Hardmounted Air Compressor - Which one? and Where?

4ever4running

4ever4running

New member
So on the past couple wheeling trips where I have had to air down, I have been forced to borrow someone elses compressor to air back up. I really don't like having to do bum one so I am looking into getting a good air compressor that I can hardmount in the engine bay and wire up to a switch. I am not looking for a full on OBA system, just a compressor to air up my tires after a day of wheeling. Also, I would like to try to stay in the $200 range. With that being said:
1) What compressor should I go with? (I have done some research and looked at everything from ARBs to Smittybilts to Viairs but there aren't a lot of reviews so I am hoping to get some more info from anyone who has one or used one).
2) If I hardmount a compressor in the engine bay can it stand up to mud, water, or other debris?
2) For those of you who have it hardmounted in the engine bay, how and where did you mount it?
Thanks in advance!
 
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I keep reading that CO2 tanks are the cheapest, quickest way to re-air after wheeling. I am sure someone has the link to that one Jeep article.
 
absalom said:
I keep reading that CO2 tanks are the cheapest, quickest way to re-air after wheeling. I am sure someone has the link to that one Jeep article.
Click to expand...

Cheapest? I don't know about that, unless there is a way to make your own system...

I hadn't really considered a C02 tank because they ones that I saw were pretty expensive and I don't know if I like the idea of being able to run out of air on the trail. Do you know how many 33" or 35" tires a C02 tank can fill? I am not completely against a C02 tank; it is definitely an option if I can piece a tank/system together for around $200.
 
Having a tank is really nice, but costly..

I added a ARB CKMA12 onboard compressor for my front locker and can also use it for filling up. I mounted it next to the battery by bolting down a plate of metal from home depot under the battery that exceeds into the empty space. Then used an 'L' bracket under it for support. Lastly, mounted the compressor to it. I painted the plate to reduce rust as well.

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I'd love to add a tank down the line but right now my funds are going elsewhere. It fills up to a 35" tire so it works for me.
 
4ever4running said:
Cheapest? I don't know about that, unless there is a way to make your own system...

I hadn't really considered a C02 tank because they ones that I saw were pretty expensive and I don't know if I like the idea of being able to run out of air on the trail. Do you know how many 33" or 35" tires a C02 tank can fill? I am not completely against a C02 tank; it is definitely an option if I can piece a tank/system together for around $200.
Click to expand...

Go to polyperformance.com They have CO2 kits starting at $200. I built my own setup, but they have a complete setup for less than I paid for my parts. I get about 6-8 trips (4 32" tires each time, ~2 mins per tire) on my 10 lb tank. About $20 to refill at my local home beer brewing store. I weigh it after each trip to know when I'm running low. Never run out on a ride yet! I love CO2!
 
I like my Viair 450C, even though, I am using it in an OBA setup I am sure you could buy just the compressor and use that to fill tires. As far as mounting goes the viair is not dust proof or waterproof so it would be best mounted inside somewhere. I can't imagine that all of the heat in the engine bay would be good for the life of the compressor anyways
 
heres my $50 Q industries compessor i hard mounted.

The mount
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in place
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where it bolts to(not installed yet, gotta figure out the wiring first.)
photo5.jpg~original


all done
IMAG0087.jpg~original
 
Thanks everyone for all the info! After reading some of the posts, I am torn between getting a Viair compressor and mounting it somewhere in the cargo area or just getting a C02 tank. If I do go with a compressor, I will be mounting it in the cargo area because I don't think it would be a good idea to mount it in the engine bay with the amount of mud and water it would see.

So what do you guys recommend? Compressor or C02 tank? If you vote for a compressor, what compressor should I get if I hardmount it in the cargo area and run it to a switch?
 
Compressor takes up much less space. Mine has been under the hood for over a year. Seen mud snow rain you name it and everything has been great. This particular compressor has been used as a water pump to suck out muddy water from my buddys hydrolocked motor. They can take a beating and are cheap too. That's just me though
 
i went with a ARB compressor for on-board air, mainly for my air locker though. here is how and where i mounted my compressor, the fresh-air intake is inside the cabin in the back cargo area of the 4runner, so even if i submerge the compressor under water(and i have) it will still pull the air thats in the passenger compartment -and its cleaner air than what would be outside too

IMAG0245.jpg~original
 
My concern with mounting the compressor in the engine bay is that it is a hot location and will make it so the heat protection on the compressor kicks in sooner. Mounting the compressor under the truck exposes it to damage from dirt and water. Mounting it in the truck is great for temperature and keeping it safe, but then you have to hear the compressor when it is running. That said, I mounted mine in the rear behind a trim panel.

IMG_2442.jpg


Here's a writeup.
On Board Air (OBA) - Blank White Page

- Matt
 
did you see the giant steel housing i put mine in, just for that reason. and dirt and other debris is not of any real concern, as long as it pulls clean air it will work, even submerged in mud... and its easy enough to get under their and wash it off with a hose.
 
slomatt said:
My concern with mounting the compressor in the engine bay is that it is a hot location and will make it so the heat protection on the compressor kicks in sooner. Mounting the compressor under the truck exposes it to damage from dirt and water. Mounting it in the truck is great for temperature and keeping it safe, but then you have to hear the compressor when it is running. That said, I mounted mine in the rear behind a trim panel.

IMG_2442.jpg


Here's a writeup.
On Board Air (OBA) - Blank White Page

- Matt
Click to expand...

Now that is exactly what I'm looking for; I love that mounting location. Do you have any issues with the compressor rattling around or overheating with it tucked away behind the trim panel?
 
the kid said:
did you see the giant steel housing i put mine in, just for that reason. and dirt and other debris is not of any real concern, as long as it pulls clean air it will work, even submerged in mud... and its easy enough to get under their and wash it off with a hose.
Click to expand...

That is a nice housing, but since I am only going to be using it for inflating my tires, I don't mind having it mounted in the cabin. In the long run, I would rather know that the compressor is safe and put up with a little extra road noise and compressor noise.
 
4ever4running said:
Now that is exactly what I'm looking for; I love that mounting location. Do you have any issues with the compressor rattling around or overheating with it tucked away behind the trim panel?
Click to expand...

I mounted the compressor on some rubber isolators and have had no issue with rattling. When I first posted pictures of the setup quite a few people expressed concerns that it would overheat, but it's been there for 2+ years and has been used on many trips and I've had no issues.

- Matt
 
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