Let’s face it: some car horns aren’t loud enough. If your car horn isn’t loud enough, it can be a safety hazard. If you’re in a noisy area and other drivers can’t hear your horn, it can lead to an accident. Many people are quick to write off train horn kits as obnoxious and unnecessary, but they can save your life.
Shopping for train horn kits can be tricky. First and foremost, train horn kits are commonly known as trumpet horns and air horns. This is because most train horn kits use an air compressor to project a loud sound, and they typically resemble a trumpet. If upgrading your factory-standard horn has been on your mind, read on.
- Factors to Consider When Shopping for Train Horn Kits
- Top 10 Best Train Horn Kits 2024
- 1. Best Overall Train Horn Kit: GAMPRO 12V 150db Air Horn
- 2. Best Train Horn Kit for Passenger Cars: Hella Twin Trumpet High/Low Tone 12V Horn Kit
- 3. Best Premium Train Horn Kit: MPC M1 3-Trumpet Train Air Horn Kit
- 4. Best Budget Train Horn Kit: Zento Deals 12V Single Trumpet Air Horn
- 5. Cobra Tuni Air Horn Kit
- 6. Loudest Train Horn Kit: Vixen Horns VXH4124B Train Horn
- 7. Best Train Horn Kit for Commercial Vehicles: Grand General Chrome Train Horn
- 8. VaygWay Air Horn
- 9. Zone Tech 12V Single Trumpet Air Horn
- 10. Carfka Air Train Horn Hit
- The Complete Guide to Train Horn Kits
- FAQ
- Final Thoughts
Factors to Consider When Shopping for Train Horn Kits
There are a lot of things to consider when shopping for train horn kits. They all have different parts and require different installation processes. There are a few essential factors that tell you a lot about a train horn kit and what it has to offer.
Voltage
We’ll start with the voltage. Train horn kits come in a few different voltage settings. Luckily, most train horn kits run on 12-volt car batteries, and most vehicles use 12-volt batteries. Still, some batteries can reach up to 24 volts, so you’ll need a train horn kit that’s compatible. For this reason, you’ll come across products that run on both 12 and 24 volts. Be sure to know the voltage of your car battery before purchasing one of these kits.
Decibels
Decibels measure the noise level of a sound. For example, a sound that’s 150 decibels is louder than a sound that’s 100 decibels. This also applies to how far sound travels.
OEM car horns, excluding commercial trucks, typically have horns that produce around 106 decibels. Train horns, on average, are 150 decibels. This sound level gives them the noise level of a train, which is why they’re referred to as train horn kits.
Number of Horns
While most train horn kits come with one trumpet-style horn, this isn’t always the case. You’ll come across train horn kits that come with more than one horn, and two or three horns are often better than one. Why? Because if you have more horns, there can be more bass and a more comprehensive range of tones. While more horns aren’t always louder, they’re better at projecting low and high tone sounds.
High tone sounds are higher in pitch and travel across a shorter distance more effectively. High tone horns are great for short distances and alerting drivers in your vicinity. Low tone horns produce more bass, which carries the sound further. Low tone horns can also be heard from far away, but they’re not as loud. So, if you have a horn that can do both, it’s more useful than having a horn that produces only a single tone, as you can adapt to the situation you’re in.
Installation
Every vehicle is different, which makes it difficult to determine if you’ll be able to install a train horn kit on your own. The good news is that most products come with the parts you need, and they can fit different vehicle types. Still, some train horn kits are harder to install than others. We’ve grouped each train horn kit into one of three categories: beginner, advanced, and expert.
Beginner
Beginner horns are simple and straightforward products. Everything you need comes with the train horn kit, so you don’t need to worry about getting particular parts. Beginner train horn kits are also easy to mount and can be attached to different locations. With a beginner train horn kit, you won’t need much help, and it can be done in your driveway.
Advanced
Advanced train horn kits are more complicated. The compressor kits might require additional components, and they can take all day to install. Instead of needing an hour or two, advanced train horn kits require more care and attention. Still, advanced train horn kits come with everything you need and instructions, so you can still get it done on your own.
Expert
Expert level train horn kits are difficult to install, and if you don’t have automotive experience, it’s a good idea to seek professional help from an experienced mechanic. These train horn kits usually require additional components to install, and they’re more expensive. While they’re difficult to install, they’re often the best train horn kits you can find.
Price
Train horn kits have a wide price range. While many products are affordable, some products are expensive. A cheaper train horn kit is often one that doesn’t need an air compressor, and is less loud as a result. A more expensive kit is often better for larger commercial vehicles, but usually has the additional expense of needing extra parts or expert installation. To make your shopping experience more streamlined, we’ve grouped each train horn kit into one of three categories:
- $: Around $30
- $$: Around $75
- $$$ Around $100
With these factors in mind, shopping for train horn kits should be more straightforward. If you want a more in depth look at the process, we have a full guide below that runs through everything in more detail. Now, we’re going to take you through the ten best train horn kits available and provide you with shopping tips along the way.
| Product | Price | Decibels | Volts | Horns | Installation | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GAMPRO 12V 150db Air Horn | $ | 150db | 12V | 1 | Advanced | 5 |
| Hella Twin Trumpet High/Low Tone 12V Horn Kit | $ | 110 | 12 | 2 | Beginner | 5 |
| MPC M1 3-Trumpet Train Air Horn Kit | $$$ | 150db+ | 12 | 3 | Expert | 5 |
| Zento Deals 12V Single Trumpet Air Horn | $ | 150 | 12 | 1 | Beginner | 4.5 |
| Cobra Tuni Air Horn Kit | $ | 150db | 12V | 1 | Beginner | 4.5 |
| Vixen Horns VXH4124B Train Horn | $$ | 150db | 12V and 24V | 4 | Expert | 4.5 |
| Grand General Chrome Train Horn | $$$ | 140+ | 12V | 3 | Expert | 4 |
| VaygWay Air Horn | $ | 150db | 12V | Beginner | 4 | |
| Zone Tech 12V Single Trumpet Air Horn | $$ | 150d | 12 | 1 | Expert | 4 |
| Carfka Air Train Horn Hit | $ | 150db | 12V | Beginner | 3.5 |
Top 10 Best Train Horn Kits 2024
1. Best Overall Train Horn Kit: GAMPRO 12V 150db Air Horn
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Price: $
- Decibels: 150db
- Volts: 12V
- Horns: 1
- Installation: Advanced
The GAMPRO Air Horn is a reliable and robust product. It’s made with high-quality materials, like chrome zinc, which is resistant to corrosion from harsh weather. This coating also keeps the horn safe from premature rusting. The chrome zinc coating can also be found on the compressor. Materials aside, it produces a mighty 150 decibel sound that other drivers can hear, even in noisy environments.
It comes with everything you need right out of the box. All of the mounting hardware is included, and the installation process is simple. It can be mounted on most vehicles, but it’s more suitable for large trucks than it is for passenger cars or motorcycles.
What Sets it Apart
This kit is unique because of the chrome zinc coating. Many train horn kits use chrome horns, but zinc is not standard in less expensive products. So, seeing chrome zinc being used on an affordable train horn kit is nice to see.
Things to Consider
Although it’s excellent, it’s too big for motorcycles and passenger cars. It’s impossible to fit the horn under your hood, so you’ll need to mount it on your hood or roof. While this is acceptable on larger vehicles, it makes the horn look out of place on smaller vehicles. Plus, because of the black color, it stands out a lot.
If you need a smaller and compact horn that can fit under your hood, the Hella Twin Trumpet 12V Horn Kit is a great alternative. It’s not as loud, but it’s better suited for smaller vehicles.
Who It’s For
This air horn is an excellent choice for people that live in areas with rough weather. The chrome zinc coating is superior for most situations and can handle snow, rain, hail, and high winds. Also, because of the coating on the air compressor, it can survive high-head conditions under the hood of your vehicle.
Pros
- Loud 150 decibel sound
- Sleek black color
- Durable chrome zinc material
- Air system and mounting parts are included
Cons
- Not suitable for passenger cars
- Not suitable for motorcycles
2. Best Train Horn Kit for Passenger Cars: Hella Twin Trumpet High/Low Tone 12V Horn Kit
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Price: $
- Decibels: 110
- Volts: 12
- Horns: 2
- Installation: Beginner
The Hella Twin Trumpet 12V Horn Kit is an excellent set of twin trumpet horns. This train horn kit is designed for passenger cars, light trucks, vans, and other automotive 4-wheel vehicles. The reason this horn kid works well for smaller vehicles is because it can be mounted in a few different places. One example is how they can be mounted right in the engine bay.
It is also compact, but still produces a loud sound. The low tone and high tone horns blend well, making a unique sound that other drivers can recognize. This train horn kit also comes in a few different color options, so if you are mounting them on your grille, you can create some interesting combinations.
What Sets it Apart
This kit is unique because it can be used on passenger cars. Sure, any horn can be mounted to any vehicle, but these horns are compact enough to fit under the hood of most vehicles. This is important for passenger cars because large train horn kits can look out of place.
Things to Consider
Although it’s a great product in many ways, the sound is lackluster. Both horns only produce 110 decibels of sound, which pales in comparison to full-size train horn kits. Still, for passenger cars, there aren’t a lot of options in this regard without having to mount it to the hood.
If you have a larger vehicle or a commercial truck, a full-size train horn kit is a better alternative. A great example is the VaygWay Air Horn. While it produces a sound on-par with full-size train horn kits, it’s small enough to mount on passenger cars.
Who It’s For
This train horn kit is an excellent choice for people that own passenger vehicles. While they work well for most makes and models, they’re best suited for smaller cars.
This train horn kit is also an excellent product for shoppers that don’t want to worry about air compressors. This train horn kit can replace your OEM horn and runs off of your car battery, with no need for air.
Pros
- Fits under the hood of passenger cars
- Excellent low and high tone sound
- Different color options to match your vehicle's paint
- Corrosion-resistant materials
- Durable copper wires
Cons
- Not as loud as full-size train horn kits
- Relies on two horns instead of one
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Price: $$$
- Decibels: 150db+
- Volts: 12
- Horns: 3
- Installation: Expert
MPC M1 3-Trumpet Train Air Horn Kit is an excellent train horn kit that comes with everything you need. It has three powerful horns that produce enough bass to be heard even in the loudest environments. The train horn kit also comes with brackets, mounting equipment, and an air system. While there are a lot of parts, it’s not difficult to install in your driveway, but you will need some automotive knowledge.
It’s made with high-quality materials. You get 12 feet of 10 gauge wire, making it easy to install on larger vehicles. There are also a handful of assorted clamps and fuse protectors to make sure your vehicle doesn’t get damaged, even if you make a mistake.
What Sets it Apart
What really sets this apart is the air system it comes with. While it’s common to see smaller train horn kits come with an air system, larger products usually don’t. This train horn kit comes with an air system that runs up to 110 PSI, so you don’t need to worry about buying one separately.
Things to Consider
The MPC M1 3-Trumpet Train Air Horn Kit comes with everything you need, but it’s expensive. The high cost is based on the air system it comes with, so if you already have one, you should consider a different product like the Vixen Horns VXH4124B Train Horn.
Who It’s For
The MPC M1 3-Trumpet Train Air Horn Kit is a great product for people that need a complete and premium train horn kit. Large train horn kits don’t usually come with air systems, so this is a great choice for people that don’t want to shop for additional parts.
Pros
- Comes with three powerful horns
- Full-size compressor is included
- Corrosion-resistant material
Cons
- Expensive
- Not suitable for passenger vehicles
4. Best Budget Train Horn Kit: Zento Deals 12V Single Trumpet Air Horn
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Price: $
- Decibels: 150
- Volts: 12
- Horns: 1
- Installation: Beginner
The Zento Deals 12V Single Trumpet Air Horn is a simple train horn kit that’s well-made. The horn is made with stainless steel and coated to prevent elemental damage. Even in blizzard-like conditions, this horn can be used without needing to worry. This train horn kit is also easy to install. It comes with everything you need right out of the box, and you can do it in your driveway.
While the Zento Deals 12V Single Trumpet Air Horn performs well, it also looks beautiful. It’s big enough to look good on larger vehicles. The compressor comes in a shiny red color, and the horn is chrome.
What Sets it Apart
The Zento Deals 12V Single Trumpet Air Horn is unique because it’s portable. A portable train horn kit sounds strange, but it’s helpful if you have more than one vehicle. A great example is if you have a vehicle you plan to leave in the garage for cold winter months, and another one you use in that period. Since the kit gives you everything you need, it can be switched to a different vehicle in less than an hour.
Things to Consider
The Zento Deals 12V Single Trumpet Air Horn is a great kit, but it’s too big for passenger cars or motorcycles. Sure, the horn kit can be attached to any vehicle, but it looks out of place on smaller cars.
If you like the trumpet-like design but need a smaller horn, the VaygWay Air Horn is a great alternative. It’s as loud as bigger trumpet horns, but it has a compact design that fits well on motorcycles and passenger cars.
Who It’s For
The Zento Deals 12V Single Trumpet Air Horn is a great choice for anyone that needs a budget-friendly train horn kit for a commercial or light truck. It’s as loud as other horns for a lower price, and it fits well on vehicles of all sizes.
Pros
- Durable chrome materials
- Weather-resistant
- Comes with a compressor
- Comes with wires, mount, and required hardware
Cons
- Too big for smaller vehicles
5. Cobra Tuni Air Horn Kit
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Price: $
- Decibels: 150db
- Volts: 12V
- Horns: 1
- Installation: Beginner
The Cobra Tuni Air Horn Kit is simple and powerful. It has a good sound range that travels a great distance and comes with everything you need. The train horn kit includes an air system, mounting brackets, nuts, and bolts. This makes it an easy product to install in your driveway, and it shouldn’t take more than one hour.
It’s also made with high-quality materials. The stainless steel parts are resistant to high winds, rain, snow, and even hail. The horn is also small enough to fit well on light trucks, vans, and motorcycles.
What Sets It Apart
It’s unique because it comes with high-end features for its low price. It comes with a built-in fuse protector to make sure you don’t blow a fuse and damage your vehicle. All of the connections are also made with high-quality copper wire and brass pins that are safe for your vehicle’s battery. It’s one of the most reliable train horn kits you can use.
Things to Consider
The Cobra Tuni Air Horn Kit uses high-quality parts, but it’s not big enough for large trucks or commercial vehicles. When used on larger vehicles, it looks out of place, and the lack of bass causes engine noise to drown out the sound of the horn.
If you’re shopping for a commercial vehicle, or diesel truck, the Vixen Horns VXH4124B Train Horn is a great alternative. The price isn’t too much higher, and you’ll need your own air system, but it’s better for commercial vehicles.
Who It’s For
This is a great product for people that need an affordable and reliable train horn kit. The copper wire, brass pins, and fuse protector make it safe to use and install on most vehicles. For the price, it’s unique to see these types of safety features implemented. It makes the installation process less of a headache, even if you make a mistake.
Pros
- Low price
- Corrosion-resistant
- Quick installation
- Comes with everything you need
Cons
- Too small for large trucks and commercial trucks
6. Loudest Train Horn Kit: Vixen Horns VXH4124B Train Horn
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Price: $$
- Decibels: 150db
- Volts: 12V and 24V
- Horns: 4
- Installation: Expert
The Vixen Horns VXH4124B Train Horn is a powerful and premier train horn kit. It comes with four horns that produce a loud sound with great bass. The horn kit is also made with high-quality steel parts. From the mounting hardware to the horns, every piece of steel is resistant to harsh weather conditions. High winds and blizzards won’t come close to damaging this horn.
The Vixen Horns VXH4124B Train Horn also comes with most of what you need to install it. You’ll need your own onboard air system, but all of the mounting hardware and screws are included. The installation can also be done in your driveway. Naturally, it’s quite a bit harder than single trumpet horns, but it’s possible.
What Sets it Apart
The Vixen Horns VXH4124B Train Horn is unique because of the number of horns it comes with. It’s common to see train horn kits that come with 1-3 horns, but with this kit, you get four. An extra horn doesn’t seem like much, but it provides additional base and more sound protection over greater distances.
Things to Consider
The Vixen Horns VXH4124B Train Horn is great, but it doesn’t come with an air system. This means you’ll need to find one yourself if you don’t have one already. So, while the cost of the horn kit is low, this product can end up costing additional money as compressors are expensive.
If you like the sound quality of this train horn kit, but don’t have your own compressor, the MPC train horn is a great alternative. While it only has three horns instead of four, it comes with an air system.
Who It’s For
The Vixen Horns VXH4124B Train Horn is a great horn kit for expert shoppers looking to upgrade. If you’re already running an air system, you’ll have everything you need to install the horn. If you already have a train horn kit installed, but it’s not loud enough, this product is worth it.
Pros
- Comes with four powerful horns
- Sleek black style
- Louder than most train horn kits
- Compatible with more than one battery type
Cons
- The air system is not included
- Not suitable for small vehicles
- Difficult to install
7. Best Train Horn Kit for Commercial Vehicles: Grand General Chrome Train Horn
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Price: $$$
- Decibels: 140+
- Volts: 12V
- Horns: 3
- Installation: Expert
The Grand General is an impressive train horn kit. It comes with three trumpet style horns that project a powerful sound. Unlike most single trumpet horns, you can customize the sound however you want. The additional horns provide a range of bass to project low tones, and you can change how loud the horns are because it operates between 70-140 PSI.
The kit is also made with commercial-grade materials. The horns are made with stainless steel that’s resistant to rust, and the chrome-brass horns work in all weather conditions. This train horn set also comes with most of the parts you need to install it in your driveway, except for the air compressor and hoses.
What Sets it Apart
It’s unique because you have a lot of choices. Many train horn kits rely on one blaring sound, but you can choose the noise level and bass level. This is a great feature if you’ll be driving through congested metropolitan areas in the day and long highways at night, giving you a chance to adjust it to produce the sound you need.
Things to Consider
Overall, this is an excellent train horn kit, but it’s not easy to install. To make matters worse, it doesn’t come with everything you need to use it. The air compressor is not included, and you’ll need to use your own hoses.
If you’re looking for a simple train horn kit that comes with everything you need, the Zone Tech 12V Single Trumpet Air Horn is a great alternative. It has a similar sound output but is far easier to install and needs no extras.
Who It’s For
The Grand General 69991 Chrome Heavy Duty Train Horn is a great choice for people with commercial vehicles. Heavy trucks and 18-wheelers are loud vehicles, so you’ll need a horn that other drivers can hear over the roaring diesel engine. While it can work on passenger cars and light trucks, it looks and feels out of place.
Pros
- Comes with three powerful horns
- Shiny chrome finish that's Corrosion-resistant
- Perfect for commercial vehicles
Cons
- Only suitable for commercial vehicles
- No air system included
- Difficult to install
8. VaygWay Air Horn
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Price: $
- Decibels: 150db
- Volts: 12V
- Installation: Beginner
The VaygWay Air Horn is an affordable and straightforward train horn kit. It comes with everything you need to install it right out of the box. While it’s affordable, the sound and quality is on-par with more expensive brands. It produces up to 150 decibels of sound and uses high-quality materials that are resistant to the elements.
The VaygWay Air Horn is also compact and designed for any vehicle that uses a 12-volt battery. So, the horn can be used on cars, light trucks, heavy trucks, motorcycles, vans, busses, and more. Overall, it’s an excellent product that offers great value.
What Sets it Apart
The VaygWay Air Horn is unique because of its price and compact size. The low price makes it appropriate for any budget, and the small size helps it fit most vehicles. Even if you use it on a passenger car or motorcycle, it doesn’t look out of place.
Things to Consider
The VaygWay Air Horn is excellent for its price, but there are a few drawbacks worth noting. First and foremost, it’s not as durable as more expensive train horn kits. While it’s still fairly durable, plastic parts simply don’t last as long as steel or stainless steel. The other issue is the need for a 12V battery. Some train horns rely on either a battery or compressor, but you’ll need both for this product.
If you’re looking for a train horn kit that has better parts, the GAMPRO Air Horn is a great alternative. It’s similar in price but uses chrome zinc instead of plastic.
Who It’s For
The VaygWay Air Horn is a great train horn kit for casual shoppers. It’s a great item to experiment with to determine if a train horn kit is a good fit. Plus, if you have a smaller vehicle, you can still find value in this horn kit because of its compact size.
Pros
- Compact size
- Suitable for most vehicles
- Corrosion-resistant materials
- Quick installation with everything in the box
- Low price
Cons
- Not as loud as other train horn kits
- Not as durable as other products
9. Zone Tech 12V Single Trumpet Air Horn
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Price: $$
- Decibels: 150d
- Volts: 12
- Horns: 1
- Installation: Expert
This is a high-quality horn that has a subtle shine to it. The chrome material is resistant to most weather conditions and doesn’t dull or rust. This train horn kit can also fit most vehicles, including trains, trailers, motorcycles, vans, boats, trucks, and commercial vehicles. Unfortunately, it’s too big to fit on smaller passenger cars.
The Zone Tech 12V Single Trumpet Air Horn is also easy to install. All of the parts you need come in the box, including the compressor and mounting parts. As long as you have the tools, it can be done in your driveway. While it’s a simple product, it performs as well as top-tier train horn kits.
What Sets it Apart
This is an excellent product because the compressor is on-par with more expensive train horn kits. One of the first things to go on most train horn kits is the air system, but Zone Tech made a durable and affordable compressor. While it’s small, it gets the job done and lasts a long time.
Things to Consider
It’s not perfect though. While the compressor and horn work well, the horn is difficult to install. Most single-horn products take less than an hour to install, but this train horn kit is time-consuming.
If you like this horn but need one that’s quicker to install, the Zento is a great alternative. It’s almost identical to this train horn kit, but it’s easier to install.
Who it’s For
The Zone Tech 12V Single Trumpet Air Horn is a great product for people that need a high-quality train horn kit for a low price. You’ll have to spend a lot of time getting it installed, but if you’re patient, it’s worth the time and money. It performs as well as premium train horn kits.
Pros
- Powerful and loud full-size horn
- Durable materials resistant to corrosion
- Fits most vehicles
Cons
- Not a great fit for passenger cars
- Difficult to install on most vehicles
10. Carfka Air Train Horn Hit
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Price: $
- Decibels: 150db
- Volts: 12V
- Installation: Beginner
The Carfka Air Train Horn Kit is a unique train horn that’s big, loud, and easy to install. It’s made with durable chrome zinc materials that don’t succumb to rust easily, and it’s loud enough to be heard in noisy areas. The train horn kit also comes with all of the parts you need to install it. It comes with mounting parts, copper wires, fuses, and an air system.
While the Carfka Air Train Horn Kit comes with a lot of parts, nothing is particularly complicated to install. As a result, the installation can be done in your driveway, as long as you have a few tools handy.
What Sets it Apart
The Carfka Air Train Horn Kit is unique because it comes with enough parts to be able to mount it anywhere on your vehicle. It can be mounted underneath your car, under the hood, on the roof, on the side of a motorcycle, or even on your door. While it’s large, it’s a versatile train horn kit.
Things to Consider
The Carfka Air Train Horn Kit performs as advertised, but some of the features are useless. While it can be installed anywhere, that doesn’t mean it should be installed everywhere. For example, it looks funny under the hood of passenger cars or on the side of motorcycles.
If you drive a smaller vehicle and want a more compact train horn kit, the VaygWay Air Horn is a great alternative. It’s small enough to fit under the hood of passenger cars, and it’s as loud as larger train horn kits.
Who It’s For
The Carfka Air Train Horn Kit is a great choice for shoppers that need a cheap and reliable train horn kit. While some of the materials are cheap, it gets the job done without breaking the bank. Still, it’s best suited for large trucks, commercial trucks, and boats.
Pros
- Low cost
- Loud sound
- Easy to install
- Comes with everything you need for installation
Cons
- Some of the materials are cheap
- The horn feels flimsy
The Complete Guide to Train Horn Kits
When you have the best train horn kits in front of you, it’s easier to make a decision. Still, you need to be careful when selecting a train horn kit. You want to make sure you know all of the facts and what works for your vehicle. So, we’re going to take you through a handful of shopping tips to help you narrow your options down.
Choosing the Right Train Horn Kit for Your Vehicle
The best place to start when you’re shopping for a train horn kit is with your vehicle. Before you decide on a product, it’s essential to know which train horn kits are compatible. There are a few different types available, so we’re going to take you through a few examples.
Motorcycles
We’ll start small with motorcycles. Motorcycles are small vehicles, so you’ll need a compact train horn kit. While motorcycles are small, their engines produce a lot of noise. For this reason, many motorcyclists rely on train horns. Unfortunately, this makes shopping for one tricky because you need the sound of a full-size train horn in a small package.
If you have a motorcycle, hope is not lost. The VaygWay Air Horn is an excellent choice because of its size and volume. It’s smaller than most train horn kits, so it won’t look ridiculous on your motorcycle, but it creates the same level of noise.
Passenger Cars
Many people believe that train horns are reserved for trucks, but that’s not the case. Everyone can benefit from a train horn kit, even if you drive a coupe or sedan. Your options are limited because most products won’t look right on a small vehicle, but some train horn kits can be mounted under the hood or on your grille.
The Hella kit is a great choice because it comes with two loud horns that fit under the hood of any vehicle.
Pickup Trucks
Pickup trucks are a fan-favorite for train horn kits. Their size makes them appealing because they can mount most products on the roof, and it adds to a truck’s aggressive look. Plus, some pickup trucks are diesel, so they need a louder horn.
If you have a pickup truck, there are a lot of options. You can go with a train horn kit that’s affordable and easy to install, like the Cobra Tuni Air Horn Kit or a more complex product like the Vixen Horns VXH4124B Train Horn.
Commercial Vehicles
Commercial vehicles rely on loud engines that create a lot of noise. For this reason, commercial trucks typically have train horn kits to make sure other drivers hear them. Still, some commercial vehicles don’t come with loud enough horns.
If you’re shopping for a commercial vehicle, you’ll need a loud and capable train horn kit. While most train horn kits are noisy, a product that has more than one horn is more suitable. The Grand General Chrome Heavy-Duty Train Horn is a great choice. It comes with three stainless steel trumpet horns that can survive any weather condition and be heard in all environments.
Finding a Train Horn Kit You Can Install at Home
If your current horn is damaged, or you’re not looking to spend all day installing a train horn kit, getting your hands on one that’s easy to install is essential. What counts as easy-to-install depends on your technical know-how, so we’re going to take you through the best horns for each difficulty level.
Beginner Level
If you’re not great at working on cars, don’t sweat it, there are plenty of train horn kits that are hassle-free to work with. Still, you’re going to need some tools and the courage to assemble a product. You’ll also want to look for products that don’t require an air compressor because they make things complicated.
A great beginner level horn to start with is the Hella kit, because it doesn’t require an air compressor to function.
Advanced Level
Advanced level train horn kits are the most common products you’ll find. Advanced train horn kits can be done in your driveway, but you’ll need to connect an air compressor. This makes the installation process difficult, so you’ll want to look over the instructions carefully.
The most straightforward advanced train horn kit to install is the Zento Deals 12V Single Trumpet Air Horn. While it uses a compressor, it comes with everything you need and easy to read instructions.
Expert Level
Expert level train horn kits sound intimidating, but they can still be done at home if you have the parts you need. What makes these train horn kits challenging to install is their lack of an air system or complicated installation process.
Luckily, there is one horn that comes with everything you need right out of the box. The MPC M1 3-Trumpet Train Horn Kit is an excellent example of an expert level product that’s still relatively easy to install.
FAQ
Are There Laws for Train Horn Kits?
Train horn kits are loud, and the United States government has taken steps to reduce the public’s exposure to loud noise levels. Some U.S. states have laws in place to keep horns below 110 decibels, but every state is different. Luckily, every state has its noise codes available online. Usually, you won’t have any problems if you use your horn correctly.
What Is a Safe Decibel Level?
If you’ve ever had your eardrums ring, you know that some noises are too loud. This makes train horn kits dangerous if you blast the horn for too long because they’re 150 decibels. Luckily, short bursts typically won’t cause you or anyone else harm.
How Loud Are Train Horn Kits?
Train horn kits are very loud products. OEM horns are typically 106 decibels, but train horns reach up to 150 decibels. So, what does 150 decibels sound like? Think of a jet taking off. Not only is that loud, but it’s loud enough for people within 200 yards to hear you loud and clear.
Is a Train Horn Kit Necessary?
If you’re looking to upgrade your factory car horn, you’re probably wondering if train horn kits are necessary. While some people view them as obnoxious, they can keep you and other drivers safe by commanding attention. Also, if you drive a vehicle with a loud engine or exhaust, a train horn kit can make sure drivers know you’re honking the horn.
Final Thoughts
Finding the right train horn kit is not always easy. There is a lot to consider. You want to make sure that you have the know-how to get the job done and that it’s loud enough for other drivers to hear. Luckily, after reading this guide, you know everything you need to know about train horn kits.
Always be sure to shop based on your needs and vehicle. While some train horn kits work for some, it might not fit your vehicle. As long as you shop carefully and keeping your needs in mind – and know what to look for – finding the best train horn kit is a breeze.
