This isn’t about the amount of work required to do anything, it’s about space. I’ve pretty much decided the location everyone mounts the compressor will be used by something else.

Doesn’t matter what order I buy my gear in.

it's at least 50 amps, definitely not 8ga or 10ga

but i think the other reasons to not mount there are more relevant than the need to run power to the back

(but i don't really understand why everyone thinks they need arb dual compressors, just get a cheap compressor)

I actually don’t think I want one. I just asked about that because lot of people have it and it’s mounted not portable. I avtually asked about mounting a viair portable on the platform. The viair is honestly great IMO. The viair has about 10 awg wire but I am not sure if I’d need thicker for a longer run.

My reasoning was to get more gear up on the platforms and pair down what I have in boxes in the back.

Another thought would be to keep it portable and have an Anderson in the engine bay, Anderson in the rear cargo, And an Anderson on the viair. Then I could plug in to use it where ever convenient.

Mount a single ARB on a Slee mount on the driver's side. That would allow you to get your dual battery setup and have a reliable compressor underhood.

Slee - Compressed Air Products

Attached Images

 

I may have missed it, but why do want an ARB? I didn't see anywhere that you are going to run an air locker. If you're just using it to air up tires, just get a good portable one like one of the larger Viairs and that way cheaper and easier than figuring this out.

If you pull all the panels in the rear there is room to squeeze in a compressor back there. In fact, I did the opposite and squeezed in a house battery setup. It took some specially sized stuff and custom fabrication and brackets, but is pretty ideal for my needs. Driver side tends to have the most room. I did sacrifice my factory jack storage in the process, but no real loss there as it can go on the other side or down in my lower storage. With just a compressor, you can most likely get the ARB in forward and still have the jack there, but put your chuck behind the door. You will obviously need to run a good thick gauged wire that is fused...

And like someone else said, for airing up a portable setup works just fine with more overall versatility and ease of troubleshooting if something does go wrong.... Those compressors see a lot of abuse under the hood... The ARBs are made for it, but they still fail.