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I just installed it Saturday, using their "Refuge" mounting system which bolts over the right rear wheel well. In my 4-door, it uses the bolts which secure the hardtop, something to consider if you plan on taking the MIC off on occasion. My conclusions are tentative:
1) a powerful motor. Like Tricky Dick's, Morflate, and others, it's a twin (maybe with adaptations) of the NAPA 2-cylinder.
Discussions of its variants in other threads have suggested you not run these NAPAs on single tires, as it will build up back pressure on the pump causing, over time, excessive pressure and wear on it. I had a conversation with Elias Brown about this, and he said not to worry, his variant can handle it. I hope his confidence is valid, but we won't know for a few years of single-tire use, will we?
I had a friend with a flat on a small Kia, and it jacked the pressure up to about 75 lbs in just a few seconds. (The puncture didn't allow for short-term repressurizing.) To err on the side of caution, I'll limit my use to 4-way hose setups as much as possible.
2) Because these NAPAs are so powerful, it may be wise to use a 2-man procedure: one to monitor the pressure gauge on the manifold, and the other at the on-off switch. My installer is putting a remote on, so I can stand by (literally) the manifold/gauge and control the switch from there. If you keep it portable (battery clamps), then you're probably at the front of your truck with machine and hose connections all in one place. From the rear-mounted refuge, you'll use the 8-foot extension hose (provided) to the manifold to the 4-way hose rig.
3) I thought it would be nice to just "park" the compressor in the "Refuge" mounting cage so I could remove it for storage or use elsewhere. It's really strapped in tight, but it does rattle, so I'm going to use the provided fittings and bolt it in permanently. I'll get back to you on whether that solves the rattle. I know of no other permanent Bronco install for the NAPA/variants. The only other option is one of the ARB installs, but you're looking at $1,000 or so, and we're not even talking hoses unless your install shop includes them as part of a package.
4) The Thor (valve) chucks snap on but detach with a small button, which can be a little temperamental: sometimes they need a little wiggling to get off. A friend of mine finds that too big a nuisance, I just wiggle them, no problem.
5) I have had trouble with the manifold/gauge/hose valve: it delivered air to both tires on one side, but just the rear tire on the other. Elias Brown, owner, is sending me a replacement. He's been very accessible and responsive. I'll post an addendum when I have had a chance to test it out.
6) They have two sales a year. I got mine on Black Friday at 20% off, the next will be Memorial Day (I think--maybe Independence Day? Check), but Elias says it's not that generous. They shipped it free and interestingly I wasn't charged my state sales tax. Maybe they're negligent or just flying beneath the radar on that.
So there you have it. This is the time to buy -- and test out --- all your off-road stuff. Your first experience with gear should never be on the trail. Happy wheeling!
1) a powerful motor. Like Tricky Dick's, Morflate, and others, it's a twin (maybe with adaptations) of the NAPA 2-cylinder.
Discussions of its variants in other threads have suggested you not run these NAPAs on single tires, as it will build up back pressure on the pump causing, over time, excessive pressure and wear on it. I had a conversation with Elias Brown about this, and he said not to worry, his variant can handle it. I hope his confidence is valid, but we won't know for a few years of single-tire use, will we?
I had a friend with a flat on a small Kia, and it jacked the pressure up to about 75 lbs in just a few seconds. (The puncture didn't allow for short-term repressurizing.) To err on the side of caution, I'll limit my use to 4-way hose setups as much as possible.
2) Because these NAPAs are so powerful, it may be wise to use a 2-man procedure: one to monitor the pressure gauge on the manifold, and the other at the on-off switch. My installer is putting a remote on, so I can stand by (literally) the manifold/gauge and control the switch from there. If you keep it portable (battery clamps), then you're probably at the front of your truck with machine and hose connections all in one place. From the rear-mounted refuge, you'll use the 8-foot extension hose (provided) to the manifold to the 4-way hose rig.
3) I thought it would be nice to just "park" the compressor in the "Refuge" mounting cage so I could remove it for storage or use elsewhere. It's really strapped in tight, but it does rattle, so I'm going to use the provided fittings and bolt it in permanently. I'll get back to you on whether that solves the rattle. I know of no other permanent Bronco install for the NAPA/variants. The only other option is one of the ARB installs, but you're looking at $1,000 or so, and we're not even talking hoses unless your install shop includes them as part of a package.
4) The Thor (valve) chucks snap on but detach with a small button, which can be a little temperamental: sometimes they need a little wiggling to get off. A friend of mine finds that too big a nuisance, I just wiggle them, no problem.
5) I have had trouble with the manifold/gauge/hose valve: it delivered air to both tires on one side, but just the rear tire on the other. Elias Brown, owner, is sending me a replacement. He's been very accessible and responsive. I'll post an addendum when I have had a chance to test it out.
6) They have two sales a year. I got mine on Black Friday at 20% off, the next will be Memorial Day (I think--maybe Independence Day? Check), but Elias says it's not that generous. They shipped it free and interestingly I wasn't charged my state sales tax. Maybe they're negligent or just flying beneath the radar on that.
So there you have it. This is the time to buy -- and test out --- all your off-road stuff. Your first experience with gear should never be on the trail. Happy wheeling!
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