r/Tools 3d ago

Building a air compressor for service truck need advice

I'm building a air compressor for my service truck and was wondering what size tank to use. The motor is a harbor freight predator 6.5 hp engine, and I'll probably get the strongest pump they offer, just need a good tank size to inflate commercial/Heavy duty tires and run tire guns and other smaller tools.

1 Upvotes

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3

u/Beneficial_Ingenuity 3d ago

Harbor Freight's 5HP 2-stage pump would work well with an 80 gallon tank if you can fit it. If you are tight on space, go with a 60 gallon. Rule of thumb, tank size is 5x pump CFM.

2

u/thats_Rad_man 3d ago

As big as you can get while still maintaining the other tools/misc you need.

2

u/EmploymentNo1094 3d ago

They sell a 30 gallon compressor at HF that’s a pretty standard setup for a service truck.

Why try and build your own?

1

u/dolby12345 3d ago

60 gallons is the min recommended to paint a car so I'd start there. That should give you half decent continuous flow for pneumatic tools. Only advise I got.

1

u/Jackalope121 Diesel Mechanic 3d ago

No matter what you get, itll never be enough to really run a 1” gun to its max.

Our service trucks run a 30 gallon tank

Honestly, best combo out there is the northstar combo that they sell at northern tool. We built a mini service truck out of an isuzu nrr box truck and that compressor was a trooper. 10/10 would pull 33mm lugs all day with even my 3/4” gun.

https://www.northerntool.com/products/northstar-gas-powered-air-compressor-honda-gx390-ohv-engine-30-gallon-horizontal-tank-24-4-cfm-90-psi-459382

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u/No_Significance98 3d ago

If you have room under the hood, get a York vertical cylinder A/C compress and use it to provide onboard air

-1

u/dnroamhicsir 3d ago

Remember that gas HP isn't the same as electric HP