How Aluminium Air Tanks Impact Your Suspension

If your car or ute has factory or aftermarket air suspension, you’ve probably wondered if there was any benefit to installing an air tank. Aftermarket systems typically have them, while factory systems usually don’t; and the fact is, air tanks are now compact enough to where installing them on luxury cars with factory air-ride makes sense.

Electronic air suspension / air-ride systems, even ones with engine-driven air compressors, can experience problems. A faulty relay, a stretched drive belt, or a compressor malfunction can leave you with a suspension that won’t properly inflate – a predicament that can be avoided with an air tank.

With an onboard air tank backed by a reliable air management system, you’ll always have a ready volume of air on hand to pipe into your suspension. It’ll help reduce the excess wear and tear on your compressor too, making it an excellent precautionary asset to have.

Aluminium Air Tanks That Take Strength to the Next Level

If you’re under the impression that aftermarket car and ute air tanks are the same as the burly steel tanks used on semis and buses, then you need to think again. The Australian-made, 1-piece aluminum air tanks that are regularly used on custom rides, mini trucks, and a whole range of air suspension assist kits throughout the country, are among the safest, most compact, and best looking anywhere.

High strength, T-6 tempered 6061 aluminium alloy is the starting point for today’s aftermarket air tanks. This heat and corrosion-resistant alloy boast the highest tensile and yield strengths of all the 6061 alloys, and it corresponds perfectly with a range of high-performance air tank characteristics that include:

· A recommended working pressure of 0-170psi;

· A maximum working pressure of 400psi; and,

· An extruded centre section and stamped ends for maximum safety.

These high-quality air tanks are completely corrosion-resistant, and are also supplied in shot-blasted anodized, or polished chrome finishes. That means they not only rank among the safest and most durable air suspension tanks anywhere, but they’re also attractive enough to go perfectly with any custom interior or chassis.

Count on Air Tank Sizes and Capacities For Any Application

Make no mistake: size and capacity are the most concerning factors for air assist and air-ride owners who’re considering installing an air tank. A tank that’s too large, doesn’t have enough ports, or lacks sufficient air volume is just a waste of space. That’s why lightweight, top-tier aftermarket tanks are designed specifically to satisfy all of these requirements for any type of on or off-road use suspension.

3-, 5-, and 9-port variations are available to plumb any number of axles or accessories that need air, and they’re typically available in the following capacities:

· 3ltrs (1 gallon);

· 4.5ltrs (1.5 gallons);

· 6ltrs (2 gallons);

· 9ltrs (3 gallons); and,

· 15ltrs (5 gallons).

No matter if you’re outfitting a custom V8 racing sedan with air struts all around, or a tradie ute with triple bellows that need on-demand ground clearance, you can find a tank with the right dimensions to fit any boot, under any frame, or inside any tub with ease. And with such a wide selection of air tanks to choose from, adjustable leg mounts give you the freedom to mount, spin, and configure them precisely the way you want them.

All the Fittings You Need to Bring an Air Tank Into Service

Unless you’re installing an air tank in a vehicle that requires special fittings, top quality air tanks come complete with all the ¼”, ⅜”, or ½” NPT fittings, hoses, and hardware they need to be plumbed and wired. There’s no need to run around buying extra bits and parts when you purchase a tank complete with all the necessary parts, including:

· Quick connect fittings and couplings;

· Teflon-coated braided hoses;

· Preset pressure relief valve;

· Maximum pressure check valves; and,

· A drain plug.

You can even purchase a full range of high-pressure tank hose extensions, water traps, and line gauges to get the maximum use out of your reserve air supply. After all, while air ride and air suspension are the main benefactors of installing an aftermarket air tank, there’s a list of other equipment that can take advantage of the added capacity too.

Air Tanks Make it Possible to Run More Accessories

Although there’s no mistaking that cars, mini trucks, and customs rely on compressed air to improve ride quality, 4WD and ute owners usually have a host of equipment on board that also need air to operate, including:

· Air locking hubs and differentials;

· Pneumatic wheel jacks and tire pumps; and,

· Pneumatic tools and air horns.

Not only is having an air compressor in continuous operation to power all these accessories inefficient, but it’s also impractical for an array of reasons, some of which include:

· Persistent noise, and thermal stress on surrounding components from constant running;

· Excess fuel consumption, or battery storage drain required to keep the compressor engaged; and,

· Hastened compressor wear as a result of prolonged air compressor duty cycles.

An onboard aluminum air tank eliminates all these concerns while allowing you to get the most effective, longest-term use out of your air compressor.

The Final Word

At the end of the day, the reliability of your air-ride or air-assisted suspension system depends more than anything else on the supply of serviceable air. If your air compressor isn’t able to supply it on demand, you might be looking at a situation that would make safely operating your vehicle safely.

Lkj  ftermarket aluminium air tanks allow you to maintain a readily available reserve of air at all times while helping to take excess stress off your air compressor. It’s a winning decision to install one; and one that you won’t regret making.

---