Air Horns

[ILH]

I'm sure many of you find that drivers of cars have no recognition of the distances and clearances we require when towing a large trailer. I've been on the lookout for a supplementary (and preferraby hidden) set of air horns that will get the attention of inattentive drivers.

I'm not talking anything obviously illegal here - just louder than the traditional automotive horns that are factory installed on trucks. I purchased a set of air horns (with compressor) for about $40 - but it was barely louder than my regular horn - and sounded like a wounded squirrel.

Does anybody have recommendations - where did you get them? Cost? What kind of resevoir set up is required? etc.

I know that I'm probably looking at $100 - $200.

Thanks.

 

[ihsolutions]

I've got Hadley air horns on my new Silverado, which were installed by Classy Chassis.

They are awesome, and super loud.

Mine are mounted on the roof, but you can mount them under the truck also, though it might conceal the sound somewhat.

They are not cheap, I paid somewhere around $750 installed, but I think you can find the kit online much cheaper, maybe $300-400?

There is a compressor that installs under the hood, and air lines that run to the actual horns. I also have a switch inside the cab to disable them (ie just use the normal car horn) if I want.

 

[hoefler]

Since I am a volunteer firefighter, I also have lights and a 100 watt siren on my tow vehicle, its also my daily driver. It has a horn sound and a phaser sound as well as 2 different sirens. The Phaser has come in handy a few times when some one tries to take my space or attempts to drive under my front bumper.

 

[GOTTOYS]

Train Horns are the answer..If you're gonna be a Bear..be a Kodiak!..There are all kinds of kits online, just do a search. Legal? Not sure and don't care. Give them idiots a reason to remember not to try that again..Don

 

[TXBobcat]

Well when Jayc arrives at a rally and a couple of others they have a concert with their Train horns. Think they got them in Mission TX...

I can't afford a set yet but they will wake you up.

BC

 

[Vtxkid]

Got the Texas train air horn kit on my Classy Chassis Chevy. Haven't heard any horns that are louder! I installed this kit which included the 5 gallon aluminum air tank and accessory hookup for air hose to the rear... all supported by my 100% duty are compressor. Be ready to dish out about 500.00 for one of the nicest setups!

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[jayc]

I spent between $600-700 for my setup. It has a Viair compresor with a 2 gallon tank and a set of UP horns. Bought them from Jason at Airhorns of Texas in McAllen TX. I also have a hose in the bed of the truck to add air to tires.

 

[dave10a]

I should point out the loud horns are startling and can cause people to panic. Truck drivers rarely use their loud horns for that reason. I too at time get irritated at drivers who do stupid things, but I learned to drive defensively and anticipate dumb drivers. My truck horn is plenty loud for alerting other without startling them to do even more stupid things. BTY I had air horns on my motor home and rarely used them for those reasons- I learned from experience.

 

[JohnDar]

Since I've been known to drive in traffic with a myriad of flashing lights, a Federal Q wailing (no wimpy electronic siren for us), and an air horn blasting...and people still ignore me, I'll stick with the OEM horn on my truck. Horns don't seem to cure stupidity and some fools think they're an invitation to get even dumber.

 

[ihsolutions]

I can appreciate the comments about horns causing panic, etc.

I bought my horn for two reasons. Primarily, to alert someone who's coming over into my lane and doesn't see me. This has happened to me a lot, and my old truck's OEM horn didn't seem to get the driver's attention quickly enough. As we know, a truck with a 12000lb fifth wheel attached ain't too maneuverable. Defensive driving can only do so much.

Secondly, it's a toy. I'm not obnoxious with it, but will use it to occasionally scare the &(*^#$ out of friends and family.

Worth every penny!

 

[Vtxkid]

I can appreciate the comments about horns causing panic, etc.

I bought my horn for two reasons. Primarily, to alert someone who's coming over into my lane and doesn't see me. This has happened to me a lot, and my old truck's OEM horn didn't seem to get the driver's attention quickly enough. As we know, a truck with a 12000lb fifth wheel attached ain't too maneuverable. Defensive driving can only do so much.

Secondly, it's a toy. I'm not obnoxious with it, but will use it to occasionally scare the &(*^#$ out of friends and family.

Worth every penny!

Ihsolutions, I totally agree with you! I bought mine for the same reasons. I also realize the louder they are, the more discreet you need to be...

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[boatto5er]

So Jerry, I know you are on a bike trip right now. Are you texting and riding?!

 

[Vtxkid]

So Jerry, I know you are on a bike trip right now. Are you texting and riding?!

Hah ha Gus!!!





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[SilverRhino]

I have three air horns on my truck, 2 Hadley Ambassadors and 1 Grover that came off an old fire truck. The horns are powered by a Viair 200 psi compressor and a 5 gallon tank. When I installed the system I included the capability to switch my steering wheel horn "button" to either stock horn, air horns or both. I also have a pull switch mounted to the overhead console that only controls the air horns. When driving in town I usually have the switches set to stock horn only with pull switch off. On the highway I will run the switches set to air horns.

My horns are extremely loud, especially the Grover, so I try not to use them in town.......In that situation I believe they are over kill......At highway speeds, they are needed to overcome the usual road noises.

 

[murry135]

Silverrhino,
I would like to know how you wired up you system since this is the way I would like to wire my future horn set up.

 

[TandT]

I spent between $600-700 for my setup. It has a Viair compresor with a 2 gallon tank and a set of UP horns. Bought them from Jason at Airhorns of Texas in McAllen TX. I also have a hose in the bed of the truck to add air to tires.

Jay, Your lucky. Stella is a good sport. If I spent $700 on a set of air horns, Teri would have a **** fit. Trace

 

[ILH]

I agree with Trace. My leash woul be shortenend by a link or two.

 

[jayc]

I bought it back when I was working and still getting extra jobs for a few bucks.Those were the days, but I don't want to go back!

 

[Vtxkid]

My wife talked me into installing mine. And as a few Heartlanders would know, she knows how to use them!


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