Portable vs. Fixed Air Compressors: Which Side Are You On?

[UtahBrandon]

I'm all about out of sight, out of mind with my gear. My underhood install has been amazing and so invaluable not only for my own Bronco, but for use on my family and friend's cars and bikes. It's one of my favorite "features" of my Bronco.

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[Ninjak]

Nicely done and nice setup! Did you do the install yourself or??
Thanks

Yes, I did the install. Was very painful because the instructions were lacking, and the person from AAL was a Jeep guy. Though I did figure it out and did them the favor of writing instructions and sent them to them to use. HAHA. I can now do the install easily.

The toughest part is not scratching your tailgate up.

 

[3People1Body]

At Supercell East, it looked like a lot of folks mounting ARB compressors in the back cargo area, due to heat (under hood) being bad for the compressor... Thoughts?

 

[HighVelocity]

bicycle pump

 

[KreeHBronco]

For now, I am going with a portable MorrFlate FiveSix PSI Pro and their 4-way Tire Kit. Compressor cost about the same than the Tire Kit. My tires are only 33" so I felt I didn't need the added speed of the TenSix. My list of unfinished add-ons is big (hidden winch, intercooler, exhaust, ...) and I am slow. To avoid adding another install, I decided avoid a fixed air solution.

 

[TX-Dennis]

I have a Viair portable. It's not the fastest, but it gets the job done. And I can move it to different vehicles as needed. I also have a 20v Hart compressor which is quite slow, but will do the job . . . eventually. The Hart is better suited to filling the occasional low tire rather than airing back up after going offroad, though.

 

[retiredarmymp]

Portable so I can move it to other vehicles. I went with the Amazon ARB twin knockoff and mounted it in a harbor freight box, it has been working great and it was less than 1/3 the price of the twin portable compressor from ARB. I also have a 4 tire inflation hose but I don’t use it because it takes up additional space and it actually takes more work to roll it up and store it. Using the single hose everything fits in the HF box.

 

[Felix808]

Hard to beat the value and volume of air from a Napa/Trickflate based twin. And with the ability to hard mount it makes it a no-brainer for me. Hard mounted so it's always with me
JDMarz Mount

 

[Sircheeto]

I went with the MorrFlate TenSix and quad hose system. I have multiple vehicles and wanted the portability. I like the idea of a mounted and concealed unit but decided to go portable.

 

[Hammerli22]

I only have one off-road worthy vehicle so I went with fixed compressor.

 

[RR25HB]

At Supercell East, it looked like a lot of folks mounting ARB compressors in the back cargo area, due to heat (under hood) being bad for the compressor... Thoughts?

Leaning towards portable ... does the exposure to increased heat and dirt, in an under hood mount location in any way sacrifice the longevity/viability of the compressor life?

 

[Boostedblues]

My M18 Milwaukee portable works for me. I use it in my Bronco and F-250 for filling tires and airbags for towing the camper. Not to mention airing up the bronco after off roading. Its not as fast but it sure gets the job done.

 

[The Green Flash]

Definitely portable, Thor's lightning unit here. The freedom to just drop it and the bag with the hose in whatever vehicle I'm taking at the moment is so much more convenient. Not running 40" tires on anything, and have never experienced the compressor getting 'too hot' airing back up... by the time I finish my beer, the compressor is maybe slightly warm to the touch is all.

I imagine I spend maybe a few minutes more at the end of trail to put the compressor back in its nylon bag and stow it than I would if I had onboard air... but then again, I'm not in a hurry to get back on the road after a day out wheeling.

 

[GA2Dr]

For anyone interested in the Milwaukee M18, the Home Depot has a great sale right now for Memorial Day. Got the M18 with two 6 amp batteries and a charger for $285 shipped.

 

[TheKim]

Wolfbox!
Y'all are on the side of BORRs recovery rig.

I've been using a portable Napa for a couple years, it's been good enough.
I like being able to loan it to others or take it to their rig to help air up after a trail ride.

Just my 2 cents

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