VIAIR X'Treme Duty Onboard Air System

Most of the readers we talk to seem to agree with us: purchases for vehicles usually fall into one of two categories. The first category includes replacement and repair parts-those components that are needed to keep a rig running and safe. These parts are necessary, but not all that fun to pay for, and it's difficult to get excited about spending time installing them. Then, there are "fun" parts-those that you gladly shell out a few clams for-and you can't wait to get a wrench in your hand to get them installed and ready for use. Our VIAIR onboard air system definitely falls into that second category. We've been staring at it for a while now, aching to install it, but we had to first work out a few bugs that were plaguing "The Juice," our project Bronco.

We won't bore you with details, but after replacing a long list of parts (engine, radiator, starter, battery, water pump...the list goes on and on), we finally felt as if The Juice was ready for the VIAIR system.

We run the Bronco at varying tire pressures-lower when we play in the sand or around trail obstacles, and higher on hard-packed dirt or desert runs. There have been many, many times in which we wished the Bronco had an air source, and not just to fill the tires. Modern onboard air systems easily power air tools, and that opens up a whole new realm of possibilities.

We've been familiar with VIAIR for quite a while. They manufacture a full line of air compressors that can be found on everything from trail Jeeps to airbagged tow rigs. In fact, VIAIR offers no less than eight different levels of onboard air systems, from the Ultra-Light Duty kit (often used to engage air-actuated locking differentials) to the Ultra Duty system, which was the world's first 200 PSI onboard air source. When we got our hands on a 150 PSI X'treme Duty kit, we eagerly crawled under The Juice in anticipation, scoping out a good spot to install it.

When the Bronco was finally ready, we took it to T&J Performance Center in Orange, California. The crew at this full-service 4x4 shop builds everything from race trucks to custom crawlers, and they were quite familiar with the X'treme Duty system. Although the installation did take some time (about 5 hours), it was relatively simple, and the included instruction booklet provided us with all of the info we needed.

We had the Bronco out in the dirt that very weekend, and not only did we use the VIAIR kit for our own purposes several times, but we helped out a few others who were in desperate need of an air source. This is one mod that we're getting used to quickly, and as such it almost seems unimaginable to go without it now. That, and we no longer need to carry a stash of quarters to operate gas-station compressors.

The VIAIR X'Treme Duty onboard air system includes everything needed to get you filling tires and running air tools from your vehicle. The dual compressor system comes with a 2-gallon air tank, and is rated at pressures up to 150 PSI.
The VIAIR X'Treme Duty onboard air system includes everything needed to get you filling ti
Now that's a handsome compressor! The X'treme Duty kit comes with not one, but two of these bad boys. Anyone who's ever waited for a big air tank to be filled with a single compressor knows it can be frustrating, and you can forget about keeping enough pressure ready to run air tools. VIAIR solved this problem with the dual compressor setup, and sure enough, the air tank stays happily full, even during use.
Now that's a handsome compressor! The X'treme Duty kit comes with not one, but two of thes
The 2-gallon air tank was mounted hanging just in front of the rear axle. VIAIR tells us this tank was designed to be shorter than most others on the market, so that it can fit in tighter spots. The tank comes with six 0.25-inch NPT port openings to allow multiple configurations. A regulator (not pictured) comes with the kit, but since we don't plan to use air lockers, we didn't need to install it.
The 2-gallon air tank was mounted hanging just in front of the rear axle. VIAIR tells us t

The pressure switch and pre-calibrated gauge was mounted hanging from the underside of the dashboard. The gauge gets hooked to fused power, and an air line attaches to it from the tank. The gauge reads to 150 PSI and is lighted. A simple flip of the switch engages the compressors, which start filling the tank.
The pressure switch and pre-calibrated gauge was mounted hanging from the underside of the
Here, the tank and compressor configuration is visible. The tank hangs in front of the rear shock mounts, snugly tucked away. The twin compressors are mounted next to each other, closer to the front of the vehicle. The included stainless braided air line has been snaked through a frame cross-support, and remains out of harm's way.
Here, the tank and compressor configuration is visible. The tank hangs in front of the rea
Oscar Gonzales at T&J Performance Center expertly fashioned a mounting plate to secure the compressors to the vehicle. The compressors could be attached directly to the floorboards, but we know from experience that this is a much quieter setup (they are, after all, working, vibrating air compressors). Each compressor runs using fused power.
Oscar Gonzales at T&J Performance Center expertly fashioned a mounting plate to secure the

The X'treme Duty kit comes with its own coiled air hose utilizing a quick-disconnect coupler at the end. We were impressed with the clip-on gauged tire inflator. Also included in the carrying case are some spare filter elements and a blowgun tool.
The X'treme Duty kit comes with its own coiled air hose utilizing a quick-disconnect coupl
We chose to mount the quick-disconnect coupler from the tank in our rear fenderwell, using an existing hole just above the frame. Connecting the hose is a snap, and the coupler stays out of the way. We've been stuck in the middle of nowhere many times wishing we had an air source, and we're proud to report that those days are over...for good!
We chose to mount the quick-disconnect coupler from the tank in our rear fenderwell, using