Air compressor... still haven't bought one...

So I was looking for an air compressor ages ago, but still haven't bought one. With spring/summer here and more frequent offroad travel... I definitely want to get back to securing an air compressor. At least this time around I think I have a lot more context.

- Tires: Falken wildpeak a/t3w 265/70R17
- Offroad (long enough where I'd want to air down), on average, 1-4 times/month
- Offroad is 100% forest service roads, not "rock crawling" - airing down is for comfort of ride and minimize risk of punctures
- I do care about minimizing airing up time
- Desire is just a portable battery clamp model - no permanent mounting

The models that seem to keep circulating are the Viair 88p/300p/400p and the Smittybilt 2780/2781.

On paper it seems like the Smittybilt 2781 is the best solution? Would air up the tires the fastest at the expense of a bigger+heavier unit. Is that correct? It seems the main knock I come across is proprietary hose fittings, but it also seems this is easily+cheaply remedied.

Do I just go for the 2781 (especially over the 2780?) or re-consider the viair option? Is there another model I am overlooking?

 

Smittybilt 2781 5.65 CFM Universal Air Compressor https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004K25GMG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_X4FFDH5XY23TQ24ZBM2V

I use the smittybilt. It fills up my 295’s from 20psi to 40psi at about 3ish minutes a tire. I did buy it when it was $125 on Amazon, seems to have gone up since then. Almost had it for a year, plenty of use and works just like new. The only downside is the equipped air gauge isn’t very accurate (off by about 5ish psi)so I use a secondary tire pressure gauge after to verify tire pressure.

 

I got a ViAir-88p as a gift last year. I haven't needed it yet, but I did try it out to add a little air to a couple of low tires. Seemed to work as advertised.

It appears to be one of the more popular compressors according to Amazon reviews.

Comes with a nice soft case.

Certainly an affordable option for the part time off-road enthusiast like myself. I don't do the air down thing as of yet. My treks are usually of short duration.

All I need now is a puncture repair kit.

 

Following this topic to see if someone shares permanent mount air compressor system (air compressor with mount) that does not require moving or unbolting any of existing hoses or existing components. Defenitly has to be fast inflating.

I've been using craftsman 12v portable inflator for ages and it takes me sooo long to inflate. When my buddies don't have a air compressor to air up it takes hours to hit the highway inflating everyone.

 

I know a lot of people have good feedback around the Viair 400P, but I'm not one of them. I think it's too slow. I may be a little spoiled because I previously had an ARB Twin, and that was quite fast... It works, and it hasn't failed me, but I still think sometime in the near future I'll be going back to the twin.

 

I am using the single ARB compressor that comes in the tool box. It takes a little bit of time but we are typically BS'ing anyways so not a big deal. I am about to remove it from the box and permanently mount it to the Rago compressor mount when it arrives. I am thinking that I am not even going to hard wire it in because I will have the hood open for the air hose anyways so I will just clamp it on the battery and not have to store it in the cabin of the car. If I ever upgrade to the dual compressor, the Rago mount will still work as well.

 

Smittybilt, viair, arb...stick with a reputable offering and you’ll be fine.

 

When I watch YouTube for Rago mount the bottom bolts looks like need some work. Wish there's an easy way just with a socket set.

 

I personally have this one and like it... Husky 1 Gal. Portable Electric-Powered Silent Air Compressor-3300113 - The Home Depot

Cheers,

Sean

 

Only thing you really need is a swivel socket adapter and the rest is all easily done with a socket set. I have it in mine with a dual and it’s perfect. Of course if you have a 2020 + then ignore this but even then it took me maybe 10 minutes to modify my fuse box bracket to make it work.

 

Does the ARB twin compressor come with a clamp-on connection option, or would one have to modify the permanent connection setup to do that?

 

Would you happen to have, or know of, a write-up for the installation of the Rago mount & ARB dual compressor?

 

Love my portable ARB single and I'd say it does about 10 PSI in 30 seconds on my LT's.. super fast! Like.. I don't see how it could be any faster. After owning this I wonder what in the heck the twin compressor would be needed for.. I guess 35's and up?

Old Black and Decker.. not so much. It would blow up before inflating one tire lmao.

IMO, 88p is good for the rare explorer. I'd step it up to either Viair 300p or ARB Single if you go out at least monthly, or are airing up your friends' tires as well.

Moving from my P265's to my LT275's also made a big difference in inflation time.

 

I have no personal experience but I've read that the elements will really destroy the piston over time. I dunno.. at least one guy with personal experience was adament that it was not good for them to mount under the hood.. his was for his air locker and said his compressors would only last a few years before failing. Seemed to know what he was talking about, but I don't know.. no personal experience here. Of course you see lots of guys going that route these days, but off-roading seems trendy right now and I wonder how long those setups really last.. some people are in and out of the "hobby" before there is enough time for failure. Just something to think about...

ARB tool box fits nicely behind my front driver's seat.

 

Do you have a link for your ARB single?

 

This is a true, to an extent - some compressors (like the ARB's) offer the ability to remote mount the intake and filter; you can route them into the cab or another cleaner air area. That will help prolong the life significantly by keeping a good portion of moisture and grit out.

 

OK guys, I'm gonna let you in on my little secret. But you have to promise not to judge my 4Runner! LOL

When I was searching for air compressors, I really wanted the ARB single portable, but it was hard to justify the price increase over the Viair 300p (for me). That said, I am very happy that I sprung for the ARB.. it's really a beast and lives up to ARB's name. The quality is apparent.

When scouring the 'net for a deal I stumbled across this gem.

https://performanceparts.ford.com/part/M-1830-FPAC

It's the same exact thing, but badged by Ford Performance.. and because there are always dealers willing to deal.. (I guess it's easy to get around ARB's MAP policy when the situation is gray like this..)

https://www.levittownfordparts.com/sku/m-1830-fpac.html

Much less expensive. AND, I actually like the colors more. I don't mind that it says Ford Performance personally, it's kind of a conversation topic lol. Ford makes some good stuff here and there, too.

shhhh.. don't tell your friends! haha j/k

EDIT: Dang, looks like it's on back-order (like everything else these days )

 

So it is a rebranded Arb by Ford? Interesting ehh.

 

I dont know... I only have the single. From the Rago install video on YouTube it looks to just bolt to the mount.

 

Just ordered. Use code VIP50 for free shipping. $285 OTD for this is an insane price.

 

Thanks for the heads up just ordered one as well

 

Thanks for the code

 

https://desertarmorshop.com/product/beast-portable-12v-air-compressor/

Just thought I’d throw that out there. Check out our reviews and also YouTube content. You won’t be disappointed. Any questions let me know!

 

Any air compressor is better than none when dealing with a flat tire. I have an auto parts store brand that cost about $60 and it works well for occasional use.

If you will be airing up many times each week or month a heavier duty $300 model would be better.

 

The thing i like about the Viair 400p is it shuts off and on with the trigger.

 

^ I'm not very familiar with the 400p, but I think the ARB does the same thing.. that is if you added a trigger to the hose, of course. It does have "auto on" though in that it only runs when negative pressure is realized. So the hose primes when you turn it on, and then the compressor goes to rest until you start inflating a tire. Once you pull the chuck off the tire, the hose again fully pressurizes and the compressor goes back to rest. All of this happens with the switch turned to on. Yes, this is something that not all compressors do. Definitely nice because it minimizes the noise lol - 'cause with the ARB at least (and probably 400p), I'm spending more time moving it around than actually filling tires.

 

I know this post is too much old. but as new members coming. so, for helping them i wanna suggest before buying any air compressor, do a research on their background, like their HP, Gallon, RPM etc. This will help you later to understand what you wanna buy and for what you are looking for. Hope this will helpful for you. if you visit this site. https://thirstycraftsman.com/

 

Not a permanently mounted one, but I've had this one for nearly a year and I'm VERY pleased with it. Has TONS of capacity and very quick to inflate for the cost. If you're military veteran or first responder, Napa does a nice discount as well...

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/BK_MTWM10215C?impressionRank=1

 

Thanks for the tip!!

 

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