Train Horn Kits For Your Truck

We've all heard it, that penetrating steady tone blast from a passing locomotive. It is designed to warn motorists or anyone in the right-of-way to stand clear, that danger is imminent for the unaware motorist or passer-by.

Although air horns are used in emergency vehicles and trucks, it's the train whistle that stirs the imagination. Like trains in general, these tones stir a strong nostalgic response in those who grew up near a railway. It was Hank Williams that so aptly described in song that "lonesome whistle blow." Many youngsters have grown to adulthood with their fondness for diesel train horns intact. Today, there are many hobbyists who avidly collect these horns and refurbish them. The internet has allowed these collectors to band together to promote and share their hobby. Common collectible train horn manufacturers include Nathan, Leslie, Wabco and Prime. Only Nathan Manufacturing, Inc. and Leslie Controls, Inc. are still in existence today.

All air horns operate in similar manner. Imagine for a moment a megaphone type loudspeaker. It has a magnet, a voice coil and a diaphragm. After an applied electrical input, the diaphragm vibrates causing sound waves. The air horn is a type of speaker too but is actuated by air rather than an electrical/magnetic current. Air pressure causes the diaphragm to rapidly open and close the airway many times a second. This is heard by the ear as a steady tone.

Many hobbyists can determine a train horn model simply by listening to its tone. The pitch of a train horn is affected by many variables. The diameter of the air inlet orifice determines the loudness. The internal components and the bell horn material also affect whether the tone will be mellow sharp or in-between. The size and shape of the bell horn also changes the tone.

Air horns are supplied by an air tank. The tank holds a finite quantity of air so it needs to be re-filled by an air compressor. True diesel air horns need plenty of compressed air so hobbyists recommend a minimum 10 gallon tank although you can get by with less. Compressors can run the gamut from small 12 volt electric compressors to moderate size gasoline compressors to large 10HP gas behemoths.

Truck and SUV owners represent a growing market for air horns. These vehicle owners are drawn to the flashy chrome appearance of these horns. Some hide the horns so as not to attract attention. These scaled down versions are typically bought new in a kit for easy installation. A consumer can choose a truck air horn, typically in a single or two horn model, or a train horn that usually contain three or four horns that produces that distinctive ominous chord blend we associate with locomotives.

The kit typically involves a 12 volt compressor running off the battery and a one to five gallon steel air tank running to a high flow solenoid valve. Air tubes run from the compressor to the tank and then to the horn(s). These kits can also be installed in a car or boat.

A collector usually mounts an air horn on a truck or truck bed for demonstration purposes and to test different configurations. If you are considering purchasing a train horn kit for your personal vehicle, check with your local ordinance. Train horns easily produce sound levels over 150DB. Remember, these horns systems do not take the place of your regular electronic horn so there is no need to draw attention in ordinary situations. The loud train horn blast is best left for a true emergency or for use at an isolated location.

Most new buyers purchase their train horn in a complete kit for an easy no fuss installation. Obviously, these components are not true train locomotive horn components. They are scaled down so they fit most trucks, even down to SUVs and compact pickups and cars.

Here are basic parts of any train horn kit.

Air Tank

Air tanks comes in all different sizes. For truck applications, the 1 to 5 gallon size is common. These are simple structures that accept and hold the pressure that the compressor gives it. They contain any number of air ports. An air gauge is frequently attached here.

The Compressor

A compressor is an air pump that when activated fills the tank with compressed air. Compressor capacities are generally matched to the size tank. First fills may take several minutes, depending on the size of the tank. Re-fills are quicker.

Air compressors are used to fill other devices, such as tires or an air suspension. It is governed by a pressure switch which tells it when to re-fill and to what pressure. Increasingly common are two compressors operating in tandem for super-quick re-fills.

The Horn

Train horns run the gamut of sizes and shapes. Separate trumpets are slim and can be up to two feet long. In an attached array, there are two trumpet horns, three trumpet horns and even four trumpet horns. It's generally believed that you need three or more trumpets in the array to product as authentic train horn tone. Each trumpet sounds a different note. It's the combination of these notes that produce the distinction "blat" that immediately says "train horn."

The better train horns are made of metal. Plastic horns are OK in low priced value kits but they are not considered the "real deal" by most train horn enthusiasts. Steel, zinc, brass and copper are common metals. Horns are either chrome or gold plated or painted black.

Horns are activated by a solenoid that resides within the horn. Horns (and compressors) are energized by your 12 volt source. The horn can be activated by your regular horn button or you can buy a new separate horn switch. It's all in the installation.

Sometimes you will see decibel ratings given in a horn's specs. To adequately compare across systems, the reading must be taken with the same instrument, properly calibrated and at the same distance from the horn. This is rarely the case so take these readings with a large grain of salt.

These are the basic components of any kit. You should receive enough air hose, fittings and hook-up wire to do the job. Don't be shy about having a pro do the job. Shops that specialize in aftermarket installations of sound systems and alarms would be an appropriate choice.

OK, you've bought your train horn kit. But where to put the horn? the compressor? the tank? While there is no absolute right or wrong, we can make several suggestions based on our experience.

Horn:

An air horn can go practically anywhere it can fit.

The roof for a visible install

Inside the front/rear bumper

Inside the engine compartment

Inside the rear quarter panels

Along the frame rails

Inside an empty wheel well (which can hold your air horn components if mounted on a board).

On the truck bed.

TIP! Facing your horns to the rear will pick up less rain spray from wheels and will still sound loud. Pointing horns downward up to 45 degrees will yield a louder tone due to the reflecting road surface.

Air valve

If possible, the air valve should be mounted within 2 feet (50cm) of the horn. (Some solenoid valves come pre-installed at the base of the horn.) The valve can be attached to the frame, body, or any other solid surface using zip ties. Use no more than two or three feet of tubing for a quick snappy response.

Air tank

This can go anywhere it will fit. It can be mounted outside the vehicle like on a truck bed. Underneath the truck is also a common location. For frame rail side-mounted tanks: The tank's weight varies depending on size of tank but in any case, it's heavy! Make sure that you use strong mounting bolts, especially if you are mounting the air system on the side of a frame rail.

The air tank and pump are sometimes installed in a utility box or tool box and placed on the truck bed.

Pump

The air compressor is a working motor. It must be kept fee of restriction so it does not overheat. Install it where it is away from high heat or wetness such as a trunk. Truckers typically install the pump under the seat or in back, or in an outboard utility box. Pumps should not be installed outside of the vehicle.

Be sure to map out in your mind the locations for your components even before you order. Most sellers give dimensions so let those be your guide to find what will fit where.

The management of TrainHorn.org is pleased to announce the addition of two exciting train horn lines.

Kleinn Automotive Air Horns

Kleinn Air Horns enjoys an enviable reputation in the train horn biz. We have concentrated on their Brass and ABS horizontal train horn arrays. This allows our customers to choose an air horn that doesn't require much height when it is installed in a vehicle. Furthermore, they can be separated from the bracket for even more flexibility.

Kleinn's motto is, TOO LOUD? TOO BAD! We couldn't have said it better. If you want a soft train horn sound, look elsewhere.

Dominion Train Horns

TrainHorn.org has been working on bringing a new major train horn line for the last several months. We were picky. The line had to be sensational, something that represented an amazing value to our customers. The Dominion line is the result.

The Dominion line features genuine ViAir compressors. All Dominion kits showcase shiny all metal chrome horns. So this line defines a niche in our overall product showcase.

We've fashioned four packages that define the most wanted train horn packages in the market. Even our Stage 1 includes a 2 gallon tank, loud chrome triple horn and a ViAir compressor. Prices start at an easy $349 for a complete and robust Dominion train horn kit.

Truck owners who enjoy customizing their trucks are frequently left with an OEM wimpy sounding horn (meep,meep). Perhaps that is why train horn kits have become so popular. Once installed, a honk of he horn gives a mighty air blast that sounds very close to an authentic diesel locomotive air horn. While these loud devices can be abused, they can a welcome safety device to quickly warn of an approaching emergency situation.

HornBlasters is the leading supplier of train horn kits and related parts. Their reputation is such that there are references throughout the internet commenting on the brand and users' experiences. Here's a run down on their offerings current at the time of this writing.

The black ABS S-4 Shocker four bell horn array is the signature air horn in the HornBlasters premium line-up. In fact, leaving off the "value priced" kits and the high end Nathan train systems, the Shocker is the only horn offered. These slim black horns are typically arranged in a horizontal display one next to each other in descending lengths. The material is a very tough ABS plastic. This material enables these horns to withstand very tough environments like high heat, sand, frigid cold and dampness. The working part, the diaphragm, is made of stainless steel. The lengths are 12.75", 14.75", 16.25", and 19.5" with a 5" flare. The horns can be installed in any configuration and can be separated if desired.

The Shocker series varies mainly by tank size, compressor series and maximum working psi (air pressure). HornBlasters uses the highly reliable Viair compressor (aka "pump") to power all their systems. This is not an inconsequential consideration. Compressors work hard to keep the tank at a prescribed fill level. Lesser quality tanks may fail early and bring down the system causing delays, frustration and disappointment.

HornBlasters has recently configured new systems that cost less but still maintain the quality the company is known for. The standard series is built around Viair pump/tank combos. Here the compressor is bolted right to the top of the tank rather than being separate from the tank. This somewhat shortens install time because the wiring and air coupling between these two components. These systems are ideal where you have room for the rather tall configuration of the combo, such as a car truck or truck tool box. The standard series Shocker kits all feature the same four bell shock horns that anchor the premium line. All feature a 2 gallon tank which is large enough for many users. You can choose a system with working air pressures from 120 PSI to 175 PSI.

HornBlasters has expanded two value lines. The DX Shocker series is similar to the standard line but with two Shocker horns rather than four. This is still very loud and resembles a mighty big rig trucker's blast.

The Outlaw series value line contains compact chrome plated horns driven by the Viair combo units. Both these series are aimed at the buyer who desires a less expensive kit that will fit in smaller vehicles.

There is an old adage that says, "The thrill of a good price fades far sooner than the pain of a poor product." That is all the more reason to consider a HornBlasters train horn kit for your next vehicle upgrade.

When you hear one, you won't forget it. It's at first startling to to hear the unmistakable sound of a diesel locomotive air horn emanating from a pickup truck or van. Most buyers of train horn kits have already heard one, often from a buddy who has already made the plunge.

Train horn kits are sold on the internet and in certain auto-truck supply stores. They are designed to bring the evocative sound of an air train horn to everyday truck, car and boat owners. They have been around for over a decade but have come into their own only in the past couple of years. We'll tell you briefly what a train horn kit consists of and then survey what's available to purchase.

The Train Horn Kit

If we think of the kit as an air flow diagram, then we would first see the air compressor pumping air into an air tank which is the air reserve holder. Then, when activated by the user, compressed air flows from the tank through the air horn thus producing a loud blast. The larger the tank, the more air is held in reserve. Larger tanks require beefier heavy duty compressors.

The advantage of a kit is that everything you need is included, not just the major components, but the air hose, fittings, clamps, solenoid (air valve) and depending on the kit, a relay, toggle switch and horn button. With a kit, you know that the components are properly sized to work in tandem with no part over or under matched by another.

Train Horn kits can be self installed if you're handy that way. Many buyers employ an auto-truck service center to install the kit. Components can be installed below deck or on deck or a combination of both. Make sure the pump is as close to the air tank as possible. If the solenoid is a free standing type, keep it as close to the horn as possible.

What's Available?

While it's impossible to list every brand and model, we can list the major types of kits presently available.

Shocker Kits

These horns consist of two or four slim style black ABS bells in a horizontal array. They are one of the few USA sourced components in the trade. A shocker kit consists of a pump/tank assembly, either piggy backed and connected, or separate. Shocker kits employ Viair compressors in all the kits. Viair is a well respected maker with a reputation for reliability. The Shocker brand has been around for awhile so there is a large base of customers already using those horns.

Maximus Train Horn Kits

Maximus employs large chrome plated steel horns to product bright penetrating tone. They have stuck with four levels of kits from modest to extreme. As you go up the line, tanks get bigger and compressors get brawnier. Level 4 gets you a large 3 gallon tank with a gleaming quad horn, quite a stunner. This brand has stood the test of time and has a large installed base.

"Texas" Style Train Horn Kits

You'll find these sold under varying brand names but one thing remains constant: lots of train horn for the money. Lower levels use Viair tank/compressor assemblies pumping 145-150 psi though the chrome plated metal horns. Advanced level kits get a dedicated Viair pump and larger tank. Under the Dominion brand name, you can opt for a unique flat array metal horn that conveys a big rig trucker look. You can find many long one and two bell truckers horns and even a "get-out-of-the-way" firetruck air horn.

Kleinn Train Horn Kits

While tanks and pumps look largely alike no matter what the brand, horns can take many sizes shapes and materials. And so it is with train horn stalwart Kleinn. Here you can choose from long slim truckers style horns, triple bell air horn clusters, black ABS horns as well as a cost effective ABS horn finished in a gleaming chrome. Most Kleinn train horn vendors offer pre-configured kits as well as the individual components.

There are a few other brands available but these are the main ones. It makes good sense to browse a brick-n-mortar store or on-line shop that carries a wide variety of brands and products. It makes it that much easier to comparison shop.

We are often asked if air horns are legal in a particular municipality. All we can say is check with your local township for loud sound ordinances. Even if legal, use your train air horn responsibly and with discretion.