Portable air compressor

Looking to start doing some off-roading. Nothing hardcore as I’m new to it, don’t have truck lifted and I’m on stock sized tires. I’m using stock rim, fitted with Toyo Open Country AT3. I’m considering the portable ARB CKMP12 and the ARB digital tire inflator gauge. I’ve seen other brands much cheaper, but it most searches ARB seems to come on top. It’s a pricey purchase here in Canada (Toronto area) $540 for compressor and $100 for the gauge. I do value long term usage, especially if I do run on my own and get stuck. I don’t want to get an kit installed at this point, due to fear of any warranty voiding since truck is only 3 week old. I do plan on making a hose set up to allow me to do 2 wheels at once.

Any advice or guidance is appreciated.

 

Personally I have a craftsman pancake pump then a converter box that i hard wired right into my 4runner, I have it mounted to the so I can just plug and go. I would have something large and sturdy enough that, if for example it gets jostled around then nothing can break on it. The pump I bought runs for about 150 USD, I would suggest having a good amount of replacement guages and or chucks for when you inevitably lose one. Make sure you're spending money on quality, not on the name or the looks.

 

Wow, that’s a lot of cash. I’ve been using a Viair 88P. It’s small and portable and comes in its own storage bag. Works like a champ. There are other good compressors out there for under $200.

 

Vaiar or hell even a Slime from Autozone is just fine for portable use without having to throw $600 down. If thats your budget why not just spring for a hard mounted one and live in the "have it and not need it" crowd

 

Can always go Co2 as well

 

I’ve been using a smittybilt compressor for 2 years now, got it for about $125 and hasn’t pooped out yet. Unless you’re building a dedicated overland/off-road rig, throwing $600 at an onboard air compressor is useless.

 

I have both the ARB ckmp12 for the van and the ckmta12 for the 4Runner. You can do the dual tires with that pump if running stock size. They are both solid pumps. Highly recommend them.

 

ARB is interesting. They ahve been around a long while and they make excellent products. But Australia has weird tariffs and they stick it to other countries. I own two ARB products that I bought 2nd hand. Excellent craftsmanship no doubt but to buy their products new here in the US? No thanks. ViAir has a wide range of budget options for a fraction of the price. Many others do as well. If you are looking for name recognition from your friends, drop some coin on ABR... then i will buy it from you for half price in a years time.

 

Well I am going on 2 years so you aren’t getting mine.

But I agree viair has some nice pumps and if you don’t plan on using on-board (I purchased with intentions to get lockers). Then instead of saving $450 I just bought another one and used my smaller one in the van or as a backup if something goes wrong. I have ARB lockers that I use mine for as well as the 1 gallon tank to run pneumatic tools.

 

Viair just keeps working despite all manner of abuse. I have the 400p but I bet all their products are decent.

 

I got this from Amazon and it has worked fine for my FJ40, 4Runner and RAV.

GSPSCN Silver Dual Cylinder 12V Air Compressor Pump for Car, Heavy Duty Portable Tire Inflator 150PSI with LED Work Lights for Auto,Truck,SUV, RV,Balls etc

 

Not a fan of portable air compressors, I have the ARB dual and haven't looked back. If you don't offroad much, buy a cheaper portable and save the coin.

 

I’ve got ARB single in my Tacoma, but I keep ViAir 400p in my other trucks. They are both great, but ViAir will get it done way cheaper, with very good dependability.

 

Thanks all, appreciate the feedback. For the record the only consideration for the ARB was the buy once, cry once rule. I’m not looking to be a poser, to old for that. Just a fear of getting stuck somewhere or having to buy another one for $200 in in 2 yrs. I don’t want to go built in as this is my primary vehicle, so realistically it will be driven 95% on the road. I’ll explore a bit more the options listed by you.

 

After 5 years of service may be my cheap air compressor is done. The motor was running but could not inflate the tires. Could not find / feel any leaks either. Maybe have to open the cover and see. Even though it was slow I'm very happy for its service in bad conditions and not giving intervals inflating multiple vehicles.
(No that mud is not from today)

 

You’re not far off from a single compressor on board ARB for that price.

as mentioned, viar is a solid choice. They make air brakes for tons of heavy trucks.

 

That's what I did as well. Kept the ViAir in my trailer and my CO2 in my Jeep full time. Selling my CO2 setup with custom paint, courtesy of a friends daughter who has down syndrome. Plug and play. Just needs charged:

 

That’s a great deal! PT is near me and they got for 500-800!

 

I have a Viair. Got it from Amazon. Below is the link.

VIAIR - 40045 400P-Automatic.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000X9B32M?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I like it's portability.

 

Check out what Matt at Dirt Lifestyle did…https://youtu.be/BerfYlBAWD8

 

I looked at this one, but it’s not far off from the ARB since here in Canada the VIAIR is $433. I also looked into the Smitybilt 2781 that sells for $275 here.

 

Saw this vid, but this Napa item doesn’t seem to be for sale in Canada.

 

I just use a 24v lithium tool battery powered compressor(Kobalt), works great, all the major tool brands have one. I have two other 4x4s, a couple ATVs and a SxS and being able to bring air anywhere and in any vehicle I want is a real feature. I already have the batteries so just $30-40 for the compressor tool is the hot setup for me. Not as fast as the auto battery 12v ones but gets the job done cheap and is far more versatile.
BTW, Project Farm has a comparison test on them.
Believe it or not the HF 12v cigarette lighter powered one kicked butt in a 12v corded test for a very reasonable price.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=TkxpuzYggd4

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=kTpSgUyyBA8

 

I don't do any off roading, but I have one of these in each of our vehicles (4Runner, Taco and 2 Camrys). They work great and quickly, and they're under $50.

https://www.costco.com/bon-aire-12v-inflator.product.100567254.html

 

Ended up ordering the Smittybilt 2781, as a local retailer has it on sale this week ($243 Cdn).

I am also looking at building either a 4 tire inflate/deflate kit with quality parts. I can’t believe the pricing as it ends up coming up around $250 Cdn. For $50 more I can get the Morrflate 4 tire kit with pressure gauge shipped free

 

Spent $114 for this compressor and it is the BOSS HOG.........

Stupid powerful for the power. You will need to add a valve adapter.

 

I prefer co2/nitrogen, but to each their own.

 

Fastest method for sure. Not sure what tanks we’re allowed to use for transportation here legally. The Powertank 10 lb version isn’t cheap at almost $700 for the most basic / barebones kit, and that doesn’t include any mounting hardware. If I get the chance to get more into overlanding with bigger tires, maybe I’ll go that route.

 

I feel ya. Besides some elbow grease, and elbow work, i dont have 700 bucks in all of mine. But, i feel ya. Whish ya the best.
Edit- and ya, id tell someone to lick my butthole, with what im carrying. Canada, California, guess its all the same. Bummer.
(None are power tanks, fuck that, although, i did "use" some of the mounting ideas, then again, maybe they stole it from me!? )
All are full (for cheap) and use them on the reg.





I can carry a 15lb on my roof also, if needed.

 

This was one of my big Prime Day scores. I just used it to re-inflate some hand truck wheels that had lost their bead. My old portable compressor didn't have the oomph for that task. This one will really accelerate airing back up.