Cheap air compressor idea for helper bags?

[Tom]

So, I was wondering, has anyone wired in a cheap tire air compressor for their air supply? Like the kind you get at harbor freight or autozone. I have several sitting around. I also have helper bags on my 98 that just run lines to the rear bumper so every time I need air I'm pulling one of these tire compressors out and hooking it up outside the truck. Seeing at that's a once a month thing, I can't rationalize a $100+ suspension compressor. I was thinking I could pull the stock air supply line off the cheapo and just put an air line fitting into its place, or am I missing something?

[BR3W CITY]

Originally Posted by Tom

So, I was wondering, has anyone wired in a cheap tire air compressor for their air supply? Like the kind you get at harbor freight or autozone. I have several sitting around. I also have helper bags on my 98 that just run lines to the rear bumper so every time I need air I'm pulling one of these tire compressors out and hooking it up outside the truck. Seeing at that's a once a month thing, I can't rationalize a $100+ suspension compressor. I was thinking I could pull the stock air supply line off the cheapo and just put an air line fitting into its place, or am I missing something?

Sorta. I've never tried those specific ones, but we used to use a similar idea for our Bravada. It had the classic white "air shocks" that everyone sells for the s10 platform, with the T'd lines and a schroeder valve near the hitch. We used a 12v power inverter and a little bicycle-size pump when we needed it. It was nice for raceday as well, but it takes like 12min to fill a fullsize tire, and they can't do high pressures.

[Tom]

Originally Posted by BR3W CITY

a schroeder valve near the hitch. We used a 12v power inverter and a little bicycle-size pump when we needed it.

Yeah, that's exactly what I'm talking about. I pull it out of the tool bag, plug it into the cig lighter and walk back to the valves in the bumper to fill the bags up. I'd like to permenatly install it on the truck with a little switch inside the cab. Those little air pumps will get helper bags to 80psi in no time

[Andy4639]

I did my helpers that way for a while then bought a good cheap compressor off e bay and now have it setup with it.
Don't have pictures of the cheapo because I didn't want anyone knowing but I have the new one.

[ERASER5]

Guy I used to work with did exactly that. Cheapo Wally world compressor, junk tank from somewhere, we had and abundance of old air control valve at work, plenty of tubing, gages and stuff. I doubt he had much more than the price of the compressor in it. It is only helpers and not full suspension stuff. Big difference in the safty aspect.

[Tom]

Originally Posted by ERASER5

It is only helpers and not full suspension stuff.

Exactly. I don't even plan on running a tank. Glad to know I'm not the only one to think this route. Thanks guys.

[ERASER5]

If you can separate the left from the right (2 valves) it will help with sway. Tied together, on a hard curve, some of the air will transfer from the loaded side to the unloaded side increasing the amount of sway as well as decrease the lift on one side. Separated bags give a "sorta" sway bar effect.

What you are carrying will have an effect on how much sway there is at all. I carry water, so sway and slosh are a big problem for me. A load of gravel does not cause me any sway problems.