Best Train Horn Kits: Make Your Presence Known on the Road
Bring the noise and stand out in the crowd with our train horn kit top picks
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As far as vehicle accessories go, they don’t get much bolder than a multi-trumpet air horn. Fulfilling a variety of uses on the road—both sensible and frivolous—a train horn is a great way to add personality to your truck. With steady growth in popularity over recent years, there are now more choices than ever, and the kit you purchase will depend on your knowledge and requirements. Check out our top picks to make sure your next drive is loud and proud.
Outlaw Black Train Horn Kit
A low-profile but heavy-duty horn in stealth black. Comprised of three trumpets with stainless steel diaphragms for maximum durability, all mounted on one bracket for easy fitting. Large throat design for deep and powerful sound.
The pre-installed solenoid valve and L-bracket make for a particularly simple installation. The manufacturer offers a full rebuild kit and replacement parts to extend the life of your horn.
Sound is loud and impressive but not much like the horn of a train. The mounting footprint is larger than that of other brands, so finding suitable space might be tricky.
Vixen Horns Black Train Horn
A powerful air horn in black with four inline trumpets constructed entirely out of lightweight metal for maximum weather protection. Kit includes a six-foot nylon air hose, mounting hardware, and 12V solenoid for convenient installation.
Horn is available in two different colors—black and chrome. Small and lightweight, but offers impressive volume for its relative size and price.
Air compressor and tank are not included in this kit. Sound is of a somewhat higher pitch than what you would expect with a train horn.
Ruyiot 4 Horn Train Horn Kit
A four-trumpet horn is capable of volumes of up to 150DB and constructed from high-quality zinc and chrome plating for durability and weather resistance. Kit includes all necessary mounting hardware and a compressor with a 1.59-gallon tank for easy installation and maximum convenience.
Compact design is flexible and portable, allowing for an easier fit under or behind seats in any 12V vehicle. One of the loudest on the market; the four trumpets help horn deliver a complex, pleasing sound.
It can only be installed horizontally and will not work successfully if placed vertically or on an incline. The five feet of wiring in the mounting kit is probably not sufficient for most installations, and additional purchases may be required.
Our Methodology
We looked at the handful of train horn kits available online. We looked at the components used, the manufacturer's history and customer testimonials, and used our own knowledge of car parts to ensure our picks are top notch. From there, we whittled it down to the list you see below. If you want to know more about our selection process, click the link here.
Best Train Horn Kits Reviews & Recommendations 2021
This kit consists of three trumpets on a single bracket. The horns feature a tough-looking matte black finish and have stainless steel diaphragms. These horns work with as little as 50 PSI but create the ideal sound at 150 PSI. Hooking them up to a two-gallon tank will enable you to produce five to seven seconds of honk time.
The horns have a distinctly deep tone. This will fool people into thinking they are much larger and more imposing than they really are. They also come with a pre-installed 3/8-inch valve. All you have to do is hook them up to a 1/2-inch air line, and you’re good to go.
Unfortunately, these horns come on a mounting bracket that has them stacked. So while the horns may be smaller, they still take up quite a bit of space. This can make it difficult to find a place on your vehicle where they will fit. The horns don’t come with the rest of the air system, so you need to buy the compressor and air tank separately.
These sleek black horns come as a set of four. They’re compatible with a 12V electric air valve (solenoid) compression system. Just hook the included 1/4-inch nylon plastic hose to your air compression system. The mounting hardware for the horns is also included in this kit.
You’ll love the powerful roar of these horns. They’re seriously loud. Each horn is a different size to not only give you a loud sound but also one that is harmonic and rich in tone. The horns are also beautiful in their sleek black styling, so you can install them on the outside of your vehicle.
Unfortunately, this isn’t a complete system. You need to purchase an on-board air system to complete your train horn kit. You also be limited in where you install these horns because they’re attached to an in-line mounting bracket.
This complete train horn kit comes with four trumpet horns. They are capable of producing 150 dB when engaged. The kit also includes a compressor that is capable of producing 120 PSI and an air tank that holds 1.59 gallons of compressed air.
You’ll get more use out of this kit due to the programming of this system. When the air tank drops to 90 PSI, the compressor automatically kicks in to raise the pressure back up to 120 PSI. The horns with this system sound great, and you’ll like the richness of the tones.
Unfortunately, this system tends to leak. This will cause the compressor to continually kick back on to refill the tank. You will have to listen to the compressor run more often, and it’ll experience more wear and tear. You may also find the system struggling to get to peak pressure at all.
When you purchase this train horn kit from MPC, you get four chrome trumpet horns and an all-in-one air system. It has a 110 PSI compressor and an air tank that holds three liters. The kit also comes with plenty of wire, a 20 amp fuse, and a pressure switch. The horns are loud when engaged and will command attention.
What makes this kit stand out is the sound quality of the horns. You’ll appreciate the rich and harmonious sound that these horns produce. The instructions are detailed and clear, which makes installation easier than other kits on this list.
Unfortunately, you’ll need to be careful where you install this kit, as the compressor needs to be in a clean and dry location. The hardware and hoses aren’t as durable as the horns or compressor, which can result in them breaking.
When you only have room for a small kit, then this one-horn kit will work perfectly. It comes with a single horn and air compressor. The horn is capable of producing a sound that is 150 dB, which is incredibly loud. It uses 12V DC power. The horn is a bright shiny metal, and the compressor is a rich red color.
The small size of this kit gives you complete freedom in how and where you install this train horn. It can work on everything from a motorcycle to a boat. The quality materials used in the construction ensure it will be durable enough to last.
Unfortunately, while the kit is simple and compact, it doesn’t come with what you need to install it. Prepare to purchase additional wiring, tubing, and fuses. You’ll need to be careful when installing this horn, as it will blow your 5 amp fuses.
This kit from Viking Horns is made from metal, and then powder-coated black. This gives it a beautiful look and protects it from corrosion and rust. The kit comes with a 1.5-gallon air tank rated for 150 PSI and a 12V air compressor rated at 240 PSI.
You’ll love how loud these horns are at 149 dB. This kit can also be installed in a variety of applications, including your car, truck, RV, or boat.
Unfortunately, the installation instructions that come with this kit are not clear. This can make it challenging to install and may be better left to a professional. The air tank in this kit is also quite small, so you won’t have sound power for very long when you use your horns.
This train horn kit from Spec-D Tuning comes with a 12V compressor capable of 150 PSI, a 3- liter air tank, and four air horns. This means you have everything you need to install a train horn kit on your vehicle. Once installed, it can achieve 115 dB.
You’ll like that this kit is loud enough to get the attention of anyone and everyone around you. The kit comes with everything you need, which makes it easy to install. This kit is also one of the smallest on this list, which makes it easier to install on smaller vehicles.
Unfortunately, you’ll need to be careful with this system, as the compressor can seize up. You’ll also want to replace the air line with one that’s of higher quality so that it will be more durable. You should also check the entire system after installation because the fittings can leak.
This automotive train horn kit is made in America and is one of the most versatile on the market. They come in at 147.7 dB with 120 PSI powering the horns. The horns are manufactured from fiberglass-reinforced ABS. The diaphragms are made of stainless steel so they won’t corrode or rust.
These horns stand out because they are extremely lightweight and durable. This ensures they’ll last for several years to come and not weigh down your vehicle. It also means you can install this horn kit on everything, including a car, truck, smart car, tractor, and even a motorcycle.
Unfortunately, these horns are a complete kit. You’ll need to buy an air tank separately before installation. They also won’t function well with a PSI over 150. You may not get the same high-quality air line that’s in the picture. Be sure to confirm you receive the correct line upon delivery.
Our Verdict
The low-profile, quad-trumpet Outlaw Black Train Horn Kit is our best overall pick, while the surprisingly loud Vixen Horns Black Train Horn is our best value alternative.
Train Horn Buying Guide
Having a loud set of horns on your vehicle can help you get noticed by other careless drivers on the road. Train horns are some of the loudest horns, which will give you the most noticeable results in getting noticed by other drivers around you. Here's what you need to know before buying a train horn for your car.
Types of Train Horn Kits
Component
Similar to other aftermarket kits, you can buy your train horn kit as individual components. This lets you create your own kit by selecting the horns, tank, and air compressor, and then combining them to have a custom kit for your car or truck. The advantage of this type is that you can create the sound and functionality you desire and aren’t limited to a single brand.
Complete Kit
If you aren’t interested in spending time putting your kit together, there are plenty that are pre-made. This is best for someone who isn’t well-versed in train horn kits or is trying to save money. When you buy a complete kit, you can be confident that everything will work together the way it should.
Weather Resistant
Most train horn kits aren’t meant for installation and use outside of the vehicle. They aren’t water- and weather-resistant. This means that if they get wet, they could get damaged. Weather-resistant units are completely sealed units. This is the best type of kit for installation in the bed of a truck or on a boat.
Top Brands
HornBlasters
In 2002, the founder of HornBlasters was tired of getting put in dangerous positions due to the carelessness of other drivers. Over the years, the company has grown from a garage business to a nationally-known name in automotive train horns. The company prides itself on producing high-quality equipment that is also affordable. The HornBlasters Conductors Special Nightmare Edition Train Horn Kit is a perfect example of the company’s commitment to excellence.
Vixen Horns
Headquartered in Miami, Florida, Vixen Horns produces high-quality aftermarket train horns and other aftermarket automotive horns. The company ships throughout the United States and internationally. Check out this Vixen Horns Train Horn Kit and experience the quality for yourself.
Spec-D Tuning
Located in Industry, California, Spec-D Tuning is known for manufacturing a wide range of automotive aftermarket parts. It produces parts to improve the performance and looks of your vehicle. The company ships worldwide. Check out the Spec-D Tuning 5Pcs Dukes Of Hazzard Trumpets for a unique look to your train horn kit.
Train Horn Kits Pricing
When it comes to train horn pricing, there's cheap and then there's expensive. You can pick up a kit for under $200, but you're getting what you paid for. That said, you can also spend a couple thousand dollars and you'll get something that'll have the whole neighborhood know you're home.
Key Features
Air Tank Size
You will see train horn kits that come with an air tank sized from 1.5 to 8 gallons. The bigger your air tank is, the longer you’ll be able to blast your horns in a single burst. This means you get more useful time out of your horns. A bigger tank can also power more accessories and features on your vehicle. You could use the largest tanks for an air suspension kit too.
Number of Horns
The number of horns you have doesn’t translate to the loudness of your kit. The number of horns will indicate the richness and tonal variety of the sound produced. A kit with one or two horns will sound a bit monotone. Kits with five or six horns will sound more harmonic. Having more horns also means you need a bigger air tank to power the increased number of horns.
Air Compressor Size
The air tank holds the compressed air that powers your horns. But it’s the air compressor that loads the tank. You’ll see air compressor rates by PSI. The higher the PSI rating, the more pressure the compressor can pump into your holding tank. This means you can produce a louder and longer sound. You’ll need to power your air compressor with a 12-volt battery.
Other Considerations
- Ease of Installation. Most kits are DIY-friendly, and you should be able to install them yourself if you have a bit of experience. There are some kits that require more knowledge, and in this case, you’ll need a professional to install your new train horn kit. This can result in additional expenses beyond the kit purchase.
- Sealed Unit. Think about where you plan to install your kit. If you plan to install the kit in a place where it can get exposed to the elements, then you’ll want to purchase a sealed kit. This will protect it and make it weatherproof. Units that get installed in a trunk or other protected place don’t need to be completely sealed.
- Loudness. The whole point of installing train horns is that they are extremely loud. Keep in mind that the horns you install are likely not legal in your state. If this isn’t a concern for you, then look at the decibels to understand how loud your horns will be. The higher the decibels, the louder the horn, and the further you can hear the horn sound.
Tips
- A train horn kit should come with basic installation instructions, and you can find helpful how-to videos all over the internet, but we recommend completing the work yourself only if you have reasonable experience with vehicle maintenance. You need to know the safest spot for mounting the horn and some specialized tools might be required. Ask your local repair or bodywork shop if you’re not qualified yourself
- The air compressor dictates how loud a train horn is. The higher the psi, the more air the tank can hold in pounds per square inch. The higher the air pressure, the higher the volume delivered when the air is released.
- To get the best performance and longest life out of a train horn, make sure the air compressor is kept somewhere dry and clean. One of the most common causes of horn failure is debris and water damage as the compressor is exposed to the elements.
FAQs
Q: How does the number of horns affect the sound of a train horn?
A: It may surprise you, but having more horns does not mean you will achieve a louder sound. What it does affect, however, is the quality of the sound. One horn can only produce one monotonous sound. Having multiple horns sounding together lets you produce a more pleasing, multi-tonal sound.
Q: Is the size of my air tank important?
A: The short answer is yes. A bigger tank means you have access to more air, which means that you get longer blasts out of your air horn. Alternatively, the extra capacity can be routed to any other add ons you have that need compressed air.
Q: Are train horn kits illegal?
A: This depends on where you live and what you drive. For example, the states of Virginia and Georgia allow them to be used as part of an alarm or anti-theft system with some restrictions, while most states only allow emergency vehicles to use such horns.
Why Trust Us
Our reviews are driven by a combination of hands-on testing, expert input, “wisdom of the crowd” assessments from actual buyers, and our own expertise. We always aim to offer genuine, accurate guides to help you find the best picks.
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