Air Compressor

[adventure_is_necessary]

Looking for some suggestions on a small air compressor. Something cost and space effective. I was looking at a jumper box with the built-in compressor, but the reviews left me questioning that route. I don't plan on a ton of airing down and back up as this would be on a daily driven rig, but I do want the option there if needed. I have a CO2 tank and regulator to be able to air up with, but I would like to not have to rely on having air in the tank and also having something in a smaller package.

 

[Irving Zisman]

This is what I use and I love it. https://www.pepboys.com/product/details/9357343/01493?quantity=1

It will fill my 33 inch tires very quickly, and best of all, the price is right. I have had this compressor for a little over 2 years with no issues so far. A friend of mine that recommended this compressor to me said his is going on almost 10 years with no issues.

The only negative thing I can say about it is that it does get pretty hot after filling all 4 tires.

 

[The other Sean]

I run the same compressor. The main trick is to start the compressor and THEN hook the air chuck to the tire. From what I've heard, it doesn't like starting against pressure.

 

[billum v2.0]

You didn't mention a budget, I'm a fan of Viair 400p. Some kind of Black Friday or Cyber Monday sale a few years back had it priced under $130.00.


Chuck locks on to valve stem so you don't have to hold it. Airs up all four 33"x 12" tires from 18 to 30 psi in under 10 minutes. Carry pouch is convenient as has separate compartments for the compressor/chucks/airhose. Downside is compressor head gets hot and needs an opportunity to cool down for 5 minutes before packing up. Hasn't let me down in 2 years of heavy and sometimes abusive use (dropped/dragged/overheated airing up multiple vehicles).

 

[adventure_is_necessary]

You didn't mention a budget, I'm a fan of Viair 400p. Some kind of Black Friday or Cyber Monday sale a few years back had it priced under $130.00.


Chuck locks on to valve stem so you don't have to hold it. Airs up all four 33"x 12" tires from 18 to 30 psi in under 10 minutes. Carry pouch is convenient as has separate compartments for the compressor/chucks/airhose. Downside is compressor head gets hot and needs an opportunity to cool down for 5 minutes before packing up. Hasn't let me down in 2 years of heavy and sometimes abusive use (dropped/dragged/overheated airing up multiple vehicles).

I borrowed my buddies jumper box with a built-in compressor. The dang thing would overheat while just filling ONE tire from 10psi to 35. I'm gonna look at this since that's what I need.

 

[billum v2.0]

I'm gonna look at this since that's what I need.

Keep in mind the Viair 400 comes in a two models, one which has a gauge built into the hose that you have to manually stop when you reach the desired pressure and an automatic version that shuts down once the pressure is reached.

 

[Steve]

Here's a previous discussion on portable air compressors for you to peruse: What portable air are you using in your rig?

 

[adventure_is_necessary]

Thanks Steve! I am drawn towards the ARB compressors for their compact size and reliability. Space is very valuable on my rig as I am trying to maintain my ability to sleep in the back.

 

[Brandon Harvey]

You didn't mention a budget, I'm a fan of Viair 400p. Some kind of Black Friday or Cyber Monday sale a few years back had it priced under $130.00.


Chuck locks on to valve stem so you don't have to hold it. Airs up all four 33"x 12" tires from 18 to 30 psi in under 10 minutes. Carry pouch is convenient as has separate compartments for the compressor/chucks/airhose. Downside is compressor head gets hot and needs an opportunity to cool down for 5 minutes before packing up. Hasn't let me down in 2 years of heavy and sometimes abusive use (dropped/dragged/overheated airing up multiple vehicles).

I have the same one now for about a year and it works like a charm.

 

[Sidetrekked Overland]

I got the viair 400p with automatic shut off and I'm very happy with it. I like that's it's portable vs mounted in my truck like my arb was on my old 4 runner.

 

[Taco Zach]

If you are leaning towards ARB but won't need to use it very often, I can tell you my ARB CKMA 12 fit snugly into a seemingly unusable space, and has worked very well. It is one of the single compressor models, and can air up my tires (~32"s) from 20# to 40# in about 2 mins each. The installation instructions were easy to understand, and came with the complete wiring harness, a rocker switch (I opted for a push button that fit in one of my dashboard blank slots), and the quick connect for an air hose. There are two set screws in the aluminum body that can be removed to install solenoids for air lockers or to run a hose for a reservoir tank. The body can rotate, as can the hose connection, so you can align it to work with wherever you mount it. Mine is mounted in a small space behind the passenger headlight. I've had mine for about 2.5 years with no issues.

It isn't great for blowing off dirt/dust without a reservoir tank as you are only seeing the compressor output (no stored energy), and the double compressor model will be faster and can run pneumatic tools, but for tires and air mattresses this one works just fine. Also, no maintenance required. Once on, it will sense what the discharge pressure is and shut itself down until you start using air or enough leaks out, then will kick on again.

Got my father one for his birthday, and he absolutely loves it. No more trips to the gas station for air.

 

[Overland USA]

You didn't mention a budget, I'm a fan of Viair 400p. Some kind of Black Friday or Cyber Monday sale a few years back had it priced under $130.00.


Chuck locks on to valve stem so you don't have to hold it. Airs up all four 33"x 12" tires from 18 to 30 psi in under 10 minutes. Carry pouch is convenient as has separate compartments for the compressor/chucks/airhose. Downside is compressor head gets hot and needs an opportunity to cool down for 5 minutes before packing up. Hasn't let me down in 2 years of heavy and sometimes abusive use (dropped/dragged/overheated airing up multiple vehicles).

I really like this. thank you for the information.

 

[HEYElliott]

Just uninstalled a 1.5 gallon tank with a vlair compressor installed on top. Im moving to a smaller more compact set up. I dont find myself needing as robust of a set up but im sure now that its gone ill need it sooner rather than later....

A picture of the old set up

 

[Wanderlost]

We're huge fans of Viair too! The one we have installed in our FJ gets a massive amount of use. We have a complete Viair Medium Duty system ready to go into our 4Runner as soon as we get our rear bumper w/ tire carrier installed so we can mount the air tank where the spare is now.

Here's a short video we produced of the install in our FJ Cruiser;

 

[Homeguy]

I’ve got 2 400C’s and a 2gallon tank in my Jeep.


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