Maybe add in something about Max Run Time.  I just addressed a topic on another forum where a guy thought that he could just turn on a 380 and let it run until his 12 gallon went from 0 - 200psi, as long as you  let it rest for as long or longer than it had just been running.

I told him no, that he, ideally, should let it run for 2 to 3 minutes at a time until the tank is full, and explained that there is a Max Run Time for compressors as well as duty cycle.

Unfortunately I disagree with you there Tim.  I'm not sure if you're going off of that 'list' that Doug made a while back on S10Forum, but it is far from correct.  Now, the situation you posed isn't a good one, however if the thermal overload didn't kick in on his compressor, then he was good to go.  My 450's take around 7 minutes from 0-150... I never let 'em rest when I have to fill up like that, and its no harm on them.

Ah, ok.  I thought he got some of the information such as Max Run Time directly from Viair.  I was just trying to help reinforce the manufacturer's recommendation.

I know they can run longer and there be a very small chance that they will be hurt.  But I won't share how long I've let mine run by accident.  haha

What's the best Viair compressor for a 5 gallons tank, wired with a 165-200 PSI Viair pressure switch?

I'm looking for the fastest one for this setup.

Thanks!

OK , a question from a new guy(sorta) . I am wanting a total of 3 5 gallon tanks . What is the best scenario for the electric compressors ? I will have an EDC , so the electrics will be for backup or when i want to give the EDC a rest . I know Lance is a lil biased , but also a perfect source of info on which Viair compressors i need . I only want 2 compressors , and like i said , they will be mostly for backup .

I don't think of myself as biased at all. I have had other brands of compressors and spent 10 years working on a magazine showing people the best stuff to use on their rides. When I wanted to leave publishing, I went to work for a company whose products I used and thought the world of and have been working to help enthusiasts out on the air suspension side.

If you use the hell out of your air system....which I think is a 100% given if you are installing 15 freakin' gallons of reserve tanks... (holy crap...)

No matter what compressor company's products you go with, you are going to want to install one compressor for every 2 to 2.5 gallons of air you are storing in reserve. With an EDC however, you will still want to make sure you have enough compressors to fill the tanks should your EDC take a nice steaming dump on you. If you needed 6 compressors without an EDC, you should install no less than three compressors as a backup system to use in case of EDC failure. The backups are only for temporary use, not to replace the EDC. Get the EDC fixed ASAP if you FUBAR it.

Since you mention only wanting to run two compressors, you should probably go with a Dual 480C Value Pack if you need 200 PSI, Otherwise, use the Dual 450C Value Pack (and its a bit cheaper as well). Both the 450Cs and 480Cs last extremely well and would be good backups. When/if your EDC craps out, make sure you "baby" the 480s since they are in no way meant to fill this crazy volume of tanks day in and day out...

(Now, go get your goddamn VIAIRS!  lol- jk)

Hope that was helpful...

Of course Lance and I have a different opinion on compressors vs storage, but I think one compressor per 5 gallons is sufficient if you're looking at any Viair series 325 and higher.  My two 450's of 4 years say so as well.  I also believe that Viair wouldn't post fill times for 5 gallon tanks if it wasn't feasible for the compressors to be run on this size of tank.

My opinion on backups however is very similar to Lance's.  If the EDC will be your primary, and you are going with 15 gallons of air, I strongly recommend at least 2 compressors as backups.  And as Lance said, if that EDC goes out, get it fixed PRONTO.

What's the best Viair compressor for a 5 gallons tank, wired with a 165-200 PSI Viair pressure switch?
I'm looking for the fastest one for this setup.
Thanks!

Quote from: LuiJo on 04/03/07, 09:52 AM

Same answer... 480C Dual Value Pack... you'd have about a 5 minute or less refresh rate on 5 gallons. If you want faster, pair them with another Value pack. If you want faster than that... forget 12-volt and go EDC. I have never and will never tell anyone that nitrogen tanks are a good idea for the safety concerns alone.

Sweet . Thanks y'all .

I knew i saw you on here ! F*#&$R...lol

Any how I always wanted to know what would fill 15gal...im thinking 1 showing 2 stealth.(the tanks that is)
But i do need some good comps for backup just like you.EDc is sweet but I dont know "how long they last" meaning(  without rebuild)

I wanna do all 3 tanks stealth . BTW  Notch in progress . Almost done .