2025 FIRST TIME BUYERS GUIDE

Now is the perfect time to upgrade your vehicle's voice on the road with a state-of-the-art horn kit. Advances in technology have significantly improved the quality of components and broadened the range of kits available, ensuring exceptional performance and reliability.

At HornBlasters, we offer a wide selection of complete horn kits built to suit virtually any vehicle—from trucks and cars to motorcycles, boats, and even SEMIs. We offer kits designed for 12-volt and 24-volt vehicles, as well as 110-volt systems for stationary applications like buildings and stadiums. We have solutions for nearly every setup and application—from personal vehicles to commercial and stationary use.

That said, we know choosing the right kit from so many available options can feel overwhelming, which is why this guide is here: to walk you through the most important decisions and help you find a kit that fits your vehicle, your use case, and your budget.

Find the Perfect Kit for Any Budget

At HornBlasters, we understand the thrill of making your presence known on the road—whether you're looking to rival the roar of a locomotive or just want to upgrade from a factory horn that doesn't cut it. Our product line spans everything from budget-friendly electric horns under $100 to full-blown train horn kits that start around $369.99. No matter your price range, we have a system that delivers performance and value.

Navigating the world of train horns and air horns can be overwhelming at first, especially with so many configurations and features to consider. That’s why this guide is packed with real-world advice and kit recommendations across a variety of price points—so you can find the best setup for your style, your needs, and your budget.

6 TIPS FOR PICKING THE PERFECT HORN KIT

• Listen to Sound Samples – Every horn and horn kit on our site includes a sound sample so you can hear exactly what you're getting. Prefer a sharp, high-pitched tone? Go with an air horn. Want that low, rumbling train sound? Choose a train horn. Listening first helps avoid surprises.

• Choosing the Right Onboard Air System – All of our kits (except the compact 3-Liter Kits) include onboard air systems capable of inflating tires, powering small air tools, and running air suspension. For heavier-duty needs and quicker air recovery, check out our 244, 544, and 844 kits that come with the 1NM heavy-duty air compressor, built for demanding use and consistent performance.

• How much air do you need? The capacity of your air tank is essential, as it impacts the duration of your honk and the availability of air for additional functions like inflating tires or supporting air suspension. On average, each gallon of air in the tank equates to about two seconds of horn operation. For instance, a 2-gallon air tank can sustain a horn blast for about 4 seconds, while a 5-gallon tank can last about 10 seconds. It's important to note that bigger train horns will deplete air more quickly.
• Make sure everything is going to fit - The reality is, that not every vehicle has the space to house massive train horns or an extensive 8-gallon air system. Depending on the kit, some of our systems are suitable for exposure to the elements, while others require a clean and moisture-free area. We recommend planning your installation out in advance and checking the dimensions listed under the specifications tab on our product pages to ensure a seamless fit.

• Don’t Settle for Low-Quality Parts – Many $60 horn kits sold by competitors are just small electric horns advertised to be as loud as real train horns—but they aren’t. These kits may look appealing due to their low price and easy install, but they simply don’t compare to the performance of a true air-powered horn kit. While HornBlasters does offer electric horn options, they're positioned as a loud and practical upgrade from factory horns—not as replacements for full air horn systems. Our complete kits include real onboaird air systems with robust compressors, tanks, fittings, and more designed for maximum airflow and volume. If you want true train horn sound and lasting performance, make sure you’re investing in a system that’s built for it.

• Give us a call - Unsure about the best kit for your needs? Our team of train horn enthusiasts is eager to help, equipped with the technical know-how from personal experience with installation, usage, and maintenance. Reach out via phone, email, or chat on our site for personalized advice. Toll-Free: +1 877-209-8179

TRAIN HORNS VS. AIR HORNS:

Train Horns deliver the unmistakable deep, multi-tone honk that mimics real locomotives. They're louder, lower-pitched, and designed to command attention. A horn qualifies as a train horn if it has three or more bells and matches the frequency range used on actual trains.

Air Horns offer a distinct sound profile, covering a broader spectrum of tones and pitches. They range from sharp, piercing blasts to bold, bright tones. Some are more compact, making them easier to install in tight spaces, and their unique sound makes them ideal for drivers who want something different than the traditional train horn tone.

Both train horns and air horns deliver serious volume—it just comes down to whether you want the thunderous roar of a locomotive or a more distinct, attention-grabbing tone that fits your style and setup.

WHAT DOES A HORN KIT CONSIST OF?

A complete horn kit combines a full air system with the horn, valve, air line, and all required wiring. Here's what makes up each part:

Air System (core components):

• Air Compressor – Draws power from your battery to compress air into your tank.

• Air Tank – Stores compressed air to power your horn and other accessories.

• Pressure Switch – Turns your compressor on/off based on tank pressure.

• Air Gauge – Shows the pressure (PSI) inside your tank.

• Wiring Kit – Includes electrical terminals, relay, fuse holders, fuses, and wiring for safe operation.

• Fittings & Drain Valve – All the hardware needed for airtight seals and moisture control.

Horn Kit Additions:

• Train or Air Horns – Your sound source.

• Air Valve (Solenoid) – Triggers the horn when powered.

• Air Line – Carries compressed air from the tank to the valve and horn.

All HornBlasters complete kits come with these components, carefully paired to ensure reliable performance and compatibility straight out of the box.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT KIT FOR YOUR VEHICLE

When it comes to vehicle compatibility, the good news is that just about every kit we offer can be mounted to any vehicle with the right planning and tools. That said, some setups make installation a lot easier depending on the type of vehicle. Here are the most popular and practical options based on common install locations, space, and simplicity:

Trucks & SUVs

Trucks and SUVs offer the most flexibility in terms of installation. Nearly all of our kits are compatible, and while you can mount any of our horns and air systems without brackets, some accessory options make planning and installation much easier:

• Spare Tire Delete Kits – These kits mount directly where your spare tire was, using a custom bracket for a cleaner and simpler install. Great for full-size trucks and SUVs that no longer use their spare.

• Goliath Train Horn Mounts – These are vehicle-specific brackets that simplify installation of our larger train horn kits, including the Conductor's Special (Shocker XL), Shocker S6, King Horns, Admiral, Katrina, and Nathan Airchime horns. They eliminate the need for custom fabrication by providing a direct bolt-on solution for select vehicles.

That said, you’re not limited to using these brackets. All of our horns can be bolted directly to most surfaces, and our tanks and compressors come with mounting feet for universal placement. Whether you're going custom or using a bracket, we have a solution that will fit your build.

Cars

Most of our kits can be installed on cars with the right planning and space management, but the Conductor’s Special 127H and 228H are the most popular options due to how easy they are to install. These kits include compact, all-in-one air systems that fit well in a trunk and simplify the install process by combining the compressor, tank, pressure switch, and wiring into one unit.

What makes the Conductor’s Special kits particularly car-friendly is the modular design of the Shocker XL horns. Each horn is individually mounted, giving you flexibility to install them behind the front or rear bumper, behind the grille, or anywhere else there's room under the car. This allows you to get a full train horn kit without needing the space required by traditional manifold-mounted horns.

Motorcycles

Due to limited space, motorcycles are best suited for electric horns. While it's technically possible to run a low amp-draw air system on some bikes, there's usually not enough room to install a proper air tank and compressor. That's why electric horn options are the most practical and popular choice:

• Compact Electric Horn – Simple 12V install and a big step up in volume over factory horns.

• Electric Truck Horn – Slightly larger but still easy to mount, offering a deeper and more aggressive tone.

Boats

All of our horns work great on boats, but some of the most popular marine choices include the Outlaw, Shocker XL, and Nathan Airchime horns. These options are known for their strong volume and long-term durability, making them ideal for marine setups where horns are constantly exposed to moisture, wind, and harsh weather conditions.

Our air systems—excluding the 3-liter kits—are weather-resistant and capable of withstanding regular exposure to rain and splashes. However, to help extend the life of your components, we recommend avoiding direct exposure to salt water. Mounting the air system in a sealed or elevated compartment is the best way to reduce the chance of corrosion and maintain long-term reliability.

Whether you're installing on a center console, sport boat, or offshore setup, we've got systems that will work. Reach out if you need help figuring out the best layout or mounting locations.

Where Can I Mount Everything?

The best mounting locations vary depending on the type of vehicle you're working with, but with proper planning, you can make nearly any of our kits work. Below are some of the most common and effective mounting locations based on popularity and ease of install:

Truck/SUV
Most trucks and SUVs have plenty of room, making them ideal platforms for almost any horn kit. Popular mounting spots for the horns include along the frame rails, behind the grille, under the bed, or in the spare tire location—even if you're not using a Spare Tire Delete Kit. For the air system, common mounting locations are inside the toolbox, along the frame, or mounted where the spare tire used to be. With our Spare Tire Delete Kits, the entire horn kit—including horns and an onboard air system—is mounted directly to a custom bracket that cranks up into place using the factory spare tire winch. It's a clean, space-saving solution that doesn't require drilling.

Our Goliath Train Horn Mount is another option for an easier install that also utilizes the spare tire location. It simplifies installation of our larger horn kits by bolting directly to the frame rails instead of using the factory spare tire winch. It's compatible with horns like the Conductor's Special (Shocker XL), Shocker S6, King Horns, Admiral, Katrina, and Nathan Airchime horns.

Cars
Space is tighter in cars, but plenty of customers still run full-size kits successfully with the right planning. The air system (tank and compressor) is typically mounted in the trunk or spare tire well, where there's the most room. The horns—especially the modular Shocker XL horns—offer flexible mounting options and can be installed behind the bumper, behind the grille, under the car, or even in the engine bay, depending on your vehicle layout and available space.

Motorcycles
Most bikes don’t have the space to run a full onboard air system, which makes electric horns the best and most practical option. These are typically mounted in place of the factory horn location, making installation simple while delivering a noticeable upgrade in volume and tone.

Boats
Horns are typically mounted to hardtops, rails, or console frames. Air systems should be installed in a sealed or elevated storage compartment to avoid direct exposure to saltwater whenever possible to further extend the system's lifespan.

Always review dimensions listed on each product page to ensure your mounting location has enough clearance before purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this legal? As far as we know, there are no federal laws that prohibit owning or using train horns. However, it's important to use them responsibly. Avoid honking at pedestrians or in traffic jams, and always follow your local sound ordinances and vehicle codes to stay in compliance.

Can I use a train horn without an air system? No. Train horns require compressed air to function. While 12V power is used to activate the solenoid valve that controls airflow, the horn itself depends on a complete air system—including a tank, compressor, and air valve—to operate.

How long does installation take? Most full kits take 4–8 hours to install. Spare Tire Delete Kits are usually the fastest. If you're handy and have basic tools, you can do it in a day.

What if I don’t have a spare tire mount? No problem. You can mount horns to the frame, toolbox, or use custom brackets. Or go with a universal Conductor's Special Kit instead.

How do I maintain it?

• Drain the tank regularly to remove moisture

• Check all airline and wiring connections every few months

• Replace filters and check valve if needed