Outboard Air - ViAir 400P automatic

wanted to share with my latest accessory to the Tundra.
I got tired of looking for gas stations to fill tires whenever I needed it. I been wanting some kind of air filling at home or on the road. I really want an arb onboard but have other priorities so this will have to do for now.

I modded the unit so I don’t have to pop the hood to use it. I cut the clamps and wired it to the 12v accessory from our 7 pin plug. I got the pin out from the cover of our plug. I used - and + which supplies 12v to the trailer. I got the idea from a buddie. I tested the unit today and filled up 6 tires from 20 to 40 in a row and the unit worked like a champ. I kept the Viair fuse inline just in case.

VIAIR 400P-Automatic Function Portable Compressor

$300 VIAIR 400P/40045 Automatic Portable Compressor, Tire Inflator Kit, Air Compressor for Truck, Jeep, SUV, and Car Tires, Portable Air Pump Kit, Car Accessories, 33% Duty Cycle, 150 PSI/2.30 CFM

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000X9B32M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_jkDqAbBK47DEA

The trailer connector
CURT 58140 7-Way RV Blade Connector Plug

$6 CURT 58140 Trailer-Side 7-Pin RV Blade Wiring Harness Connector

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001EOWPOA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_KnDqAb7GVTSA5

Here are the specs I pulled from ViAirs website:

SPECIFICATIONS
– 12-Volt
– Permanent Magnetic Motor
– Duty Cycle: 33% @ 100 PSI
– Max. Working Pressure: 150 PSI
– Max. Amp Draw: 30 Amps
– Ingress Protection Rating: IP54
– Dimensions: 10.87″L x 5.83″W x 7.48″H
– Net Weight: 10.70 lbs.
– Power Cord Length: 8 ft.
– Air Hose Length: 30 ft.


Performance Data

PSI CFM
0 2.30
10 2.13
20 1.98
30 1.86
40 1.75
50 1.64
60 1.54
* Supply Voltage: 13.8 Volts


FILL RATES
31″ X 10.5″ FILL RATE
0 to 30 PSI 3 min. 00 sec. (± 10 sec.)
15 to 30 PSI 1 min. 35 sec. (± 05 sec.)
33″ X 12.5″ FILL RATE
0 to 30 PSI 4 min. 20 sec. (± 10 sec.)
15 to 30 PSI 2 min. 05 sec. (± 05 sec.)
35″ X 12.5″ FILL RATE
0 to 30 PSI 5 min. 20 sec. (± 15 sec.)
15 to 30 PSI 2 min. 45 sec. (± 10 sec.)

My Review:
This is a great bargain for its performance. Viair is also a reputable brand so hopefully it will last a while. The unit it pretty light and comes with everything needed inluding an air filling chuck w gauge. Also comes with a nice soft carry case. I deflated my 305/65R18 tire down to 20 and it took 3:19 to fill it to 40. Not bad at all. The gauge it comes with reads about 2 to 3 lbs less compared to my other gauges. Also has a deflate button on the handle. The good thing about it being an automatic is that the compressor only runs when it needs to. And once you lock the chuck to your valve stem it only puts air when your holding down the trigger just like at the gas stations. I also looked at the 450p which has 100% duty cycle but is a little slower then this one. If you are only filling up one to two vehicles this is more than enough. Hope this helps some folks looking for air options. It gets pretty confusing with all the different units and specs out there.

 

Have you thought about hard wiring it to your bed instead of running adapters?

I have been thinking about this lately. But think I'd run a power Lead from a battery extension. Cool to see this is an option though. Especially if I want to switch out rigs or something.

 

I did but at that point I’d rather have an arb hard wired and mounted under the hood. I don’t like having items in the bed and like you said the having the portability to use it on other vehicles is nice. Our other vehicle has a 7pin so I can use it in that too.

 

Are you planning on getting a twin or single ARB? I have been looking into the single and Amazon has a decent deal on packaging everything for right around $350 with the compressor, gauge and tubes. How would you mount it and where under the hood? Do you have a mounting plate you are looking?

 

Whaaaatttt??? You can plug it into the trailer plug??? Is there enough juice coming out of there? That’s ingenious.

 

Look up @CM-LENNY and @Bannock452 ’s builds. They made custom mounts. And someone just started selling a mount... let me see if I can find it.

 

Probably just the single. I only need it for tires. No plan on using air tools. The single can handle air bags and locker also. There is someone making an under hood mount. I forgot who it was but it was posted in here not too long ago.

Yup. Those cables are pretty beefy to support trailer power. Plus I tested it by airing 6 tires in a row from 20 to 40 and no problem. Just make sure your engine is running. What compressor you using now? Just buy the connector and your set. I can wire it for you if your not comfortable.

 

Here ya go. It was @SoCalDave ‘s bad ass build. https://www.tundras.com/threads/socaldave’s-overland-build.17187/page-2#post-432917

 

I’ve got the 450p. I’m going to think about it. I like just handing the compressor to other people to air up. If I do this, I’m going to have to air everyone else up with my truck.

 

Thanks for the find. I saw in the post that it only works for the dual. I'll keep looking.

 

How fast do those ARB compressors fill a 35tire??? Cause 2:30-4mins is a long time

 

Most people should have a 7pin lug on their rigs. And the pinout is standard no matter what make. Or else trailers won’t work when you plug them into different trucks. So no reason why you should do it for them.

 

Here are the specs. Look at CFM at different psi to figure out the speed.
Example the 400p at 30psi is 1.86cfm. The

$310 ckma12 on-board air compressor high performance 12 volt for air locker differentials and tire inflation

ckma12 at 29psi is 2.34. The higher the cfm the faster it will fill at that psi. So the arb single is faster than the 400p. The arb dual fills 29psi at 4.68cfm. That is more than double the speed of the 400p. No doubt the arb units are quick. They price definitely shows. Just finding a place to install it is the chore.

 

Lol. I forgot other people have them on their trucks too.

 

Yup. You ain’t special

 

You working Jay? I’m at the Palazzo right now.

 

Are you really? No man.. I’m off this holiday weekend till Wednesday.. first time I had Xmas and New Years off in like 5-6 years

 

@joonbug what you doing there ?

 

Losing money. Brought my family for a little vacation.

 

When are you leaving ???

 

Friday. But not sure if I can get away from the family. We haven’t made too many plans yet except Wednesday we taking a helicopter ride to the Grand Canyon.

 

Just got back from there yesterday!

 

All good my friend.. enjoy the sights then...

 

There's a mount being developed right now for that will accommodate an ARB single or double. Mine is the prototype truck.

 

Keep us updated Warren!

 

Will do. I'm hoping it'll work with the Viair too.

 

This is the same compressor I have and I really like this idea! Which wires from the compressor are you connecting to which pins in the adapter plug? I actually already have an extra adapter.

 

Pm sent

 

This is such a great idea. Order placed for the plug.

 

Why would you not order 4?