Installing A Train Horn: An Easy-to-follow Guide

Have you ever considered buying and installing a train horn on your vehicle? It's definitely a great idea for slow drivers in front of you, and of course when you get cut off in traffic you can do a great job of scaring the guy that did it. The only question is how you plan to do it. You might have the train horn, and you might think you are prepared, but do you know how to install your train horn?

First, let's get a basic understanding of the way in which train horns actually work. What you basically have is a can attached to a compressor. You can place the compressor somewhere within your vehicle, and what you are trying to do is make sure that the tubes from the compressor can reach the can easily.

Now because you are filling the tank with compressed air it would be a good idea to keep it clear of the engine. The best part would actually be in the frame of the vehicle, but place it as high as you can. Keeping it too low will probably cause it to be dented when you go over speed bumps and the like. Also ensure that the valve is a decent distance from the horn.

The horn itself can really be mounted just about anywhere you want. Some people mount them in the engine compartment along the firewall, on the top of the cab, or on the hood somewhere. Other people like to mount the horn in the wheel well, with the cone facing towards the ground at a forty five degree angle, to get the loudest sound. While this can be a good location, there are some drawbacks. One is that this area can be difficult to get into to clean and maintain the horn itself. Because it is in the wheel well, it will be exposed to the elements more, and can get damaged much easier.

In order to secure the electrical wiring to the engine, and the hoses, it is a good idea to pick up some zip ties. These are very cheap, and easy to use, and if you have a problem, can be cut quickly, rather than using a wrench or screw driver to remove the mounting brackets.

Where you mount your new air horn kit really depends on you. There are some basic things to keep in mind. Don't place the compressor where it will be exposed to heat and the elements, and try to keep it as close to the air tank as possible. You want to mount the tank some where it won't get damaged, and as close to the horn itself as you can. The horn needs to be in a location where it will produce the best sound, but not get dirty.