Onboard air compressor install

[RSteele]

I boondock with my 351m while off-roading as a matter of fact I haven’t taken it to a plug in campground since I bought it in December. I needed a way to air up the Goosebox hitch and RZR tires I was carrying a 6 gallon pancake compressor in the truck but I have enough stuff to load when getting ready to go riding. I have been a little board with all of this Covid business going on so I decided to install a compressor on the 351m. The spot I settled on was under the camp side propane tank. I first looked at 12volt compressors from Viair, I have a portable model I carry on my Rzr and they are well made but expensive and offer better mounting options because you can mount the tank and compressor separately. I ended up buying a craftsman 2 gallon hotdog compressor for $130. I planned to hang it from the mount the propane tank sits on but found there are only a couple of welds holding the mount to the frame. I added angle iron and put more welds on the mount. I built an angle iron frame for the bottom of the compressor and used rubber shock donuts between the frame and the compressor for vibration dampening. 1/8th x 2 steel straps were used on the outside of the compressor mount and up to the propane tank mount. I used bolts on the compressor frame instead of welding in case it ever needs to be removed. On the inside portion I used 1/4 20 all thread and beam hangers I had left over from the sewer hose holder mod to attach the compressor to the frame of the trailer. For wiring I drilled a hole into the front compartment where I mounted the inverter. I have a breaker box next to the inverter for the outgoing power and had an empty slot. I put a 20 amp breaker in and wired the compressor to it. I was about a 6 hour project and works well, I had to extend the quick connect on the compressor with a 6” 1/4 nipple. I also put magnetic door holders on the propane compartment doors on both sides they are the same ones Grand Design uses on the other compartments. I mounted a 20’ air hose next to the propane tank with a quick fist rubber all purpose hanger. Same mounts I used to mount the ladders to the roof overhang in the garage.

[D2Reid]

It must be air compressor day. About 20 minutes before I saw your post I ordered a California Air 1 gallon 120v compressor to replace my scuba tank air system. The scuba tank worked well for many years but the hoses are getting worn and the tank is up for re certification. Of course my air needs aren't as heavy as yours, I only top tires off as needed.

I went with the 120v system because I am on utilities most of the time and have a generator for the times that I am not. Plus I can't weld. Mine will sit in a bay or maybe the garage.

Your set up is much more elegant and useful. Nice Job!

[FirstAscent]

Looks great, onboard air is so nice to have! A few months ago I installed an ARB Twin Compressor under the rear bench seat in my truck. Works great for so many cases even the inflatable paddle board!

[ScullerGuy]

I see from your onboard compressor install photos you also have solar. Could you share with me some of your installation decisions. We replaced our 2008 Cardinal with a 2019 Momentum 320G, and I want to move the solar install to the new rig. Thanks in advance for any placement advice you are willing to provide.