On-Board/Portable Air Options

[Wanderlust Bus]

We currently have a Viair 300P. We would probably love it if we only need to air up to about 35-45 psi. Our van needs 80 psi rear and 60 psi front. It takes a ridiculous amount of time to get aired back up when we reach pavement again.

I'm not sure if I want another portable compressor, or if I want an on-board setup. Each has benefits.

What are you guys running and what would you suggest?
For on-board, I've been looking at Viair Constant Duty OBA. It has nice 100% duty cycle, but a slow fill rate.
For portable, I'm considering Viair 400P. It only has 33% duty cycle, but a faster fill rate.
Either of these options really only seem slightly better than the 300P we currently have.

I could also jump up to the ARB Twin Compressor, but that's stretching the budget further than I'd like even though I know the quality is probably far better.

[WhitH]

I'd be interested in hearing some thoughts on this as well. I've been back and forth countless times. I'm toying with the idea of just doing something like this https://www.ryobitools.com/power-too...lator-deflator along with carrying the drill and a small vacuum (kids...) so I can use the battery for all of it. I would use it for the occasional tire fill up as well as floats etc. for the river and air mattresses. Is the fill rate just going to be brutally slow?

[shenrie]

if you guys haven't seen this thread, its worth a read.

https://www.expeditionportal.com/for...-there.169195/

[joefromsf]

Coincidentally, Overland Journal just published a test of portable compressors: https://expeditionportal.com/the-ove...mpressor-test/

[WhitH]

Very interesting indeed. I've never hear of Puma compressors so I'll have to look them up. I've got room to permanently mount one in my front bumper. Engine bays are hard in vans though....

[larrie]

Another way to go is with a Warn Powerplant combination winch and air compressor. They come in 9,500 and 12,500 pound capicities and deliver 5 CFM at 90 PSI. A friend has one and loves it. The one in my garage needs to get installed.

[Grampswrx]

The upside to OBA in my opinion is the tank that you mount. Having 5 gallons of compressed air ready before you even begin filling a tire makes it take less time. No idea where you mount the compressor though.

[brp]

I’ve never seen it in person, just on-line, but there is a product called, Igo-AIR, that uses exhaust.

Basically, you have an air hose with a chuck on one end and an exhaust plug on the other.

Could be light, cheap, fast, compact. I don’t know if there are issues caused my the chemistry of the exhaust...my concern anyway.

Something to consider....

[1der]

This has worked really well. Out of the elements, bring along when needed, stores easily. ARB Twin mounted to Harbor Freight case. Snap On air connectors and hose, Anderson style high current connectors. I need to install the Anderson type on the battery terminals. Wicked Mikey’s idea and assembly

[86Scotty]

I prefer a fixed OBA system with a reserve tank and at least two chucks somewhere on the vehicle. I just bought my second Viair setup, the one you mentioned above I think (Constant duty, single compressor). It may be slower but draws a bunch less amps than a double and is half the price. With the tank I've found it to be a good balance between price and quality considering how little most of us use these things anyway. I'll share more after it's mounted. It's a step up from my last one.