Air Compressors (On Board Air)

[flyingwil]

Ok, I had a copy of Toyota 4WD Owners Magazine, that I gave out that had nice comparison of air compressors by Peter Parks.

Well the time has come for me to choose a compressor, and thought this would be a good thread since the other thread (http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=240) went towards the DV innovations MF compressors, due to the price.

Right now I am in a toss up with a few different models, listed by price (high to low):



ExtremeAire

Continuous duty cycle
3/4 horsepower motor
30-amp draw at 35psi
40-amp draw at 150psi
4 cfm free flow rate
150psi max working pressure
Can be mounted upside down
14" long, 6" wide, 9", tall
$379.95

http://www.extremeoutback.com/images/product/extremeaire-12-volt.jpg



The Quick Air 2

The compressor is compact at with dimensions of 8" x 7.25" x 4.25"
Weights in at only 10lbs.
$305.00

http://www.parksoffroad.com/miscinstalls/inflatortest/quickair2/DSCF9260.jpg



ViAir 400

Max Voltage: 12 Volt
Max Amperage: 30 AMP
Horse Power: 1/4
Max Working Pressure: 150 PSI
Max Ambient Temp: 158°F
Min Ambient Temp: -40°F
Max Duty Cycle @ 30PSI: 40 Minutes @ 72°F
Max Duty Cycle @ 100PSI: 33% (15 min on/30 min off @ 72°F)_
$233.99

http://www.parksoffroad.com/miscinstalls/inflatortest/viair/DSCF7007.JPG



ARB

Max Voltage: 12 Volt
Max Amperage: 20 AMP
6.7” x 6.7” X 7”
Max Working Pressure: 150 PSI
8.4 lbs.
$219.00


http://www.parksoffroad.com/tacomamods/Front%20ARB/comp%20out%20of%20box.JPG



And for kicks we'll throw in the winner from the other thread...
Super Flow

Maximum Voltage: 13.8 Volts
Maximum Amps: 30A
Horsepower: 1/3
Maximum Working Pressure: 120 PSI
Maximum Restart Pressure: 150 PSI
Maximum Operation Temp: 140°F
Minimum Operating Temp: -67°F
Maximum Continuous Cycle Time: 40 mins. @ 40 PSI @ 75°F
$24.99 MV-50 / $59.99 MF-1050

http://www.parksoffroad.com/miscinstalls/inflatortest/mv50/DSCF7046.JPG

Comparison:
Here is Peter Parks results to fill one tire:
Brand | Time 10-35 PSI | Highest Temp (1 LT225/75R16 Tire from 0-80PSI)
Viair | 3:17 | 161.4
QuickAir | 3:28 | 161.4
Supr Flow | 4:05 |242
ARB |6:55 |294

[flyingwil]

Peter also has shown the side by side of the MV-50/MF-1050 and the ViAir 400.

Here you can see the two of them side by side. Although the Superflow (bottom) has a partial enclosure, the overall size and shape are very similar.
http://www.parksoffroad.com/miscinstalls/inflatortest/superflowviaircomparison/DSCF7304.jpg

The heads and air filters on both models. Notice not only the similar design, but even the casting on the heads looks the same.
http://www.parksoffroad.com/miscinstalls/inflatortest/superflowviaircomparison/DSCF7305.JPG
http://www.parksoffroad.com/miscinstalls/inflatortest/superflowviaircomparison/DSCF7306.JPG

Notice the similarities between the ends of the compressors, the feet, and the location of the power cords and switches.
http://www.parksoffroad.com/miscinstalls/inflatortest/superflowviaircomparison/DSCF7307.JPG
http://www.parksoffroad.com/miscinstalls/inflatortest/superflowviaircomparison/DSCF7309.JPG

The Superflow (left) and Viair (right) air chucks. Both feature deflators so you can fine tune easily.
http://www.parksoffroad.com/miscinstalls/inflatortest/superflowviaircomparison/DSCF7313.JPG

Makes me wonder if indeed the DV product is compiled mainly of parts from same manufacture and may indeed be a durable option as previously discussed in the other thread. (http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=240)

[Westy]

what are you looking to use the compressor for? will you be running an air tank as well? Do you plan to get ARB lockers ever? Have you looked into CO2 setups?


I would stay away from the ARB for filling tires, unless you plan to get air lockers anytime, then its a good backup source to say a CO2 setup.

I use the MV50, its about a year old and still running strong as new. I've probably used it 20+ times this year, filling up 35" tires from 8-10psi to 30 and it works great, fairly lightweight and reliable.

You can build your own CO2 setup for under $200 for a nice unit.

Also, this is a nice setup for a reasonable price, compared to some of the others I have seen:
http://www.formattfab.com/product_co2_tank.htm
http://www.formattfab.com/images/tank.jpg

[asteffes]

How many, say, 265/70-16 tires can one fill with a 10 or 20 pound tank of CO2?

[pangaea]

How many, say, 265/70-16 tires can one fill with a 10 or 20 pound tank of CO2?

According to PowerTank's info, The closest tire size match that I can find is a 30 x 9.5 x 15. Since ypu actually have a 16" rim, you'd probably get more than this. First column is amount of tire pressure increase, second number is the quantity of tires for a 10lb tank, then 15lb tank, then 20lb tank.

PSI Inc. 10lb 15lb 20lb
+10lbs - 68 - 102 - 136
+20lbs - 34 - 51 - 64
+30lbs - 22 - 33 - 44
+40lbs - 17 - 26 - 34

[flyingwil]

what are you looking to use the compressor for? will you be running an air tank as well? Do you plan to get ARB lockers ever? Have you looked into CO2 setups?


I want to stay away from CO2, because I am worried about leaks and being in remote area with no other source of air because my CO2 leaked, for a Trail rig, this would be my #1 choice, but for expedition use, I want to stay clear of the CO2 option.

I have a 5 gal air tank, and will be using that in conjunction with my compressor. I had a MV-50, that was loaned out and never returned, and time for a new one that will be hard mounted. Thus the homework time!

Wil

[datrupr]

Wil, Checker has a new compressor that are supposed to be out this week, similar to the MV50, but I am not sure what is different. I know they are going to be a bit more than the MV50's, but only by about $5-$10. I think you are looking for something a bit more durable and more easily mountable, but I thought I would give you a heads up. I think I am going to run to my neighborhood Checker this weekend and see if I can't pick one up.

[+ d]

it's pretty hard to pass up the MV-50 given the cost.

i'm not fooling myself that its gonna last forever, but the substantial savings was well allocated to other mods!

[+ d]

...Checker has a new compressor...

we expect a full report!

[flyingwil]

Wil, Checker has a new compressor that are supposed to be out this week, similar to the MV50, but I am not sure what is different. I know they are going to be a bit more than the MV50's, but only by about $5-$10. I think you are looking for something a bit more durable and more easily mountable, but I thought I would give you a heads up. I think I am going to run to my neighborhood Checker this weekend and see if I can't pick one up.


Is it still made by DV? Any info such as name or part number would be appreciated.

[Desertdude]

Wil - I have a CO2 set up - the issue for me with CO2 is the freezing (when filling fast) the potential of running out and not being able to gauge it - and the cost to fill - in my area the only place I could find to fill it was a fire extinguisher place - 25 bucks and more for 20lbs-

I changed to the extremeaire compressor (http://www.extremeoutback.com/index.cgi?exact_match=yes&product=Air%20Compressors) and have not looked back ( the CO2 is now a back up in the garage)

If you use your tank you will not need the blow-by valve to operate.

[datrupr]

Wil, as far as I know the new compressor Check is coming out with is still made by DV. I did not get a chance to get down there this weekend, ,but I will try and check it out tomorrow after work, if they have some in stock.

[flyingwil]

Wil, as far as I know the new compressor Check is coming out with is still made by DV. I did not get a chance to get down there this weekend, ,but I will try and check it out tomorrow after work, if they have some in stock.


Cool, let me know what you find out... I didn't see anything rig worthy on their main website.

[flyingwil]

I was kind of leaning towards the ViAir, seems to priced right for me, and performance seems to be at par. The ExtremeAir seems to be the most popular around here. Any one use the ViAir or any of the others mentioned in post #1?

[Westy]

Offroad Overstock has the Viair 460C Air Compressor for $198.00.

http://www.offroadoverstock.com/store.cfm?page=details.cfm&afid=&cat=0&criteria=7000&product_id=460c&cartaction=none&startrow=1&var1=&var2=&var3=&

[Mlachica]

I have the viar 400c and it's great! I have used it fairly often and love it. I love the reliability over the possibility of co2 running out. From 15-32psi (32x1150x15) it takes about 3-4 minutes. It's mounted in an ammo can that's mounted in the bed - works perfect but I'll probably end up moving it to make room for the fridge.

[Desertdude]

interesting article (http://www.4x4wire.com/tech/portable_oba/) on setting up an inexpensive on board compressor

[vanguard]

While I own the ARB, I haven't used it enough to really say it's good or bad. A key selling point for me was that I am getting ARB lockers installed on 2/20 and I wanted the comfort of having a full ARB setup. They have it all figured out. The wiring diagrams are complete, the tank has holes for the soliniods, etc. Now that I've done it once I'm sure I could make any of them work but it was nice to do it by the book the first time.

I thought hard about CO2. I might even do it someday but since I have a compressor now it's not high on the todo list. My decision to go with onboard air was centered around the CO2 installation I had in my head. The bottle needs to stand as upright as possible so I would mount it in my bed. Because of that it would be a "night before the trip" kind of task to get it ready. After I mentally processed that I decided that I'd rather have onboard air because it's always there. I can flip on the locker anytime I want it, in the case of snow for example when I didn't plan on 4wd.

Because the Super Flow seems to have a great price/performance ration I looked around for it. However, I didn't find it for $50 like everybody seemed to be finding a year ago. Instead it was always $80 + shipping or more. When it got up there I thought I'd go with the full ARB system.

Anyway, those are the sorts of thoughts that went through my head. I hope it helps. :)

[jim65wagon]

MY brand new MV50 is sitting on my table in pieces. I tested it once, filling all four tires from 17 to 35 lbs in 15 minutes. Way better than my Truckair, anyways, I had it out today contemplating an underhood install, hooked it up and found out the switch is broken. The plastic switch shattered in about 4 little pieces. Luckily I have more switches.

[crawldit]

Here's the compressor that I bought

http://www.tjoutfitters.com/shop/index.php/action/item/id/65/prevaction/category/previd/5/prevstart/0/

For just over $100 I think it's a real good performer. I can air up my 245/75/16's (31") from 10 psi to 30 psi in about 10 minutes for all 4. I ran with a buddy this weekend who picked up one of the ones from Autozone before they were discontinued. He was airing up his 35x12.5x15 Xterrains from 10 to 30 psi as well. I aired up all 4 of my tires and 2 of his in the time that it took for him to air of just 2 of his own tires

[flyingwil]

Great Input! Thanks and keep it coming. I am hoping Scott might chime in since it looks like he has the ViAir on his trooper and the ExtremeAire on the Taco... It might be a safe bet that the ARB 4X4Runner has an ARB... come on Scott we want a comparison, and input!

[Boston Mangler]

Hey Guys

I am have been contemplating what to do for air on my 80 and ended up with a CO2 tank for now, until i can figure out how to hook up my York!

Depending on what type of rig you got, you will NOT beat a York belt driven compressor! I have had A LOT of experience with these compressors and have installed quite a few OBA setups for people!

I personally, have had them on 2 different rigs (both Jeeps) and they cannot be beat for price, durability, and duty cycle! They are bolts ins (with a nifty little kit) for almost ALL jeep models and some rigs take a lot more work. I have seen them installed in many vehicles with some fabbing! Ask anyone that has one and they will swear by them!

I have hopes of getting the brand new york unit i have sitting in garage into my FZJ80 but it wont be easy due to the limited real estate under the hood!

For now, i use a 20lb CO2 tank that i just finished the brackets for today (pics coming soon) and love it. $11 to fill at my local welding supply place and it will last quite a long time!

Once you see how easy and cheap the York belt driven compressor can be installed and how great it works, its hard to settle for anything else!

I ran the 10CFM York from a volvo with v belt and a 2.5 gallon tank mounted under the rig tucked up nice near the body and it was awesome! I really wish i could get this thing in my 80! ;)

If i were wealthy and money werent a big concern, i would be purchasing the Oasis setup, that is pretty much a York compressor that runs off of a small electrical motor! I saw one of these bad boys work @ Pismo this year and was most impressed! However, it is a little bigger then most and costs some $

Check it out here: http://oasisoffroad.com/p2.html

For now, i am running a 20lb co2 tank, but WILL have a belt driven york in my rig someday! :D

This is my .02

[91xlt]

yeah i agree, if you can find the room and figure it out the York OBA is the way to go...100% duty cycle plenty of psi and cfm, especially with a small reserve tank, i run the york oba w/2.5 gal res and it rocks!

[Willman]

Great Input! Thanks and keep it coming. I am hoping Scott might chime in since it looks like he has the ViAir on his trooper and the ExtremeAire on the Taco... It might be a safe bet that the ARB 4X4Runner has an ARB... come on Scott we want a comparison, and input!

Bump for Scott!!!!!!

[ldivinag]

here's my history of OBA:

the original ARB compressor to power my locker.

quick air II, bought the hard mount one but made it portable.

the $25 special at kragens.

the ARB is now reserved for locker use only and as a 3rd backup. more than once have i burned my fingers trying to unhook the QR from it... lesson learned? wet down a small towel and drape it over the unit...

the QAII... not so quick. for $300, i expected more, i guess.

a few months ago, at 4x4wire.com's toyota forum, a big buzz came down on this $25 close out compressor at kragen/etc. initial report said this was faster than the QAII.

so i bought one. i only tested on a small 14" car tire and it was rather fast. havent really truly tested on my 32" tires though. as for longevity, who knows...

if i were gonna get a CO2 setup, i will always carry my elec compressors. things leak. and it is a finite supply...

[Willman]

I was kind of leaning towards the ViAir, seems to priced right for me, and performance seems to be at par. The ExtremeAir seems to be the most popular around here. Any one use the ViAir or any of the others mentioned in post #1?

Wil-

What did you get for an compressor and did you get an air tank for it???

My bumper is done and now time to setup my onboard air with my 5 gal. air tank from my bumper!!!

[Scott Brady]

Sorry for missing this one guys...

I have the following compressors:

Trooper- Viair 400
Jeep- ARB
Tacoma- ExtremeAir

The Viair actually does a pretty good job for smaller tires, but can only be used as such with the limited duty cycle. Both the ARB and Viair have limited duty cycles and cannot power air tools.

I use air for lots of things. Airing up, reseating a bead, operating the air locker, operating air tools and even operating a compressed air vacume to clean the interior and tent on long trips. So, CFM is king for me, followed by duty cycle. The ExtremeAir strikes the best compromise.

I know DesertDude has two of them and is happy too.

[cruiseroutfit]

I'm coming in on this way late, but here it goes...

I am a huge fan of CO2 systems for several reasons. I have a 10, 15 & 20 lb CO2 setups. I recently used the 20lb'er to fill up 12 tires in Moab, it didn't freeze, never has in fact. There are several places here in SLC to fill them, even with the 20lb'er I have never paid more than $10. I am into my steel 20lb'er ~$75, my steel 15lb'er ~$100, and my aluminum 10lb'er ~ $75

The York compressor is also a great option, but it has its downfalls too.. It only works when the motor is on, and it only works within reach of the problem. the CO2 can be lugged up a hillside or trail to reach the need. Mounting and plumbing can be an issue in a York, not a big deal on an older rig with plenty of room under the hood, but it would be a tight fit in a Tacoma, 80 (as Boston highlighted, etc.). I used to install them on customers rigs years ago... they were the bomb and I always intended to put one in mine... with the CO2 I have no desire. We ran a full York system on the comp buggy, and it does kick some butt!

I have an ARB compressor in both rigs, just as many have said its best used for the lockers ;) I have filled several tires with it, but that stopped with the CO2 addition. Its alot of work on the ARB compressor, and alot more time.

Will mentioned the worry of leaking CO2 tank... Not a big issue? Your just as likely to lose your motor oil, or your antifreeeze as you are to lose all your CO2. They have a time proven valve (think of welders, torches, helium, medical, etc) that they use the same valve for... it doesn't leak, even if the valvle leaked, your regulator (also used for medical-industrial applications) won't leak... redundant systems prevent issues. :ylsmoke:

[PCRover]

I am planning on having both my onboard air and a CO2 system. One question I have regarding CO2 is if you can mount and use a CO2 tank in the horizontal position? Or how about storing it horizontal and then using it vertical?

[BajaTaco]

I have seen them used in the horiz. position. Vertical mounting is preferable because it keeps a void between the liquid CO2 and the regulator for gas to occupy, thereby more efficient (and probably safer, with less freeze-up of the valve assy.)

http://www.powertank.com/faqs#question12

[Willman]

Wil-

What did you get for an compressor and did you get an air tank for it???

My bumper is done and now time to setup my onboard air with my 5 gal. air tank from my bumper!!!

Bump for Wil!!!

[Ron B]

I've had a Viair/5 gal tank in my truck for about a year now. I love it.

I got the 200 psi model compressor because I may play around with airsprings in the future. The other reason I got it was to run air tools. Makes changing these 8 lug wheels a bit easier. It's also great for blowing out the int of your truck after a dusty trail, and inflating those bed-time companions on long, solo expeditions!

Ron B

[Willman]

".......inflating those bed-time companions on long, solo expeditions!

Ron B

Hummm.....oh boy.....Are you talking about one of those sheep they sale??.....lol

[Ron B]

baaaa

[Willman]

baaaa


Nice!!! Whats her name???

[Ric]

heres my opinion: (if you guys care, lol)
CO2:
Pros- fast, and can run tools. cost, pretty cheap if done right. (i got $50 in my set-up)
Cons- Ive already filled the tank (in the last 4 months) twice, and its a 20# tank, you have to have the refilled, and most places will only exchange a tank, so if you buy a new pretty tank, you will never see it after your first refill. they are big.

Compressor:depending on what model you get (i have the extreme outback)
Pros- never run out air, some can run air tools, some are 100% duty, mount it under the hood, doesnt take any room.
Cons- price, they are expensive, some are slow, Oasis has one that is as fast as CO2 (i know, we tested it ourself)
i feel i can say with all honesty, its well worth the cash to get either the Oasis, or a good compressor, depending on how much wheeling you do. I have both, the Extreme Outback and a 20# tank, i like them both, but i really want the Oasis, I would love to seel the compressor, but im in no hurry.

[Willman]

Compressor:depending on what model you get (i have the extreme outback)
Pros- never run out air, some can run air tools, some are 100% duty, mount it under the hood, doesnt take any room.
Cons- price, they are expensive, some are slow, Oasis has one that is as fast as CO2 (i know, we tested it ourself)
i feel i can say with all honesty, its well worth the cash to get either the Oasis, or a good compressor, depending on how much wheeling you do. I have both, the Extreme Outback and a 20# tank, i like them both, but i really want the Oasis, I would love to seel the compressor, but im in no hurry.

Got any pictures of your setup? Also...where did you get your compressors?

[Ric]

Willman,
heres a few pics of the Extreme Outback:
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a47/Ric4rnr/IMG_1417.jpg
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a47/Ric4rnr/IMG_1420.jpg
I have a guy that said he would give me $275 and he would call me tomorrow, but i dont think he will come through. no biggie.
or did ya want pics of the CO2 ?

[Willman]

Willman,
heres a few pics of the Extreme Outback:
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a47/Ric4rnr/IMG_1417.jpg
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a47/Ric4rnr/IMG_1420.jpg
I have a guy that said he would give me $275 and he would call me tomorrow, but i dont think he will come through. no biggie.
or did ya want pics of the CO2 ?

So...The Extreme is forsale??? If so...i would be interested!!!

No need for the CO2 pictures.

[Ric]

So...The Extreme is forsale??? yes, i would like to get $300 (plus shipping) a few guys here are interested, but as always, "cash talks" first one with cash, will take it home, lol

[crawler#976]

I am planning on having both my onboard air and a CO2 system. One question I have regarding CO2 is if you can mount and use a CO2 tank in the horizontal position? Or how about storing it horizontal and then using it vertical?

I use a 20LB CO2 tank on the BPOS for trail air. It's mounted horizontaly and used horizontaly with the regulator facing up. With a standard valve stem the regulator is above the top of the tank. So far in 5 years I've not had a problem other than freezing, but that occures even if the tank is vertical in humid conditions.

I expect to get 25 to 30 air up's on a 20LB tank w/ 35-12.5x15" MT/R's, so it costs me about $0.75 per tire. On average it costs me $40.00 to $60.00 a year in CO2 (2 or 3 tanks). The regulator and tank cost was $240.00.

For the '98 Taco I'm using a VIAIR 400P. It is very quick filling the 31" BFG's - in fact, it's almost as fast as the CO2. I decided to spend the $$$ upfront for a good compressor vs. the reoccuring cost of the CO2, and the large space needed for a 20LB tank. The VIAIR portable comes in it's own bag w/ the hose, and fits nicely behind the d'side front seat.

[Ric]

since i wheel "every" weekend, Im airing up "alot" lol, Ive been through one tank of air already, the first fill lasted about 2 months, this tank has lasted about 3 weeks so far, once we get around to it, we will get the Oasis, and be done with air.
I couldnt even break down the cost of filling tires with the Oasis, the unit new, is like $800 new, if you air up, twice a weekend, 4 times a month, 12 months a year, (yes, Im wheeling this much) for the next, lets just say 4 years, Im not even going to try that one, lol, i really dont care what it cost, I want something that will fill fast, (in the winter, you want to fill the tires quickly lol) dependable, that will never run out, run air tools, and I can count on.
yea, I wheel this much, I moved out here to wheel, not to ski, but wheel. in the last year and a half, there has been been 3 weekends that I have not wheeled. so the CO2 really isnt an option, I dont want to pay $15-20 to refill the bottle every few months, and yes, I have ran out on the trail, thats not good, lol.
but for most people, CO2 is the best option, for some, a compressor is the best. its all up to you, what works for you.

[FlyingWen]

Wil-

What did you get for an compressor and did you get an air tank for it???

My bumper is done and now time to setup my onboard air with my 5 gal. air tank from my bumper!!!

We went with the Extremeaire (http://www.sierraexpeditions.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=173) 12v Compressor. When have a tank mounted in the bad of the Taco. We are EXTREMELY happy with the compressor and highly recommend getting one.

[Ric]

wooow, talk about bringing up the dead :)
Well shortly after my post, my old boss bought a bar, so he gave me a newer CO2 bottle, it works well, its fast, cost $12 to fill it (20# bottle) Ive got a total of $100 in it.
I did have the ExtremeAire, but found that higher elevation, it was extemelySlow, lol but does work... though I didnt have a tank, just running straight from the compressor.
Now that Oasis, thats fast, at 9000ft. it is exactly as fast as a freshly filled CO2, same tires, same size, both tires deflated to 12psi, I was VERY impressed, BUT it is VERY pricey.
For just about everyone, the ExtremeAire is the better opinion :)

[Best4x4xfar]

I couldnt even break down the cost of filling tires with the Oasis, the unit new, is like $800 new, if you air up, twice a weekend, 4 times a month, 12 months a year, (yes, Im wheeling this much) for the next, lets just say 4 years, Im not even going to try that one, lol, i really dont care what it cost,

About 768 tire fill-ups, or about $1.04 per tire. Fairly long ROI, if that is all someone is looking at...

[the dude]

How hot does your ExtremeAire get?? I fired mine up for a test run last night and holy smokes. I couldn't touch the head or the first 3ft of air line. Is this normal?

[SOAZ]

Has anyone looked at the Puma brand air compressors?
It seems that folks on Pirate and Yotatech say its the same as the extreme air, but relabled and a lot less price wise?
Sounds good, but who knows. Anyone on here tried it?

[cruiseroutfit]

Has anyone looked at the Puma brand air compressors?
It seems that folks on Pirate and Yotatech say its the same as the extreme air, but relabled and a lot less price wise?
Sounds good, but who knows. Anyone on here tried it?

I've got some literature on them back in the office.. seems pretty identical to the EA. A couple of customers run them with satisfactory results. I've seen them firsthand, looks like a decent unit. Mud member Kevin Patterson (on ExPo???) has a ton of experience with them, hes convinced they are a great unit.

[FlyingWen]

How hot does your ExtremeAire get?? I fired mine up for a test run last night and holy smokes. I couldn't touch the head or the first 3ft of air line. Is this normal?

The Extremeaire compressors get very hot. It is recommended to have it mounted in a well ventilated area, The first 16" inches of hose should be heat treated and be able to handle high heating conditions. On our install to a air tank we have 2 feet of heat tubing

[Wagontrain]

I've been using a Warn Powerplant Dual Force HP with great success. It has a built in thermal overload which has never triggered. 100% duty cycle and as a bonus... it's a 9500# winch.
WT

[Willman]

I've been using a Warn Powerplant Dual Force HP with great success. It has a built in thermal overload which has never triggered. 100% duty cycle and as a bonus... it's a 9500# winch.
WT

Very nice!!!

Love to see that bad boy in action!!!!

Glad your happy with it!!!!

:)

[slomatt]

Has anyone looked at the Puma brand air compressors?
It seems that folks on Pirate and Yotatech say its the same as the extreme air, but relabled and a lot less price wise?
Sounds good, but who knows. Anyone on here tried it?

A friend and I bought 12v Puma compressors about 5 years ago and have had zero problems with them. They put out a good amount of air and have been very reliable.

At one point I "raced" my Puma against the MV50 from Kragen and several other similar compressors and the Puma was quite a bit quicker when filling a 33x12.5x5 tire. Unfortunately I didn't record the 15-35psi fill times so I don't have quantitative evidence to post here.

The only downside in my opinion is the size, I often carry my MV50 to save room. We've separated the tank and compressor on one of the Pumas and installed in on my friends XTerra with the regulator and switch under the hood and the compressor and tank where the spare tire used to go.

Based on my experience I'd highly recommend the Puma for the money.

- Matt

[Stan the Man]

How does the newer ARB high-output compressor do? It seems to have comparable specs to the Viair 440P, but I like the fact that its hard mounted and has a 50% duty cycle.

This is the only video I've seen of it, does anybody have real world experience with it though? I'd be filling up 35's.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pu-fdyYgp2g


*edit* East Coast Gear Supply's site states that the compressor will fill up a 35" tire at 8 psi/minute. That means about 4.5 minutes from 0 to 35 and about 2.5 minutes from 15 to 35. Seems to be on par with its competition. I think the selling point is going to be the duty cycle, not to mention the warranty and that it has a built in pressure switch (should work flawless with a tank).

The best price I have found so far is over at Northridge 4x4. $300 for the compressor, hose kit, and JK mounting bracket. I guess I could always turn around and sell the mounting bracket since I'd have to make my own.

[getlost4x4]

i have this harbor freight model hard mounted under the hood. it works pretty good for me. i have 32" tires. it usually takes between 2-5 minutes per tire from 15 psi to 30 psi.

http://getlost4x4.com/?p=382

http://i458.photobucket.com/albums/qq302/getlost4x4/OBA/a007.jpg

http://i458.photobucket.com/albums/qq302/getlost4x4/OBA/a009.jpg

i still have a old CO2 fire extinguisher bottle i'm going to use as a tank, but i have not gotten around to messing with it yet. someday i may, but the compressor has been fine for the last two years.

[saburai]

Has anyone looked at the Puma brand air compressors?
It seems that folks on Pirate and Yotatech say its the same as the extreme air, but relabled and a lot less price wise?
Sounds good, but who knows. Anyone on here tried it?

I use a Puma 1066 w/o the factory tank, I have one of my rock rails set up to function as a tank. It's set up 85-105 psi for my ARB's. It is strong and works well.

[alexrex20]

How does the newer ARB high-output compressor do? It seems to have comparable specs to the Viair 440P, but I like the fact that its hard mounted and has a 50% duty cycle.

This is the only video I've seen of it, does anybody have real world experience with it though? I'd be filling up 35's.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pu-fdyYgp2g


*edit* East Coast Gear Supply's site states that the compressor will fill up a 35" tire at 8 psi/minute. That means about 4.5 minutes from 0 to 35 and about 2.5 minutes from 15 to 35. Seems to be on par with its competition. I think the selling point is going to be the duty cycle, not to mention the warranty and that it has a built in pressure switch (should work flawless with a tank).

The best price I have found so far is over at Northridge 4x4. $300 for the compressor, hose kit, and JK mounting bracket. I guess I could always turn around and sell the mounting bracket since I'd have to make my own.



i got my high output ARB CKMA12 from alljeep.com for well under $300.

it's used for my air lockers, but doubles as on board air... i guess. it's slow. i only have 33s and usually only air up to about 20psi, then drive to the nearest gas station and fill up the rest of the way.

my first compressor was warrantied because the conrod disconnected itself from the crankshaft. i don't know what the technical terms are, but anyway, ARB warrantied the part for me as soon as i sent them a pic of my part. they let me keep my compressor and sent me the ENTIRE unit, complete with wiring and everything.

they let me keep my part, with one request: they don't want to see my old "broken" compressor on ebay.



i don't regret buying this compressor, so long as i don't let myself believe that i bought it to air up tires. i like it for it's plug-and-play interface with ARB lockers, and for the great customer service associated with the brand.

if you want to do more than pump up an air locker, i suggest you go with something a little more robust.

LilKJ has a very nice unit for sale here on ExPo.

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=34036&highlight=compressor

[Stan the Man]

i got my high output ARB CKMA12 from alljeep.com for well under $300.

it's used for my air lockers, but doubles as on board air... i guess. it's slow. i only have 33s and usually only air up to about 20psi, then drive to the nearest gas station and fill up the rest of the way.

my first compressor was warrantied because the conrod disconnected itself from the crankshaft. i don't know what the technical terms are, but anyway, ARB warrantied the part for me as soon as i sent them a pic of my part. they let me keep my compressor and sent me the ENTIRE unit, complete with wiring and everything.

they let me keep my part, with one request: they don't want to see my old "broken" compressor on ebay.



i don't regret buying this compressor, so long as i don't let myself believe that i bought it to air up tires. i like it for it's plug-and-play interface with ARB lockers, and for the great customer service associated with the brand.

if you want to do more than pump up an air locker, i suggest you go with something a little more robust.

LilKJ has a very nice unit for sale here on ExPo.

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=34036&highlight=compressor

If its that slow for your 33's then it wont last for my 35's (going bigger in the future). I don't need it to actuate lockers, just tires. The $300 tag includes the compressor, air hose kit, and a jeep bracket. The bracket sells for ~$80, so I could probably get $50 for it. Either way, I'll have to look for something else.

[ARBTECH]

Hi guys,
gonna post up on this one as it's pretty relevant. We had a problem with a small number of CKMA12's coming apart at the bottom of the connecting rod on very early build compressors back in 07. We learned about this which is part of the reason we handled the warranty claim with so few questions asked (hardware at the crank was uprated at this attachment point as a result). As it is the warranty failure rate on any of the CKMA12 units built in the last 18 months (and BTW, they are still machined and assembled in Australia) is extremely low, well under 1%. They are bombproof at present and you will not easily hurt one. Beyond that, the specs are based on early production models and have not been updated to this point online. Development has been ongoing and the numbers at tire inflation pressures are in reality double digit higher than those first units. I've been abusing an 08 built unit in my personal Jeep for better than a year and can't hurt it. Things like airing up my tires, my trailer tires, and my buddies tires in 90 degree weather just to see what happens and so far I haven't even been able to get the thermal shut down to engage. So take it as you will, but I am convinced that there is not a better compressor of this size on the market and if by chance a problem occurs please understand that we will stand behind it and get you fixed well making an effort to determine what caused the problem and how we can stop it from happening in the future.
Marc
ARBUSA

[Stan the Man]

Hi guys,
gonna post up on this one as it's pretty relevant. We had a problem with a small number of CKMA12's coming apart at the bottom of the connecting rod on very early build compressors back in 07. We learned about this which is part of the reason we handled the warranty claim with so few questions asked (hardware at the crank was uprated at this attachment point as a result). As it is the warranty failure rate on any of the CKMA12 units built in the last 18 months (and BTW, they are still machined and assembled in Australia) is extremely low, well under 1%. They are bombproof at present and you will not easily hurt one. Beyond that, the specs are based on early production models and have not been updated to this point online. Development has been ongoing and the numbers at tire inflation pressures are in reality double digit higher than those first units. I've been abusing an 08 built unit in my personal Jeep for better than a year and can't hurt it. Things like airing up my tires, my trailer tires, and my buddies tires in 90 degree weather just to see what happens and so far I haven't even been able to get the thermal shut down to engage. So take it as you will, but I am convinced that there is not a better compressor of this size on the market and if by chance a problem occurs please understand that we will stand behind it and get you fixed well making an effort to determine what caused the problem and how we can stop it from happening in the future.
Marc
ARBUSA

Ha! I just sent an email through the ARB site regarding actual CFM rates. Is there any way you can get us an actual CFM rate at 90 PSI? Also, how easy is it to set up one of these units to an external air tank? Would the built in pressure switch work just fine or would I have to do some work to the system?

[alexrex20]

Hi guys,
gonna post up on this one as it's pretty relevant. We had a problem with a small number of CKMA12's coming apart at the bottom of the connecting rod on very early build compressors back in 07. We learned about this which is part of the reason we handled the warranty claim with so few questions asked (hardware at the crank was uprated at this attachment point as a result). As it is the warranty failure rate on any of the CKMA12 units built in the last 18 months (and BTW, they are still machined and assembled in Australia) is extremely low, well under 1%. They are bombproof at present and you will not easily hurt one. Beyond that, the specs are based on early production models and have not been updated to this point online. Development has been ongoing and the numbers at tire inflation pressures are in reality double digit higher than those first units. I've been abusing an 08 built unit in my personal Jeep for better than a year and can't hurt it. Things like airing up my tires, my trailer tires, and my buddies tires in 90 degree weather just to see what happens and so far I haven't even been able to get the thermal shut down to engage. So take it as you will, but I am convinced that there is not a better compressor of this size on the market and if by chance a problem occurs please understand that we will stand behind it and get you fixed well making an effort to determine what caused the problem and how we can stop it from happening in the future.
Marc
ARBUSA


Marc, i complain that the compressor is "slow" only because i'm wary of breaking another compressor. i love your products and swear by them, but i'm just scared of getting caught out in the middle of nowhere without a compressor. is there any way i can check the build date of my warrantied compressor, or can you guaranty that the new compressor i received was of the newer, better generation?

i can live with airing up tires slowly, but the longer it takes, the more scared i am that it's about to go. :(

[alexrex20]

If its that slow for your 33's then it wont last for my 35's (going bigger in the future). I don't need it to actuate lockers, just tires. The $300 tag includes the compressor, air hose kit, and a jeep bracket. The bracket sells for ~$80, so I could probably get $50 for it. Either way, I'll have to look for something else.

idk what kind of bracket they're selling to you for $80, but the ARB CKMA12 comes with a pretty universal mounting system. its bracket has a nice base that attaches via 4 bolts. the compressor isolates itself via 4 rubber bushings, and the entire compressor can be rotated 180 degrees within the base, to get fitment just right. not only that, but among the main compressor components, you still have room to rotate and realign, to get even better fitment.

i wouldn't pay an extra $80 for a bracket; i'm confident you can get the compressor to fit any and everywhere on your jeep, with the supplied hardware.

[ARBTECH]

I can understand your concerns, none of us like the idea of potentially getting stuck somewhere without air, but you should be good. I can check though, the serial number is on the base bracket and should be 7 or 8 numbers long. Shoot that over to me and I can determine when it was built.
Marc

[Stan the Man]

idk what kind of bracket they're selling to you for $80, but the ARB CKMA12 comes with a pretty universal mounting system. its bracket has a nice base that attaches via 4 bolts. the compressor isolates itself via 4 rubber bushings, and the entire compressor can be rotated 180 degrees within the base, to get fitment just right. not only that, but among the main compressor components, you still have room to rotate and realign, to get even better fitment.

i wouldn't pay an extra $80 for a bracket; i'm confident you can get the compressor to fit any and everywhere on your jeep, with the supplied hardware.

I wouldn't even be able to use the bracket. I forget which company makes the bracket, but its designed to mount the compressor next to the brake booster on a JK. Its Jeep price, surely we wouldn't understand :smiley_drive:


I can understand your concerns, none of us like the idea of potentially getting stuck somewhere without air, but you should be good. I can check though, the serial number is on the base bracket and should be 7 or 8 numbers long. Shoot that over to me and I can determine when it was built.
Marc

Marc, is there a build date that we should look for, for the newer better models? I don't want to place an order and have them ship me one that was built in '07. Is there a build date on the box or stamped on the unit or what serial number do the new ones start at? Sorry lots of questions...

[ARBTECH]

Hi Stan,
understand your questions and your concerns. That said, we sell a ton of these compressors every month and it was a ramped up production schedule with the batch issue occuring over 2 years ago (summer 2007) so the affected number were quite small. Therefore, I would be very surprised if any of our dealers whom guys here typically use would have any stock older than a year or so and anything built after about sept/oct 2007 is good.
Marc

[Stan the Man]

Hi Stan,
understand your questions and your concerns. That said, we sell a ton of these compressors every month and it was a ramped up production schedule with the batch issue occuring over 2 years ago (summer 2007) so the affected number were quite small. Therefore, I would be very surprised if any of our dealers whom guys here typically use would have any stock older than a year or so and anything built after about sept/oct 2007 is good.
Marc

Good to hear. So anything after fall of '07 is putting out those numbers you sent me earlier? Also, I may or may not have just purchased a compressor :ylsmoke:

[ARBTECH]

I'd say you're safe with anything 09 and up for the current spec sheet. From fall 07 on they made a lot of incremental changes that have eventually stacked up to the current spec. Regardless, the numbers on the original spec sheet will be conservative no matter what.
Marc

[Geo14cux]

Hey can I still buy parts for the old ARB comp? I have one under the bench that scored the cyl walls...

[ARBTECH]

Assuming the compressor is a RDCKA unit (the one we built from about 93-2007) you can buy a cylinder rebuild kit (includes piston, rings, rod, barrel, and o-rings needed) for about 40 bucks (don't quote me on that as I am at home and not at the work computer). It's part number 290311 I think, but we can double check when you ring. I would do it quick though as they are just about gone and there will be no more once we run out.
Marc

[Geo14cux]

Thanks Mark! I'll be ringing you in a few hours!
Sorry for the hijack! :elkgrin: