Compressor

Mike_Rupp

Well-known member
Mar 26, 2004
3,604
0
Mercer Island, WA
Cheap seems to be winning over expensive.

Surprised no ARB mentions.

I just got done installing the ARB CKMTA12, which is the 100% duty cycle compressor. I would have commented, but I don't have any experience with it yet, so I can't vouch for it. On paper is seems like it's a good compressor but only time will tell.
 

p m

Administrator
Staff member
Apr 19, 2004
15,651
869
58
La Jolla, CA
www.3rj.org
This is what Ive been using for the last 2 yrs. http://www.4wheelparts.com/Lift-Kit...sor.aspx?t_c=1&t_s=546&t_pt=4644&t_pn=S/B2780 Its worked every time I needed it to. My only complaint is that it does get a bit warm after airing up four tires.

It is pretty much the same stuff others sell in this price range. It gets not just a bit warm, it gets fucking hot - enough to leave a second-degree burn after airing up four 265/75s when it is 90-100F outside. Which is what it should be - and the gauge for a decent compressor should be a good heat sink on the cylinder head (not a plastic imitation of it!), and heat insulation on every quick-disconnect.
 

DiscoPhoto

Well-known member
Jul 23, 2012
2,581
76
Vermont
I've got the CKMA12 or whatever slightly HD ARB compressor, never let me down. Would have gotten the twin tank deal if it was available when I installed it.
 

kennith

Well-known member
Apr 22, 2004
10,891
172
North Carolina

kennith

Well-known member
Apr 22, 2004
10,891
172
North Carolina
May the bubble bursting begin:

http://www.harborfreight.com/12volt-150-psi-compact-air-compressor-69285.html

http://www.amazon.com/Viair-40043-VIAIR-Portable-Compressor/dp/B000X9AXR8

It's just as bad with the automatics, tank fills, and hard mount models.:rofl:

They come in all manner of configurations. You can grab them from Alibaba sources for only a few dollars.

Don't think ARB is exempt, either. It's the same shit; even the twin model.

So, order directly from China, or grab something from Harbor Freight. It's all the same.

Cheers,

Kennith
 

kennith

Well-known member
Apr 22, 2004
10,891
172
North Carolina
This is why I bought a Powertank. Fuck that noise. At least my compressed gas source is made in America.

I'm going to get some of the higher specification models from China again to sell, and I'll keep one as a "spare", but I'm not going to actually buy a compressor for regular use until I can afford an Oasis.

Cheers,

Kennith
 

varova87

Well-known member
Mar 21, 2006
3,558
0
Texas
MV50 or a PUMA. I use both in Uganda, and if they work here, they'll work damn near anywhere. The vibrations are second to none, and the MV50 is subjected to a stupid amount of dust on a regular basis. The MV50 is a little slow, but reliable.

I also brought a VIAIR kit over, medium duty. Quite frankly, it's too damn complicated compared to the other two. Mount the PUMA, wire it up, and you're done. Get the MV50 out of the bag, hook up the alligator clips, and do work.

I haven't been disappointed with either.
 

K-rover

Well-known member
Jan 15, 2010
2,183
72
Raleigh, NC
That comes from the same factory as the others. It's a damned shame things have come to this point.

At least the Puma linked above is different.

Cheers,

Kennith

To me it comes down to how often I will use it versus the cost. While I go wheeling every few weeks, I dont always use this to air up. The Outpost down the road from the trails has free air. I only use mine when there are a bunch of trucks waiting to air up.
So I dont see the need to spend more than $75 on something I may use a handful of times a year.
If I had lockers then I would consider a different setup.
 

Ballah06

Well-known member
Jan 21, 2007
5,638
16
Savannah, GA
This is why I bought a Powertank. Fuck that noise. At least my compressed gas source is made in America.

I'm going to get some of the higher specification models from China again to sell, and I'll keep one as a "spare", but I'm not going to actually buy a compressor for regular use until I can afford an Oasis.

Cheers,

Kennith

Exactamente. Have had a 10lb one for years and just got it refilled again a few days ago. Using it for general tire (truck, bike, lawn mower, etc.) air ups, the thing lasts for months and is super quick. I have looked around at possibly getting a small compressor for the same purpose, but after doing some research decided to stick wtih the PowerTank.
 

kennith

Well-known member
Apr 22, 2004
10,891
172
North Carolina
MV50 or a PUMA. I use both in Uganda, and if they work here, they'll work damn near anywhere. The vibrations are second to none, and the MV50 is subjected to a stupid amount of dust on a regular basis. The MV50 is a little slow, but reliable.

I also brought a VIAIR kit over, medium duty. Quite frankly, it's too damn complicated compared to the other two. Mount the PUMA, wire it up, and you're done. Get the MV50 out of the bag, hook up the alligator clips, and do work.

I haven't been disappointed with either.

Those MV50s work wonderfully for everyone but me, so great choice there. They run smooth, fill fast for what they are, and it's very easy to listen to them.

The only person I've ever heard with a complaint lives in my bathroom mirror.

Cheers,

Kennith
 

az_max

1
Apr 22, 2005
7,463
2
I used the air tank from an EAS rover for my OBA. welded brackets to the frame, welded a NPT bung on the end and put the tank in it's original location. It's around 2 gallons.
 

kennith

Well-known member
Apr 22, 2004
10,891
172
North Carolina
They've been making this York-based compressor for years now. It's heavy as hell, and draws 80 Amp.

It looks like a setup that might fit nicely in place of some of the rear trim in a DII. Do you know if they are worth a fuck? It pulls fewer amps than an Oasis.

Cheers,

Kennith
 

p m

Administrator
Staff member
Apr 19, 2004
15,651
869
58
La Jolla, CA
www.3rj.org
It isn't bad at all. But the investment is comparable with mounting a York under the hood.
... and you've already bought the Powertank!
 

kennith

Well-known member
Apr 22, 2004
10,891
172
North Carolina
It isn't bad at all. But the investment is comparable with mounting a York under the hood.
... and you've already bought the Powertank!

This is true, but that doesn't mean I'm not out for a compressor that doesn't suck. The Powertank will be great under most circumstances, but it will be possible to exhaust the CO2 supply when I'm on a long outing.

I'm really glad to have this tank for everyday and general off-pavement use, but I didn't buy it as a primary source of pressurized gas for long term overland use. I'm still on the hunt for a solid on-board air solution that won't clutter my engine bay.

Dan's right about the engine-driven york, but I try to keep the bay clear for easy access and airflow. It's also good to be able to remove something and take it somewhere else if you really, really need to.

All that said, I do want to keep current draw down, so I still haven't decided what to do. I probably won't decide for quite some time.

The Powertank is meant to provide what I need entirely until that point, and then become a separate backup/mobile/convenience feature that will work even when my engine isn't in operation, and is honestly looking like it will be quite useful in the shop.

Cheers,

Kennith