Air is one of the most important ingredients when it comes to burning fuel. In order for the engine to start, air together with fuel needs to be introduced to a spark and enough compression. But air isn't only needed for the engine as it also plays a big part when it comes to the brakes and even the suspension of your vehicle. When it comes to the latter, you can easily make your new suspension work flawlessly thanks to an OBA system. Better known as an onboard air system, it's made of various components that help provide a constant supply of air to the suspension system.
What to Look for in an Onboard Air Compressor Kit
PSI
The air pressure of an onboard air kit is one of its most important factors. The measurement used for air pressure can either be PSI or bar. The higher the air pressure level the more air your onboard air compressor kit will be able to put back in its tank. But the speed at which it refills with air depends on the size of the tank too.
Tank
The size of an OBA kit's tank will also affect your use of such a system. The larger the tank is the more air you'll be able to output for longer. OBA systems with smaller tanks are going to be less powerful but they're also going to be more portable. If you're all about having a versatile system, then one with a smaller tank is preferable.
Air Flow
The amount of air the system is able to provide you within a certain amount of time is expressed in CFM. This type of rating will depend on your use of said OBA system. But a system with a strong airflow will make every task a walk in the park. Therefore you should go for an onboard air compressor kit with a CFM greater than 1.5.
Noise
Just like any type of equipment that uses pressurised air, an OBA system can be loud. But that doesn't always have to be the case. While you can't get rid of the noise completely, you can get an OBA system with a quieter compressor. Noise levels are expressed in dBA with higher quality onboard air kits producing less dBA. But even if you don't go for one, if you get an OBA system that is no louder than a lawnmower, no one would be complaining about it working.
Duty Cycle
The duty cycle of an onboard air kit is what determines how long the system is able to operate without the need to cool down. For instance, an OBA system is going to last you around 30 minutes if it has a duty cycle of 50%. Meaning, it will take it the same amount of time to cool down as the time you used it for. Those with a greater duty cycle than 50% will take less time to cool down than the time you spend using them.
Weatherproof
No matter where you'll use your OBA system, you should go for one that is weatherproof. Weatherproof means protection from all the elements, not just rain. The sun, as well as strong winds, can damage the system if exposed for enough time and without much-needed protection.
Electric vs Gas OBA Systems
If you want a quiet OBA system then you should go for an electric one but if you want an all-powerful system then a gas-powered one is for you. Because electric systems use either an induction or a universal motor they are also quite light. They're quite dependent though as you need to have them plugged in be it a wall outlet or the 12 V socket in your car.
Gas OBA systems are not only more powerful, but they're also not as dependable as electric ones. All you need to bring is a can of petrol and you're good to go as a quick refill is all that's needed to make them run again. But because of the way they work, gas-powered systems are quite noisy and usually heavier since they also make use of a battery.
Other Uses of OBA Kits
Inflation
Alongside being usable for air suspension, onboard air kits are quite useful in other scenarios too. The most common alternative application is the inflation of tyres. This is why 4x4 owners who like to travel across the vast barren land, bring an OBA system with them. This way, when the terrain changes, they inflate the tyres so that they make their drive more comfortable and improve fuel efficiency.
Air Tools
If you're a tradie who thinks air tools are better than battery-powered ones, you're way better off with an onboard air kit in your ute than an auxiliary battery. With the right OBA kit, you'll be able to use any air tool from the bed of your ute. As long as the system has enough CFM as well as the right air pressure, you'll be able to use your tools wherever you are.
Air Horns & Load Levelling
If you want to, you can use an OBA system for your air horn or for load levelling. No matter which one it is for, or if it's because of both air horns and load levellers, make sure to get an OBA system with more than enough air pressure.
