Train Horn Buyers Guide

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Highest Rated Train Horn Kits
Rating: 5/5Rating: 5/5thntbl-table__imageHornBlasters Conductor's Special 540
  • Can be heard over a four mile range
  • Comes with the Viair 400C compressor
  • Includes a pressure switch
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Rating: 4.8/5Rating: 4.8/5thntbl-table__imageViking Horns 101C3
  • Has three, chrome plated trumpet horns
  • Includes a 1.5 gallon air tank
  • Can work in any vehicle from crossover to semi-truck
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Rating: 4.7/5Rating: 4.7/5thntbl-table__imageHornBlasters Outlaw 127
  • Comes with the solenoid valve pre-installed
  • Uses stainless steel diaphragms
  • The 3 trumpets are mounted on one bracket
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Before you buy an air horn kit, you may have some questions. We are here to provide you with answers to the most commonly asked questions people ask about these kits.

Question: Does the size of the air tank matter?

Answer: When you’re shopping for a kit, you may have noticed that there are a variety of options for air tanks. These tanks can be 2, 2.5, 5 or 8 gallons. The larger the tank means that you will have a longer blast time when you blow your horn. The other benefit of having a large tank is that it can be used for any other add-ons you have like air suspension kits. The air can be routed to distribute air between both the horn and other systems with ease.

Question: I noticed that some kits come with more horns than others. Is there a difference between having two, three or four horns?

Answer: Many people think that having more horns will give you a louder sound, but this is not the case. The more horns you have, the better the sound quality of the horns will be. When you only have one or two horns, you’ll produce a more monotone sound. With three- or four-horn systems, you’ll have a harmonic sound.

Question: How does the size of the air compressor affect my horn system?

Answer: The air compressor is meant to fill the air tank that is attached to your train horn kit. Air compressors are rated by PSI (pounds per square inch) and the higher the PSI the more pressure the compressor can pump into your tank. This in turn will result in a louder sound when the air is released from the tank to the train horn. Typically air compressors for train horns run off of the 12 volt battery that is in your car or truck. Essentially they are an air pump to refill your tank when it’s low.

Question: How easy is it to install one of these systems?

Answer: When you purchase one of these kits, you’ll be provided with all of the parts necessary to install the kit yourself with a few simple tools. Depending on the type of vehicle you drive, the placement of the parts may vary because you’ll need to find a place that can safely fit the mounting brackets. You will need a basic understanding of vehicles to install the kit on your own because it will involve knowing where the safe spots to drill holes are and how to wire the system to your horn and battery. The train horn will come with installation instructions and we have installation guides, diagrams and video available on our site to assist you with install.

Question: If I don’t feel comfortable installing my kit, who can help me?

Answer: Just about any shop that performs custom work will be able to help you install this kit. They’re familiar with how to install aftermarket accessories that require air compressors and custom wiring to your vehicle.

Question: Why are some of the air tanks designed to be installed externally and some are not?

Answer: This really depends on the type of vehicle that you’ll be installing the kit on. Many of our kits have compressors that are sealed units, which means that they are weatherproof. You can install this type of unit in the bed of your truck without having to worry about the elements damaging the system. Many of the Conductor’s Special horn kits have externally mountable compressors.

Question: Are any of the other horns as loud as the train horns?

Answer: The answer is yes. While the higher end train horns can be heard for up to two miles away, you can also find chime horns that can be heard nearly as far away. Many of the horns can be heard from a few blocks away. For real train horn kits see the Nathan Train Horn Kits, these are the very loudest train horns available.

Question: Can the horns make different sounds?

Answer: Each horn is designed to make a very specific sound, but you can always hook up additional horn systems to have varying sounds. Remember, the larger your air tank is, the more you can connect to it. You can install a secondary horn kit and have a different button for each sound. Many of our horn kits sound like a real train horn but we also have kits that are just loud horns or even boat horn sounds.

Question: What does PSI mean for these tanks and why does it matter?

Answer: PSI means how many pounds per square inch of air that the tank can hold. A tank that holds more air means that you won’t have to refill it as much and your horns will sound louder. Each press of your horn will be using some of the air that is stored in your tank. Most train horn will run well at about 150 PSI.

Question: What separates these horns from the competitors?

Answer: Most competitor horns are imported from other countries. Most of our horns are created right here in the United States, which means that the horn kits are manufactured to the highest quality standards.

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