The use of air is prevalent not just among trees and us humans but also among vehicles. Without air, a vehicle wouldn't be able to start or cool down. But there's another use for it and that's with air suspension. This type of suspension makes for the smoothest and most comfortable ride while it also gives you the ability to adjust your ride height.
All this is possible thanks to a small compressor fitted to such vehicles. These compressors are able to keep the vehicle's suspension supplied with air so that you can adjust your vehicle's smoothness over bumps with the press of a button. These air compressors are used for more than just air suspension though.
Uses of On Board Air Kits
Tyres
Also known as onboard air kits, these systems can also be used to fill up your tyres with air. But you see, you can't do that with the press of a button while cruising down the motorway. An on board air kit requires you to use it just like you would a manual air pump when inflating your bike's tyres. Except here you don't need to pump air manually.
Load Levelling
With an OBA system on you could also adjust the loading height of your ute or pickup truck. Also known as load levelling, whatever you need to move across the country or down the block, you can make it possible by lowering the back of your vehicle so that you can make it easier to load an ATV or a piece of furniture.
Air Tools
If hauling is not part of your everyday activity but using powered air tools is then you'll still make use of an OBA system. That is if your system is able to provide enough pressure for the tools to be used. You'll be able to work anywhere no matter the work site.
Factors to Consider With an OBA Kit
Duty Cycle
The amount of time you'll be able to use an OBA system for, is going to be determined by its duty cycle which is expressed in percentage. For instance, if you get an OBA system with a 50% duty cycle you will enjoy using the compressor for 30 minutes until it needs to rest for the same amount of time before you can use it again.
Pressure
The amount of air pressure an onboard air compressor kit can reach is going to be expressed in PSI. The higher the pounds per square inch an on board air kit can generate the more air it can provide at once. Typically onboard air kits can work with as little as 30 PSI or as much as 150 PSI. You shouldn't get an onboard air system with the highest PSI as all that extra power would be left unused, but that doesn't mean you should go for an underpowered one either.
CFM
The airflow an OBA system is going to provide is measured in CFM or cubic feet per minute. No matter how high or low of an airflow level your vehicle will need, the compressor that you'll need to use will need at least a 1.5 x higher CFM rating.
Capacity
The system's tank capacity will also play a role in how long you'll be able to use it before it runs out of air. You see, an OBA system needs to have a certain supply of air ready to go at all times hence why it has a tank for the compressor. The bigger the tank the larger the air supply you'll have available at any given time but also the heftier the system that you'll have.
Noise
You can avoid the noise generated by an air compressor and the same goes for an OBA system since it makes use of one. They can be extremely loud but they can also be quiet. If you plan on using your OBA system often, then you should consider going for one that comes with noise suppression technology.
Size & Weight
The size of onboard air kits affects their capabilities. But keep in mind that larger systems are almost always heavier and they can add a significant amount of weight to your vehicle to the point where they can even affect fuel economy.
Weatherproof
You may not think about it but water and debris can easily deter the operation of an OBA system and even damage it. This is why you'll want to go for one that is weatherproof. No matter where you place an OBA system it's never a bad idea to have at least thermal protection on it.
Air Quality
Most compressors are known to produce condensation which is why you'll need to consider getting one that will get rid of it or not create condensation at all. Oil-free compressors provide 100% dry air but if your onboard air compressor kit doesn't have such a compressor you can get a filter fitted in order to improve air quality. The type of filter you'll need will depend on the level of contamination you'll need to get rid of.
