Howdy Neighbors! Just came across your forum this evening. I have been thinking about a train horn for my truck for some time now and actually just today picked up a VIAIR 20001 still brand new and in the box. Now that I have found you guys I now have some questions…Of course I would like loud and authentic, So #1 is the 20001 enough air/power ? I am not looking to blow for long periods but when I do I want it to be right, if that makes sense? and #2 I see those Nathan horns and am guessing those are the real deal? in order of “I want the best train horn, to, what would be sufficient” what would you guys suggest horn wise?
The compressor is great, but you might want a bigger tank for an authentic horn.
Each compressor can fill 5 gallons which is about the minimum you’ll want.
I personally like the Nathan K5’s for the fullest sound, then K3’s, then P3’s, then the Shockers from hornblasters.
Ear2ear, Moving in ain’t like the old days when the whole neighborhood came out huh? And from your avatar it seems not to reflect “ear to ear” but that’s all good!
I think I want to roll right into a K3LA if I can find a suitable used one. As for tank size…the horn is not for the notice me factor (maybe a little), in practical I am thinking 3 second honks. I am sure someone has done some kind of “K3LA with a 2.5 gal tank vs. 5 gal tank = X time honk”. Any Ideas?
Now down the road as I get older and more crotchety, would I be able to plumb in another 2.5 gal tank, or is the way to do it is to replace the 2.5 with a 5 gal?
K3LA with a 5 gallon tank gets me 4 to 5 seconds, but practically drains the tank.
A 2.5 gallon will get you roughly the amount of time you want, until you realize that a 2 second blast just isn’t enough and you’ll be kicking yourself in the pants for the 5 gallon.
Direct comparisons are unlikely for a k3 with 2.5 gallons. Too many other variables like port size, line size, valve size, what pressure. Maybe you could be our guinea pig…Lol
I responded to your other thread too, but again the 1/4" NPT ports on your tank would be holding back a K3. It would technically make the air last longer because of the restriction, but the horn wouldn’t be as loud. But still - it’s in your hands - so feel free to try it.
Oh and replace instead of adding a tank because of the port size.