Do air compressors get hot enough to be a fire hazard?

[Alans17]

So I’m thinking about installing a Smittybilt portable air compressor behind the rear seat, but it’ll be a tight fit (if it fits at all) and will likely touch the plastic and/or upholstery. What’s the risk of interior damage? And even more so, what’s the risk of fire?

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[AzRob]

Sorry I cant really help you with your specific compressor, and I like Smittybilt products.... But I do own a Viair 400 portable unit that has alligator clips to attach to the battery, so possibly kind of similar. If I run it a while, parts of it get really hot as F*#k. I have to wait for it to cool off before I put it away in its bag. It gets so hot it will burn / blister skin.

Mine is like this one.... $222

https://smile.amazon.com/VIAIR-400P-Automatic-Function-Portable-Compressor/dp/B000X9B32M/ref=sr_1_1?crid=28M0FYEIKOU9L&dchild=1&keywords=viair+400p&qid=1615091388&sprefix=via,aps,217&sr=8-1

Hope this helps!

 

[TJDave]

I have the larger of the Smitty compressors. It gets pretty darn hot. Too hot to handle in some places. I let it cool down before putting it back in its storage bag. I don't think I would want it touching anything like seats or carpet.

 

[ssrgeoff]

I run an ARB dual under the passenger seat and so far so good, though it's not touching any plastic or carpet and sits on a metal plate. Not sure on the size of the Smittybilt compressor but I did see someone makes mounting plates that go behind the rear seat.

 

[W8lifts]

I don’t know specifically but we do have DOT regulations on the material in regards to the flash point etc. REF USA FMVSS 302

 

[Mjolnir]

Why not grab an ARB and install under the hood with 813 Fab mount?

 

[Alans17]

Why not grab an ARB and install under the hood with 813 Fab mount?

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[TomH]

I am thinking the same thing for my Viair. As long as it is not touching the plastic panels and you keep the seat folded down till it cools, you should be fine. They do get hot though.

 

[RCKLNDR]

I’ve had the smaller Smittybilt and currently have the bigger one. I would not mount it against plastic. I think it probably gets hot enough to melt plastic. You definitely aren’t picking it up by the handle after inflating 4 tires.

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