Air compressor question.

Was looking at the ARB compressor and was curious if there would be any reason to go this route over say a Makita 18v tire inflator or Dewalt 60v compressor (I have plenty of batteries for either platform)? Its sole purpose would be to air up tires after offroading. Does it just boil down to if Im going to use a locker in the future?

 

I went with the ARB dual compressor under the hood. Had it on my last truck and used it quite a bit.
It's always there, has plenty of air output, and doesn't need batteries.
Mine is also just for airing up tires.

 

You'll want to consider the duty cycles. I like Makita tools but I was quickly turned away by the duty cycle. There's no information I could find on the flow rate in CFM on the Makitas, but I'm sure it's lacking in comparison to the ARB. That little guy is better suited for bike tires.

Here is the duty cycle of Makita:



Here is the duty cycle and inflation specs of two of the ARBs:




With the single ARB, you can run it in duty cycles of 30 minutes, then it needs a rest period of 30 minutes. The twin can be ran at higher intervals since it is 100% duty cycle. Also note the flow rate and inflation times. The Makita isn't anywhere near that.

If you run air compressors longer than their duty cycle, they're bound to overheat and malfunction. I've done that with a cheapo slime compressor before.

I don't have any experience on the Dewalt 60v but I looked it up and it's size would be a concern for me. One thing if you're going to be using it to air tires offroad -- the batteries, inverter for charging, and the charger itself will just take up more room. The ARB compressors are DC.

Another option is to get a CO2 bottle from somewhere like AirGas. Those fill up tires super quick but take up space. I use one on occasion, but my truck is getting a twin ARB once I pickup the mount.

 

I’ve bought this SmittyBilt 5.56 cfm portable compressor. Powered by any 12v. It’s a bad ass little compressor and airs tires up back fairly quickly

$164 Smittybilt 5.65 CFM Air Compressor - 2781

https://www.amazon.com/Smittybilt-2781-5-65-Universal-Compressor/dp/B004K25GMG

the twin arb compressor is very nice though. Cream of the crop for sure. Also paves the way for lockers like you mentioned. You’ll want to consider how you want to mount it though also, most mount to the fuse box which to my knowledge requires you to remove to access your fuses which is annoying to me. But sdhq sells a mount that would mount the compressor the firewall nice and out of the way.

 

I thought the underhood option was expensive and overkill, seeing as how I don't live on the trails like others. Also the thought of the compressor under the hood, constantly hot n cold, plus all that vibration, made me feel like that expensive compressor would fail easier.

I went with a single arb compressor mounted in a box with battery clamps. I keep it in the bed, next to my power tank for runs. I have little kids so if they are having fun and behaving, I can take some time airing back up and using the compressor, but if they or the wife are grumpy and ready to leave, I'll use the power tank and get outta there quicker.
For the cost of the under hood mounted dual arb you can get the single and a co2 setup.

 

SDHQ mount.

 

FINN mount.
https://youtu.be/AzfhEQMpZo4

 

It may be, I was looking for opinions. It would be more than for on the trails as Id like the option in my work truck also. I have a property maintenance company and my yard guys have a tendency to roll tires and its a pain in the ass to have to stop what Im doing load up and go fix it while theyre on the clock. I wasnt familiar with the one you suggested but ill for sure check it out.

 

Coming in with the good info again! Yeah the battery powered option doesnt seem to cut it. That mounted ARB does look like a fine piece of equipment. Im going to do a little more digging and see how they hold up over time.

 

I have a Smitty Built, the ARB Twin mounted under the hood, and the Dewalt 60v. ARB for airing up after trail rides if you do it often, Smittybuilt for airing up if you trail ride occasionally and it's portable, Dewalt if you just need to add air occasionally or "vehicle maintenance". For the money, the Smittybuilt is great, portable, and decently fast.

$164 Smittybilt 5.65 CFM Air Compressor - 2781

B004K25GMG

 

Is there a noticeable in time to air up with the ARB vs the Smitty?

 

Yes as I air up all 4 at once with the ARB and "Wifey system". The Smittybuilt would take about 15 minutes to get all 4 285/70/17 (33") tires from 24psi to 45psi and is a bit more work.
I haven't timed the ARB but it is about 10 minutes and a lot less work as I just grab the 4 hoses and plug them in (quick connects on tires too) and hit the button. Has a pop off set at 45psi, then I turn it off and collect the hoses. I am not sure the Wifey system is really better than a hose system as I wonder about long term durability. https://myoffroadradio.com/morrflate-off-road-4-tire-inflation-deflation-kit/