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Onboard air install - inside front bumper

wake&moto

Member
Messages
22
Location
Houston TX
This was done using the Wolo 840 Turbo Compressor and 5.5L tank combo kit. Be careful if you purchase this online – it can be had for under $300.
HUMMER-H3-Air-Tank-Bumper-SMALL.jpg
We liked this tank setup since its long and skinny design fits perfectly behind the metal bumper of the H3. This location shields it from damage, and keeps the distance between the tank and the compressor relatively short. Ideally, the compressor would be right next to the tank, but there isn’t enough room in the front bumper – so we put it behind the air box in front of the liquid reservoirs and ran about a 5 or 6 foot line to the front. When it comes to air systems, having fewer fittings and hoses will always mean less leaks and issues down the line, but sometimes it’s unavoidable.
HUMMER-H3-Air-Compressor-SMALL.jpg
The area the compressor sits on isn’t completely flat, so we put a small block of wood and a little foam padding underneath to straighten things out. While the location under the hood protects it from the elements, it’s susceptible to overheating. Hot days, engine bays, and prolonged use can cause the unit to shut off, a built-in feature meant to prevent it from burning up. When airing up four tires, it’s better to just pop the hood.

HUMMER-H3-Air-Hose-SMALL.jpg
Since the tank is right behind the front bumper, it made it easy to install an extended fitting that projects through the bumper. The fitting came with the tank kit, and allows easy attachment of the air hose (also included). The coiled hose may look short, but when attached at the front bumper, it’s able to reach all four tires but not the spare.

For good measure, we installed a power switch under the dash for the compressor. If your system ever developed a leak, the compressor would constantly run, probably overheat, and possibly kill your battery if you weren’t running the truck. If the leak is behind the bumper and you’re on the trail – you’re probably not going to mess with removing the brush guard, grille, front bumper, etc – to get at the problem. Save yourself some headaches down the road and install the switch.

The install costs on a similar system will vary from shop to shop – but it’s going to set you back at least a couple hundred if not more to have it professionally done. This may be on the upper-bounds of for the DIY crowd, since fashioning some small brackets for the bumper mount and shaving down some plastic areas is involved to make it fit perfectly. I’ve seen plenty of DIY installs more complicated than this on the various HUMMER forums, so to each his own.
If you’re going for a sight unseen on-board air system, this is a good bet. You may prefer another compressor brand, but this kit had everything we were looking for to complete this install.










I stole this from the Hummer guy website because I want to do it, and I think it can be useful for some of us. I will do it, add pics, and do a write up. I am going to figure out a different spot for the hose nipple.
 

Paladine71

ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ
Messages
1,483
Location
Tallmansville, WV
That is a great idea. I've been thinking about a good location to add a tank, you may have solved my decision. Looking forward to your write up. :thumbs:
 

HUMMER INVESTMENTS

[o O IIIIIIII O o]
Messages
3,518
Location
Black Hawk, SD
This is one of my 'future mods to do'. I was planning to run a line to the grill and have a mount for it so i can keep the line still. Not really sure about what to do, but if i where i would probably do this.
 

wake&moto

Member
Messages
22
Location
Houston TX
Paladine, your write up would trump mine. I'm confident in that. Don't 2009's have a slightly different support behind the bumper or was that just skid plate design? I know something changed when the skidplate and engine did...
 

Paladine71

ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ
Messages
1,483
Location
Tallmansville, WV
Paladine, your write up would trump mine. I'm confident in that. Don't 2009's have a slightly different support behind the bumper or was that just skid plate design? I know something changed when the skidplate and engine did...

I don't know about that, I'm no great writer or orator. I had planned on exploring this as a mod sometime this autumn or winter with the extra time provided by the holidays. I have an '08 Alpha. Why don't we both work on it and whoever posts up first gets the applause?
 

f5moab

Mr. Beretta
Messages
2,000
Location
In hiding.....
Paladine, your write up would trump mine. I'm confident in that. Don't 2009's have a slightly different support behind the bumper or was that just skid plate design? I know something changed when the skidplate and engine did...
2008 H3s had a crash bar added under the front end. It's primary purpose was to prevent the H3 from going up and over a smaller vehicle. Not sure if it would be in the way or not from looking at the photos. But it was easy to remove and only affected the little car in front.:giggle:
 

cbetts

NERD!!!
Messages
3,188
Location
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
I actually did this same install on my truck. :link:

It works well for what it is. I definitely need a bigger tank for airing up four 35" tires from 15lbs though. I still use my little Master Flow portable compressor to get the tires back up to 35lbs but I use the on board system to top off (the gauges on the Master Flow compressors suck).

My install differed a bit from HummerGuy being that I have an 2006 model and have a different bumper. I also mounted the compressor in between the headlight and air filter box. Later, I made better use of the system by adding air horns. :link:
 
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