

instablaster

[@Tyerone1337]

Black dads, pay attention if you want your child to be somebody

[@madhatr02]

I used your last Viar tutorial to put the system on my 2011. Now I get to use this one to put it on my 2017. Keep the vids coming

[@Steddy6.7]

All us other “Joe Average’s” are glad you’re back too!

[@DaDavidVids]

You found a new subscriber! I love thorough, thoughtful truck mods and how you recognize the value of teaching your son. Can't wait to see what else y'all have done.

[@EpicCowlick]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@bajar.m.6953]

Nice job, nice to have your son working with you I feel proud for you two. So he can follow your legacy. 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

[@jeffcampbell5269]

Wow man, it’s been awhile but you have NOT lost your fastball! Great project and well documented, as always. I sure have missed you posting.

[@EpicCowlick]

Fastball... that's awesome. Thanks.

[@InsertGenericNameHere]

One of the greatest install videos around on this topic. Thanks for the info.

[@EpicCowlick]

Glad it was helpful!

[@brysonrodden5112]

I'm definitely using that u bolt mounting technique. I have a middle side exit exhaust system so there is a little extra space under my F150. There is a frame crossbeam I want to mount my air horns to. My air system is in the bed on a board that is easily removable if I need to use more of the bed. I did a larger rear block so I have the leftover U bolts from that. I went with an air horn kit from air horns of Texas. The horn is VERY loud, it only has one pump but I don't think I need the two.

[@dangerdoberman]

My dog is 100% duty cycle as well. Much obliged for the video!

[@darren6790]

He’s alive! Welcome back and always enjoy your videos.

[@jerryknorr679]

Very nice, nice that ur son gave u a helping hand. Great video. Thanks

[@themirtichs3495]

Great video. I have been looking for a simple yet detailed enough video on this and you and your son nailed it! Thank you!

[@EpicCowlick]

Thanks. It's a fun little project.

[@brianayles4454]

Exactly what I want to do with my 2021 F350. Thanks!

[@mattgraham7874]

I enjoy your videos and thanks for taking the time to do them. For what it's worth, when it comes to drilling holes in any of the hardened metal on the Ford, you'd want to drastically lower the RPMs and drastically increase the force applied. Case in point, when I first attempted to drill holes in my overload springs (to install torklift stable loads), I concluded it was borderline impossible. I also ended up chipping on of my drill bits. By the time I made it to the 4th hole, I'm guessing I was down in the 300-400rpm range and didn't need to use any lubricant or cutting oil to go all the through the thick overload spring. I kept the force high by using a regular old trigger clamp on the back of the drill.

[@bbcooter388]

Nice Install, I swear when you showed up in a Tie and Dress Shirt, I was ready to buy Solar Panels or a Water Treatment System !!!

[@EpicCowlick]

Lol. Sunday afternoon and just came back from church.

[@noonespecific9463]

The cover on the quick connect is a good idea!

[@samsungtaco11]

great video i have the single viair compressor ready to go on my 18 f150. thanks for sharing.

[@johnshuler8688]

Great clean installation.I can tell you’re not a farmer. I believe up fitter switch 4&5 can be set up to be hot all the time FYI. Great video. Thank you!

[@EpicCowlick]

Not a farmer but in my heart I'm one!

[@wb6anp]

wow, we have missed your vids, you have been missing a long time. lol

[@EpicCowlick]

Always busy in a good way. It was fun to finally have a truck project.

[@chiefexecutive]

I like they way this was done. Nice job

[@ZachBrimhall]

Nice going. Teaching valuable info and skills to your son. Nice work too👍🏻

[@EpicCowlick]

Thanks 👍

[@Mike38901]

Good to see you again sir. Great install video

[@gullf1sk]

My man wrenching in a suit and tie. Right on.

[@WaterandWoodsmen]

I used to cut the all thread a bunch of small cuts and bend it but I like your way

[@EpicCowlick]

It's pretty easy.

[@tjp111]

Great video! Really looking forward to how you tackle the wireless integration! I’ve been pondering the same myself. 👍🏻

[@EpicCowlick]

Just finished today. It works like a charm and so fast. There's two tricks to make it work and it's basically to remove the compressor and replace it with a 12V solenoid. The manifold behaves exactly as if the compressor is still in the loop. Video coming!

[@TerryOneal-im4vk]

Great video, did I miss the wireless integration video?

[@lightskinwithabike1643]

Great idea on mounting air tank and compressor!

[@oby-1607]

Really well presented. I need something like this for an air bag system.

[@EpicCowlick]

Thanks. That's what I use if for among all the other awesome things you can do with onboard air.

[@jehlybean636]

FINALLY YOU'RE BACK!

[@videtosk]

So after 3 years how have the pumps held up mounted under the truck? I've seen where Viair says to mount them in a dry location. Nice video.

[@leje-zj4dr]

Good to see a new vid!

[@SSMaynerd]

Good job. I have never had good luck with the type of solder connectors.

[@EpicCowlick]

Interesting. They've never failed for me. How did they not work for you?

[@isaactjones]

Nice man! That looks like a lot of fun, wish I was there

[@michaelbickoff4876]

Love your videos missed them lol keep them coming

[@clerissonmesquita]

Great job guys, thank you so much for your invaluable information, highly appreciate it, have a great day, keep it up the outstanding work.

[@EpicCowlick]

Glad it helped.

[@markficheroux3729]

Top video looks great need this on my truck very informative lots of detail

[@EpicCowlick]

Thanks. It's a fun project.

[@neil4634]

Great project to tackle with your son!

[@ShinyRedGrapple]

Very nice and Professional installation

[@EpicCowlick]

Thanks

[@Abdul-mh5zh]

Clean, and nicely done. Good job!

[@screamindemon811]

Nice job guys, the Uboilt idea is pretty clever and I see you re used some of the items for install from the last one you did on the old SD, works like a charm, got to say that is pretty impressive that it can fill that tire in under 5 minutes, I can see where that could come in really hand when youyr on the road even more so when your pulling a trailer. Boy Mr T Micheal is sure getting big, pretty soon your going to be looking up to him and he is still growing yet and still good to see he's in there learning and helping out. You have to give us a Sate of The Superduty address, and let us know what you like, dont like versus the your old SD and new SD and any issues that you ran into other than the one we know of. Looks good nice to see ya back after a hiatus.

[@EpicCowlick]

I'm afraid I'm already looking up to Michael. Problem is that he's going up and I'm going down. lol. This model is really a nice upgrade. My only real complaint is the seats. i've really had to play with them to get them to a point that they don't bug me. So saggy. Having said that, my wife loves the massage feature so it's a trade off. No complaints otherwise. Just pulled the trailer to San Diego and back, about 2,000 miles in all. Amazing in every way.

[@jasonwarren3714]

I'm about to do this for my 2013 f250. I wish you were my neighbor! LOL!

[@lightskinwithabike1643]

Could you go over how you wired the compressor/air tank with the up fitter switches?

[@ewolf80]

Afternoon, been a while since this video was posted but hoping you may see this. Planning on installing same system on my F-250 this week. Was wondering how it held up. The compressor seems a little more exposed to the elements than if it were above the spare tire. But that is a much more challenging install. Would love to hear your thoughts. Thanks again!

[@steelfist65]

Awesome video. Glad to see that everything is going OK!

[@404-UsernameNotFound]

After 3 years, how have the compressors held up underneath the vehicle? Especially curious with the Utah snow and salted roads.

[@EpicCowlick]

They are working great. No leaks or any problem.

[@robertpirani4344]

Just a tip, before you solder shrink the two wires together you should tin the ends.

[@bbcooter388]

That would not work with these connectors. Because, the solder in the connector is low temperature and you would never get the solder on the tinned wires to melt with the heat gun.

[@I5ZQ8]

Eyyy welcome back!!

[@trevorlawhorn3586]

I see one side of the pressure switch was tapped into the ground, was the positive side tapped into the upfitter switch going to terminal 30?

[@ninjazxd]

You can wire the pressure switch to switch off the ground feed to the compressor.

[@EpicCowlick]

Great tip!

[@mrmotofy]

To mount an air coupler or fitting through the bumper cab or other panel use a bulkhead fitting with the appropriate sized pipe threads. Larger is better

[@e.j.bukont6717]

Love the videos! Was hoping I could get a little more info on the mounting setup you used. I have the same truck (down to the color...) and I am working on installing the same on board air system. In order to get the tank up above the running board brackets did you simply stack 2 pieces of 1" square aluminum or is there some other trick to it in order to have enough height to clear the brackets? Did you double stack all the mounts in order to get them higher up under the truck? Hope you and your family are well and thanks for any light you can shed on the project!

[@EpicCowlick]

We are all well, thanks. There was no double stacking. Turned out the tank hangs on only one square tube. Notice at 3:55 in the video how the back of the tank actually rests on the top of the step bracket. When the front u bolt is tightened down, it actually twists the square tube and holds the tank down with a fair amount of force against the bracket. The tank ends up in a slight down-forward pitch towards the water drain valve. It is not perfectly horizontal to the truck frame. I actually inspected it yesterday to see how it was doing and it's fine. Still tight and no wear on the tank or bracket. This was a lucky part of the install. Never planned that but it has turned out great.

[@e.j.bukont6717]

@@EpicCowlick Thank you for that explanation! I was trying to figure out how to make a mount that held it up there, glad I asked before fabricating a ton of stuff that didn't work when the answer was simple! OK, back to lying under the truck trying to avoid dropping things on my head while I install them! Take care!

[@Mxrider909]

Viair recommends not mounting the compressors upside down for heat dissipation issues, have you noticed if they get extra hot or have issues ?

[@EpicCowlick]

That's right. I have used the old hand on the compressor test and have yet to feel any uncomfortable temps. Even after refilling all four tires a few weeks ago. Viair warns that the compressor can burn the skin and I haven't felt anything close to that. That's not to say I dismiss the warning but it may be mitigated in my case due to the compressors being out in the open air. Things would be very different if they were mounted inside a protective box or in the cabin. I also considered mounting them as directed with the square aluminum tube on the bottom of the frame but decided that looked dumb. Time will tell but it's been good through one summer.

[@takeitallin6882]

Really helpful... the most complete info of any I've watched while at the same time sticking to the topic. Thank you. I pull a 5th wheel with an f350 dually. Am curious re your thoughts on your compressor. Would it effectively - in a reasonable timeframe - air up 110# tires on my camper?

[@EpicCowlick]

Thanks. This particular dual compressor setup moves a lot of air quickly. I haven't timed it of course but with the tank being 150 psi and recharges so fast, it would be a great option. I doubt those trailer tires would present much of a problem. By the time you set the pressure in one tire, replace the valve stem cap, slide over, take off the next tire's cap, the tank would be close to full.

[@hokmed4787]

You also could change your up fitter switch fuse to a 30 amp

[@topperc1567]

I was shocked when i saw you were wearing a tie very proper

[@markpierce823]

Thank you really down to earth. Like the tie also!

[@EpicCowlick]

Glad to help!

[@Cotton088]

Brilliant

[@stickbogart3657]

❤❤ mine is beyond extreme I have 4 of those air compressors on my system with a 1.5 gallon tank, and it only takes a few seconds to have 170 psi. The system that I installed in my 2022 Nissan frontier crew cab is strictly for my air horns. I can also blow up my tire or somebody else’s tire when they need help. ❤❤❤. Mine is beyond extreme way beyond extreme. ❤❤

[@568843daw]

Wait, it looked like the relays were installed under the truck. How did you make them waterproof? Thanks for the video

[@EpicCowlick]

The relays are already sealed with epoxy and can be used outdoors.

[@edwardh1003]

The system looks pretty well tucked up under the truck. How do they hold up to snow/moisture/dirt?

[@EpicCowlick]

Still works great. No leaks, squeaks or other undesirables!

[@edwardh1003]

@@EpicCowlick Awesome. Thanks for the reply 👍

[@noonespecific9463]

I didn’t even know they made 12 volt system like this, and a 100 percent duty cycle as well, do you like it after having it a bit? Nice video by the way, the best part is seeing a father and son doing it together, the world is lacking and NEEDING such things desperately right now, awesome example of how things with families should be!

[@EpicCowlick]

The compressors and tank are working great. I did have to put a silicone cover over the connector on the bumper. It get's weather worn without some kind of protection.

[@noonespecific9463]

@@EpicCowlick , maybe switch to an aluminum quick connect? Just a thought. I’m putting airbags on rear and those bags that go into the coil springs , I used airbags on the rear that were meant for a drop axle on a commercial vehicle. I’m fabricating some hardware to mount them now. These bags are not for weight issues as much as leveling side to side, I redone an old Ford pickup and it wants to ride low on the drivers side. Adding the bags was way cheaper then new leaf and coil springs. Because I’m using the drop axle bags and making the hardware is the savings. Got the two air springs in a clearance sale. The bags are nearly identical to those loadlifter 5000 bags. I can’t remember now if you used those or not, my search started with airbags looking for hardware to plagiarize , lol. It progressed to on board 12 volt compressors, I didn’t know a person could get such nice ones. They are high in price , but worth it to me if they will last a bit. So thank you very much for your reply! You helped me make up my mind. I’m almost done with my pickup , a compressor will be the last addition. It makes sense with the air suspension. Thanks again!

[@nitrojunki4249]

Nice install but were you concerned about the compressors being exposed to the weather and has the weather caused any trouble since the install?

[@ordinary_arkansan]

I was about to ask the same thing.

[@EpicCowlick]

The compressors continue to work great, and they work quite a lot. Zero issues.

[@georgepatterson5885]

Question on mounting compressors below your truck...any concerns about water and mud ruining the compressors themselves? I would think this would be a real issue in a truck that at times could be off road..

[@odayalfuhaid3587]

Amazing detailed video sir keep it up

[@EpicCowlick]

Thank you, I will

[@JohnDrach]

Good trick on the u bolt

[@EpicCowlick]

Easy way to attach just about anything to the frame without actually drilling into it.

[@themanthelegend7048]

2 years later did you ever go back and do what you said you'll have to go back and change?

[@EpicCowlick]

Everything that needs doing gets done. Eventually.

[@austinkaye648]

When i install mytrain horns here in a week or so on my f150 im going to put some sort of onboard air, however i would not use the low temp soulder, or the audio wire for whatever that was.

[@EpicCowlick]

lol. The low temp solder is the bomb. It's not perfect but fun to use. And yes, it was left-over wire from something. Copper strands are copper strands...

[@georgeafg9252]

Do you turn on your f150 when using the compressor? I assume since it is a 1 battery truck? Or does that have nothing to do with it?

[@austinkaye648]

I have my power for pump on a switch and the signal wore for the horn on a switch through the truck horn

[@georgeafg9252]

@@austinkaye648 oh I see. Awesome!

[@tubeRaleigh]

great detailed video!

[@EpicCowlick]

Glad you liked it!

[@patriotveteranauto]

great work , i have a question on the air chuck on the bumper, whats the combination of fittings through bumper to secure it ?

[@EpicCowlick]

The drill hole was just larger than the coupler threads. Nothing but a washer and nut on the back side.

[@jayfoster5756]

Great video. How did you now which upfitter switch wire was which? Where did you find this information? Thanks!

[@EpicCowlick]

It's all over the internet. I googled for upfitter switch wires and found this: skippingtheinbetween.blogspot.com/2018/03/31-ford-upfitter-switches-wiring-diagram.html

[@jayfoster5756]

@@EpicCowlick Thanks

[@CFarmer]

Great video, Thank you!

[@EpicCowlick]

Glad you liked it!

[@ryanstratton6092]

I am going to do this on my 2020 F250. Thanks for the information. I have a question about the wiring to the Upfitter Switch. Viair shows two leads from the relay with one to the battery and the other to a keyed power source. Are you combining the two leads from the relay to one line and taking that directly to the Upfitter Switch? You video only shows one lead to the Upfitter. Just trying to understand how the relay and upfitter work together before tackling the job.

[@EpicCowlick]

I have two relays for the two compressors so I understand the question about two wires. The Viair schematic is correct. Follow that and you'll be good.

[@ryanstratton6092]

@@EpicCowlick Thanks. Just to be clear, you have to connect both to the upfitter and the battery?

[@EpicCowlick]

@@ryanstratton6092 I understand your original question now. Just looked at the Viair schematic and it shows the compressor wired directly to the battery and the pressure switch wired to a switched power source. This is not what I did. I used upfitter 6 which is a 12V 40 amp switched source for both the compressors and the pressure switch. Nothing is connected directly to the battery. The onboard air system receives power only when the truck is running and upfitter #6 is turned on.

[@ryanstratton6092]

@@EpicCowlick That helps a lot. Thank your for your willingness to help a newbie. Jus a lot of pigtails and splicing to get the one wire to the upfitter switch makes a lot more sense.

[@donniezahner5744]

Please forgive my ignorance but what is your concern with running the “pressure switch” through the factory upfitter 40 amp circuit? I didn’t think it could hurt anything?

[@EpicCowlick]

If I remember right the pressure switch is rated at 25 amps max and shouldn't be on a 40 amp circuit.

[@MatthewSerta1]

What is the process of wiring the pressure switch?

[@jaycourant5394]

Great video and very helpful, thank you!!!

[@EpicCowlick]

Glad it was helpful!

[@CVPI03]

how are those tank and compressor mounts holding up?

[@kurtmcmichael2045]

Missed seeing your videos. Great project. I am looking to do the same. Was that the 485c?

[@EpicCowlick]

This kit uses the 350c compressors. Two of those require 37 amps to run and I wanted to stay under 40 amps. Anything larger would have gone over that limit. A link to the system is in the video description.

[@kurtmcmichael2045]

EpicCowlick thank you

[@moynihan1129]

I am doing this now to my up fitter. Where did you run the wire from the pressure switch that says "12 volt keyed source" since the upfitter was 40amp?

[@JasSinghGrewal]

Informative video. Thanks I’m going to try on my 250

[@EpicCowlick]

Works great. You'll love having onboard air.

[@trentonhelton1005]

Thank you for the great video! Have a question though, you state that the yellow coiled plastic hose shatters in the cold. You then state "i just used this other stuff" what is that other stuff that doesn't shatter/crumble in the cold. What is your suggestion for hoses in cold climates? Thank you

[@EpicCowlick]

It's just regular air hose that can be found about anywhere. I think this came from Harbor Freight. I keep two 20 foot lengths in the back seat which gives me plenty of range to fill trailer tires while hooked up. I use only one length for most other things so I don't have to deal with 40 feet all the time. The coiled hard plastic hoses will shatter in the cold. Believe me I know... ;)

[@karlnash7105]

Look up "Senco" hose. I have used one for 20 years. Always plyable. Hundreds of jobs (probably + 1000's jobs)

[@doinsngoins]

Well done

[@campbell7819]

Great video! Quick question on the weatherstripping. I saw the video that you did on our older truck, have you added the tubing on the newer truck? and was your weather stripping welder together at the seams? thanks again!

[@EpicCowlick]

I actually haven't added the tubing to the 2017. Kind of needs it but not bad enough to put it on the top of the list. Yes, the 2017 is welded. I'd have to cut it to add the tubing. No big deal.

[@mariodmytrus6574]

Hey do you have a pic of the bracket that you built for the air compressor, which sits towards the rear.

[@EpicCowlick]

Great question. Turned out I was able to rest the tank directly on the floor board bracket. It was slightly angled so when bolting down the front, it torqued the tank solidly onto the floor board bracket. Make sense? The front of the tank is suspended on its bracket while the rear of the tank rests directly on the truck. I was initially concerned about normal vibrations wearing a hole through the tank but there's no sign of that. A fortunate change in plan.

[@selder03]

About to do this same install. Where did you mount the air filter? That's key so moisture and dirt don't clogg it. Thanks

[@EpicCowlick]

Good question. I forgot to show that. The intakes are pushed way up inside the bed wall. It is too high to have water get to it and easily pulled down to change the filter.

[@selder03]

@@EpicCowlick perfect. Thank you. I watched your older install too.

[@thechow80]

Great video. Thank you for taking the time to film the install and show us. In the future, if you're doing a voice-over could you significantly lower the audio from the drills, heat guns, etc.? I couldn't hear what you were saying at those points unless I turned the volume up to an uncomfortable level. Thanks!

[@EpicCowlick]

I'll give that a try. Thanks.

[@rcdixon76]

Those heat shrink solder connectors are nice! Have a link on that? Excellent upload!

[@EpicCowlick]

Here you go. They are very cool: amzn.to/2YwGYHO

[@mrmped1]

Great install, but Viair does not recommend mounting the compressors upside-down due to added heat as heat rises.

[@simonburnby]

Be interested to see if you have had any NOX sensor failures ? The compressor generating so much heat next to the module must be hard on it

[@EpicCowlick]

No issues yet.

[@code3responsevideos872]

Kids your dad is a smart guy pay attention ( and it appears they do!)

[@carrascoestrada8856]

Made in USA 100% so pro job ,, I love the Mickey Mouse but the true I like it pro jobs like this person’s did it for sure I learn something today my ride don’t got burning later thanks America

[@EpicCowlick]

Thanks 👍

[@florentinoouano2765]

Does the heat from cleaning the exhaust filter have any impact on the system, wiring, plumbing? Great video.

[@EpicCowlick]

That was a major concern in selecting a location for everything. Everything you mentioned is located or routed away from the exhaust. In fact, the airbag on the passenger side of the truck includes a shield and a little length of wire insulation because those have to be installed close to that heat. No failure or problems so far.

[@BurgerMan1979]

Nice work!

[@DENMONKEY]

question re the air horn addition. does that mean you will be running with a charged tank at all times ?

[@EpicCowlick]

The tank is always full at 150 psi when not in use. It's always ready.

[@ujayet]

Would you recommend this setup or somthing more simpler?. I'm not using it to air up car tires?..I just want to inflate balls and bike tires and blow out dust and dirt in and around my jeep...thanks!

[@EpicCowlick]

This is a solution for fairly heavy use. Portable inflators work for small things but you need some sort of tank to blow out dust and water.

[@cyclemoto8744]

Either the compressors are waterproof or you don't perform river crossings due to their mounting location? Thanks for the content. Cheers from OZ

[@EpicCowlick]

The compressors are still working in the position they were placed but I don't do river crossings. Creek crossings and rain/snow highway travel yes, but they are never submerged. I do consciously turn off the compressors via the upfitter switch when it's really wet.

[@cyclemoto8744]

@@EpicCowlick The setup vs your use case now makes sense. Cheers

[@jbthebird6772]

Thanks for the great video

[@JUSTTRYITDIY]

The video is great and now that you have had this system for awhile now... what do you think of the system? is it worth the $?

[@EpicCowlick]

I really do. I use compressed air a lot for just so many things. I've plumbed my airbags into the system so that is really useful.

[@JUSTTRYITDIY]

@@EpicCowlick thanks, I bought and installed the 10007 unit last weekend

[@marcogomez4291]

So did you run a power wire straight to the relay from the battery, or do you use the trucks relay. And can you use it as a keyed ignition power source???

[@EpicCowlick]

I used the truck's upfitter switch and built-in relays.

[@philtraylor7320]

E.C....how is the new compressors holding up? In one of your other vids, you showed how the compressor had moisture in it and bought the farm. R these compressors in this kit weather proof? Also, did you get this kit off of Amazon or from some other supplier. Keep up the great vids and be safe.

[@philtraylor7320]

Sorry.....just saw the shortcut to the kits. But please follow up on the state of the compressors. :>)

[@EpicCowlick]

Compressors are working great. They've been through rainy, muddy and snowy seasons. The Viair pumps are sealed where the AirLift is not.

[@jasonwettekin9147]

Did you have to modify the air tank legs or mounting brackets at all?

[@EpicCowlick]

Nope. It's still working great.

[@rkoehler1]

How long was the wire run from the battery to the compressor and what size wire did you use from the compressor to the relay and from the relay to the battery? Viair recommends 8 awg wire for a 15’ run I think. But don’t know it would be easy to make the connection to the relays with that size wire? Any issues with wire or relays getting too hot from voltage loss?

[@EpicCowlick]

It was 10 gauge for about 14 feet of wire. I could have gone with 8 gauge but it would have been overkill. I ran the compressors for about 20 minutes straight and felt the wire. Not even warm. I think the compressors only pull 38 amps just before they shut off at 150 psi so it's really a short period of time at that load.