Train horn install ?s

[teameyecatcher]

For all of those out there with train horns--I just got mine today in the mail, and was wondering where to mount these big ole' things. I didnt realize just how huge they'd be... I was thinking about putting them under my toolbox but I really dont want to drill holes in the bed for something like this. Any help?

 

[BamaSixGun]

if you wanta take a chance on having a blow out and no spare tire, thats what i did.

took out the spare tire, spare tire winch, etc.

i made a metal plate and used the bolt holes that were already there for the tire winch.

works great. here's a pic.

Bama's Leslie Train Horn

i had to face mine backwards because of their size, but being backwards keeps all the road junk from flyin up into them.

what kind did you get ? post a PIC of them so we can 'em.

hope it sounds awesome.

 

[teameyecatcher]

Thanks for the quick reply.

I got the Omega Excalibur Triple train horn set with a 5 liter tank and compressor. It's not really a "real" train horn but it'll do the job I reckon. Still louder than it should be Here's the link: http://www.oviedosafetylights.com/Shopping.idc?ProductID=94&ProductCategory=15

I looked all up and down the frame rails to see where I could put them, and the one and only spot where two holes matched up was where the horns would be facing completely downwards and about 3" from the ground . I think my best bet here is to mount the whole set in my toolbox since I have some extra room in there.

 

[BamaSixGun]

when i first started my "train horn" project, i started with a 5 gal. tank mounted on the frame just under the rear pass. door, had to drill new holes to match up. i had a set of triple chrome "china" made horns that i mounted up inside the front part of the bed area on the underside of the pass. side.

i had to do some riggin to make it work, but it was ok. i didn't have compressor at the time, so i had to refill the tank at a gas station, but could only get about 80 lbs. in the tank.

i finally stepped up later and bought a ViAir continoues duty compressor and an additional 15 gal. tank. i hooked both tanks up together and mounted the 15 gal. tank and compressor in my TOOLBOX, and left the 5 gal. on the frame.

this combonation has proved to be just right for me. i also stubbed out a couple of quick connections to run an air hose off of, incase i needed to air up any tires on my truck or trailer.

for my on/off switch, i used a HEAVYDUTY AIR SWITCH, to accuate the loudness. so no solenoid/electrical switch to open up the airways. i gotta 150psi right at my fingertips.

let me know if i can help in anyway.

 

[teameyecatcher]

I like the idea of adding aux air capability. I'd like to do so for the same reasons (filling up truck and trailer tires). Although I dont know how well such a small tank will work doing it...it'll have to work overtime but I'm sure its ok...cheap to begin with.

The horns came with two wires coming out the top for using the electrical switch...I had planned on using one of my upfitter switches to connect to the + side. Reckon I have to remember to turn it off since its not a momentary switch

I'd have liked to mount to the frame but I'm at home and I dont have any drills heavy duty enough here to handle the job. I ended up mounting the horns and the compressor on the inside of the toolbox-we'll see how loud that can be. I've been too lazy to run the wires yet. I'm trying to figure out the best way to get wires in and out of the toolbox, and where to ground the horns and the compressor. I guess I can scrape off some of the crud thats on my frame and use one of the existing bolt holes to ground on, then I have to run constant power to the battery and switched power to the upfitter switch.

I know I can do it but I'm just having one of those days where I'm too much of a bum. At this point I think I'd rather take it to a stereo shop and have them run the wires Nahhh...where's the fun in that

 

[BamaSixGun]

did your setup come with a pressure switch that will cut the compressor on when it reaches, say 110psi and cuts off when it reaches, say 150psi?

 

[teameyecatcher]

Yes, I dont know at what PSI it switches on and off, but I may end up adding a switch to that too. When I was working on it after connecting the constand power and ground, it kept switching on and off as i was fixing air leaks. Could get annoying if it constantly goes on and off when I'm not even around it...

But I did get it all connected. I'm waiting to try it out later when I'm not at my apartment complex. Friggin neighbors and noise complaints

 

[Lord Tauk]

Cool stuff guys, I've contemplated locomotive style air horns for my rig for quite some time after watching all the videos over at hornblasters.

It wont be now, or anytime real soon but I'll definently get something sometime. I like the idea of running an extra hose incase you need to air up a tire.

I had a few questions myself, I never dealt with electric air compressors such as the Viair, what's the wiring job for a horn setup like? I'm no master electrician, but I can install and wire up practically any aftermarket gauge. Power and ground to one of the batteries? Then an inline 'switch' to turn on or off a solenoid that allows air to pass through it thus blowing the horns? Manual on/off switch for the compressor too?

I guess there are endless ways to get a compressor setup.

 

[BamaSixGun]

Cool stuff guys, I've contemplated locomotive style air horns for my rig for quite some time after watching all the videos over at hornblasters.

It wont be now, or anytime real soon but I'll definently get something sometime. I like the idea of running an extra hose incase you need to air up a tire.

I had a few questions myself, I never dealt with electric air compressors such as the Viair, what's the wiring job for a horn setup like? I'm no master electrician, but I can install and wire up practically any aftermarket gauge. Power and ground to one of the batteries? Then an inline 'switch' to turn on or off a solenoid that allows air to pass through it thus blowing the horns? Manual on/off switch for the compressor too?

I guess there are endless ways to get a compressor setup.

LT: i happen to have a copy of the schematics that came with my air compressor.
i will try and post it tonite or tomorrow, can't remember if its on the home puter or the one at work, very simple actually.

Could get annoying if it constantly goes on and off when I'm not even around it...

you can do one of 2 things, you can tie into the ignition, so that the compressor only kicks on/off when the ignition is on, OR, you can just hook up a switch to manually cut the pressure switch on/off, i did the later.

it would also be a good idea to install an air pressure gauge to monitor your psi. (see pics below) so when i see that the psi is down below 120, i just flip the toggle to cut the compressor on, when it builds upto 150, i cut it off, that way, when your system leaks down, its not off/on, off/on.


air pressure gauge / toggle for pressure switch