onboard air hose - question - Flexzilla durable enough? (1 Viewer)

[drowzyGX]

I'm making my own version of the "Wifey" onboard air system. Got all the parts ready to order, but I have a question about the hoses running along the frame to the wheel wells.

I'd like to save some money if I can. I have a bunch of Flexzilla air hose left over from making my DIY 4-tire inflate system. Can I use that for the frame-mounted lines, or will it wear out too easily?

The guides I've followed recommend hose like this.

Worst case, I can at least use the Flexzilla to make the whips for each tire because those will live in a small bag inside the truck.

 

[bryanle96]

the "Wifey" onboard air system. Got all the parts ready to order, but I have a question about the hoses running along the frame to the wheel wells.

I'd like to save some money if I can. I have a bunch of Flexzilla air hose left over from making my DIY 4-tire inflate system. Can I use that for the frame-mounted lines, or will it wear out too easily?

Do you have a link to the guides you're following? I'd like to DIY something like this too

 

[Rednexus]

I have multiple Flexzilla hoses for air and my pressure washer. They have been tough enough that I'd be comfortable frame-mounting them. You could put them inside some corrugated split wire loom for additional protection if you were worried.

 

[drowzyGX]

Do you have a link to the guides you're following? I'd like to DIY something like this too

Here's my parts list

Here's the guide I followed. Used the parts list in his comments, but had to update some of them as the old ones weren't in stock. Also made sure everything was for 3/8" OD hose. The guy in the video has a mix of 8mm and 3/8" pieces.

You can refer to the pictures on Rago's website for the layout and to double check parts. They have everything in the pictures.

 

[drowzyGX]

I have multiple Flexzilla hoses for air and my pressure washer. They have been tough enough that I'd be comfortable frame-mounting them. You could put them inside some corrugated split wire loom for additional protection if you were worried.

Awesome! Appreciate the vote of confidence, Red! Good idea about the split wire loom. I think I've got enough of that laying around from bulk Amazon orders for electrical work.

Just need to figure out a mounting solution for the NAPA Maxitrac compressor. I don't have a welder or access to one. I'll probably try bending some flat stock with the help of a propane torch to see if a pair of big L or U brackets can work.

 

[Rednexus]

You might be able to make one by either using some cardboard to template a mount, then having it welded up by a shop, or by getting a cheap HF welder. I got a Titanium 125 flux for $200, and it lasted a couple of years. Looks like it's for sale for $129 right now. Flux core is pretty forgiving for learning welding (easier than MIG or stick). For bending flat stock, I personally score it with a cutoff wheel, bend it in a vice, and then weld the scored part of the bend back together. Easy to get really clean bends that way. You can also bend it with a hammer in a vice but it won't be is clean.

Since then I've upgraded to a Hobart MIG, which is a much nicer machine and works unlike the 125 which crapped out after two years. But, even if used just a few times, a Titanium 125 will pay for itself.