Portable Air Compressor

[Smergen]

OK Gang,

On the shopping list is a portable air compressor for the van and Paj. I don't particularly want to keep running back and forth to the local servo before or after to check and adjust tyre pressures and air bags. So I'm looking for a small air compressor to do the job and to take with us.

Would prefer something that is reliable and robust over something that is cheap and nasty as I see this as an important piece of kit I'd rather not replace.

And while I'm at it, would people recommend I put a second battery in to run this thing, or do they come with adaptors for 240 connection? I'm trying to minimise the bigger upgrades to the Paj as I know we'll be shifting it on in a few years when we ramp up our outback adventures.

Any advice, tips and recommendations are greatly appreciated.

 

[Pace]

Ahh, the planning for the Father Day gift list has allready started ha @Smergen My comp was a eBay item, no issue with it. i felt the same re airbags and airing back up after some 4wding.

As for 2nd battery to run it, i run mine of main battery no issues at all. I adapted the wiring to a trailer plug and utilised the fridge power circiut to run compressor.

 

[Cheyne78]

Hi Smergen,
I had a reasonable one (or so i thought) until I bought an ARB portable one in a case. Simply awesome but make sure you have the car running while you use it if no aux battery. It pumped up 8 Prado tyres from 25 - 40 psi in around 10 min. You can simply buy another extension hose to do the van while hooked up. No 240v conversion though.. Hope this helps.

 

[Smergen]

Thanks for the tips @Pace and @Cheyne78... I knew there would be quite a few options which is why I'm looking for tips like this.

I saw Repco have some half price specials on at the moment and trying to work out if those around the $100 mark would do the job.

 

[dagree]

@Smergen
It also comes down to your budget. I have a 10 year old small single piston $59 Cyclone compressor that works OK but will pump up one tyre from 18psi to 40psi in the same time it takes my twin piston blue tongue ($300+ from memory) to pump up the other 3..... The cheapy stays in the back drawers for emergencies and for pumping up the airbags.

Also have a mid range larger single piston unit that was bought from MALZ (Unsure of brand) for about $179 and came with a set of staun deflators. It's almost as good as the blue tongue in capability but does run a lot hotter.

I have fitted an anderson plug to them all and plug it into the anderson plug on the back of the Prado running from the second battery.... Reaches the van wheels from there.

 

[Pace]

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/12V-Elec...Accessories&hash=item4ad61f450b#ht_2986wt_916
Heres what i got, no issues. Kids even use it for their balls, bikes. You can even get them with puncture repair kits thrown in. Must admit, thats a good option to have to get you going again :barbershop_quartet_member:

 

[Bmhdg76]

I have the Arb in a case and wouldn't have anything else. Like @dagree I have put an Anderson plug on it and keep engine running. Is brilliant. Can reach van tyres no problems. Yes there are on the dearer side but are fully serviceable if needed and will live for years.

BJ.

 

[Racer]

I had a T Max Taipan which let me down when I needed it most. Piston melted after 2 tyres.

Havin experienced that when I needed it most I did a fair bit of research and I ended up with the ARB.

There are so many on the market however I use my ARB quite often and it works without issue. They have a 5 year warranty and you can purchase every piece possible for them if there ever was an issue.

As for the aux battery, certainly not. As other stated, idle the car while using the compressor.

 

[jvp]

Hi Smergen,
I had a reasonable one (or so i thought) until I bought an ARB portable one in a case. Simply awesome but make sure you have the car running while you use it if no aux battery. It pumped up 8 Prado tyres from 25 - 40 psi in around 10 min. You can simply buy another extension hose to do the van while hooked up. No 240v conversion though.. Hope this helps.

ARB for me also. Best thing, quick & quiet & easy.
jvp

 

[Turtle]

OK Gang,

On the shopping list is a portable air compressor for the van and Paj. I don't particularly want to keep running back and forth to the local servo before or after to check and adjust tyre pressures and air bags. So I'm looking for a small air compressor to do the job and to take with us.

Would prefer something that is reliable and robust over something that is cheap and nasty as I see this as an important piece of kit I'd rather not replace.

And while I'm at it, would people recommend I put a second battery in to run this thing, or do they come with adaptors for 240 connection? I'm trying to minimise the bigger upgrades to the Paj as I know we'll be shifting it on in a few years when we ramp up our outback adventures.

Any advice, tips and recommendations are greatly appreciated.

A good compressor is a must. Go for one predomenantly constructed of steel and not one of the plastic ones. I carry an aldi one, 5 years old and hasn't missed a beat.
In regards to a second battery, I bought an Arkpak last week and it's great. Totally portable between vehicles and works as a second battery with the addition of the car adaptor.
I've been running 2 fridges off it and it has no problem keeping up with the charge. I have a 120ah deep cycle battery in it.
On sale at BCF until the 20th, save 50 bucks.

 

[Bushman]

Also have the ARB in the case, thought about vehicle mounting it in the rear of the PJ as I do have dual batteries but never did it,
like some others going to put Anderson plug on to plug straight the rear of the PJ or under bonnet or van battery if needed.

Be careful on the airbags though, it's pretty quick

 

[achjimmy]

Had a few. Currently got the Aldi compressor, very powerful cast iron cylinder. Cut the lead and added Anderson plugs and then mounted it strapped down to the floor, down the side of the drawers. So it's mounted for most duties but can come out in a few secs if needed remotely. Have a 5m extension hose so I don't stress the curly hose pulling right out.

 

[Bellbirdweb]

I have a twin cylinder ARB and wouldn't be without it.

Sure there are cheaper ones out there, but after burning out 2 cheapies, and waiting an eternity for them to pump up the tyres on the 4x4 I lashed out.

It's 5 years old and still going strong.

 

[relgate]

I have the ARB double compressor with the compressed air tank (in a case). Its very expensive but super handy for running air tools etc. Maybe a bit over specd for your use!

 

[crackacoldie]

My 9 year old ARB under bonnet has not given me any grief, although I think the relay had just died, a little more testing first.

 

[Smergen]

Awesome stuff gang. It seems the ARB one is the way to go. Will drop in to 'rat tomorrow to check out the options.

Don't have an Anderson plug on the back just the 12 pin. @Pace how do you wire that up to run yours?

Happy to spend a bit if we are going to get 5+ years out of it

 

[straydingo]

pm sent @Smergen

 

[Joanne]

After having our ebay cheapie cark it after lending it to our son (well we thought so anyway and turned out to be broken fuse) Hubby has brought http://www.anaconda.com.au/Product/Camping-Gear/razorback-series-ii-compressor#90043464

A mate has one and has found this to be very reliable. On special too this week.

After fixing the fuse we now have 2. One for each 4wd

 

[Hubble80]

I have a Dr Air Pro Flow. Was under $200 on eBay and hasn't missed a beat. Very happy with it. I went with it after reading reviews online.

 

[Smergen]

Didn't manage to get into ARB today, but did call into Ironman 4x4 to kill a few minutes. Damn... you could spend some money in there... Had a FlowMax Pro in there.

Thanks @Joanne and @Hubble80 for the links and units to look at.