Air chucks on bumpers - seeking fitting advice

[CharlieS]

I picked up a set of wits end brackets from another member - one fits an Anderson SB50 and an air chuck, the other fits a SB175 and an air chuck.

Wit's End also sells kits with connectors included, but I can't find the connectors without the brackets on their site. I think he uses some sort of Parker fittings?

I'm going to put a jump starting connector in the front bumper and a trailer battery charging connector in the rear. I want to run air fittings at front and rear.

I have an ARB compressor under the hood that I need to hook into and will need the connectors at each bumper.

Has anyone done this and can recommend the fittings, connectors (and lines) to use?

 

[cboyd]

The listing on the wits end site shows what’s in the kit, with hints to the part numbers:

Air Coupler and SB50 Bracket KIT

Air Coupler and SB50 Bracket KIT (ACB-4KIT) for On Board Air and mounting the Anderson SB50

absolute-wits-end.com

Parker Push to Connect Air Hose Multiple Interchange Quick Coupling
• Parker Pipe Fittings Anchor Connector
• Norgren 1/4" NPT to 3/8" tube fitting
• Norgren Nylon 11, 3/8" tubing-black, 10ft

once you use the NPT to tube, you should be able to use any air coupler.

 

[cboyd]

My question: I’ve been considering same... where would you install this on the rear?

 

[CharlieS]

My question: I’ve been considering same... where would you install this on the rear?

Thanks for the info.

I haven't gotten quite that far.

I seem to recall removing a lateral steel stiffener that runs the width of the bumper. If I can drill and tap that, I may. Or replace it with an aluminum strip and do the same. I'd like it close to the vehicle centerline, so probably just to the right of the hitch. I'll post more once I get to the install!

 

[CharlieS]

Also, I'm not trying to cheap out, I'll gladly purchase from wit's end. I can't find a kit, so I did email them through their contact form.

 

[RET2]

Try

Also, I'm not trying to cheap out, I'll gladly purchase from wit's end. I can't find a kit, so I did email them through their contact form.

McMaster-Car or WW Grainger are good sources as is Lowes and Home Depot. Napa Auto Parts also.

 

[grinchy]

I didn't use the wit's end brackets, but did look at them. For this it seems that sticking to one manufacturer is important as the fittings are all slightly different . . . I used FlexZilla 'High Flow' connectors. They seem fine, but I am getting surface rust on the female connector chromed tighten nut after a couple years.

I think the large dimensions are generally the same (length, for example) for all the connectors.

I really suggest using push to connect tubing and fittings for the runs. I used stainless steel jacketed PTFE rubber, and while it will last thru the apocalypse, the fittings are expensive and the termination difficult. Run PTC instead, and plan on replacing every 5 years. You'll be ahead time and money, even after a couple replacements.

Have you considered a small tank (1 1/2 to 2 1/2 gal) to get the party started, and to enable limited air tool use?

 

[CharlieS]

Thanks, helpful advice. I'll stick with the PTC.

Makes me think a small inline ball valve may make sense near the compressor, in case I have line degradation, and need to cut off air to the bumpers.

I hadn't considered a tank, but it is a good idea. So far, the compressor hasn't done anything but inflate tires. Battery tools have come a long way, so I seldom use pneumatic tools anymore (except some high volume in-garage tasks - cutoff wheels, painting, whiz wheels, air chisels).

 

[grinchy]

Thanks, helpful advice. I'll stick with the PTC.

Makes me think a small inline ball valve may make sense near the compressor, in case I have line degradation, and need to cut off air to the bumpers.

I hadn't considered a tank, but it is a good idea. So far, the compressor hasn't done anything but inflate tires. Battery tools have come a long way, so I seldom use pneumatic tools anymore (except some high volume in-garage tasks - cutoff wheels, painting, whiz wheels, air chisels).

I just have one air impact, and it isn't trail travel . . . agree totally on the battery tools, but I don't take them on trail either . . . I don't have any on/off valves on the supply end, so I suppose a hole would be pretty inconvenient now that you mention it, I'd be taking a female off the rear bumper and putting under the hood. I do enjoy the tank, it decreases fill times by a few seconds, but the real benefit is it makes the whole system seem more smooth, as it buffers for the compressor and for lines. Hard to describe but definitely when using the air system noticeable.

 

[CharlieS]

Wit's End has them separately (they emailed me links):

https://absolute-wits-end.com/air-quick-coupler-fitting-set/

Nylon 11, 3/8" tubing-black, 10ft

 

[adrj89]

I picked up a set of wits end brackets from another member - one fits an Anderson SB50 and an air chuck, the other fits a SB175 and an air chuck.

Wit's End also sells kits with connectors included, but I can't find the connectors without the brackets on their site. I think he uses some sort of Parker fittings?

I'm going to put a jump starting connector in the front bumper and a trailer battery charging connector in the rear. I want to run air fittings at front and rear.

I have an ARB compressor under the hood that I need to hook into and will need the connectors at each bumper.

Has anyone done this and can recommend the fittings, connectors (and lines) to use?

View attachment 2418345

 

[RET2]

If you run that type of female air I'd advise a "pacifier" to keep debris out

 

[george_tlc]

Easy to make your own 'bung' to keep the crap out. Get a fitting (female coupler), get a 'plug', drill hole through end to attach stainless safety wire so you don't lose the 'bung'. Couple of o-rings to fully seal and you're good to go. Had this set up on both my US cruiser and Oz patrol for years. On both vehicles I just drilled a hole in the roobar and mounted the fitting so it is safely out of the way but easily accessible.

cheers,
george.