Recommendation for a portable air compressor and air down gauge

[codeman870]

OP, I know you specifically asked about air compressors, but here's another option to consider if you didn't already know about it. You can build a DIY power tank for fairly cheap.

DIY Power Tank (Co2 Tank) for Airing Up Tires & Running Air Tools

 

[Kingrex]

ARB twin gets my vote, and is what I’m putting in my current 4Runner under the hood. May not fit the definition of affordable, and if not then I’d go with an ARB single.

 

[Jetboy]

Just for fun for you youngsters -

Honestly - and OEM really could get cute with a design and put a second small port in the block for one of these and have an ECU function to cut fuel to that cylinder and make it an air compressor. For an EOM it really wouldn't be a difficult thing to do and it'd be a really neat "trick" feature no one else would have.

And also just FYI - this is actually still the basic idea for many or most commercial high volume mobile air compressors. Like the ones they use for blowing out sprinkler systems or mobile sand blasting. They generally use a V8 engine and convert one half of it to be a compressor side, the other half is now a 4cylinder engine drive side. I believe the last Ingersoll Rand tailorable compressor I used was a Ford v8 based compressor.

 

[jrandom]

I have always like the idea of a belt run compressor. I mean you already have a 300hp motor. The piston idea is pretty good and just goes to show how long people have been thinking about this

As for deflators, heh I have tried a bunch (Coyotes, Trailheads, JT Brooks, ARB EZ, a 16p nail). The best most consistent results of the bunch have come from Coyote (a Staun II) and the ARB EZ, both take me about the same amount of time, the ARB EZ is not automagic like the Coyotes but hell it is a fast deflator, it internally pulls the valve core (you can't drop it or lose it) and you slide to actuate the release, it is a slick design and the gauge is pretty accurate on mine.

 

[shaun]

Yup, the ARB E-Z Deflator worked great for me. Granted it has had minimal use. I also purchased the ARB CKMP12 kit. Comes in a nice case that fits all the inflate deflate tools. A bit pricey, but it should last and I can use it on multiple vehicles.

 

[CF_Machete]

i run an arb mounted compressor, but one thing you might also want to consider to speed up the air ups/ downs is an 4 tire inflation/deflation setup.

I got the cautro by mid atlantic off road rather than the moreflate... b/c I'm cheap. It was better than expected. No leaks, solid components and gauge is just as accurate as my arb digi gauge.

I didn't time it, but I'm aired up or down in like 5 min.

 

[patkelly4370]

i run an arb mounted compressor, but one thing you might also want to consider to speed up the air ups/ downs is an 4 tire inflation/deflation setup.



I got the cautro by mid atlantic off road rather than the moreflate... b/c I'm cheap. It was better than expected. No leaks, solid components and gauge is just as accurate as my arb digi gauge.



I didn't time it, but I'm aired up or down in like 5 min.

Like this (made my own)

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

 

[jrandom]

As far as deflators go, I use these:

J.T. Brooks Automatic Tire Deflators PRO (ATDP4) Amazon.com: J.T. Brooks Automatic Tire Deflators PRO (ATDP4): Automotive

I missed this earlier, else I would have commented. I have a set of these, maybe I got a bad batch. The first time I used them I set them to 25lbs, installed them, they didn't shut off until between 10 and 15lbs all four! None were accurate, at all a couple pounds sure but 10 or more? I tried these a few times, same issues they don't stop deflating when they were "supposed to". Took them apart, cleaned, assembled, tried again, still issues. These are nicely made, doesn't really matter if they don't work, sadly at this point it was a waste of $100.

Have you checked your pressures after you used these? Were they accurate?

EDIT: I reached out to J.T. Brooks they were very responsive, it my bad in interpreting the usage. I was indeed reading the gauge from the top of the lock ring. They work exactly as expected and after clearing that up super happy with how they work!

 

[CF_Machete]

Like this (made my own)

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

Yup, but mid atlantic beat my best case parts price by over $20 plus threw in extras... and no labor on my end.

So yeah. No brainer.

 

[blksubykid]

I missed this earlier, else I would have commented. I have a set of these, maybe I got a bad batch. The first time I used them I set them to 25lbs, installed them, they didn't shut off until between 10 and 15lbs all four! None were accurate, at all a couple pounds sure but 10 or more? I tried these a few times, same issues they don't stop deflating when they were "supposed to". Took them apart, cleaned, assembled, tried again, still issues. These are nicely made, doesn't really matter if they don't work, sadly at this point it was a waste of $100.

Have you checked your pressures after you used these? Were they accurate?

Yeah maybe you did as I've heard nothing but good things about these deflators. Have you tried contacting them (I assume you did)? I recently checked and dialed them in to be within 0.5 psi of each other. Currently set to ~20 psi on their indicator but my scangauge is reading ~18.5 psi.

 

[Big B]

For portable, my Viair 400P has been great. No complaints, but I would mount an ARB in the engine bay if I were to do it over again.

exactly^^^... for portable the viair 400p is awesome and does my 33" fairly quick...
if I was to do it over, or when viair gives out finally...I'll be doing a engine mounted unit.

Stauns deflators is what I use for airing down...stooopid simple and quick

 

[Bill Z]

OP, I know you specifically asked about air compressors, but here's another option to consider if you didn't already know about it. You can build a DIY power tank for fairly cheap.

DIY Power Tank (Co2 Tank) for Airing Up Tires & Running Air Tools

That's an interesting set-up. I have a SCUBA compressor so for day trips I'll usually just bring along a 19cf bottle which gets my 285/70/17 tires from 20 - 35 psi (barely). For a weekender I use a 40 cf bottle which gets me through two air-ups. Air-ups are fast but storage space in my 4runner is at a premium so I'm looking at getting a small compressor.

 

[sn_85]

I've been using the Viair 400P and ARB Ez-deflator for a few years now. No issues yet and it works perfectly for my use. If I move on to an engine mounted unit it's nice to know the Viair can be used as a backup or in another vehicle.

 

[WeedKillrr]

I missed this earlier, else I would have commented. I have a set of these, maybe I got a bad batch. The first time I used them I set them to 25lbs, installed them, they didn't shut off until between 10 and 15lbs all four! None were accurate, at all a couple pounds sure but 10 or more? I tried these a few times, same issues they don't stop deflating when they were "supposed to". Took them apart, cleaned, assembled, tried again, still issues. These are nicely made, doesn't really matter if they don't work, sadly at this point it was a waste of $100.

Have you checked your pressures after you used these? Were they accurate?

I've used these for about 5 years and have been very happy with them. I've probably been 2-3lbs off from the settings, but so what, that's not going to be the difference between me getting over an obstacle or not.

10lbs off from the settings of all 4 def seems like something is wrong. Sorry you got a bad batch.

 

[WeedKillrr]

I also purchased the ARB CKMP12 kit. Comes in a nice case that fits all the inflate deflate tools. A bit pricey, but it should last and I can use it on multiple vehicles.

The ARB portable single compressor is great if you want quality and reliability at a fair price. I've loaned it other drivers without air on trail rides and it's been super helpful.

I've only recently upgraded to the ARB portable dual because the 34s get the single compressor a little hot, I've gotten my money's worth out of the single, and the double has an air tank (air tools). I'm not a fan of installed compressors at all.

 

[mrblah]

I missed this earlier, else I would have commented. I have a set of these, maybe I got a bad batch. The first time I used them I set them to 25lbs, installed them, they didn't shut off until between 10 and 15lbs all four! None were accurate, at all a couple pounds sure but 10 or more? I tried these a few times, same issues they don't stop deflating when they were "supposed to". Took them apart, cleaned, assembled, tried again, still issues. These are nicely made, doesn't really matter if they don't work, sadly at this point it was a waste of $100.

Have you checked your pressures after you used these? Were they accurate?

You should give Stauns a try, I set mine to 18 psi, and its always on the money.

 

[JAXJeremy]

I've got a Viar 450C (constant duty) mounted in the cargo area of my Bronco (offroad rig), it's plumbed to a 2.5 gallon tank..The compressor is super quiet and takes a shade under 3 minutes to fill the tank and I can inflate a 37 inch tire, from 15 to 25 lbs in about 30 seconds with the tank full.

Been very happy with this set up.

 

[jrandom]

Yeah maybe you did as I've heard nothing but good things about these deflators. Have you tried contacting them (I assume you did)? I recently checked and dialed them in to be within 0.5 psi of each other. Currently set to ~20 psi on their indicator but my scangauge is reading ~18.5 psi.

Good to hear a couple of positive notes on them, I’ll give them a call, I’ve only had them a couple months.

I've used these for about 5 years and have been very happy with them. I've probably been 2-3lbs off from the settings, but so what, that's not going to be the difference between me getting over an obstacle or not.

10lbs off from the settings of all 4 def seems like something is wrong. Sorry you got a bad batch.

No rookie to airing down I have been doing since people would look at you puzzled :biggrin1: Couple pounds variance sure but yeah mine aren’t working like they should.

You should give Stauns a try, I set mine to 18 psi, and its always on the money.

I have a set of Coyote Staun II’s and they’re rock solid (set at 15lbs), also a set of trailheads that are pretty decent (set at 20lbs) and a ARB EZ I got for free from a subscription to Overland Journal. I want to try a set of on the fly adjustable.

 

[FourT6and2]

The ARB portable single compressor is great if you want quality and reliability at a fair price. I've loaned it other drivers without air on trail rides and it's been super helpful.

I've only recently upgraded to the ARB portable dual because the 34s get the single compressor a little hot, I've gotten my money's worth out of the single, and the double has an air tank (air tools). I'm not a fan of installed compressors at all.

Why?

 

[WeedKillrr]

Why?

Speaking of the dual compressor;

It adds weight to an awkward place on the vehicle--most are mounted in the engine bay. I'm not a fan of adding anything to the engine bay that isn't directly engine related. If it isn't mounted in the engine bay, it presents other challenges like access with the hose, running power, etc..

If you're interested in adding the air tank to the setup, that presents a mounting challenge (and weight issue) also. My portable compressor, and recovery gear, have always sat right behind the front seats, on the floor board, between the axles.

Mostly, I like the versatility of a portable compressor. I can loan it to someone with a tire issue for quick refills, use an air tool, etc., while on the trail and I don't have to be pulled up next to them in order to reach it.