Wiring up air horns

groundhawg

Full Access Member
Joined
Jun 27, 2005
Messages
172
Reaction score
0
Location
Indiana
TexasA&M,
PM me with your email address and I will send you this nifty little paint wiring diagram I made up.

It is very easy...I'm sure when you see it you will understand it just fine.
 

TexasA&M

Full Access Member
Joined
Feb 25, 2009
Messages
138
Reaction score
0
Location
Austin, Texas
What's the story on the schematic??? I think I'm goign to wire the compressor to my new upfitter switches so that I can control when it runs. I'm hoping to get it wired up tomorrow and then I can tap into the upfitters when they get here. I am interested in seeing how you can wire a switch though to turn off the air horns and only have the stock horn.
 

TexasA&M

Full Access Member
Joined
Feb 25, 2009
Messages
138
Reaction score
0
Location
Austin, Texas
Awesome. Thanks for the info. I had an idea that this was how it was wired.

Another question for you... where did you mount the switch, and what is the best place to run the wires into the cab? Where did you tap into the factory horn switch?

Thanks for the help.
 

TexasA&M

Full Access Member
Joined
Feb 25, 2009
Messages
138
Reaction score
0
Location
Austin, Texas
Finally got everything mounted and wired up tonight. I have one glitch that I need to work out. I wired the compressor relay to energize with upfitter switch #3 (the wire runs from the upfitter switch to the pressure switch on the tank, then another wire runs from the other side of the pressure switch to the relay). I also wired the air horn relay to upfitter switch #3. I tapped into the stock horn ground wire coming from the steering column. Switch #3 energizes a relay, and pushing on the steering wheel horn button grounds it, thus sending power out to the horns. I did it this way so that the air horns could be turned off if necessary, and so that only the electric horn sounds when locking the truck with the key fob. Here is where things get interesting; when the tank is not full, and the compressor is not running (key and or upfitter #3 off), the electric horn sounds constantly. If the tank is full, or the compressor is running, the electric horn works normally. Any idea what would cause the stock horn to sound when the pressure switch is closed and there is no power running through it?

I may end up tapping into the hot horn wire to activate the relay. I think this would fix my issue.

Anyhow, here are some pictures of the install. It's not easy to take pictures from under the truck, but ya'll will get the idea.

The tank and compressor are mounted on the passenger side frame rail, under the rear door.

IMG_3853.jpg


IMG_3856.jpg


IMG_3855.jpg


The horns are mounted on the driver's side, under the front door. They would not fit on the passenger side due to the mounting of my transmission filter on that frame rail.

IMG_3862.jpg


IMG_3861.jpg


IMG_3859.jpg


IMG_3860.jpg


IMG_3858.jpg
 

DaveBen

SDD Senior Member
Joined
May 31, 2005
Messages
9,620
Reaction score
81
Location
Ukiah, California
Your compressor may run hot being cooped up in that plastic box. I mounted my compressor under the hood, near the drivers hood hinge. Check out my pic's on this.

Dave
 

TexasA&M

Full Access Member
Joined
Feb 25, 2009
Messages
138
Reaction score
0
Location
Austin, Texas
I actually looked through your pics earlier today on this. I have a different hose running to the tank than you do, so it would be harder to extend. I considered that it might run hot, but I think it's better than getting in any kind of wet weather. I may add some vent hold in the bottom that would allow air in, but keep most of the water out.
 

DaveBen

SDD Senior Member
Joined
May 31, 2005
Messages
9,620
Reaction score
81
Location
Ukiah, California
I have never noticed my compressor running hot, but I have not checked it. It just runs and runs and runs... like the eveready bunny.

Dave :)
 

stevechie

SDD Junior Member
Joined
Jan 10, 2008
Messages
13
Reaction score
0
Location
burnaby bc canada
Great info on the install but I would be very interested on how you mounted the compressor. I notice a plastic container but i also saw a military box cut open how was that mounted? I am looking for something (box type) to mount inside the front wheel well of my 08 f350. I want to have better access so when i mount the camper I can still access pump just in case. The new trucks are jammed pack in the engine compartment. I get dizzy just looking at it. What you you suggest? Now that its complete any after thoughts or things you would do different?:sweet
 

Members online

No members online now.

Forum statistics

Threads
30,506
Messages
266,043
Members
14,623
Latest member
F350 On Track
Top