[MikeTJ]

Has anyone hard-mounted their Superflow MV-50, and if so where and how? My TJ is my DD, and with kids, work, etc…I searched the threads and the closest I found was an unanswered question of how it was mounted. I picked one up at the local Checkers for the insanely low price of $25 after reading a lot of good reviews about it on here, and after an icy-road spin-out last December that popped my left front bead just enough to drop my air pressure to about 6 psi. (I drive by that spot occasionally and realize how lucky I was that I only spun out and didn’t roll!)

Right now mine is in the “cute” little bag that came with the compressor, tucked behind the rear seat, and every time I need to haul anything it gets moved up to the front passenger footwell when I fold and tumble the rear seat – kind of annoying. I’ve considered moving it up into the engine bay, but where? And is this thing sealed well enough to survive Wisconsin winters and summer down-pours if it’s in the engine bay, or will that wreck it? Also, I’m considering hard-wiring it as well, and in the engine bay not only would mean shorter power supply, it would also be more centrally located to each tire (as opposed to in the very back). Plus I could avoid that hood-up-I-need-help look!

In case you’re wondering – with the exception of an Omix front-end guard (to combat this area’s urban-sprawl-induced whitetail problem) and a set of cheapo Wally fog lights, my TJ is pretty close to bone-stock (please forgive me – it still even has the floaties on the front and rear bumpers!). Being my DD, I’d prefer not to give up ABS (though it would be a great spot for the compressor), and I don’t see a 2nd battery tray on mine, unless I’m missing it?

And lastly – does the MV-50 NEED to be mounted upright? I emailed DV-Innovations with the same question, but their only reply was that it could be but not to mount it to an air tank…does this mean no air tank at all, or only if it’s mounted on its side? Yes, I asked them, but no response…

Any help – especially pictures – would be much appreciated!

Thanks,
Mike

[CNY]

http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f27/checker-auto-12v-tire-inflator-133377/

[MikeTJ]

Yep, that's one of the threads I found when I searched...

I also found one that mounted a Viair in the engine bay, in the "second battery tray on the driver's side", but:

1. I don't see a 2nd battery tray;
2. Is this as durable/weatherproof as a Viair? I know it was only $25, so replacing it if it craps out wouldn't break the bank.

Mike

[CNY]

The tray is right below the brake master cylinder.

$25?! I'll PayPal you $45 if you get me one!

[MikeTJ]

Below the master cylinder? Ok, just went out and looked, there is a tray there, but also another some sort of...something. I thought that was the ABS?

And I'll give the Checkers a call - if they have any left (bought mine back in December), I'll pick one up for you. But I'll only charge you the $25 + shipping - fellow Jeepers helping Jeepers, right?

[CNY]

Thanks!

You have ABS on a 99? My tray has nothing on it, but no a lot of room in there. I can't believe you could actually fit a battery there.

I haven't looked at the MV-50, but I don't know if it's weather sealed.

[MikeTJ]

Yup! I emailed DC and got the build specs: "BGK - 4-Wheel Anti-Lock Brakes" Plus the pulsing and controlled braking on ice, it's there. And like I said, it's my DD, so I don't want to give that (or the AC = York/Sandeen) up.

My biggest concern on the weatherproofedness (whoa...is that a word??) is the air filter housing. It's two pieces of plastic with little nubs to hold it together. I don't know that it will hold together in just day-to-day driving. Other than that, it seems pretty solid...I think...the on/off switch is even covered with a clear vinyl bubble.

Oh - I called the Checkers - 2 left in stock, still $25! And before you say anything - one of those two will be my spare, but I'll get the other for you!

Thanks!

Mike

[CNY]

Thanks!!!!!!! That's awesome. Can't find them around here

[MikeTJ]

No problem!

Now back to trying to find out where to mount the thing!

Mike

[CNY]

Wire-tie it to the roll cage?

[MikeTJ]

Hey, now we're gettin' somewhere!

Seriously - thought about under the passenger seat, but that's where the stock jack is. And really, I'd prefer it inside the passenger compartment, since I don't know how well it will hold up to the elements. Is this just not possible?

[CNY]

Hey Mike, check out this sweet writeup:
http://www.yotatech.com/showthread.php?t=54907


http://www.gearinstalls.com/pepboys.htm

[MikeTJ]

Hey Eric -
Excellent - that first writeup could work! I'm considering swapping out the stock airbox in favor of a paper filter (K&N or similar), and the space where that was would be perfect for the compressor.

Thanks bud!

Mike

[CNY]

OK, this isn't about hard mounting, but it is about making the MV-50 more useable....

http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=133377

I did a little modifying of my compressor. It added a few dollars to the cost, but adds a lot of functionality.

Two of the big problems with this compressor are:
The guage goes up to 150psi
The fittings are useless for anything but the hose that comes with the pump.

First off, let's get rid of that guage, and replace it with one that has a range we can use. Instead of search high and low, and paying too much, head on down to Pep Boys (or your favorite auto parts store) and look for a tire guage like in the picture below. Unscrew the end, and see if it has the same threads as the guage that you took off your pump.



Throw that guage in, and move on to the fittings.

Pull out the ait chuck fitting, and replace it with standard fittings. While you're at it, put on double fittings. The brass "T" and couplings can be found at the hardware store, and the air fittings can be gotten at auto parts stores, Harbor Freight, hardware stores; whatever.



Now you have a pump that will air up two tires at a time. TWO 31" tires from 12 to 30 psi in a little over 5 minutes. Move to the other side, and you're done.

The pressure guage really speeds things up. You run the pump, shut it off, and check the guage. The pressure is equalized between the tires, so you're checking both at once. When you reach the pressure you want, unscrew the hoses from the valve stems..... go home.

Mike, I brought this setup to Paragon this weekend. Everyone who saw it liked it. It was funny. In our group we got done and went to air up, EVERYONE had an MV-1050 or MV-50! (I had the only modded MV-50, next time, I expect they will all have modded theirs).

[erickpl]

CNY, can you still get those in your area for that low price?

I'd pay ya for one too. I can't find em around here for that (or at all)...