Portable Air Compressors

[Viper]

Hey guys need some opinions (if anybody in this group has one) on portable air compressors or a permeant mounted one. I would someday like to get lockers and if I decided to get air lockers this would factor into a decision but for now the lockers are a long way off. Is there any place in town to buy one or is it better to buy online somewhere. thanks

[Brody]

Without spending a fortune on something like a VIA Air, Adrian (Twisted Bronco) has one of the sweetest little air compressors I have seen. I don't know where he got it, but he has used it on many people's rigs and they have been impressed. You might want to PM him. I think it is called a PUMA.

Here are a couple of links for reviews:

http://www.offroaders.com/directory/products/viair-compressor.htm

http://www.fourwheeler.com/techarticles/62758_12_volt_air_compressor_guide/index.html

Also, do not be talked into getting one that simply plugs into your cigarette lighter. There is no way you are going to get the performance you need from this style of plugin compressor.

You can also adapt just about any compressor to work with air lockers with the right combination of switch and air line, both metric and SAE.

There is also a huge amount of information in both the 'how to' and 'tech' section about all sorts of different OBA systems ans set ups. Just do a site search using either 'OBA' or 'on board air'.

[Air Randy]

One thing you need to be aware of if you decide to do on board air and have that system power your lockers like ARB units: The ARB units are only rated up to 110 PSI. I see some people run higher air pressure to them but you can potentially blow out the seals. If you buy an ARB setup yu will see they have a pressure switch that turns the compressor off at 100 PSI and turns it back on once pressure drops to 70 PSI. Many of the other brands of compressors use similar switches but many go up to 120 or even 140 PSI before they shut off. The higher PSI is good for building capacity to refill tires but if you're going to run a locker off of the same setup you should put an adjustable regulator on the output to the locker.

[Patrolman]

If you want ARB, get a used one. The older style were bigger, but also have a VERY small integrated tank, which holds line pressure better, and the actual compressor is a bit bigger. More durable in my opinion if you can spare the very small amount of extra space.

[JeffX]

I have an ARB for the locker and an MV-50 for tires. The MV-50 will outperform just about anything you can run with 12V.

You can get one at Pep boys (~$60) or online.

[Viper]

Thanks guys, I seen some of the small portables which clamp straight to the batteries terminals, from cheap to pricey ones like Viair, Warn and ARB. I'll do some more searching but it's always nice to hear first hand on what's good or bad from people who have them. I'll contact Adrian (twisted bronco) about the unit he has. thanks

[scout man]

do you have that MV-50 permanently installed or do you use the alligator clamps on it?

[edog]

I love my Costco one, it was 35 bucks and comes with a nice bag-hooks up to the battery terminals.

[JeffX]

My ARB is mounted in the engine bay and my MV-50 is in a bag in the back seat.

Having the little ARB for the locker is very convenient. Using the big compressor for the locker is overkill, IMO. Also, the ARB is much easier to fit in the engine bay and comes with a great wiring harness that makes the install much simpler. Also, since it's made by ARB, toy know you won't blow up your seals.

http://www.whitescarver.com/albums/GregorysCadillac/IMG_0249.sized.jpg



I love my Costco one, it was 35 bucks and comes with a nice bag-hooks up to the battery terminals.

Who knows, you might have an MV-50.