By: Robertmangrum.rm
In the offroad community, airing down your tires is a common practice. This helps you with comfort on the rougher roads and traction in those sticky situations. That being said airing back up can be time consuming. Moving the compressor from tire to tire. There are several companies out there now offering 4 tire inflation systems. These systems run anywhere from $150 to $300 on Amazon. Not in my budget haha.
Well at my work we do quite a bit of pneumatic work. We stock multiple 1/4″ NPT brass fittings, 1/4″ ID nylon airline slip fittings, and rolls of line. This made me think that I could just build my own 4 tire inflation system.
After a quick search on Amazon I found the two missing pieces that I needed:
Breezliy 1/4″ Inflation Schrader (Amazon)
Kodilin 5PCS 1/4″ FNPT Open Flow (Amazon)
After thought; I should have bought the 1/4″ FNPT that wasn’t open flow. Let’s air escape from unattached.
I’m still happy with the results. It makes airing down and back up faster. Plus, it adds the equalization factor knowing that all (4) tires are same psi.
I used some Velcro straps to store it.
Then extended airline to rear tire.
I used a brass T to split the front and add a Schrader valve. I went with a Schrader valve due to the equipment I have for airing up and down are for this type of connection.
After I finished, I did find this Uharbour Air Manifold with 200 Psi Digital Pressure Gauge, Air Hose Splitter with 1/4″ NPT Quick Connector and 1/4″ NPT Brass Valve, DIY 4 Tire Inflation System on Amazon for around $40 (Click HERE) that would make a great start.
I think you can find several YouTube videos that offer step by step instructions. I encourage everyone to find solutions that can fit your needs and budget.
Original Submission:
Jim Oaks is the founder of TheRangerStation.com, the longest-running Ford Ranger resource online since 1999. With over 25 years of hands-on experience building and modifying Ford Rangers — including magazine-featured builds like Project Transformer — Jim has become one of the most trusted authorities in the Ford off-road and enthusiast space. In 2019, he was loaned a Ranger FX4 by Ford Motor Company to test and document across the TransAmerica Trail. Jim continues to inspire and guide Ranger owners around the world.