12V on board air choices

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Cirbo

Cirbo

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Checked the FAQ and did a few different key word searches, but thought I'd still gather some opinions.

I am interested in purchasing a 12V air compressor and tank that can refill tires and run ARB's. The compressor will need to be in the engine bay, and tank will most likely need to be under the bed.

I see lots of vendors out there, so who has had good luck with what brands?

TIA,

Cirbo
 
An ARB compressor can work for you, I dont remember if the new smaller one or the older larger style is more suited for airing up, But its an option.
Have you given a York belt driven compressor a thought?

As to vendor, Out your way I dont know, But Kurt @ cruiseroutfitters.com has ALWAYS been helpful
 
Belt driven compressors are pretty much out for this application, as the engine has a serpentine belt system.
 
Go to pepboys and buy the MV-50 compressor. Its red in color, and is only $50 bucks but rivals the $300 compressors. I have one set up to a tank and it is awesome!!!
Here it is: Sam's Club - Super Flow MV50 High Volume Compressor

Its best to drill and tap the hose connection so you can run 1/4" NPT off of it since it uses a metric connection. Or, you can just keep it the way it is.
 
lots of choices
Extreme Outback has some alternatives and are good people and supporters of TLCA
ExtremeOutback.com

I have the old style ARB that came with my ARB's and they are not good for larger tires. I can do about one before it decides it is to hot.
another choices is Powertank. That is what I use for my tires
 
Cirbo said:
Checked the FAQ and did a few different key word searches, but thought I'd still gather some opinions.

I am interested in purchasing a 12V air compressor and tank that can refill tires and run ARB's. The compressor will need to be in the engine bay, and tank will most likely need to be under the bed.

I see lots of vendors out there, so who has had good luck with what brands?

TIA,

Cirbo
Click to expand...
I got the CKSA12 ARB pump to run the lockers and a $50 MV50 style pump from Harbor freight to air up the tires. The ARB pump will run for years if not ask to air up tires. I can replace the tire pump when it gets worn out.


A belt driven pump isn't necessarily out of the question with a serpentine belt. The Sanden AC pump can be used for airing tires. Since they aren't a wet sump pump they wont last as long as the York but they are cheap and plentiful at Pick and Pull.
 
I went the VIAIR route with the 400C compressor. I have no complaints with it at all. I bought the "kit" just for ease of installation - Viair - Your Vital Air Source.. I shopped around on the internet and found a pretty large discrepancy in price between vendors. I ended up paying over $100 less than the first vendor I checked by doing my homework. I just happened to find a vendor that had it on sale with free shipping.

Installation was pretty straight forward. It only took a couple hours. I mounted the tank under the rear of the tub. I'll probably end up moving it since I want to add an aftermarket fuel tank under there at some point.

Besides, the box came with an FJ40 on the front of it. How can you go wrong? ;)

:cheers:
VIAIR0001.webp
VIAIR0002.webp
VIAIR0003.webp
 
Hi All:

What engine do you have in this rig?

I know that there are aftermarket York-type belt-driven air compressors for Heep Wranglers; perhaps one of those could be modified to work with the engine in your TLC.

Here is a Heep tech link that might help:

http://www.rockcrawler.com/techreports/york_tj/part2/page2a.htm

Good luck!

Alan

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Cirbo said:
Belt driven compressors are pretty much out for this application, as the engine has a serpentine belt system.
Click to expand...
 
Last edited:
Josie'sLandCruiser said:
Hi All:

What engine do you have in this rig?

I know that there are aftermarket York-type belt-driven air compressors for Heep Wranglers; perhaps one of those could be modified to work with the engine in your TLC.

Here is a Heep tech link that might help:

Welcome to ROCKCRAWLER.COM (York Action!)

Good luck!

Alan

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Click to expand...

Ramjet. I am liking the specs on the Viair, but will probably have to build the air tank into the front bumper.
 
Although much slower than the belt driven pumps, I've used the Tsunami MV50 for 2 years with no problems. Maybe it is just a difference in material used, but, IMHO, it basically looks like a Viair 400P that is painted Red with a square frame around the motor and a different type handle. The MV50 comes with a much cheaper gauge/hose/connector set than the Viair also, but if you are going to replace/discard that stuff, the Tsunami may be a more affordable route.
 
Last edited:
FJ40zen said:
Although much slower than the belt driven pumps, I've used the Tsunami MV50 for 2 years with no problems. Maybe it is just a difference in material used, but, IMHO, it basically looks like a Viair 400P that is painted Red with a square frame around the motor and a different type handle. The MV50 comes with a much cheaper gauge/hose/connector set than the Viair also, but if you are going to replace/discard that stuff, the Tsunami may be a more affordable route.
Click to expand...

I also have 2 Tsunami compressors, used them for ~3 years, my brother still uses his. The only failure we have had was electrical connections, soldered it and good as new. Not only do they look very similar to the Viair 400, but the specs are the same, 2.54cfm/72LPM and in air up races the preform the same.

My Puma looks almost exactly like a buddies Extreme Air, different color, air filter, mine has a tank, etc. Puma is mainly a prime manufacture, great quality, most of the compressors they sell have other brand names on them. I know for a fact they make compressors for at least one mobile tool truck co. My Puma airs up just as fast as the Extreme Air, but also has the advantage of the tank, so does a good job running my 3/8" impact, air hammer, etc on the trail. They are rated 4cfm.
 
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With AC installed, things are getting a little crowded in the engine compartment for an additional belt driven compressor.

It's probably sad but true, but all the compressors are most likely made in the same factory in China.
DSC05055.webp
 
I've got a gift certificate I need to spend at Sam's.

Could I buy one of the MV50 and mount it under the hood (like FF LC FREAK did the viair) and plumb it into a reservoir tank to have more air? Would I need some kind of pressure shutoff valve to turn the unit on and off?

Copenhagen1
 
Copenhagen1 said:
I've got a gift certificate I need to spend at Sam's.

Could I buy one of the MV50 and mount it under the hood (like FF LC FREAK did the viair) and plumb it into a reservoir tank to have more air? Would I need some kind of pressure shutoff valve to turn the unit on and off?

Copenhagen1
Click to expand...
You would need a pressure switch to turn the pump on and off.
 
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