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Driving a truck poses some unique challenges that don’t come with sedans and SUVs. Your truck may often feature a slower reaction time when it comes to sudden stops or acceleration. You might need enhanced safety features to protect yourself and motorists that are sharing the road with you. One way to give advanced warning to other motorists is with an air horn. We’ve rounded up some of the best air horns that you can use to make driving your truck safer. Plus, we’ve got smart tips to help you shop for the best air horns for your vehicle.
Summary List
- Best Overall: Super Loud Marco Tornado Compact Air Horn
- Best Value: GAMPRO 12V 150db Air Horn
- Honorable Mention: Zento Deals 12V Single Trumpet Air Horn
- Honorable Mention: HELLA Black 12V BX Trumpet Horn Kit
- Honorable Mention: Kleinn Complete Dual Air Horn System for Trains
Types of Air Horns
Low-Frequency
An air horn produces sound waves at different frequencies, depending on its size, girth, and length. A low-frequency model produces sound frequencies with a low pitch. However, the sound is loud and effective. This type of horn is mostly used in cruise ships, semi-trucks, or cargo freighters. It alerts everyone of the approaching vehicle or vessel. The sound produced travels farther more quickly and effectively. If you’re an outdoors person or own a big truck or a water vessel, we recommend getting a low-frequency air horn.
High-Frequency
Unlike a low-frequency horn, a high-frequency horn is very high-pitched. However, most people find it annoying because of the high-pitched sound it produces. It is also not very effective because the sound it produces doesn’t travel far. You may have to tap the horn multiple times for the sound to travel far. A high-frequency horn is commonly used at sporting events and is also found in small compact vehicles.
Best Air Horns: Reviews & Recommendations
Best Overall
Super Loud Marco Tornado Compact Air Horn
Best Value
GAMPRO 12V 150db Air Horn
Honorable Mention
Zento Deals 12V Single Trumpet Air Horn
Honorable Mention
HELLA Black 12V BX Trumpet Horn Kit
Honorable Mention
Kleinn Complete Dual Air Horn System for Trains
Our Verdict
For the safety-obsessed, we recommend the Super Loud Marco Tornado Compact Air Horn, which produces a robust sound.
Budget shoppers or first-time air horn installers will appreciate the GAMPRO 12V 150db Air Horn, which offers a dual-tone system and strong decibel levels.
Benefits of Air Horns
- Frighten aggressive wildlife. When you’re outdoors hiking, hunting, skiing, canoeing, or fishing, an air horn can help frighten unwanted or aggressive wildlife. Coyotes get scared and dislike the loud noise they produce. Since portable air horns can be heard from a mile away, they are an effective tool for keeping coyotes away.
- Increase your safety. An air horn is very loud and alerts people of your vehicle or vessel, helping you steer clear of accidents. It can be used in large trucks, SUVs, boats, ships, and trains. You can also keep other people safe by alerting them in case there’s something dangerous nearby.
- Multipurpose. These versatile object that can be used in different applications. If you regularly go to sporting events, you can use your air horn to root for your team. The device can also be used in ambulances as a warning device and on ships for signaling.
Air Horn Pricing
- $22-$50: These air horns are ideal for different vehicles and water vessels. They may be high-frequency or low-frequency horns and are usually very easy to install and use.
- $50-$100: Most of the horns in this price range have air compressors with large coils for better sound production. Some are sold in pairs and offer great value for the money.
Key Features
Design
Air horns come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some are designed to look like trumpets while others are short and compact. The only thing they have in common is a round trumpeted end where the sound comes out from. The design of an air horn determines its sound production. However, it’s almost impossible to know what a horn sounds like before installing it. To get a rough idea, you can ask the manufacturer or read user reviews. The model you buy should also be easy to install.
Sound Production
Most people buy air horns for their volume. Therefore, even a small, compact model must produce incredible sound. If you often go hiking or hunting, get a low-frequency horn that will scare predators and clear paths quickly. If all you want is one for your vessel or truck, get one that is audible from great distances. The further the horn can be heard, the better. A high-frequency horn can be great for cars. It helps you to avoid close calls and keeps dangerous drivers at bay.
Power Connectivity
Air horns for vehicles, locomotives, and water vessels need a power source to work—that’s why they come with a 12V outlet. The power usually comes from the automobile’s battery. Some horns are connected to the steering wheel and are activated when a button is pressed. Buses and trucks may use both electric and pneumatic model that are selectable by pressing a switch on the dashboard. This helps prevent the use of a powerful air horn in populated areas.
Other Considerations
- Ease of Installation. If it is hard to install, it may be harder to use. To find out if a horn is hard to install, read reviews written by people who have used the product.
- Usage. Before buying, consider how you’ll use it first. If you simply want a horn you can use at sports events, get a foghorn that doesn’t cost a lot of money. But if you plan to install the horn in a boat or a truck, be prepared to spend more money because high-quality horns cost more.
Tips
- A good air horn should be easy to install. Truck air horns tend to feature straightforward designs that easily integrate into a vehicle’s existing system. Avoid models with complicated installation instructions or configurations.
- Check with your state or municipality’s regulations regarding after-market air horns. While most states allow them, there might be specifications that you must follow to stay compliant.
- Before using your air horns in real-life situations, test the horn first to confirm that it offers the warning you’re hoping to achieve. The last thing you want is to use yours during an emergency and discover that it’s not as loud or effective as you had hoped.
FAQs
Look for truck air horns that can reach levels of up to 150 decibels. At this sound level, you can be confident that even over background noise, road noise, or loud music; other motorists will hear your horn. Avoid air horns that exceed 150 decibels as they can be dangerous.
An important factor to consider is if the design is compatible with your truck. In some cases, air horns must be mounted under the truck, while in other scenarios, you can mount them somewhere more visible. Designs range from a single horn to multiple horns for a more robust sound.
An important factor to consider is if the design is compatible with your truck. In some cases, air horns must be mounted under the truck, while in other scenarios, you can mount them somewhere more visible. Designs range from a single horn to multiple horns for a more robust sound.
Metal construction is usually better for deeper notes, while plastic can be ideal for mid-range notes. Whether you opt for plastic or metal, focus on a durable, weather-resistant construction.