Airbags with ARB compressor?

I really want to add airbags to the rear of my truck. I want to use Firestone airbags and their wireless controller, but I really like the custom mount under the hood for the ARB compressors I saw on this forum. Anyone “piece meal” a system together?

 

I have the Airlift system and mounted my compressor on the cab wall inside the bed. Made my own mount for it. I'd be curious to know if the Firestone compressor could mount under the hood in the same spot as the ARB. The issue I see with trying to use the ARB compressor with the Firestone system is getting the wireless control to communicate with the ARB compressor. You could probably pair the air lines with adapters no problem. Just not sure how you would wirelessly control it.

 

I have the wireless compressor mounted behind rear left seat in a crewmax. There is no way it would fit anywhere under hood without major surgery making it not worth it. Wireless is awesome for airbags and a suggestion would be to get the ARB portable unit separately for other uses. That’s the setup I have.

 

So...I don't have the set up you described, but FWIW:
I've got the FS bags. The hoses are ran up on the back side of the frame. Ea valve sticks thru to the outer side of the truck, so I can reach in over the wheel and access it. I honestly don't have to add air or make any adjustments but 3-4 times a year, tops.
I have a Masterflow Tsunami, portable compressor. It will fill my 35's no prob. Although there are under-hood mounts for them, I've elected to just keep it in the bag so I can move it around as needed and take it to other people if necessary. I don't do enough off-road/ trail riding to justify keeping it under the hood.

Also FWIW; Depending on the load, the bags don't need more than 15-20 lbs of air. I know they can take more and some may use them with towing trailers, campers, etc. IMO, if you're going to tow a heavy load like a trailer full of equipment or large camper, get an 'Equalizer' towing hitch.

 

This. I run at 15 daily and have a portable ARB for friends and strangers and whatever else.

 

I like your thinking on this. Firestone sells an ECU that controls the wireless air. I’m sure I could use it to activate the compressor. Now, if I can find the ECU for a decent price.

 

I like the idea, but I already lug too much crap around for search and rescue. I’d prefer a hide-away solution.

 

I use an equalizer on really heavy stuff, but love the airbags for the boat and utility trailers.

 

I was in the same boat and trying the same thing as you're describing. I was gifted an Arb compressor and bought the mount from a member here for under the hood. After considerable deliberation I just purchased the whole firestone wireless kit with airbags and compressor so I can use the ARB separately. It was much easier for me to figure out in my brain.

 

That setup is way better anyways for all sorts of scenarios. If you want pics of how I mounted mine inside the cab PM me. It is totally safe from water, dirt and debris and when inflating and deflating you can carry on normal conversation easily because it is behind the rear seat. Also. If you have any sort of lift in rear you may want to look into @Coachbuilder1 airbag spacers or cradles.

 

Yeah I'll pM if I change my setup. It's all mounted already under the frame. I went with Cradles as well. However, It's about 2 feet farther than my bluetooth will reach. Works fine but not Optimal. I've just been to lazy to re-do it all.

 

I can't say how to connect the ARB compressor to the air bags but if you're looking for clean safe place to mount a compressor, I have an ARB Dual Compressor mounted under the driver's seat in a Gen 2 Tundra. You have to buy a mounting plate from Desert Does It. Tacoma & 4Runner - Seat Mount Molle Panel (MMP) – Desert Does It .

 

I have my version of an ARB dual compressor, Viair 2.5 gallon air tank, and Firestone airbags set up on my 2019 TRD Pro.
air manifolds at the compressor and at the rear bumper being feed from the air tank.
The airbags are manually filled via a Schraeder valve mounted to an existing frame hole in the driver's side rear wheel well.
A Flexzilla 3/8 x 25-foot air hose connected to quick release Milton air couplers and analog air chuck fills the airbags to 10 pounds or more to level out the bed which is sagging due to my Decked cargo bed system and Leitner cargo system rack.

The ride seems ok with the airbags. I say ok as I know the truck is more top-heavy now and worst when I add my rooftop tent to it.

Can send pics if you like.