Onboard air compressor options

[Sandevino]

I’m looking at picking up one of these two compressors and am looking for real world experience with either.

ARB CKMA12 - 100psi / $380 / basic install kit and plumbing

VEVOR air compressor - 150psi / $100 w/ coupon / basic install kit and plumbing

Comparing the two, they seem to have the same physical footprint, layout and general design. I can‘t find a huge difference between the two to warrant the $280 price difference.

My use case will be airing up tires, occasional 5 gallon air tank filling and blowing debris.

Any real world use with either of these?

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[Marman]

I have experience with the ARB twin (not on your list). I have moved it to 3 different Jeeps with it now mounted under the passenger seat of my JT. In my opinon, you cant go wrong with ARB, while expensive, feel it is worth it.

 

[Sandevino]

I have experience with the ARB twin (not on your list). I have moved it to 3 different Jeeps with it now mounted under the passenger seat of my JT. In my opinon, you cant go wrong with ARB, while expensive, feel it is worth it.

I’m considering the ARB twin compressor but at $700 it’s not on the short list just yet. I’ve seen refurbished units for nearly half price but am always late to the party to buy one.

 

[nickd]

The ARB twin was on sale a couple weeks ago. Got it for $530.

That being said the biggest difference between the single units with the air tank and the twin compressor is not PSI, fill time or anything power related. Its actually run time. The twin setup does not run both compressors at the same time. It cycles, which allows you to run them continuously.

This is somewhat important if you are trying to fill 4 huge tires.

The single compressors will have a temperature sensor that will cut power when it gets to hot and you will have to wait for it to cool down.


As far as knock off is concerned. Its up to you if you think its worth a $100 savings. It could be fine or you could be left trying to drive to a gas station on 17 PSI tires after off-roading.

 

[Sandevino]

The ARB twin was on sale a couple weeks ago. Got it for $530.

That being said the biggest difference between the single units with the air tank and the twin compressor is not PSI, fill time or anything power related. Its actually run time. The twin setup does not run both compressors at the same time. It cycles, which allows you to run them continuously.

This is somewhat important if you are trying to fill 4 huge tires.

The single compressors will have a temperature sensor that will cut power when it gets to hot and you will have to wait for it to cool down.


As far as knock off is concerned. Its up to you if you think its worth a $100 savings. It could be fine or you could be left trying to drive to a gas station on 17 PSI tires after off-roading.

Thanks for the info. I couldn’t get a definitive answer on the twin compressor duty cycle and you’ve answered it.

I‘m in no hurry so I’ll keep watching for a twin compressor deal.

 

[ChrisNLA]

I used that exact ARB single for a few years in my two door JK. It worked great - never let me down. My two buddies run that ARB in their Jeeps - two on 37's (and one on 35s). Never let them down - and they are arguably pushing them too hard with that tire size.

I'd pass on the Vevor.

I'm using a Viair 400P now as I didn't want a built-in with my new Gladiator. But that's a different story.

 

[teamblkdog]

Just know that it's going to take forever to air up your tires with these options.

 

[KevinM60]

The Smittybilt is a popular one.
Amazon.com: Smittybilt 5.65 CFM Air Compressor - 2781 : Tools & Home Improvement
They have two models but the 5.65 is twice the volume.
It's $30 off from when i bought mine a few months ago

 

[omargawd]

I have the single ARB mounted inside the wheel well. Works fine to fill up my dad's bronco and my tires. No issues with heat thus far. We both run 35s and it fills up quick enough. I have a friend that runs 38s on his JK and swears by the single. I would understand the need for speed if you were doing some of those trails that go on and off highway/pavement. Otherwise... the ARB single works more than fine in my experience. But I'm no expert in these things.

 

[Steven_B]

The twin setup does not run both compressors at the same time. It cycles, which allows you to run them continuously.

This is not correct, both compressor motors run at the same time. If your compressors are cycling, you may have a relay acting up.

Or if you hear an audible difference when airing up, you may think that the compressors are cycling when actually the compressor RPMs are changing with the voltage fluctuation of our smart alternators. All the ARB Compressors prefer and run better around 14v. Always idle your vehicle when airing up via a compressor.

 

[Jaxmax]

The duals both run it is why the power requirement is so high compared to the single, I run an ARB single and it does fine but am running Falken 33 tires, takes longer to fill up then a dual would but it is fast enough for my needs. Does get warm but not overheating, it’s mounted to my bed rail just to left of the fridge, nice spot not hot location…..Jack

 

[Rahkmalla]

Another vote for the ARB twin. 100% duty cycle and the ability to fill 4 315/70r17s from 15 to 32 in about 5 minutes.

Why do I care about duty cycle if I'm done in 5 minutes? Well, I air up my buddies too sometimes. Using the 4 tire kit we do our left sides together then swap parking and do our right sides together. Or if I'm doing two friends I do me first, then having them park on either side and switch sides.

Works great!

 

[JTRDistraction]

Or if I'm doing two friends I do me first

Kinky!?

 

[JTRDistraction]

Kinky!?

Totally talking about the hose...it must get pretty worn out and kinked up with you doing all of your friends....?....?‍

 

[813 Fabrication & Design]

I have never used the Vevor, but if it is anything like the Vevor diesel heater I bought to test I would not go that route. The ARB single will work fine, it just takes a little more time. I think it really depends on how often you use it. The single works for me because I am not airing up and down often. If you are going off-roading often, pay the extra and get a stronger compressor. I would suggest also looking at the ViAir compressors. They have a new system called "VMS" that is tankless. The price point comes in lower than an ARB twin. I design my compressor mounts so that almost all of them will hold the ARB or ViAir compressors. If you need any help with a mount let me know!

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