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Onboard Air vs. Portable Air Compressor?

23K views 34 replies 21 participants last post by  slickrock steve 
#1 ·
Trying to decide which is better and really worth my money because this jeep is a money monster, lol! There is just so much to buy when you are starting out.
 
#2 ·
On-board air is convenient if you're installing air lockers or running air tools off the compressor. Since you have a Rubi you already have lockers, so if you're just pumping up tires after a run I think a portable one would suffice. I know you said you wanted 35" tires eventually and with those sized tires on-board may be better, but if that is a way off I'd say stick with portable.

I currently use the below air compressor and I think it's great for the price. It fills my four 31" tires from 14psi to 30psi in about 10 minutes. Stay away from cheaper models because they can have bad duty cycles which makes you need to rest the compressor between tires... This one can go for 25 min at 30psi before a break :thumb:

Viair 88P
 
#9 ·
HF does have some crappy stuff, but they also have some good stuff at great prices. There's actually a thread on the forum about what people have bought at HF that was a good purchase.

If I were you I would go with a portable unit like the Viair that I mentioned in my earlier post until you get larger tires or start wheeling enough that a faster fill up time would make it a worthwhile investment.
 
#11 · (Edited)
We just went through this. Wanted a good compressor, and wanted portable. We have 2 Jeeps, so the ability to move it between them mattered. Also, if on the trail or road, we'd rather walk a compressor next to a stranded vehicle than try to maneuver a JKU next to them.

We tried a cheap one from Amazon that plugs into the cigarette lighter (we don't need much, we thought). Great company, horrible compressor. Barely worked, noisy, just not worth it. We returned it.

Love the ARB but the price was a bit more than we wanted to spend, so we tried Viair. Picked up the 400p auto (VIAIR Corporation - 400P-Automatic Portable Compressor (P/N 40045)).

I freaking love it.

Great compressor, comes with everything including a very nice "Gas Station-Style Tire Gun", a strong storage bag and a great hose that reaches everything. So damned easy to use, even shuts down when I release the trigger and starts back up when I use the trigger again. Called customer service with a question and got great service. Love everything about this.

It'll do more than we need, much like our jeeps. So we're happy.
 
#13 ·
I went with the ARB single and built an onboard system, I love it, Use it to air up and air down all 4 tire at once. Its really nice in the rain or cold to just hook up the leads, turn it on and wait for it to air up sitting inside in the warm dry cab....
 
#17 ·
I have a Viair 88P as well. I bought it a few years ago when I had my TJ on 31s. I've been filling up my JK's 35" tires with it as well. It has never let me down but after filling all four 35s, you could boil water with it when it's done. I have a Rubicon as well so, I've been on the fence about on board air. I'm going to do it though. You can get the ARB twin compressor. They make mounts for it so you can mount it right above your brake reservoir under the hood. Works great. You can even fit a SPOD in there. Northridge 4x4 sells all of that stuff. If I weren't going to do that, I'd just upgrade to that Viair 400P. If it's as good as the 88P, it should last a long time.
 
#21 ·
Top of the line would be the OBA in the form of an ARB Twin under the hood with a M.O.R.E. Mount.

Mount is going to run $100 bucks
ARB Twin $450 - $500
Hose kit $26
Deflaters $60
Extra hose at HF $5 on sale.

The ARB is 100% duty Cycle and will fill a 35" tire in about 1 1/2 to 3 minutes depending how much you air down.

When it's OBA you will ALWAYS have it with you.
I find that if you can get the best equipment up front and it only hurts once. It seems that the People I know always end up upgrading from the portable pumps and wish they would have just spent the money once instead of twice.

Good Luck,

BTW...If you really, really search, you can find the ARB Twin on sale and grab it under $450.
I think I paid about $380 for the one I put in my van.
 
#27 ·
i have had one of these MV50's going on 10 years now , countless tires filled- always works, is pretty fast and never have had a single issue. it does get a bit warm so i don't just toss it in the back when done. When or If it ever dies i would be hard pressed not to buy another

Air Compressor, MV-50 | SuperFlow
 
#30 ·
Have tried many variations, over the years ...
Fastest/most CFM are converted belt/engine driven air conditioner compressors (google for conversion instructions),
Slowest but most long lived was an old obsolete Coleman portable compressor (still works, bought in the 1970s)...
biggest ripoff was a plastic chinese compressor slow & died on the first tire...
Never had one but friends have had Viare compressors that worked well.
Slow describes the smallest and middle ARB compressors.

I am currently a portable compressor user... Masterflow 1050 but I cannot recommend it due to design deficiencies; it can be fitted into a .30 cal. ammo can (not easily); my only reason for selecting it over the large Viare... When the A/C in the Rubi stops working; it will be converted into an air compressor.
Portable compressor people will likely find that longer cords (12 or 14 gauge) are more compact and easier to store/carry than long or coiled hoses... run the engine while airing up for better performance.

Enjoy!
 
#32 ·
Here is what I bought on Amazon for $125 CAD. I have 37s and this thing performs great, especially for the price.



MasterFlow MF-1050 Air Compressor

MasterFlow MF-1050 keeps your tires properly inflated, saving you money and time. This sturdy, rugged air compressor is multi-functional. It is designed for use on trucks, SUVs, 4X4s, and RV tires, but also works well on passenger car tires and inflatable household items. Masterflow air compressors have correctly sized direct drive motors, and a properly sized motor allows more efficient air flow and results in faster inflation time. Includes air compressor, carrying bag, air filter and needle adapters, with a 16 ft hose, and a 10 ft cord for convenient maneuverability. Features a maximum PSI of 150, and a run time of 20 minutes.
 
#35 ·
I have the 088 Viair, and an extra long hose. I mounted it below my brake master cylinder, on the second battery tray. Has worked fine, but is a bit slow and really hot after 5-6 large tires !! In fact used it last nite after a run thru the El Paso Mtns, and out Last Chance Cyn.
 
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