Couple ?? for your airbag guys

[randomhero472]

I'm trying to finalize my parts list and get the rest of my stuff ordered, have a couple quesitons:
1) how many of you are running inline water seperators? or inline oilers??
2) anyone know if a 5 gallon tank can be mounted on the frame rail (in between frame/bedisde), im planning on doing (2) 3 gallon tanks, 1 on each side, but would like to see it i could make just (1) 5 gallon tank work, also anyone know the measurement between the outside frame rail and the inside bed side on a fleetside, in-front of the rear wheel?
3) where can you buy GOOD fittings, my bro-in law works @ frieghtliner, i would think they'd have fittings, but unsure.. i know no matter how well i think i've got the fittings list when i get them here im sure i'll be needing some odd-in's, but we dont exactly have a local suicide-doors shop here in okc, thanks guys!

[IvelDesigns]

i mounted my 5 gal tank on the side of the frame rail and i'm not worried about the bed fitting around it. there should be plenty of room. you can see some pics in my build thread linked in my sig.

i have the same question as you when it comes to inline water separators and/or inline oilers.

i'm getting all of my fittings from the local frieghtliner shop too. much more convenient and cheaper than suicidedoors. also, from what i understand, the compression fittings are better to use than the ones SD has.

[randomhero472]

nice ivel, also anyone have the measurments from the rear bumper bracket-tire, im trying to figure out if i'll have room to do a 5 gallon tank on the frame rail, and i have no way of measuring this stuff, my truck is @ a shop 500 miles away!

[jlaird]

Originally Posted by IvelDesigns

i'm getting all of my fittings from the local frieghtliner shop too. much more convenient and cheaper than suicidedoors. also, from what i understand, the compression fittings are better to use than the ones SD has.

This is really personal preference, but from what I have gathered through my research, most people like PTC fittings vs. compression. Like I said, just personal preference. Concening the inline oiler, I have never heard of anybody using one. I dont think you want to introduce oil into your air system. Its not like the air system in your garage that you use pneumatic tools for. The water trap on the other hand is a very good idea.

[IvelDesigns]

where should the water trap go in the system? between the compressor and the tank?

[entourageguy]

yes between the tank and comp.

Brian...

[jimmydean]

I say the water trap goes between the tank and valves, but that's just me it seems. More water will build up in the tank from the compression of air than will build up between the compressor and the tank from the transfer of air.

But when it's all said and done, the valves are designed for both air and fluid (most valves anyway) so getting water in them isn't a real issue.

Compression fittings are ok, but I think push connect fittings are worth it if you ever have to do anything to the system (like fix leaks and stuff). I got my fittings off ebay except for the tee fittings I got from SD with a gauge fitting on the side. I saved about $40 total on my fittings going that route.

I would say it would have been worth the extra dough to get everything from SD in the long run.

[jlaird]

I've been doing a lot of reading about water traps in compressed air systems in a garage environment. In this case, it is useless to put a watertrap directly after your compressor. The air is still warm from the compressor and has not had a chance to condense. Therefore, if air is warm, there is no water, and the trap is not going to catch anything. I think this holds true for our vehicle systems too. When I get to that point, my watertraps are going after the tank.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by jlaird

I've been doing a lot of reading about water traps in compressed air systems in a garage environment. In this case, it is useless to put a watertrap directly after your compressor. ....

This is very true in that application. I had two moisture traps on my garage compresor. One right at the compressor and another 15' down the line. The first one "never" had moisture in it, and the second one always needed draining.

I'll wait for the experts to answer about using one on your truck. I don't have one on any of mine....

[IvelDesigns]

it makes sense to put it after the tank. the problem there is cost. cause that means instead of running one water trap, you have to run 4.

[randomhero472]

Originally Posted by IvelDesigns

it makes sense to put it after the tank. the problem there is cost. cause that means instead of running one water trap, you have to run 4.

EXACTLY! to me thats just more connections to have leaks, but i also dont see the use in putting a water trap 12" away from the compressor either..

[randomhero472]

Can anyone chime in and tell me if a 5 gallon compressor will fit on the frame rail, in front of the rearend? or give me some dimensions, i realy would rather run 1 tank!

[jimmydean]

Originally Posted by IvelDesigns

it makes sense to put it after the tank. the problem there is cost. cause that means instead of running one water trap, you have to run 4.

I had a single output from my tank, so I would have had one trap. I have the trap, I never installed it.

I had a single output to a tee (with tank gauge fitting). From the tee to each side of the frame, then from each side of the frame it tee'd again to each valve pair.

I had no issue with speed or air delivery. But again, the valves I was using could be used with air or water, so mixed water with air should not be an issue.

I think it's a good idea to protect your system overall and a trap after the tank would be most effective.

[bedsled71]

i wouldnt run a water trap. i would just make sure your tank is positioned in a way that you can use a hole in your tank as a drain. a drain it maybe once a month or get a stainless steel one that wont rust