Compressors anybody?

[Grug556]

Need some help on sourcing a compressor. Want something to air up stock sized tires only. I have a SPOD. Looked at ARB. The twin is nice, but seems like it has a high failure rate due to heat. The twin also runs 40 amps on max draw which is over what the SPOD can take (max 30A). So this had me looking at their single compressor from ARB which is rated I think 16A so the SPOD can take it. Other option is to only run start stop signal from SPOD. Ok SPOD asides

Whats everybody's opinions on the ARB compressor single or dual? Is on board air that much better than say a portable VIAIR, ARB or other type of portable unit?

Any ideas on this? Originally I was thinking VIAIR but have read some crappy reviews on them. I know theres LASFIT, but I wont buy from those who steal IP from the West. Lastly there are other options like an M18 inflator from Milwaukee tools, I have M18 stuff so its also possible

OK who is full of hot air and can give me the goods!

Thanks :biggrin1:

 

[hoppyjr]

I’ve been thinking the same thing, looking at single vs. dual. I’ve got the SwitchPro, but in either case would mount underhood and power from battery, with signal switch from the SwitchPro.

I’d like to mount on passenger side, but the one mount I’ve found has apparently had some issues.

 

[jdm-v35]

I have the ARB dual and used it a few times. Does get hot after running a long time but pressure is good and its been reliable. The power gets fed directly from the battery and you only use the spod/switch to trigger the relay.

 

[fourwd1]

Moving this to General Discussion so more people can benefit.

 

[Jeremy556]

NOriginally I was thinking VIAIR but have read some crappy reviews on them

The cheapest model (88 I think) is pretty crappy, but all of their main stream models are the gold standard of 12v compressors.

I've been running dual 400s in an OBA setup for over 10 years and use them several times a week to fill 35x12.5x17 tires from 3-8psi up to 35, as well as run an air locker. Only failure I have had is rubber leader hoses that dry rotted after 8 years. Easily swapped those out for a few bucks and 5 minutes.

Another nice thing about Viair, is you can buy replacement parts, not that you'll likely need any for a long time.

 

[jdm-v35]

The cheapest model (88 I think) is pretty crappy, but all of their main stream models are the gold standard of 12v compressors.

I've been running dual 400s in an OBA setup for over 10 years and use them several times a week to fill 35x12.5x17 tires from 3-8psi up to 35, as well as run an air locker. Only failure I have had is rubber leader hoses that dry rotted after 8 years. Easily swapped those out for a few bucks and 5 minutes.

Another nice thing about Viair, is you can buy replacement parts, not that you'll likely need any for a long time.

Viair compressors a good, I am not sure how they hold up to the elements if left outside though? I use a 444c but its in the trunk of my g35 for the air suspension.

 

[srsrogerissrs]

I ran an arb dual on a bandi mount under the hood controlled by a switchpro for 5-6 years and it never failed. It's definitely seen lots of heat, dust, water... never skipped a beat. Like others have mentioned, just use the supplied harness and attach it straight to battery. The wires coming off the relay for the switch go straight to your spod. The single arb is plenty for stock sized tires.

 

[dubprocess]

ARB single compressor has served me well for years on 33" tires. I have used it on previous vehicles as well as my T4R. It is pretty efficient and quick for airing up your tires with 34" and under. If I were to ever go 35" I would get the ARB dual. You can either hard mount or buy their case mounted models. I prefer the case ARB portable case because it's not hard mounted to just one vehicle.

Just to add I would avoid mounting it under the hood I had one crap out after a few years of it taking abuse under the hood. They make under seat mounted single compressor mounts for the T4R.. I may go this route in the future. Desert Does It Under Seat Compressor Mount For 4Runner (2003-2023) — 4Runner Lifestyle

 

[Grug556]

ARB single compressor has served me well for years on 33" tires. I have used it on previous vehicles as well as my T4R. It is pretty efficient and quick for airing up your tires with 34" and under. If I were to ever go 35" I would get the ARB dual. You can either hard mount or buy their case mounted models. I prefer the case ARB portable case because it's not hard mounted to just one vehicle.

Just to add I would avoid mounting it under the hood I had one crap out after a few years of it taking abuse under the hood. They make under seat mounted single compressor mounts for the T4R.. I may go this route in the future. Desert Does It Under Seat Compressor Mount For 4Runner (2003-2023) — 4Runner Lifestyle

thanks that looks good. I was wondering just that on the single if I could get away with it as it seems pretty solid and is also smaller

 

[Centrifugal]

Viair 88P. I’ve been using it for over two years for light duty use and it’s great. Airing down/up every day for 2 week trips 3 or 4 times a year. And weekly tire pressure top-offs when not off-roading. I keep it in its storage bag in the back cargo area. I have no need for an under-hood mounted system that gets heat and dirt exposure unless I was airing up/down on a daily basis every week of the year.

The thing to do is retrofit the screw-on piece with a quick release like this:
Car Air Hose Tire Inflator Rubber Hose Inflator Self-Locking Air Chuck with Air Hose and Standard Tire Valve Fine Thread for 0.305" x32TPI Air Compressor Pump Audew/EPAuto/AstroAI/JACO/DBPOWER/Mbrain https://a.co/d/fRD3Era

 

[Poe Mans Dream]

I purchased one from Amazon made by Thor. It has been great - airs all 4 of my 33" from 20ish PSI to 45psi in 10ish minutes I would say. Its fast enough to be done airing up before you think you would be. I think it comes in at at like 1/2 the cost of the ARB, too.

Back when I was doing some research on this I think I remember reading that most brands (Alltop, Napa, Thor, etc) source from a handful of manufacturers and brand them. The performance of the unit is good (Thor), but hopefully someone can fact check me here re: same manufacturer.

 

[mrblah]

There is a lot of good choices out there now, so it depends on what your needs are and what your budget is.

Here are my experiences:

1. ARB single (I currently use): Currently hard mounted under the hood and controls my lockers. Very good compromise for size/weight and power. It fills up my 34's fast enough that i probably will never replace it. The ability to run it on a accessory switch panel or factory switches is a big deal to me. Very easy to install and very clean. I probably wouldn't go bigger than a 34 inch tire though.

2. Vlair 88p: good for 33's and smaller. It does take quite a while for it to fill up a 33. I probably wouldn't get this unless you are on a budget. This was my first compressor. .

3. Vlair 400p: I like this alot. Only reason i replaced it,was I went with ARB for lockers. My buddy who now owns it, eventually hard mounted it under the hood. It is much bigger though and quick enough for 34's.

4. shittybilt: okay this is actually pretty dang fast. Only thing i didnt like was it didn't take the same hoses as the ARB hose kit i already owned. Also its pretty huge.

5. Lasfit portable air inflator: I am actually thoroughly impressed by this. It probably is just as fast as my ARB single. Very small form factor, and can be moved from tire to tire or vehicle to vehicle very easy. Can use the dedicated battery pack or run continuous via a cigarette adapter. This is what I carry as a back up or I lend to others to use.

 

[Grug556]

There is a lot of good choices out there now, so it depends on what your needs are and what your budget is.

Here are my experiences:

1. ARB single (I currently use): Currently hard mounted under the hood and controls my lockers. Very good compromise for size/weight and power. It fills up my 34's fast enough that i probably will never replace it. The ability to run it on a accessory switch panel or factory switches is a big deal to me. Very easy to install and very clean. I probably wouldn't go bigger than a 34 inch tire though.

2. Vlair 88p: good for 33's and smaller. It does take quite a while for it to fill up a 33. I probably wouldn't get this unless you are on a budget. This was my first compressor. .

3. Vlair 400p: I like this alot. Only reason i replaced it,was I went with ARB for lockers. My buddy who now owns it, eventually hard mounted it under the hood. It is much bigger though and quick enough for 34's.

4. shittybilt: okay this is actually pretty dang fast. Only thing i didnt like was it didn't take the same hoses as the ARB hose kit i already owned. Also its pretty huge.

5. Lasfit portable air inflator: I am actually thoroughly impressed by this. It probably is just as fast as my ARB single. Very small form factor, and can be moved from tire to tire or vehicle to vehicle very easy. Can use the dedicated battery pack or run continuous via a cigarette adapter. This is what I carry as a back up or I lend to others to use.

Shouldve just PM you to begin with

A few questions

1. ON the arb single what is rough air up time on a 33 from say 15 psi to 40?
2. Has the single ever been unable to fill a tire? Or is there a max pressure it cant fill past?
3. What mount did you use? I assume no add on tank?
4. What switch gear are you running to activate it?
5. Any other details about install?
6. For the under the seat mount which is sold, any idea if they work with factory front power seats or not?
7. Any reservoir on the arb that needs draining of oil or service that needs access to or with this compressor without tank is oil-water residue not an issue?

8 Did I miss anythig?

Thanks MrB and others, appreciate it!

 

[Humble Leader]

Shouldve just PM you to begin with

A few questions

1. ON the arb single what is rough air up time on a 33 from say 15 psi to 40?
2. Has the single ever been unable to fill a tire? Or is there a max pressure it cant fill past?
3. What mount did you use? I assume no add on tank?
4. What switch gear are you running to activate it?
5. Any other details about install?
6. For the under the seat mount which is sold, any idea if they work with factory front power seats or not?
7. Any reservoir on the arb that needs draining of oil or service that needs access to or with this compressor without tank is oil-water residue not an issue?

8 Did I miss anythig?

Thanks MrB and others, appreciate it!

I know you're asking someone else these questions but perhaps I can give some perspective as well. I spent a lot of time researching air compressors and mounts


2. Has the single ever been unable to fill a tire? Or is there a max pressure it cant fill past? max PSI is 100. for automotive use you should have no issues.
3. What mount did you use? I assume no add on tank? no add on tank. I used an LFD offroad stainless steel mount that goes on the passenger side. I ran an m6 up through the wheel well to create a stud on a weld nut that was already there and mounted on there with a nut vs. using a bolt. made the install much easier and I like that set up better
4. What switch gear are you running to activate it? switch pros. arb single and dual are so easy to wire. pos and neg to battery and switch wire (only 1 wire) to positive on the switch panel. that's it
5. Any other details about install? I have the fuse for the compressor up along the wiring loom near the firewall. tried to keep is as far from the hot engine as possible

I honestly don't think the tank is needed unless you have huge tires or are running lockers or air tools or something. I have had my arb since 2022 and it's been great. I don't use it all the time. but it has never failed me. when it comes to engine heat, I use the air chuck on the compressor so the hood will always be open. I've never had a heat issue but I also don't use my compressor all the time. I actually use it to clean off my wood working projects after sanding so it does run for quite some time every now and then

also I've seen a lot of unique mounts for the air chuck. if you are plugging into the air chuck or routing - make sure the first 6-12" off the compressor is stainless hose. the chuck gets hot and can melt hoses under heavy use. I didn't do anything fancy. flexzilla lines with an 18" leader stainless steel. get's the job done.


I have a portable viair 400A (auto shutoff). it's mounted inside a carrying case. it's a great compressor as well but it is nice having the arb which is more compact in the vehicle. if my single breaks I may upgrade to a double since I have the room and the price is good. but for me and for now the single is plenty for my uses

here is the LFD mount I used. it works for single and double so upgrading is easy

Air Compressor mount for ARB Compressor – LFD Off Road

 

[mrblah]

Shouldve just PM you to begin with

A few questions

1. ON the arb single what is rough air up time on a 33 from say 15 psi to 40?
2. Has the single ever been unable to fill a tire? Or is there a max pressure it cant fill past?
3. What mount did you use? I assume no add on tank?
4. What switch gear are you running to activate it?
5. Any other details about install?
6. For the under the seat mount which is sold, any idea if they work with factory front power seats or not?
7. Any reservoir on the arb that needs draining of oil or service that needs access to or with this compressor without tank is oil-water residue not an issue?

8 Did I miss anythig?

Thanks MrB and others, appreciate it!

1. 3 to 4 min each tire.
2. Never had a issue. 100 PSI
3. Shrockworks mount (went out of business). I'm so glad i got this mount. its hard mounted at multiple points and has separate mounting point for relay (thats easy access). Also relocates the OEM vacuum pump thngamicbob. Mounts to the passenger firewall area, creating space for a dual battery setup in front of intake box. Best mount ever for a single ARB.
4. AOB toyota switches
5. Its pretty much plug and play.
6. i never looked at this option. I don't think its a great idea.
7. didnt get a reservoir. I don't think its needed. wanted to keep the package as small as possible
8. lots of plug and play options (single and dual arb ) for air chucks, extensions, lockers. I kept it simple.

Between arb single or dual. Thats a hard choice. I specifically wanted the smallest and lightest compressor i can fit under the hood, and still have room for a dual battery setup and accessory panel switch. I was willing to compromise speed for size and weight.

 

[Grug556]

1. 3 to 4 min each tire.
2. Never had a issue. 100 PSI
3. Shrockworks mount t.

Thanks MrB appreciate the detailed reply. Thanks to the rest of you guys. Looks like I am gonna go all in ...and get the single compressor. I got time to kill waiting for it to air up so thats ok.:thanks:

 

[FoundedSine14]

This is what I use
ALL-TOP Air Compressor Kit https://a.co/d/enebXB5

It airs up all 4 from about 12psi to 35psi in about 15 minutes, maybe less. Can't beat it for the price

 

[mrblah]

Thanks MrB appreciate the detailed reply. Thanks to the rest of you guys. Looks like I am gonna go all in ...and get the single compressor. I got time to kill waiting for it to air up so thats ok.:thanks:

I also wanted to add, that it is tempting to install it on the driver side behind the battery, and next to an accessory panel. I did this previously and it was a wiring mess and difficult to do any kind of maintenance in that area (adding lights and accessories) because the accessory tray, compressor, wiring harness, made it difficult to re-route wires.

What i ended up doing was move the compressor behind my air intake, and left the accessory panel behind the OEM battery location. Way happier doing it this way. I can add accessories without having to disassemble everything, and lots of room around the compressor to let it cool down.

Anyways, here are some pics of the shrockworks mount and a bunch of add on accessories for the compressor:

0: vacuum pump relocation kit (next to compressor)
1. locker actuator.
2. Wits end pacifier and safety wire.
3. quick disconnect brass chuck.
4. battery box in front of intake

cheers!!!

 

[Grug556]

I know you're asking someone else these questions but perhaps I can give some perspective as well. I spent a lot of time researching air compressors and mounts


2. Has the single ever been unable to fill a tire? Or is there a max pressure it cant fill past? max PSI is 100. for automotive use you should have no issues.
3. What mount did you use? I assume no add on tank? no add on tank. I used an LFD offroad stainless steel mount that goes on the passenger side. I ran an m6 up through the wheel well to create a stud on a weld nut that was already there and mounted on there with a nut vs. using a bolt. made the install much easier and I like that set up better
4. What switch gear are you running to activate it? switch pros. arb single and dual are so easy to wire. pos and neg to battery and switch wire (only 1 wire) to positive on the switch panel. that's it
5. Any other details about install? I have the fuse for the compressor up along the wiring loom near the firewall. tried to keep is as far from the hot engine as possible

I honestly don't think the tank is needed unless you have huge tires or are running lockers or air tools or something. I have had my arb since 2022 and it's been great. I don't use it all the time. but it has never failed me. when it comes to engine heat, I use the air chuck on the compressor so the hood will always be open. I've never had a heat issue but I also don't use my compressor all the time. I actually use it to clean off my wood working projects after sanding so it does run for quite some time every now and then

also I've seen a lot of unique mounts for the air chuck. if you are plugging into the air chuck or routing - make sure the first 6-12" off the compressor is stainless hose. the chuck gets hot and can melt hoses under heavy use. I didn't do anything fancy. flexzilla lines with an 18" leader stainless steel. get's the job done.


I have a portable viair 400A (auto shutoff). it's mounted inside a carrying case. it's a great compressor as well but it is nice having the arb which is more compact in the vehicle. if my single breaks I may upgrade to a double since I have the room and the price is good. but for me and for now the single is plenty for my uses

here is the LFD mount I used. it works for single and double so upgrading is easy

Air Compressor mount for ARB Compressor – LFD Off Road

Thanks Humble appreciate it

 

[Grug556]

I also wanted to add, that it is tempting to install it on the driver side behind the battery, and next to an accessory panel. I did this previously and it was a wiring mess and difficult to do any kind of maintenance in that area (adding lights and accessories) because the accessory tray, compressor, wiring harness, made it difficult to re-route wires.

What i ended up doing was move the compressor behind my air intake, and left the accessory panel behind the OEM battery location. Way happier doing it this way. I can add accessories without having to disassemble everything, and lots of room around the compressor to let it cool down.

Anyways, here are some pics of the shrockworks mount and a bunch of add on accessories for the compressor:

0: vacuum pump relocation kit (next to compressor)
1. locker actuator.
2. Wits end pacifier and safety wire.
3. quick disconnect brass chuck.
4. battery box in front of intake

cheers!!!

yeah I was out on the weekend measuring stuff. Im gonna go with behind air intake as well. Lots of room. To bad about Shrockworks, I have some of their stuff already.

Thanks for the pics!!! They help a ton!:tea: