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?

I love my Viair 450P.

2781 (5.65) Owner for a few years now. IMO the unit is a little bigger than I need. Even w/ 33s going from 16 to 40 it only takes a few minutes per tire. Overall great unit and super reliable so far. It will run pretty hot after the first few minutes and it really needs to be cooled down before you can touch it and some of the connection on it.

I think on your stock size tires it would be serious overkill and the weight / size of it would not be worth it unless you are really concerned with time savings. Based on my experience Id say your looking at less than 2 min a tire with 2781 vs close to 4 min w/ 2780.

I've had a 2781 for quite a while. I used it with my old F150 with 34in tires, moved it over to my 4Runner, then mounted it under the hood (with a switch and relay), and now I'm on 33s. It has done everything I wanted from it and never backed down. I can air up my 33s in about 10mins, which includes hooking up my manifold (it let's me air up/down all 4 tires at once), airing up, double checking pressure, everything coiled back up in the bag, and put up in the cargo area.

I remember whippersnapper, weren't they on a label with Yellowcard? Sorry to change the subject.

I've been perfectly happy with my Viair 88p.
Sounds like you just occasionally need to add 10-20 lbs.
Get the 88 or the cheap Smittybilt and you'll be fine.
Having no compressor is the only bad decision.

You have the same wildpeak tires - which psi to you air up from/to and how long does it take per tire?

I also have the Viair 88P and have been very happy with it. It fills my stock size Falkens from ~20psi to 32psi in maybe a 60-90 seconds? To be honest I haven’t timed it but it doesn’t feel slow by any means.

Some features I really like about the pump are:
- It’s not very loud
- Comes with a long air house and screw on chuck (I hate clamp on chucks)
- Has the pressure gauge on the pump next to the power switch which makes it easier to monitor while it’s filling.
- Has a nice storage bag included
- It’s Viair so I’m fairly confident in its quality
- It’s $66 on Amazon.


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I switch tires between the Wildpeaks and KO2s.

I rarely air down the SL Wildpeaks.
Read the 500 page Wildpeak thread for thoughts on that.

I air down the KO2's about 1/2 the time I should to maybe 20-25 from 40.
I tend to do day trips and end up on pavement same day.
Being lazy I usually air down only if the trail is slick or real rocky.
That said - it's only a few minutes and not really an issue.

I bought the compressor for emergencies - plugging...

400p is an excellent choice. It's also faster than the 450p which was recommended above.

People like the 450p because its 100% duty cycle, but the 400p can inflate all my tires 15-20 PSI well before any duty cycle or thermal limit.. so I opted for faster fill.

I also have the 88p, and while its a good compressor, I can't stand the air hose being permanently fixed to the compressor. It's a potential failure point that would be difficult to remedy on the trail. It's not like you can just borrow someone's air hose.

If I was on a budget id get the 88p, but I think it’s worth spending a little more. Just stay away from bottom of the barrel stuff. I had a low dollar compressor fail when I really needed it and that just makes a bad situation even worse. It’s good to buy quality and have a little overhead.

I carry VAIR 400 series and PowerTank.

I am also very happy with my 450P. It’s my first compressor and I like that it comes with everything you need right out the box! The bag is nice it also fits the plug kit bought off of Amazon perfectly.

I've got a VIAIR 88P, and have been super happy with it. Hard to beat the bang for the buck, and it sounds like one that is perfect for your needs.

I wrote this article about it, and included some info about inflation times, and a quick/easy mod that I did to my compressor.

VIAIR 88P Portable Air Compressor Review + Quick Release Air Chuck

I have 4 years+ on the SB2781, its all most as fast and works fine for a fraction of the cost of an ARB. We've used it for 4Runner on 285,s and 4x4 Van on 275's which for street run PSI of 60 front & 80 Rear, handles higher PSI just fine. Only thing that wore out was the bag it comes in, zipper broke and stitching isn't all that strong. I would buy it again. Spending 20-30 minutes to air up isn't all that much fun, especially if it's hot out.

+1 for the 400p
Only complaint is the bag it comes with is too perfect of a fit and could use some extra room.


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