Just wanted to introduce myself. My name is Paul and I work for Metro North Railroad. I am currently trying to build up a scratch system for my 2013 Chevy 2500HD . I think I have everything planned out but the wiring is troubling me. I do not want to cut or splice into wires on a brand new truck. I’m thinking of mounting the compressor in the spare battery tray and mount the tank under and behind the front bumper. I will use a “broom handle” air valve under the lid in my center council to actuate the horns which are Leslie. It’s the compressor connection and relay wiring that’s the pain.
Hi and welcome!!!
Sounds like you have a pretty good system put together. Wiring really isn’t all that hard to do a good job and you can do this install without splicing into any stock wires. Run your compressor from the battery to the relay to the compressor, no splicing any stock wires there, just a battery terminal.
As to the activation for the relay I would get a fuse tap from a auto store. Put it into a keyed fuse slot like your cigar lighter. From there run the wire to your switch, then pressure switch and then to the relay.
For your compressors ground I would just run straight to the battery, I’m assuming the second battery tray is close to the main battery?
Don’t forget fuses on everything. If done right in the future you can remove the whole system without a trace!!
Good luck! I hope I didn’t confuse you lol
Space for Rent
No actually that clears up a lot! I’m running a single set of Leslie RS-2s I found that they are max 120psi so I think I may have to put a pressure regulator on the air feed from the tank. I will end up using a manual no electric regulator like one used on a welding tank. I tested them at 70 psi the other day with a 1/2 in line and they were loud but I imagine if I run them at 100 psi they will be older still without the possibility of blowing the diaphragms apart.
Welcome.
I hope you can fit a good size tank because Leslies are pretty air hungry. Maybe you could squeeze a pair of smaller tanks.
If you choose a pressure switch with the relay built in, all the wires will be labeled. For the trigger wire, you want to find an ignition only source. I found one in the fuse panel right behind the extra battery tray on my 2009.
You may need to extend the leader hose going to the tank. Keep in mind that it gets very hot - so you’ll want something that is rated for it.
Where are you putting the horns?
I figured under the bed forward of the spare tire
Welcome to the forum Paul. IMO the hardest part of wiring is routing it so it’s hidden or looks nice.