Air compressor choices

[gearguywb]

Next up: Deciding on an air system. Primarily to be used for re-inflation of tires after being off road.

I have used a single ARB in the past (on a rig with lockers) and it worked OK. It did take a bit to inflate tires, and the unit got pretty hot from the hard running.

Looking at a couple of different options:

1. ARB single. I would think this would probably need an air tank as well to make it easier on the compressor.

2. ARB double. More expensive, but doubt I would need an air tank.

Both of these would be mounted under the hood.

3. Viair 400P. If used in the bag, then no mount. Could be mounted under the hood with/without a tank. I have never used these.

Thoughts?

 

[johnbt]

I have a 400P-Auto that I use with factory-size tires, so coming off the beach I'm only going from 16-18 psi to 32. It works just fine for me and only takes a minute or two per tire. With the gun clamped on the valve stem and the built in gauge it's an easy job.

Looking the VIAIR site:

"15 to 30 PSI 1 min. 35 sec. (± 05 sec.)"

VIAIR also says it's good for 35" tires and can be run for 40 minutes straight at 40 psi before you need to let it cool down.

How many times a day do you plan on inflating your tires?

 

[04rnr]

I've ran the ARB twin, i went through 3 of those in 2 years, and yes they are stupid slow. the mv50 that was a joke, even slower than the ARB but it died after 3 uses. Now I have a VIAIR again, stupid slow but it's been working for about a year now.
I also have a CO2 set up and there is no comparison when it comes to speed. My tank exchange when empty is only $11, I'm using the CO2 most of the time.

 

[Metalman73]

I have been running an ARB single for over 4 years and haven't had any issues. Not the fastest but it works.

 

[Twilghtzone]

Viair in a bag for me.
Worked fine (2 years) so far. Move it between the 4Runner and the Truck.

 

[Ykket]

I have been running an ARB single for over 4 years and haven't had any issues. Not the fastest but it works.

Same here, got an ARB single this year and it has been great so far each time i used it.

 

[rageandlove]

I have an ARB twin mounted on a Rango aluminum mount. Easy install and plenty fast for inflating tires. I'm satisfied with the setup.

 

[nevada]

https://smile.amazon.com/Smittybilt...1_5?keywords=smittybilt&qid=1572274724&sr=8-5

I don't think you'll find a better one for the price. ive been using mine for almost years 5 now. works great. fills up my 37's quick.

the only issue, is the screw on chuck it comes with. while it works well, its slow to install and remove. I swapped it out for a euro style lock on chuck.

this one is more comparable to the others listed(except the arb twin). still works well, just not nearly the output of the big one.


https://smile.amazon.com/Smittybilt...1_2?keywords=smittybilt&qid=1572274924&sr=8-2

 

[mteolus]

VIAIR 400P Automatic here too. Make sure it is the automatic as the motor will stop between tires. The non-automatic just keeps running. Just make sure you remove the plastic intake cover before you use it the first time!

Shittybuilt one seems pretty good if it will last 5 years and if the CFM is accurate. That's over double the VIAIR CFM.

 

[Jetboy]

https://smile.amazon.com/Smittybilt...1_5?keywords=smittybilt&qid=1572274724&sr=8-5

I don't think you'll find a better one for the price. ive been using mine for almost years 5 now. works great. fills up my 37's quick.

the only issue, is the screw on chuck it comes with. while it works well, its slow to install and remove. I swapped it out for a euro style lock on chuck.

this one is more comparable to the others listed(except the arb twin). still works well, just not nearly the output of the big one.


https://smile.amazon.com/Smittybilt...1_2?keywords=smittybilt&qid=1572274924&sr=8-2

I have the same one. Probably refill tires 10-15 times a year. No hiccups so far. Would buy again. Especially for the price. And I like that I can leave it in the garage when I don't need it.

 

[83Mule]

Viair 88P

 

[mrblah]

i went from vlair 88p to a arb single, and I have been happy with both.

 

[Battle Born Offroad]

In our opinion, the dual arb is one of the best on the market without having a tank. we sell tons of em and well as the singles. if youre interested in the forum discount, just shoot us a pm!

 

[billiamwu]

Dual ARB compressor is what I use. I have the option of running front lockers or air tools later if I go that route, but it definitely airs up fast enough for my needs.

I've had it installed for about 18 months now and the only issue I ever run into is that it gets really hot and tends to blow fuses when it's really hot under the hood. Been carrying spare fuses after they blew last time.

 

[comtn4x4]

I have had good luck with my Viair 400H for the last 3 years. Probably not as quick as some others but I've never had it over heat or cutoff

 

[Whippersnapper02]

My vote is for Viair as well but would ARB twin if I had to do it again. Nothing wrong with the Viair unit but ARB has a lot more flow.

 

[SpeedyKevin]

Have both the MV-50 and ARB twin (rago mount). If you aren't going out often or doing multiple trails in a day, I'd say the MV-50 does the job well. I only went with the twin as I go out often and got tired of airing up all 4. Twin + morrflate has been great!

 

[borfoo3]

I have been running an ARB single for over 4 years and haven't had any issues. Not the fastest but it works.

Same here, got an ARB single this year and it has been great so far each time i used it.

Same here for 2 years now.. i have the one in a box with its hose

Slow, $$, and runs warm, but at least you know it'll work when you need it

 

[gearguywb]

Thanks for the replies everyone!

 

[nevada]

Shittybuilt one seems pretty good if it will last 5 years and if the CFM is accurate. That's over double the VIAIR CFM.

I have been more than impressed with it. I don't have a way to measure the output, but it moves a LOT of air. but, that aside, it airs up my tires quick. and, I actually air them down. in the deep snow, down to about 4. otherwise its 10-12. it gets them back up to 30 in about 3.5 minutes.