1. Welcome to Tundras.com!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tundra discussion topics
    • Transfer over your build thread from a different forum to this one
    • Communicate privately with other Tundra owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Portable to mounted ARB air compressor

Discussion in 'Recovery & Gear' started by jeffw6236, Sep 11, 2021.

  1. Sep 11, 2021 at 3:39 PM
    #1
    jeffw6236

    jeffw6236 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 4, 2016
    Member:
    #5090
    Messages:
    444
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jeff
    San Antonio
    Vehicle:
    2019 MGM CrewMax 4x4
    I’ve got an ARB portable compressor - the single motor CKMP12. I got the portable at the time because it seemed like a good idea. I use it for trailer tires and even carried it in another vehicle …. Once. All that convenient portability creates the inconvenience of being portable and having one more thing to carry in my truck. It comes in a nice toolbox with alligator claps to connect to your battery. I’ve also got a hose extension to reach boat trailer tires.

    Does anyone here have experience with taking the portable one apart and converting it to an onboard system? I think I’d rather mount it under the hood and add an air fitting somewhere in the back of the truck.
     
  2. Sep 11, 2021 at 4:21 PM
    #2
    BayRunner

    BayRunner I’m here, except when I’m not

    Joined:
    Sep 7, 2017
    Member:
    #9507
    Messages:
    2,534
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2017 Tundra Platinum
    I’ve never seen the portable setup but it’s the same unit. Couldn’t you just remove it from the tool box case and then mount it on your mount of choice?
     
  3. Sep 11, 2021 at 4:54 PM
    #3
    jeffw6236

    jeffw6236 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 4, 2016
    Member:
    #5090
    Messages:
    444
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jeff
    San Antonio
    Vehicle:
    2019 MGM CrewMax 4x4
    probably. Just every time I think something will be simple, it’s not. I think the wiring harness is different. But it might be as easy as cutting off the alligator clips and putting on battery terminal connections. The power switch would need to be wired up, but might be simple.
     
    cowboyjack likes this.
  4. Sep 11, 2021 at 6:26 PM
    #4
    Green Thunder

    Green Thunder Smooth in the Cruise

    Joined:
    Oct 22, 2019
    Member:
    #37701
    Messages:
    7,153
    Washington
    Vehicle:
    2020 Burnt Green TRD Pro
    Food crumbs and dog fur
    Following… I have the same compressor and the same itch to mount it.

    The unit when it isn’t sold with the tool box comes with a wire harness I think. Wonder if you can just buy the harness…
     
  5. Sep 11, 2021 at 6:52 PM
    #5
    BayRunner

    BayRunner I’m here, except when I’m not

    Joined:
    Sep 7, 2017
    Member:
    #9507
    Messages:
    2,534
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2017 Tundra Platinum
    The wire harness sold with the regular units include all the wiring for everything including lockers. It’s a lot of wiring which initially looks overly complex and confusing. After studying the wiring diagrams found online, I was able to cut away most of the wires which are not used for simple installs. I would assume the wiring in the portable unit is already simplified to include power (+ and -) and a switch wire which most likely is the purple wire. This should make it easier to mount under the hood. My unit is the twin compressor which includes a built in pressure switch. I believe the single compressor uses an external pressure switch so if you have the single, there may be some additional wiring for the pressure switch.
     
    jeffw6236[OP] and Green Thunder like this.
  6. Oct 27, 2021 at 1:35 PM
    #6
    Gman8P0W1

    Gman8P0W1 New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 2, 2020
    Member:
    #55597
    Messages:
    51
    Gender:
    Male
    Utah
    Vehicle:
    21 Lunar Pro
    ADD Venom w/Rigid 30” AT Overland Summit KMC: 315/70/17 KO2
    There is a guy locally near me that does this and sells the cases on Facebook marketplace. Think he found a sale/deal on the set ups and know people will always buy the compressor
     
  7. Nov 5, 2021 at 9:55 PM
    #7
    bjp

    bjp Hello, kitty……

    Joined:
    Sep 25, 2021
    Member:
    #68535
    Messages:
    52
    First Name:
    Ben
    Vehicle:
    White ‘21 Double-cab Tundra SR5 w/TRD off-road
    GoFast Camper, TRD skid plate, Valhalla cat plates, LT265/70r18 Nokian Rotiivas, buncha shit under the seat, you know how it is
    I am in the same boat. I bought a nice aluminum bracket to mount one on, but then bought the portable model instead. I have seriously considered just taking it out of the box and mounting on the bracket (under the hood), but I also still want the ability to carry it with me in my other vehicles. Sure would like to see if it works out, if you decide to do it. Hell, I might just take it out of the tackle box and give it a try, leaving the alligator clips on instead of hardwiring it. Not sure how I would bundle the wiring, but maybe I could just use a ski strap to hold it against the compressor until I want to use it.


    Then my back floorboard would be free……
     
  8. Nov 5, 2021 at 10:44 PM
    #8
    empty_lord

    empty_lord They see me rollin'

    Joined:
    Feb 1, 2019
    Member:
    #25441
    Messages:
    10,024
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dan
    Indiana, Chicagoland
    Vehicle:
    05 rollover special
    custom body work, Billies with taco ARB springs, Icon AAL, TRD FJ trail team wheels, 2019 Toyota 86 radio, Blacked out interior, Added factory power everything, heater mirrors, ETC
    If used frequently with the truck, just ditch the alligator clips and hard wire an Anderson plug or something so you Can just plug into the truck somewhere when needed. Make a second plug that connects the Anderson to alligators and enjoy having the ability to use it in other vehicles too
     
    ezdog and bjp like this.
  9. Nov 5, 2021 at 11:03 PM
    #9
    MadMaxCanon

    MadMaxCanon New Member

    Joined:
    May 27, 2021
    Member:
    #63566
    Messages:
    4,017
    Gender:
    Male
    SoCal
    Vehicle:
    '21 CM SR5 4x4 6 seater
    Too many, but not enough....
    You would still need something to hold your hose and the connectors and such anyway if you mount it.

    I have the portable one and its awesome. I have my hoses, gage, rapid deflator, extra valve stems and caps in there. Pretty convenient. I don't like the idea of it constantly vibrating and roasting in the engine bay and not being able to take it for other cars.
     
    bjp likes this.
  10. Nov 7, 2021 at 7:55 AM
    #10
    clarkritchie

    clarkritchie New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 13, 2020
    Member:
    #52192
    Messages:
    363
    And what are people mounting their compressors to in the engine bay? I recall the one a lot of Tundra people liked cost more than my TJM compressor. Nothing against the TJM, it works fine -- just more the principle of the matter for me.

    I also snipped the alligator clips off in favor of Andersen connectors, so I can use the compressor now without popping the hood as I have a shorty Andersen connector that I can reach from behind the grill. I then proceeded to add Andersen connectors to those same alligator clips for the odd time when I do take the compressor in my wife's vehicle for inflating boats or whatever. So yeah, maybe portable is handy in the end. :rolleyes: I have it in a weatherproof box now but plan to store it under the rear seat when I eventually add the ESP storage system.
     
    Last edited: Nov 7, 2021
    empty_lord likes this.
  11. Nov 7, 2021 at 8:07 AM
    #11
    bjp

    bjp Hello, kitty……

    Joined:
    Sep 25, 2021
    Member:
    #68535
    Messages:
    52
    First Name:
    Ben
    Vehicle:
    White ‘21 Double-cab Tundra SR5 w/TRD off-road
    GoFast Camper, TRD skid plate, Valhalla cat plates, LT265/70r18 Nokian Rotiivas, buncha shit under the seat, you know how it is
    upload_2021-11-7_9-5-44.jpg

    This is the one I saw and bought from a nice dude here on the forum. I went ahead and mounted the bracket. It was just a matter of taking out four bolts, positioning the bracket, putting the bolts back in. Not sure I’ll actually use it, but at least it’s no longer bouncing around my back seat :thumbsup:
     
    clarkritchie[QUOTED] likes this.
  12. Nov 7, 2021 at 8:10 AM
    #12
    clarkritchie

    clarkritchie New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 13, 2020
    Member:
    #52192
    Messages:
    363
    Yeah, that's the one. Who makes that again? Looks perfect, but I am not sure I can spend $150 to mount a $75 compressor -- not to mention I'm sure my TJM's bolt holes don't align with the ARB's.
     
    bjp likes this.
  13. Nov 7, 2021 at 8:12 AM
    #13
    bjp

    bjp Hello, kitty……

    Joined:
    Sep 25, 2021
    Member:
    #68535
    Messages:
    52
    First Name:
    Ben
    Vehicle:
    White ‘21 Double-cab Tundra SR5 w/TRD off-road
    GoFast Camper, TRD skid plate, Valhalla cat plates, LT265/70r18 Nokian Rotiivas, buncha shit under the seat, you know how it is
  14. Nov 7, 2021 at 8:13 AM
    #14
    bjp

    bjp Hello, kitty……

    Joined:
    Sep 25, 2021
    Member:
    #68535
    Messages:
    52
    First Name:
    Ben
    Vehicle:
    White ‘21 Double-cab Tundra SR5 w/TRD off-road
    GoFast Camper, TRD skid plate, Valhalla cat plates, LT265/70r18 Nokian Rotiivas, buncha shit under the seat, you know how it is
    Oh I’m sure you’d have to drill out the plate but that wouldn’t be much difficulty and wouldn’t cause any structural integrity issues with the bracket
     
  15. Mar 2, 2022 at 3:17 AM
    #15
    raspy87

    raspy87 New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 30, 2021
    Member:
    #72418
    Messages:
    67
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Andrew
    RI
    Vehicle:
    ‘19 DC SR5 Cement
    The portable ARB? when I had my Tacoma I was looking to go on board air but my purposes would for trailering kids inflatables bike tires etc. and occasional air up of truck. I think I am going to KISS in the Tundra. But now I keep going back to, do I need a bed box. Had one before and it just always got gross and a tonneau is more important at this time. Ughh decisions!! Lol
     
  16. Mar 2, 2022 at 5:19 AM
    #16
    MadMaxCanon

    MadMaxCanon New Member

    Joined:
    May 27, 2021
    Member:
    #63566
    Messages:
    4,017
    Gender:
    Male
    SoCal
    Vehicle:
    '21 CM SR5 4x4 6 seater
    Too many, but not enough....
    It's comes in a toolbox
     
  17. May 2, 2022 at 2:26 PM
    #17
    2017_Tundra_AZ

    2017_Tundra_AZ New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 19, 2019
    Member:
    #36353
    Messages:
    53
    Gender:
    Male
    I have the one with alligator clips as well. I keep it in my cab so it doesn't get dusty. How long does it take you to fill up 35" tires?
     
    reywcms likes this.
  18. May 2, 2022 at 2:47 PM
    #18
    reywcms

    reywcms New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 20, 2021
    Member:
    #72040
    Messages:
    5,071
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Rey
    Beaverton,Oregon
    Vehicle:
    2017 Tundra Platnium
    Too many mods to come
    I just mounted my dual arb permanently. This was the Arb that came in a portable case. I also wanted mine mounted out of the elements so it’s under the driver seat.

    Remove from case
    Cut alligator clips off
    Wire accordingly- I ran my wiring into a 4 pin relay that comes on with ignition.
    Update airline- I wanted one end at 90 the other straight. For better fit.
    Remove air tank.

    3D60AB5C-0D8B-4CF1-9438-615417AB4DA3.jpg
    31830DFA-D8CE-4FC3-A283-960CAC738EB7.jpg
    93590D6E-607D-4E16-B4BA-C9861EA7682C.jpg
     
  19. May 2, 2022 at 2:54 PM
    #19
    2017_Tundra_AZ

    2017_Tundra_AZ New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 19, 2019
    Member:
    #36353
    Messages:
    53
    Gender:
    Male
    Nice!! That is the cleanest setup I have seen yet. Is there plenty of room for the compressor to fit under the seat?
     
    reywcms[QUOTED] likes this.
  20. May 2, 2022 at 3:00 PM
    #20
    reywcms

    reywcms New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 20, 2021
    Member:
    #72040
    Messages:
    5,071
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Rey
    Beaverton,Oregon
    Vehicle:
    2017 Tundra Platnium
    Too many mods to come

    Yea depending on the model. Mines a platinum so bunch of wiring was there. But once I moved it all there’s enough room. They also make seat risers for the truck that make a better seating position but also I’m sure give more clearance if needed.
     
  21. May 2, 2022 at 3:03 PM
    #21
    2017_Tundra_AZ

    2017_Tundra_AZ New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 19, 2019
    Member:
    #36353
    Messages:
    53
    Gender:
    Male
    I see, yea mine is an SR5 so it only has a couple wires. Definitely worth it to keep the compressor away from the elements. Not sure if a seat riser would be the best option for me because I am 6'3". Maybe it wouldn't be a big deal.
     
    reywcms[QUOTED] likes this.
  22. May 2, 2022 at 3:08 PM
    #22
    reywcms

    reywcms New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 20, 2021
    Member:
    #72040
    Messages:
    5,071
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Rey
    Beaverton,Oregon
    Vehicle:
    2017 Tundra Platnium
    Too many mods to come
    Plenty of room for yours for sure. Like I said some wire routing and it was plenty clear and enough room for air flow.
     
  23. May 2, 2022 at 3:11 PM
    #23
    2017_Tundra_AZ

    2017_Tundra_AZ New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 19, 2019
    Member:
    #36353
    Messages:
    53
    Gender:
    Male
    @reywcms Thanks for the information. I let you know how it goes. My dad is getting one for his Tacoma also, so I'm gonna see if it will fit in a Taco too.
     

Products Discussed in

To Top