Plumbing 2 Air Tanks

[Mieser3]

I'm going to be running 2 3 gallon tanks and 2 compressors for my air ride system on my truck and was wanting to know the best way to plumb this setup. I've found many diagrams for 2 compressors and one tank but haven't had any luck finding any that show 2 compressors and 2 tanks. I'm a complete noob on air ride systems so any advice you guys can give me is much appreciated.

Thanks!

[ulakovic22]

I would assume it's the same as a single system, just doubled. What is it that you are wanting to do?

[Mieser3]

Just didn't know if I should tie the tanks together or just run each one separately to my my valve manifold.

[6772owner]

The thought is usually to leave them separate in case one compressor fails, then you can still air up on one compressor if need be... but otherwise you can tie them together if preferred.

[Mieser3]

Perfect. Thanks for the info.

[Pro Performance]

Yeah, I would link tanks together so they act as one, and wire the compressors on separate relays.

If you do have further questions, feel free to call me and I can help you out.

- Travis
480-420-8175

[ulakovic22]

Originally Posted by Mieser3

Just didn't know if I should tie the tanks together or just run each one separately to my my valve manifold.

It's up to you really. I've seen them run on opposite sides of the frame in multiple locations so tying them together could prove difficult. If you are going to have them close together so they can be linked up the question becomes why two tanks, why not just run a longer tank with more capacity on dual compressors. Either way it's a good idea to run the compressors seperately.

[edflores]

If you are going to seperate them, run 2 pressure switches.

[colin_havens]

Im running 2 of the 3 gallon tanks from AVS, I fit it so they would fit under the bed where the spare tire used to be. Kinda wish I had put them outside the frame so i could run a gas tank, but oh well. Im only running 1 compessor and of course 1 relay and one pressure switch. I tied the tanks together, and have had no issues. I will eventually run a second compressor, which will just get its own relay. I would just keep the tanks together, as if one compressor fails, I would still have the other one to fill up my tanks, just slower. Most likely if you ran them separate you would have the front on one tank, and the rear on the other. Which would be a bad thing when one compressor went out and suddenly you couldn't get the front or back end off the ground.

[Pro Performance]

You can run 2 pressure switch, but really is no need to, as 1 will be fine when using relays.

[edflores]

Originally Posted by Pro Performance

You can run 2 pressure switch, but really is no need to, as 1 will be fine when using relays.

If he ever springs a leak on the tank with the pressure switch, the opposing side will never turn off and blow something. A fuse if hes lucky, a compressor if not. Thats why I would just run them together.

[Pro Performance]

I thought you meant if he was going to separate the compressors on different relays, then run 2 pressure switches also. You meant if he separated the tanks.

Yes, I agree, separate tanks, definitely need separate pressure switch. If linked, then one is fine with a relay for each compressor.

[502ms]

Has anyone ever run a 10 gallon tank with 4 compressors? Or two 5 gallon tanks with 4? I'm asking because I have two ViAir compressors and one 5 gallon tank...this thread made me think about what it would do to the overall experience. Would I need to upgrade my alternator to a hi-amp setup? I already have rewired my truck with a painless harness, so it is ready for it if need be. Sorry to thread jack
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[PBFAB.COM]

Originally Posted by Pro Performance

Yeah, I would link tanks together so they act as one, and wire the compressors on separate relays.

If you do have further questions, feel free to call me and I can help you out.

- Travis
480-420-8175

Pro Performance - Great points.

Yes it's always best to link the tanks together so you have one combined air source when you need it. The problem with separate tanks is that the front end will require more volume to lift the weight, and the rear typically uses very little. With the tanks split, you'll find that you need to cycle the single compressor to keep filling the 3 gallon tank just to lift the front of the truck, while the other tank and compressor remain idle.

To try and help extend the compressor life, and have a more efficient air system, defiantly link the tanks together and utilize both compressors to fill them. A single pressure switch can be used, along with an individual relay on each compressor. Also be sure that the power wire you are running to each compressor is rated for the required amperage draw. I would recommend a min of 8-10 gauge power wire per each unit. Don't forget to fuse each power wire by the battery as well for safety, and maintenance purposes.


Good luck with the build.

.

[belowme51]

I have the accuair elevel set up dual 3gallon and can run one pressure swithch for both tanks but I agree with Porterbuilt, I linked mine together. I ran 1/2 line from one to the other tank and 3/8 plumbing, just make sure you have your compressors with individual relays. The tanks linked together will work much better. Its a preference depending on location but im running 2 3gal hooked together. the pressure sensor at that point will read 200psi and shut off when needed and is faster....I hooked them up both ways and the two together work best IMHO. my 2 cents.

[PBFAB.COM]

Originally Posted by 502ms

Has anyone ever run a 10 gallon tank with 4 compressors? Or two 5 gallon tanks with 4? I'm asking because I have two ViAir compressors and one 5 gallon tank...this thread made me think about what it would do to the overall experience. Would I need to upgrade my alternator to a hi-amp setup? I already have rewired my truck with a painless harness, so it is ready for it if need be. Sorry to thread jack
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We've seen all kinds of tank and compressor setup. Best yet was (2) 12 gallon tanks in the bed with (1) 7 gallon under the bed, all being fed off an engine driven compressor. Holy volumes Batman !!!!

Best thing to remember is that you'll want (1) 12v compressor per each 5 gallons of air. So with a your 10 gallon tank being filled by 4 compressors, you would have great tank recovery times. Just be sure that your alternator is capable of the increased amperage draw, and make sure you have a nice set of ground in the electrical system as well. Each vehicle should have (3) primary grounds; engine-frame, battery-frame, body-frame, all which should be of a decent gauge size.

.

[Mieser3]

belowme51, I have the accuair elevel setup as well. Thanks for the info you posted, that helps a lot. I have another question regarding power. Do I have to run 2 batteries for a dual compressor setup or will 1 battery suffice?

[PBFAB.COM]

One battery should be okay depending on compressor sizez. Most vehicles are running a single battery with dual compressors, same as you're looking to do. Just make sure the power wire is large enough, it's fused at the battery, and that you have a nice ground circut as well.

.

[belowme51]

Porterbuilt is right, one good(kinetic or optima) will work...Im running two but with that you have to have it wired correctly nothing wrong with having more than enough cranking amps...im using dual sc34du optimas which will be wired to work together so I dont end up running 24v...im also a larger alt with my front runner set up.

[502ms]

Thanks Porterbuilt! That is what I figured...that sounds amazing...31 gallons? Wow!
I will have to see about the upgrade
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