ONAIR / Product Guides
Match the tank and compressor as a pair.
Reserve and recovery do different jobs. Plan both before choosing the air-supply layout.
Choose enough tank reserve for your normal adjustments, then select a compressor arrangement that can replenish it within the equipment's operating limits. Check dimensions, current draw, duty cycle and pressure ratings together. Tank size alone does not decide whether you need one compressor or two.
Tank volume stores the air available for adjustments.
Compressor output restores the air you have used.
The right pair fits the car, the electrical system and the routine.
01 / THE DETAILS
Start with the air demand you actually expect.
A daily routine with a few height changes is different from repeated adjustments at a show. Suspension volume, starting position, target height and load also influence the amount of air used.
Define the routine before choosing a tank simply because it looks impressive. Then compare it with the space and electrical capacity you can safely dedicate to the installation.
02 / THE DETAILS
Choose the reserve, then check its footprint.
A larger tank at the same pressure holds more air. That can provide more reserve between fills, but the same compressor needs to supply more air to recover through the same pressure range.
Measure the tank with its brackets, ports and fittings. Leave access for the designated drain and any pressure-control or safety components. The tank-size guide explains the volume and pressure distinction.
03 / THE DETAILS
Use actual compressor performance, not the biggest PSI label.
Compare output or fill-time information at the relevant pressure, duty-cycle conditions and electrical requirements. Maximum pressure is not a measure of refill speed.
One suitable compressor
Can keep the installation simpler when it meets the tank and usage requirements within its operating limits.
A correctly designed dual setup
Can add recovery capacity, with extra power, protection, mounting, plumbing and cooling requirements.
Use the exact model's documentation. Do not transfer a tank-size limit or duty rating from another compressor.
04 / THE DETAILS
Let the limiting factor guide the next decision.
| Your priority | What to investigate |
|---|---|
| Very little installation space | Compact reserve, component dimensions and service access. |
| Frequent adjustments | Air demand, available reserve and recovery within duty limits. |
| Less cabin noise | Compressor choice, mounting and suitable isolation without restricting cooling. |
| A hidden installation | Ventilation, drain access and removable service panels. |
05 / THE DETAILS
Respect the whole system's operating range.
Pressure settings must suit the tank, compressor, management, plumbing and specified safety devices. A higher-rated tank does not authorise higher settings for the rest of the equipment.
Finish the plan with compatible fittings, protected wiring and reachable drains. If filling behaviour becomes abnormal, investigate rather than enlarging the tank or increasing pressure to hide a fault.
ONE MORE THING
The questions that come next.
Does a 5-gallon tank automatically need two compressors?
No universal rule applies. Use the chosen compressor's permitted tank size, recovery data and duty limits alongside your intended use.
Does a bigger tank mean faster recovery?
Not by itself. It stores more air but needs more air to refill the same pressure range. Recovery depends on compressor output and operating conditions.
Can I increase the cut-out pressure to get more reserve?
Only use settings permitted by the complete installed system's instructions. Do not treat extra tank pressure as a substitute for correct component selection.
Sources & equipment references
General education is not a replacement for the instructions supplied with your exact components. Product-specific ratings and procedures do not transfer automatically to another setup.
- VIAIR technical FAQ
Compressor ratings depend on the actual model and stated conditions.
- ONAIR tank options
Current dimensions, ports and capacities.
- ONAIR compressor options
Use the selected model's specifications.
