Airbags + OBA with Tank but no compressor

I recently picked up a 2014 1794 Edition. Because it has a Retrax Tonneau cover I can't really fit my dirt bike in the short bed. I plan to use a solid hitch carrier. I also frequently haul a 17" Boston Whaler. Due to the sag that I will encounter, especially with the dirt bike hitch carrier, I plan to install Firestone Airbags.

I've been mocking up plans for how I might build a system that has OBA via a tank, but instead of having a compressor onboard I will just fill it when at home with the compressor in my garage. I don't plan to use it to fill my tires but want to be able to add a bit of air to my dirt bike tires. I run tubliss so it has to be able to pump tire tubes to 120, but will not need much air. I will also use the tank to fill the airbags. I think I will be fine without a compressor but with this setup I could easily add one later.

I welcome feedback on the design and idea. I hope to start ordering parts in the next week or so. I'll post updates as I piece this together. Lastly I am trying to keep the cost under $1000 if possible which I think would be a pretty good deal for airbags + OBA.

System Overview

• Firestone airbags + Daystar Cradles
• Male NPT under fuel door to fill the tank
• Female NPT under fuel door for OBA hook up
• PSI Gauge and adjustment for airbags in the cabin (likely center console)

OBA & Tank Setup

• Female air hose NPT coupler for fill (I plan to build this as this one is over priced)
• Nylon tubing from back of female NPT coupler will be attached to tank via>
• 1/4" NPT to 3/8" tube fitting +
  $10 Control Devices P2525-1WA Brass Ball Check Valve, 1/4" NPT Female x NPT Male
  check valve
• $186 Vixen Air 3 Gallon (12 Liter) 6 Ports Suspension/Train/Horn Seamless Aluminum Air Tank System/Kit 200 PSI VXT3000SA
  3 gallon tank (200 PSI)
• 1/4" NPT to 3/8" tube fitting + nylon tubing from tank to male air hose NPT coupler for air hose hookup. (I am hoping I can fit both the female and male air hose fittings under the gas fill door).

Air Bag Setup

• Air bags and cradles (I plan to use a t-connector for the air bags. I know a lot of people like to keep the airlines separate, but I am aiming for simplicity) >
• $40 Lhfacc in Cab Single Air Gauge Control Kit with Paddle Switch for Air Suspension Kit
  Air bag controller mounted in glove box or console.

Other notes

• $26 AZUNO Digital Tire Inflator with Pressure Gauge, 200 PSI (0.1 Res) w/LED Flashlight, Heavy Duty Air Compressor Accessories 7pcs Set, w/Lock on Air Dual Head Chuck and 90° Tire Valve
  Digital Tire inflator
• BLCH Coiled Air Hose Coil - Recoil 1/4" Inner Diameter by 25' Long with Bend Restrictors Air Compressor Hose with 1/4" Industrial Universal Quick Coupler and I/M Plug Kit, Red
  25' coiled air hose (stored under back seat)

 

Imo, you are needlessly complicating things.
First…. Have you had airbags on a truck before? I had firestones on my last truck, wasn’t really a fan of the ride. I ended up putting the RAS system on this truck which has a fiberglass topper and decked drawers full time. The ride is much better but, less adjustable of course. My point is maybe try the truck first, investigate other options before the bags. Even at the min 5psi the ride was worse and due to the internal bump stop you lose up travel.

dead set on bags still? That’s fine, just skip the air tank, run your line to the back and buy a good portable air compressor. They make an adapter that plugs into your 7 pin connector so you can power your compressor back there to fill your tires and the bags. Much simpler.

also, just a note about tubeliss if you haven’t had it, it’s great when it works but it’s finicky. 100-110psi is fine for the high pressure tubes but as you already know that is difficult to obtain in most small compressors. That would be part of my concern of using your tank to top them off.

 

Thanks for chiming in. You are 100% correct in that I am over complicating it, I am a tinkerer. Do I need OBA, absolutely not, but I enjoy the build.

Thanks for putting RAS on my radar. That might be the way to go and I'll keep looking into it.

As for the Tubliss, I've been running them for the past 10 years and love them. I often air down to 5psi for some of the hills I like to attempt and its a game changer. Might try soft mousse at some point but tire changes with mousse don't sound very fun.