Hello everyone,

I have recently purchased a '16 TE and one of the first mods I would like to complete would be installing an air compressor.
It looks like there is room to install a compressor under the hood, though I am not sure of what brand or model I should install.
I would like to hear your opinions and recommendations on which air compressor I should install.

Thanks in advance!


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In the list of mods posted by Antman is one titled "Onboard compressor install" That might be of help.

The ARB twin compressor is what I would use if I were to do my air setup over again. I have dual Viair400s now with basically the same CFMs, but it ended up being more expensive, time consuming, and takes up more space.

The mounting solutions are much better too... I'm still fighting my 400.

I have both of my 400s mounted to a piece of plastic cutting board, behind the airbox, mounted to factory threaded holes in the fender and a couple of aluminum straps attaching to the firewall and fender. Using extra long leader hoses for heat dissipation, leading to a manifold on the firewall that has pressure switch, leads to front and rear bumper quick disconnects, and air locker stuff, filter/water seperator, etc.

The ARB twin (if I recall correctly) still has the highest flow out of any portable 12V compressor at more than 6 CFM @ 100% duty cycle. If you can swing the price it's the best bang for the buck. @bandi makes a great mount for it by the passenger side firewall with some different configuration options (i.e. ARB 1 gal tank, locker manifold, etc.).

I have an ARB twin, I use it frequently. Great compressor. I would recommend getting a tank (I haven't gotten one yet) When you are moving from tire to tire and having the tank full to start will speed everything up.

At 7000'~ it takes me approx. 15 minutes (sometime faster when it's colder out) stop to start to fill 4 265/70/17 from 15 to 40 lbs.

Thanks for the info! It will be a couple of days before I can do the research on the ARB and look threw the recommended builds.
I am looking forward to modifying the truck. I will not be able to do anything crazy but little things like this I'm excited about.



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Just turn your ac compressor into your onboard air compressor. It takes up no more room and has the highest possible output and duty cycle, Plus you already have a switch on the dash for it. Make that your first mod and then custom full width axles + SAS up front for your second mod. Those are pretty much the first two mods most 5th gen owners do.



Seriously though, my opinion is onboard air is really overkill. Just do a portable it will meet all your needs and cost about 80% less and be way more versatile overall. Onboard makes sense if you have air lockers, but besides that it is along the lines of those 50" light bars in my opinion. Way more than you need. But it is your truck to do with whatever you please ;-)

I agree with wfo9. The portable air compressor requires no installation and is more than enough. I have the Viair 400P Automatic stored in the canvas bag it comes with. I leave it out of the vehicle and leave it in the garage when it's not in use. Go to the Viair website to see the fill rates listed in the specs. I replaced the cheap coiled air hose that comes with all of these compressors with a better 3/8" flexible air hose and quick connect couplers at each end. It's easier to use.

Also with the portable crowd. Had and went through 2 of the bigger $50 harbor freight ones. Just upgraded to the $150 smittybilt one. The smittybilt one is nice.

I use a CO2 tank. It takes roughly 2 seconds for every 1 PSI to air back up. If you're going from 15 to 40, that's roughly 50 seconds per tire. Each tank of CO2 lasts me about a year. I can get back on the road very fast.

How big are the CO2 tanks?

PUMA Air compressor. Thing is a beast. Not the same cfm as the ARB but it comes in at half the price and comes with a tank and other goodies.

another vote for a portable. you already have the rear e-locker in your TE, so unless you're seriously planning to install a new front air-locker you can put the considerable cash saved to better use in other functional mods.