Air horns

jasin1 · 01-25-2021, 02:51 PM

Anybody have an idea on how to install air horns on a truck with factory air suspension? I really hate the thought of cutting into the factory system and probably wouldn’t be able for computer sensor reason. So that is a no go for me.
I don’t want to install a complete second air compressor just for horns.
I have a viaire 450p rv portable unit. Is there a way to just install a tank and prefill it for an emergency blast every now and then? ( probably not a bad idea to limit my access to loud horns) I may be tempted to use to often lol

**flybouy** · 01-25-2021, 04:52 PM

Air horns require a high volume at high pressures to operate properly. I would not tap into a factory air system as I doubt it would meet the need and set the truck's computer crazy. I have an onboard air tank and compressor that I installed on my truck for the horns and airbags. Also installed a quick disconnect for filling tires, inflating toys, or running small air tools. To me, the convenience of airing up a tire or using a nozzle to blow sand off the bed of the truck has been well worth the money . YMMV

rhagfo · 01-25-2021, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flybouy

Air horns require a high volume at high pressures to operate properly. I would not tap into a factory air system as I doubt it would meet the need and set the truck's computer crazy. I have an onboard air tank and compressor that I installed on my truck for the horns and airbags. Also installed a quick disconnect for filling tires, inflating toys, or running small air tools. To me, the convenience of airing up a tire or using a nozzle to blow sand off the bed of the truck has been well worth the money . YMMV

X2!
On board air with a 2.5 gallon tank.
On the old 2001 Ram, I installed a PacBrake compressed air activated, so had on board air for the horns, and inflating tires.
The 2016 Ram came with factory exhaust brake. Installed a VIAIR constant use on board with 2.5 gallon tank 150 psi. Also powers the Kline Air Horns.

**chuckster57** · 01-25-2021, 07:56 PM

Hornblasters.com
Complete setup including Viair pump, 5 gal tank. 153Db for 11 seconds. And yes they are addicting.

jasin1 · 01-26-2021, 04:07 AM

Thanks everyone. Will look at the hornblasters systems

rhagfo · 01-26-2021, 05:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuckster57

Hornblasters.com
Complete setup including Viair pump, 5 gal tank. 153Db for 11 seconds. And yes they are addicting.

Wow, some crazy horns on that sight!!
I just wanted something that when towing was comparable with my size.We are about 23K when towing, so simple Kleinn 102 air horns, I have an on board VIAIR compressor that puts out 150 psi, with a 2.5 gallon tank.
Gets a little loud when I bend over the wrong way with the key fob in my pocket and activate the alarm!!

Mine are wired through a realay activated by the standard horn.

https://kleinn.com/product/model-102-1-dual-truck-horn/

**chuckster57** · 01-26-2021, 05:49 AM

I bought the conductors special back in 2008, part of my retirement gift to myself. I have used them to remind a driver that he/she is doing the wrong thing.

On our trip across the country, we were coming into St Louis. Speed limit dropped from 55 to 35, and this lady zoomed around me, moved in front of me and then slammed on her brakes. I was about 6 inches off her rear bumper, one foot on the brakes, one hand on the brake control, one knee holding the wheel and the other hand hitting the horn switch. I believe she wet her pants from the look in her eyes. No contact made, and even the DW said it was ok for me to use them.

Brantel · 01-26-2021, 05:52 AM

I am currently installing a duet of these two HornBlaster horns. Not as over the top as their train horns. They also make their own air with the small air pump that is provided. The blow time is unlimited with these.

I like to tone of this combo and having two of them gives it a bit more punch.

Looks like the Kleinn one posted above is basically the same thing for about half the price but only has one air pump.

jasin1 · 01-26-2021, 06:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuckster57

I bought the conductors special back in 2008, part of my retirement gift to myself. I have used them to remind a driver that he/she is doing the wrong thing.

On our trip across the country, we were coming into St Louis. Speed limit dropped from 55 to 35, and this lady zoomed around me, moved in front of me and then slammed on her brakes. I was about 6 inches off her rear bumper, one foot on the brakes, one hand on the brake control, one knee holding the wheel and the other hand hitting the horn switch. I believe she wet her pants from the look in her eyes. No contact made, and even the DW said it was ok for me to use them.

Coming back from Delaware seashore stare park last year I had a “ local” watch me approaching and then in a passive aggressive move just pull out in front of me and slowly bring there car up to speed. I wasn’t speeding at all but people were tailgating me and cars in the other lane. I was pissed because while I wouldn’t have hit the car that pulled out, I was close to someone hitting me....it would have been nice to have a big horn
I do have to be careful though...I had a guy that used to drive with me and we were listening to the radio about a nascar race outcome, I said “can you imagine driving that fast and that close to the other cars?” He said “Yeah they would have to take the horn out of your car “.
I have matured some since then

**flybouy** · 01-26-2021, 08:35 AM

With my train horns I started with a small spst momentary switch which I quickly realized wasn't ideal as the last thing I need to do is look for a button to push during an evasive maneuver. Still have that button for play but added another matching 1/8" latching switch that connects the poem horn relay to the airhorn solenoid valve. That way it works with the truck horn but if I'm in a residential or city area I can turn it off.

As for folks pulling out in front of me someone trying to merge without looking, well I think more than one of them drove home in some form of undesirable substance in their seat.

Forgot to add: Check out Wolo https://wolo-mfg.com/on-board-system...-systems.html/. They tend to have decent prices. They also sell a lot of emergency type horns and lights.

travelin texans · 01-26-2021, 09:23 AM

I want a horn that yells "a##hole" followed by the train horns when pressed for those idiots that think you can stop 25k lbs on a dime darting in front of me then slamming on the brakes.

**JRTJH** · 01-26-2021, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by travelin texans

I want a horn that yells "a##hole" followed by the train horns when pressed for those idiots that think you can stop 25k lbs on a dime darting in front of me then slamming on the brakes.

Yeah, but make sure your NRA dues are up to date too..... LOL

**flybouy** · 01-26-2021, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by travelin texans

I want a horn that yells "a##hole" followed by the train horns when pressed for those idiots that think you can stop 25k lbs on a dime darting in front of me then slamming on the brakes.

Yup, followed by a "now go home and change your undies you @#$%&"!

Towing a camper I've gained a new respect and empathize with tractor trailer and large vehichle drivers. Can only imagen what they have to put up with.

travelin texans · 01-26-2021, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JRTJH

Yeah, but make sure your NRA dues are up to date too..... LOL

There's another advantage of not being able to stop 25k lbs on a dime!

**flybouy** · 01-26-2021, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by travelin texans

There's another advantage of not being able to stop 25k lbs on a dime!

Just make sure that your dashcam is working and take out the memory card after the car in front stops crumpling.

jasin1 · 01-26-2021, 01:07 PM

Thanks for the ideas! This may sound crazy but how about mounting the air compressor setup /horn in the front compartment of the fifth wheel and use a wireless remote? That way everything is out of the weather instead of mounting under the truck. ...it’s just a thought that popped into my head.. I would install the horn under the fifth wheel pointing forward

**flybouy** · 01-26-2021, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jasin1

Thanks for the ideas! This may sound crazy but how about mounting the air compressor setup /horn in the front compartment of the fifth wheel and use a wireless remote? That way everything is out of the weather instead of mounting under the truck. ...it’s just a thought that popped into my head.. I would install the horn under the fifth wheel pointing forward

I'd rather have the horn closer to the action and not 20+ feet behind. The best results are mounting it as high and as forward as possible, think of large trucks, fire trucks, boars, etc. Next best would be behind the grill (room permitting). You also must consider your suggestion ties it to your trailer where it can only be used when hitched and shiny airhorns under an unattended trailer in storage may be tempting for a thief.

BrooksFam · 01-26-2021, 01:41 PM

Train horns on cars and trucks are not legal to use on the road in some states. Check your local listings...…...

jasin1 · 01-26-2021, 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flybouy

I'd rather have the horn closer to the action and not 20+ feet behind. The best results are mounting it as high and as forward as possible, think of large trucks, fire trucks, boars, etc. Next best would be behind the grill (room permitting). You also must consider your suggestion ties it to your trailer where it can only be used when hitched and shiny airhorns under an unattended trailer in storage may be tempting for a thief.

Probably not one of my better ideas lol..it was just a thought

**chuckster57** · 01-26-2021, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrooksFam

Train horns on cars and trucks are not legal to use on the road in some states. Check your local listings...…...

ANY horn over a certain decibel level is not legal.

I don’t think mine are “legal” but I don’t use them in front of law enforcement, and I haven’t been ticketed yet even when they knew it was me.

My horns are mounted under the bed facing down so the sound radiates all sides. I can watch gravel get blown when I hit them. They have been through some severe weather and still work.

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