ASME Quality

Cost compared to performance related to your needs is always a consideration when buying an air compressor. But neither of these factors should override your safety and the quality of the unit’s construction. The only way to guarantee your safety and the quality of workmanship is to purchase an air compressor that is certified by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). Air compressors certified by the ASME show they have undergone testing for both build quality and safety. If the compressor isn’t ASME-certified, pass.

Air Compressor Installation

If you don’t have space to mount an on-board air system in a tool box or elsewhere in the bed, consider locating the compressor and remote tank under the truck.

On full-size pickups and SUVs there’s usually enough space between body/bed and the frame rails to mount the compressor to the driver’s-side frame rail. The air storage tank, if it has one, can then be in close proximity by mounting right to the underside of the bed/floor bed. Drop the mounting bolts from the top, positioned in the low spots of the bed ribs, to secure the tank in place. Such a mounting location keeps the tank both high and secure while keeping the compressor, and air fittings very well protected. (One caution: air compressors don’t like being submerged, so keep this in mind when selecting a mounting location.)

Route the air hose from the compressor (or air tank) to the rear of the truck so it is away from exhaust pipes and exits just above or on each side of the license plate. This makes a very convenient location to have the air hose connection fitting.