4 tire inflation

[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 air line slip fittings, and rolls of line. This made me think I could just build my own 4 tire inflation system.
After a quick search on Amazon I found the two missing peices I needed:

Breezliy 1/4" Inflation Schrader... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09QMCF6BK?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Kodilin 5PCS 1/4" FNPT Open Flow... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CPHPN8KD?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

After thought; should have bought the 1/4" FNPT that wasn't open flow. Let's air escape from unattached.
Still happy with the results. It makes airing down and back up faster. Plus it adds the equalation factor. Knowing all 4 tires are same psi.

used some velcro staps to store it.

added a 1/4" T slip on at front tire location with 36" lead for front tires.

Then extended air line to rear tire.

Used a brass T to split the front and add a shredder valve. I went with a shredder 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 product on Amazon for around $40 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 you needs and budget.

 

[RobbieD]

I like your creativity.

Thank you for the post!

 

[sgtsandman]

One just needs to make sure their tire inflator is up to the task. I do like the idea and it might save some time since one isn't moving from tire to tire. I believe there are air chuck out there that are designed to be quick connect and disconnect with a spring loaded lever. That would be much better than the type the screw on the tire stem, causing lost air pressure while unscrewing the chuck from the tire stem.

It looks like the setup you have follows that line of thinking but those types of connectors tend to easily gum up when they get dirt and mud in them.

 

[Robertmangrum.rm]

One just needs to make sure their tire inflator is up to the task. I do like the idea and it might save some time since one isn't moving from tire to tire. I believe there are air chuck out there that are designed to be quick connect and disconnect with a spring loaded lever. That would be much better than the type the screw on the tire stem, causing lost air pressure while unscrewing the chuck from the tire stem.

It looks like the setup you have follows that line of thinking but those types of connectors tend to easily gum up when they get dirt and mud in them.

Yeah what brought it all about is I had burnt out my little compressor days before the Vagabond trip. I had an Amazon gift card from Christmas I had never used. So I started doing some research and found the Viair had a 25 min run cycle with a 10min cool down. So tested it out was able to go from 20 to 35psi on all 4 in a little over 7 mins. That's with 305/70r17s. No way my old compressor would have made it. I'm sure if you cycled a smaller compressor ot might hold up but that would be risky.

 

[sgtsandman]

Yeah what brought it all about is I had burnt out my little compressor days before the Vagabond trip. I had an Amazon gift card from Christmas I had never used. So I started doing some research and found the Viair had a 25 min run cycle with a 10min cool down. So tested it out was able to go from 20 to 35psi on all 4 in a little over 7 mins. That's with 305/70r17s. No way my old compressor would have made it. I'm sure if you cycled a smaller compressor ot might hold up but that would be risky.

Viair is a top brand along with ARB when it comes to compressors. My Hazard Fraught one might be able to handle it, but I'm not sure. The apparent weak point is the hose built into the compressor. Others have had that part melt from the heat.

 

[Jim Oaks]

Thanks! I added this article here:

Inflate / Air Down Four Tires At Once - The Ranger Station

 

[Robertmangrum.rm]

Thanks! I added this article here:

Inflate / Air Down Four Tires At Once - The Ranger Station

That's cool. Looks like you did some edits. I will be honest. Writing instructions is not my strong suit. Which explains the little pocket camera we keep at the shop haha.

 

[Jim Oaks]

If people can put together the basic information to help others I'll do what I can to present it.