Best mobile air compressor unit for Overland travel?

[Wampa150]

I originally bought a cheap one from Amazon. But when I used it to air up it took forever and it literally started to overheat.

I then picked this guy up. I don't remember if I paid this price or not. It's definitely more heavy duty feeling than the $50 one I originally bought.

I bought 4 RV ViAir kits for my fleet. Solid kit that only requires minimal add ons. IE extra valve cores, extra air gauge, and core tool. I like the RV kit not only for the beef of the unit, but the extra hose will reach all the way back to a trailer.

 

[Cpol]

Arb twin air compressor

 

[CTO1Mike]

I am firmly in the Viair camp. Have not had mine very long, but I am happy with it's performance. I may buy a second to speed filling my 275/70 R18 tires.

 

[Darwinian]

I’m going to try the 2781 model Smittybuilt air compressor. Seems like it will work well for my purposes. I really would like a 10 lb power tank to save time, but it seems like this model is going to have a decent rate of cfm, and it’s priced right to experiment with. Anyone have experience with it?

 

[Bama_Kiwi]

I have a Viair 88p. Almost certainly not the "best", but seems to fit my needs just fine.

Airs up my tires from 18psi to 36psi in about 3 minutes each. However, the built-in air gauge is not very accurate.

I have plans to convert it to an on-board system similar to this thread Poor man's OBA

 

[Desert Runner]

Did a lot of research, both compressors and the reviews that accompanied them. After a lot of reading, price comparisons, and the frequency I expected to use it, I chose the Viair 88P. As a price point, it was cheaper than some, but more robust than others in the same price range. A big qualification that I needed, was the ability to pump up a 33" tire (285x75x16) E range. A bag was not needed, as I used a surplus 200 round sealed military Ammo can, that gives the unit great protection when transporting. It allowed enough room for the compressor, a 6 foot Vivair extension hose (22 ft duck-tail flat bed trailer), and a couple small accessories.


Most important, it did not break the bank, in cost.

 

[HuddExpo]

I run a PumaAir compressor permanently mounted over my RR wheel well.. Been doing that for years with really good results. Very fast air up of 35" tires. It's quiet and puts out a lot of air. I wouldn't quite call it mobile, but it performs better than just about everything else I have had. FWIW I have tried most of the smaller compressors, ARB, Viair, MV50, etc. This is hands down my favorite.

 

[sportsguy]

I have been eyeing the PowerTank option - BUT, not fond of the footprint size, anf for stock 33's, a bit of overkill, IMO. I'm familiar withthe Viair units from riding motorcycles - guys swear by them. I may just go the Smittybilt route simply because I like the brand. I can build in time on the trail to allow for airing up if whatever I have is a bit slower.

 

[KRomer]

ARB twins blow up a lot, Mine died after a year. use get an extremaire magnum

I have had one for years and never had an issue

I did a review on expo a few years back

Power tank vs Puma Compressor vs ARB Twin vs ARB Twin kit Test Results

I searched for information on which setup was better and now that I have all 4 I ran a test. I am putting lockers in my 40, so rather than buy a compressor for the lockers and another for the tires, I bought the twin and mounted it under the seat in the cab Note: after the initial test with...

www.expeditionportal.com

 

[KRomer]

Ritchie, I don't discount your experience, please don't discount mine. I have been in the offroad community a long time as well and would tell you Slee, Cruiser Outfitters and others would disagree with you.

I am not saying you didnt have a bad one, but I know a lot of people who have them and yours is the first I have heard there is an issue.

I am Romer on mud by the way. Had to pick a different name here as that was taken

 

[Desert Runner]

Lol I know who you are, I do a lot of typing in a short time everyday, so if it appeared I was discounting. I was not. Is yours the twin unit or single? My main beef was ARB never responding when unit failed and having to totally reconfigure to make extreme aire work. And the number of builders that straight up told me ARB twin would grenade was more than 3. the older ARBs seemed to work well, the newer units. not so much.

This is something I have heard about also. Not having ever owned one, I can not give an opinion, on what ARB might have changed in their production. But I have read that catastrophic failure has been observed by more than 3 different users, both the under hood, and the interior clean mountings.
RichieFromBoston said:
. 'even tho it spent its year inside the truck in rear quarter clean dry and protected'.

I also heard that dust/heat from hard mounting under the hood was a likely cause of premature failure, and was discouraged if longevity was planned.
So it seems that no matter which method you subscribe too, it is a roll of the dice for the amount of money your going to spend. This was a big reason for my Vivair 88 P purchase, you lose the compact hard mount, but spend way less on the unit itself. If it fails, your not out.... big bucks.

 

[KRomer]

Mine is the twin and I have had it for 6 years with no issues. I also put them in both daughters trucks and they have had no issues. I have them in both my 200 series Land Cruiser and my Fj40

I am not doubting that there have been ones with issues, just mine have worked fine mounted in the engine bay

The link I posted i thought would help in deciding between a CO2 system, a compressor and a compressor with a tank. I used both the Puma and ARB in the test. The puma is a great unit and not very expensive. It is big though

I liked the ARB twin because I dont have to carry a compressor. With all the stuff I carry, it is one less item to have

BTW Ritchie- it was your review which sold me on the Alu-Cab. I almost went the Alpha based on your other review, but the deal I got on the Alu-Cab was great and I did not want to wait till May

 

[Boucher]

I have a Viar which fills the main tank and bumpers, Its located inside the vehicle I've had it many years with no issues.

 

[El-Dracho]

Hi,

Had a VIAIR 400P for some years. First portable and then - because I did not like to unpack and pack the thing everytime I need it - i fitted it permanetly. Never had to complain, good gear. Now I run a ARB CKMA12 which came with the lockers anyway. Also very good but takes alittle longer to fill up tires. Maybe I will fit a pressure reservoir tank soon.

I think if you are looking for something reliable, VIAIR and ARB are good manufacturers.

Cheers, Bjoern

 

[Boucher]

How I have it connected

 

[Cpol]

.
Arb twin air

 

[Shamu]

For those with an Arb, I use a gallon milk jug cap to cover the hose port. Perfect friction fit and has remained in place ~3 years:

 

[DRTMaverick]

I've ugraded from a Harbor Freigh 150psi pump to a dual viair 450C pump w/ 2.0gallon airtank. Airing up is a LOT faster and more enjoyable with the dual compressor and tank setup. I like the viair option because of how you can customize where you want to mount it and it's not all smashed together (dissipates heat a little better).

Here's my setup on my Xterra.

 

[El-Dracho]

I've ugraded from a Harbor Freigh 150psi pump to a dual viair 450C pump w/ 2.0gallon airtank. Airing up is a LOT faster and more enjoyable with the dual compressor and tank setup. I like the viair option because of how you can customize where you want to mount it and it's not all smashed together (dissipates heat a little better).

Here's my setup on my Xterra.

Hi,

The air tank looks good. Which size is it?

Thanks,
Bjoern

 

[Brandonpaul1217]

I'm currently running this setup, with an ARB digital chuck and bleeder. with battery terminal gator clamps. Haven't hard mounted it yet and may not to maintain versatility.