Under Belly Solutions for On Board Air

[NTX Black Moab]

I am looking to do an On Board Air (OBA) solution for my Wrangler.

I know I do not want an engine bay mounting solution (too hot and I live in TX) nor do I want a under seat mounting solution (too small an area).

I am focused on Viair as they are quite a bit cheaper than ARB.

Want to do the following parts
Viair 444C DUAL Pack Stealth Black Compressors (https://smile.amazon.com/VIAIR-Stealth-Black-Compressors-Suspension/dp/B00VKW7H7Q)
Viair 91028 2.5 Gallon Air Tank (https://smile.amazon.com/Viair-91028-2-5-Gallon-Tank/dp/B002B0LV8C)

I've been able to find two options. One sells the mounting solution as is (Next Venture Motorsports - https://www.nextventuremotorsports.com/product/jlu-on-board-air-skidonly/) and the other one (Klein - https://kleinn.com/product/jeep-wrangler-jl-high-performance-onboard-air-horn-system/) I'm waiting to hear back on. $500 for just the mounting solution is a tough pill to swallow.

Are there any other viable solutions out there? I know space is limited, but I would have thought there would be more options by now.

I've considered a 2 on 2 solution from Viair (https://smile.amazon.com/Viair-30016-PSI-High-Speed-System/dp/B007X8LWN6), but mounting is still an issue (though it is only one item versus three items).

Sponsored

 

[bravelion]

These guys make a bracket that utilizes the cavity underneath the rear floor. It holds both a second Odessy battery and ARB air compressor. I have it on my list to investigate further but want to first better understand the pros and cons of onboard compressor vs an air tank.

https://americanadventurelab.com/product/jeep-jl-dual-arb-compressor-mount/

 

[bravelion]

These guys make a bracket that utilizes the cavity underneath the rear floor. It holds both a second Odessy battery and ARB air compressor. I have it on my list to investigate further but want to first better understand the pros and cons of onboard compressor vs an air tank.

Here's what it looks like.
https://americanadventurelab.com/product/jeep-jl-dual-arb-compressor-mount/

 

[NTX Black Moab]

Not a fan of this solution as I use the space for tools that are always with my Jeep as well as sealed storage (can't be opened if rear door is closed).

 

[bravelion]

Not a fan of this solution as I use the space for tools that are always with my Jeep as well as sealed storage (can't be opened if rear door is closed).

Right, Every solution creates a new problem so it's a matter of personal needs. For many who install flooring platforms and have a fridge and slide-out drawers, that cavity is lost space so it makes sense. But if not Overlanding I agree it would be a loss to give up that cubby.

 

[landshark99]

I just had mine mounted under the passenger seat

 

[NTX Black Moab]

I just had mine mounted under the passenger seat

This works (kinda) for ARB, but there isn't a similar solution for Viair. I am doing my best to stay from an ARB solution (I think of ARB as akin to Bose; mediocre product with an excellent marketing team behind them).

For any solution other than ARB, this really wouldn't work as that space is frankly TOO small. I was trying to clean under there this weekend to get ready for a charity car show and frankly, it was hard to do even that...LOL

 

[landshark99]

I have used Viair compressors for years, but I could not find an onboard system of theirs that would work with the jeep, from I saw all of theirs work with a tank, which takes up more space than I need. Also I would not look at ARB as a Bose (no Highs No Lows get a Bose). They have pretty much owned the on board twin compressor market for awhile, I had a single one of theirs in my Landcruiser never had an issue

 

[NTX Black Moab]

I have used Viair compressors for years, but I could not find an onboard system of theirs that would work with the jeep, from I saw all of theirs work with a tank, which takes up more space than I need. Also I would not look at ARB as a Bose (no Highs No Lows get a Bose). They have pretty much owned the on board twin compressor market for awhile, I had a single one of theirs in my Landcruiser never had an issue

Their system works with a tank or without. I plan to use with a tank. Running without a tank is a very straightforward setup.

I plan to use the following (listed in the OP). Viair 444C DUAL Pack Stealth Black Compressors (https://smile.amazon.com/VIAIR-Stealth-Black-Compressors-Suspension/dp/B00VKW7H7Q). At $300, this is an amazing twin compressor setup that is capable of 100% duty cycle.

 

[Terminex]

if you were considering skid plates, could simply go with a full body skid and mount it on top.

 

[NTX Black Moab]

if you were considering skid plates, could simply go with a full body skid and mount it on top.

I am considering skids, but that will still require labor from my shop. I'm assuming I'm still looking at a few hundred in labor. All of the options for under belly are around $500 which is not completely unreasonable.

**********
As an update to this topic, I'm looking at other than under belly solutions. This is a rear cargo solution that I found on this forum. It is a direct competitor to other cargo area security solutions, but the Top Accessory Mounting Shelf (included in the price) makes it very appealing to me.

Thread: (https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/bnl-jeep-shop-cargo-shelf.41226/)
Product Link: (http://www.texasmetalworks.com/product/jl3pack/)

Want to mimic what I found in this thread (https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/air-compressor-mounting-solution.32012/). I see this as a great way to use space we could not normally access. The solution from Texas Metal Works provides a mounting point for the two compressors as well as the tank. I'll work with my local shop to get the plumbing done (which I would have done regardless of the solution used). I still need a way to secure all of this to the mounting points, but I think I've found the solution that will work for me.

 

[Amaruq]

What about mounting a compressor in the space opened up from removing the muffler?

 

[NTX Black Moab]

What about mounting a compressor in the space opened up from removing the muffler?

Sorry that I missed this. This is certainly an option, but I still need something built to store the compressor and tank. There aren't any readily available solutions that I've found as yet.

I'm working with Texas Metal Works to create mounting points for the compressors and the tank will install with their shelves as well. I already own the cargo shelf so the compressor mounting was only a small amount more.

 

[BCFRJeeper]

how did this turn out?

 

[NTX Black Moab]

how did this turn out?

With Covid, it got back burnered.

Sponsored