ARB compressor: Permanent or Portable?

[HeartGuy]

I am in the market for some on-board air. I will be going with the standard ARB dual chamber but am not totally sure whether I should go hard mounted or get the portable unit.

Hard mounted makes sense for a permanent fixture that's always with the Runner, but only if it is used very commonly. I will probably use it 2-4 times a month when I can get out. Is that usage enough for the convenience of always being with the unit?

With the portable boxed unit I'll be adding more equipment to the hatch during outings, but will also not have to have it on the vehicle at all times. Ease of use is no different with this unit. Also, I am under the impression that the portable unit could have a longer life as it is not seeing constant heat/cool cycles and vibration from daily driving.

Pricing for each is not really an issue as they are pretty comparable.

Any thoughts?

 

[Draggin]

It really is a personal choice. I've had both and it's one less thing to pack/unpack when airing up, but it's not at the top of my mod list to do. If you are going wheeling 2-4 times per month I'd suggest getting it and all the parts switches to hard mount it and have control in the cab.

• 
  Some people don't like sitting there with their hood open while they are filling up. People tend to stop and ask if you are okay. if you mount it you can run a line to the bumper or some place else to plug in

• Most people that want to run tools will definitely mount with an air tank.

• If you already have a lot of stuff in the cargo area this gets something out of your way to mount it in the engine bay. Also depends on what you are going to put in the engine bay l like an extra battery etc.

 

[2flyfishin]

Like the post above said, it's really a personal choice and your wants/ needs. I really wanted to do the hard mounted compressor, save a little room inside and let's face it , they're cool, but went with a portable instead. I have multiple vehicles in the household and I can put it in whatever vehicle I'm using. Just made more sense for me.

 

[Racehoss]

I have the ARB portable in the photo. It's awesome!! But is quite a bit more expensive than just the twin compressor. I got the portable because I can take it in other vehicles and it's easier to use to fill up 4wheelers, side by sides and use air tools on other vehicles. My $.02

 

[Elite130]

I went with a portable ViAir 300P from Amazon. It was $100 and does awesome!

 

[HeartGuy]

I have the ARB portable in the photo. It's awesome!! But is quite a bit more expensive than just the twin compressor. I got the portable because I can take it in other vehicles and it's easier to use to fill up 4wheelers, side by sides and use air tools on other vehicles. My $.02

If you add things up, after an underhood mount and all of the associated kits: fill, airdown, and hose kit, prices are about the same.

I am sort of leaning toward the portable, but I will continue to overthink for the moment.

 

[wfo9]

Get a cheaper portable. ARB is nice, but only if you plan to install on the truck. For less than 1/3 the price you can get a comparable portable unit and use it everywhere...

 

[HerT4R]

I am in the market for some on-board air. I will be going with the standard ARB dual chamber but am not totally sure whether I should go hard mounted or get the portable unit.

Hard mounted makes sense for a permanent fixture that's always with the Runner, but only if it is used very commonly. I will probably use it 2-4 times a month when I can get out. Is that usage enough for the convenience of always being with the unit?

With the portable boxed unit I'll be adding more equipment to the hatch during outings, but will also not have to have it on the vehicle at all times. Ease of use is no different with this unit. Also, I am under the impression that the portable unit could have a longer life as it is not seeing constant heat/cool cycles and vibration from daily driving.

Pricing for each is not really an issue as they are pretty comparable.

Any thoughts?

I didnt hesitate and i bought the ARB dual and i bought a bandi mount for the engine bay to allow for the 1 gal viair air tank underneath it.

Reasoning:

1. I initially bought a $6.99 husky inflator from a hardware store. It workes great for what it was and tbh it still works. But after airing up my wife's CRV tires it starts to smell burntand waiting hunched over at the fill station after offroading events I knew I wanted the ability to fill up tires faster and not have to wait in line
2. After becoming a boat owner i wanted to be able to air up tubes and other floats with ease and without having to use the manual pump, with every season that goes by it seems to make me more and more sore...
3. Mounted in the engine bay with a small tank because I didnt want it taking up cargo space. I have a 2010 so im lucky i dont have the additional smog pump in the passenger firewall, so installation was "easier"
4. ran an air source out the front of my grill, never even have to pop the hood
5. its easy and integral, ran the power, even hooked it up to my NSA trail toys fuse box so to turn it on all i do is click a button on a remote and NO fishing through a firewall

TL;DR
I chose to mount it in the engine bay, its easy to use, i never have to think to pack or unpack it, it doesnt take up cargo space, and I am glad i went that route because I never have to pop the hood and i have air at the push of a button. Been installed: ~March 2017

YMMV

:hippie:

 

[Racehoss]

Initially I bought a viair constant duty like this but it was too big to mount and finding a nice case to make it into a portable setup was not happening so I sold it. Either way you end up going, having the tank makes all the difference. Super fast fills and powering pneumatic tools is awesome

 

[Saker]

Bought this, works great and highly portable.

FEATURES

– 120 PSI Pressure Gauge
– LED Work Light / Power Indicator
– Dual Battery Clamps
– Solid Brass Twist-on Tire Chuck
– 3 pc. Inflation Tips Kit




SPECIFICATIONS

– 12-Volt
– Permanent Magnetic Motor
– Duty Cycle: 25 min. @ 30 PSI
– Max. Working Pressure: 120 PSI
– Max. Amp Draw: 20 Amps
– Ingress Protection Rating: IP53
– Max. Ambient Temp: +158°F
– Min. Ambient Temp: -4°F
– Dimensions: 9.8″L x 3.2″W x 5.6″H
– Net Weight: 4.75 lbs.
– Power Cord Length: 10 ft.
– Air Hose Length: 16 ft.