I think my next upgrade will be onboard air. I'm struggling a bit though to understand options and what is really important compared to a nice-to-have. I bet you all might be able to help.





First off, background/goals:



- 2017 JKUR

- Currently on stock wheels & tires but I expect I'll be on 285/75-17 or similar before too long. I don't ever see 35X12.5 happening.

- My goal is to be able to fill or refill my tires and one or two more vehicles in a reasonably timely fashion.

- I don't see the need to run air tools, lockers, an airhorn, or other accessories.



I see three basic options:

- Portable compressor that uses clamps to attach to the battery.

- Under the hood mount

- In the cabin mount, usually either under the passenger seat or in the cargo area



Now for the input I am looking for from people who have done this:

- Are the portable setups capable? This seems easy but then you need to find a way to secure it when not in use.

- Is it overly annoying to deal with the under the hood setup in practice?

- If I mount the compressor in the engine bay, does extra heat adversely affect compressor life? Some compressors make a note about being thermally resistant but not sure if that is something to optimize around.

- Do I need a 100% duty cycle setup or will a 30%/50% setup handle things? This seems to be a case of buy once, cry once but if I don't need a full use setup, I can save $$ here.





Thanks in advance

I recently did this. Similar goals as yours. I have had portable compressors. I find a permanently installed compressor much more convenient.

I didn’t see the need to pay for 100% duty cycle. No need for air tools on my part either.

I went with the ARB single compressor. Mounts great. Has the pressure switch that means when the hose isn’t attached to a tire airing up, it turns off. So the compressor isn’t constantly running. Also gives me the option of adding air lockers in the future. It’s also one less thing I gave to remember to pack when wheeling. And isn’t taking up precious cargo space.

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Better picture.

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Better picture.

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This is exactly like my setup as well. It works so very well and is convenient. The only issue I have is that the unit does overheat and shut down when I am airing up 35's from 10psi to 35psi. It usually just shuts down for about 2 or 3 minutes and the is ready to go again.


I choose the under the hood version vs. under the seat in the cabin for the sanity of my passengers. I do some cold weather runs, and when I have to air up I don't want my poor passengers to have to listen to the compressor run for 20 minutes, or sit outside while I air up.

 

To each his own on portable or mounted.

Yes, mounted has a cool factor. But you limit your self in air up unless you have a lot of hose.

I have a portable that I use. Easier to use on different vehicles and so on. That said, when I do upgrade the compressor. I will step up to this bad little mofo (yes, china made and don’t care). Will shop around tho.

https://www.amazon.com/Puma-Industries-PD1006-Compressor-Professional/dp/B00VNIB7CI

http://www.pumaairusa.com/products-08.html

 

I've had several types. I would do the ARB single. I run an ARB twin, but i'm airing up 37's. It's all inclusive, so no putting together pressure limit switches, relays, blow off valves, switches, etc. It's already set up.

I had an extreme aire magnum that I set up in a tool box to be portable. I never really carried it unless off-roading. When running, it would dance around and walk across the ground.

It sure is nice to always have air. Never know when you need to pull a trailer and the spare is flat, or help someone else out, etc.

 

+1 for onboard systems, its so handy to have something on-demand, and not rolling around the cargo bay.

If youre at all handy, I would recommend taking those under-hood systems just one step further, and install air chucks outside the engine bay so you dont have to open the hood. Its really easy to plumb.

I went a little overboard. Put an air compressor in the cavity behind the taillights (Saves cargo space), mounted a tank under the cabin, and put chucks on opposite corners of the jeep!


(full air system album https://imgur.com/a/xm4Yk)

 

I went the ARB dual route as well, mounted under the passenger seat via a teraflex mount. You can purchase or build a setup to inflate/deflate all 4 tires at the same time.

 

I go back and forth between a CO2 tank and a permanently mounted compressor....I have yet to make up my mind. If there was a brilliant out of the way place to mount a co2 tank the answer would be much easier.


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If there was a brilliant place to always fill up co2, the answer would be easier.

 

I use a VIAIR 400P. While I do like the ARB, I use mine in far too many places to be tied down to the Jeep. My lawn tractors, bicycles, and even when the kids call with a flat tire. I might not have access to the Jeep... This happened last week, plugged the tire and refilled, done. Wife had the Jeep and I had the compressor.

 

ARB Dual under seat with Teraflex mount here as well. I got two ARB hose kits so I have plenty of range.

We have salty roads so I like that the compressor is dry and clean all winter.

 

Thanks all for your input. I knew there would be lots of useful input here.

 

i'm for the arb twin, do it once and be done

 

I run the ARB dual compressor that is mounted under the seat. I mostly use it to fill up my tires after going offroad. That being said, I have helped people out on the trail just as much as I have used it for myself. The noise inside of the cabin is not very loud and we are typically outside of the jeep when we are filling up the tires anyways. I'm not running air lockers so the noise has never been an issue. I have not experienced any overheating of the compressor while filling up my 35" tires. I just moved up to 37" tires but I haven't had to fill up the tires yet.

Over the last couple of years I have used the air compressor more than expected and it's very convenient to have one available when needed.

 

I have two JKUR’s. My wife drives one and I drive the other. Both have 35’s. I opted for the ARB portable compressor. So doesn’t matter which one we use on the trails; I just toss it in the back and forget about it. It’s a little pricey but works great. I can air-up just as quickly as someone with an onboard.

 

On-board FTW (For me)

Hey Deuce_Actual,


Over the years, I have had plenty of different options when it comes to air.


My first build was a 87 YJ with 31" tires. I bought was an off the shelf (Lowes) compressor which worked off the cigarette lighter, this worked decently for my 31" tires.



My Next build, was a 99 TJ with 33" tires. The Lowe's compressor was not able to handle those in a timely manner, so I upgraded it to a Viaiar 440P ( I believe was the model number). Back in 2006, this was the beefiest portable compressor from Viair. And it did wonders for my 33s.


After that build, I bought a 2010 JKUR and slapped some 37s on there,. The Viair, still did the job but again, would take too much time to inflate the tires. 4+ minutes per tire from 15-ish PSI to 36psi.


Finally in 2016, I bought a JKU and upgraded the crap out of it. It sits on 40" tires. For that, my poor little Viair was not match. So I ended up installing an onboard ARB twin compressor system. So far, I love it. I build myself a 4-tire inflation system where I can connect all 4 tires together and deflate/inflate them at the same time. Deflation only takes a few minutes from 36 to 15. Inflation take about 12 minutes for all 4 tires from 15 to 36. The system can also be used for air lockers (which I have) and other compressed-air needing equipment. You can also install the optional storage tank under the rig should you chose to. Plumbing is easy and the install is a breeze. Just make sure to get the right bracket as this will allow you to mount the SPOD as well (should you already have one or ar thinking of it as an upgrade).


I like the on-board air cause you dont have to worry about "bringing" it with you and the accessories store neatly in the provided pouch and out of the way.


Bottom line is :iamhappy: with the on-board air



I will try to post a few pics. But if I forget feel free to remind me!


Hope this helps!

 

I had the same thoughts. However since I did not want any more stuff under hood and keeping clean I went with Teraflex mount under the seat with ARB twin 12volt.
This was for long term and just in case situations. Like to be prepared!

 

check Instagram for images of my ARB single install with remote air quick connect. All switched off my ApolloIntech. #offroadsoda and other great mods

 

Compressors

I run an ARB twin mounted in the engine compartment. I ran a hard line out to the front grill and mounted the hose hookup there for easy access without having to mess around under the hood. Just easier, not necessary.

- Are the portable setups capable? You can get the same compressor in a portable setup, but it does take up space in your load plan. That's why I went under the hood.

- Is it overly annoying to deal with the under the hood setup in practice? With the hookup point mounted outside the engine compartment, it's not an issue. This was very easy to accomplish.

- If I mount the compressor in the engine bay, does extra heat adversely affect compressor life? The hotter air in the engine compartment has to affect the compressor's performance - that's simple thermodynamics. But, the amount of use you'd actually put in recreational use, this is a lot of 'air' over nothing.

- Do I need a 100% duty cycle setup or will a 30%/50% setup handle things? The ARB Twin has a 50% duty cycle. I do not have a storage tank and just go to the attachments from the compressor. This has never been an issue in use. If you think you really, really need to work fast, adding a storage cylinder as shown in a couple posts would solve the issue.

 

I run an ARB twin mounted in the engine compartment. I ran a hard line out to the front grill and mounted the hose hookup there for easy access without having to mess around under the hood. Just easier, not necessary.

- Are the portable setups capable? You can get the same compressor in a portable setup, but it does take up space in your load plan. That's why I went under the hood.

- Is it overly annoying to deal with the under the hood setup in practice? With the hookup point mounted outside the engine compartment, it's not an issue. This was very easy to accomplish.

- If I mount the compressor in the engine bay, does extra heat adversely affect compressor life? The hotter air in the engine compartment has to affect the compressor's performance - that's simple thermodynamics. But, the amount of use you'd actually put in recreational use, this is a lot of 'air' over nothing.

- Do I need a 100% duty cycle setup or will a 30%/50% setup handle things? The ARB Twin has a 50% duty cycle. I do not have a storage tank and just go to the attachments from the compressor. This has never been an issue in use. If you think you really, really need to work fast, adding a storage cylinder as shown in a couple posts would solve the issue.

I'll take a shot at a few of these with my perspective.

1, Yes, yes, yes.

2, No, When I was looking at at installing the twin ARB I contacted ARB's tech department and asked that questions, They said under hood mounting, the heat will not have a negative effect on the performance or life of the compressor.

3, I've had my compressor mounted and in use for three years now, I fill my 35's from 10 to 30, and I often help airing up others. I've aired up mine and as many as 4-5 other tires and the compressors has never automatically turned off.

As a side note, one of my acquaintances has the twin under seat, his spouse will not ride with him do to the unannounced random noise and vibration under her seat.

 

Seeing as I have air lockers, I went with the single ARB under the hood on the synergy bracket. One of these days I will relocate the air chuck external to the hood. I can air up my 35's from 15 to 28 PSI on under 2 minutes a tire. This compressor has never overheated either.