What Air Compressors are you using?

Steve B

Jul 21, 2023

Looking for a portable or mounted air compressor that doesn't break the bank for airing down and back up after wheeling. What does everyone use.
Space is an issue. I am in a 2 door.
Thanks for any insight.

Last edited by a moderator: Jul 21, 2023

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Jul 21, 2023

I'm using a Viair 400P only because I bought it for an RV (non mountable). This model comes with an extra extension hose. I will eventually get an ARB. This seems to be a pretty good compressor. Not that expensive. You see people using these in the off road community. I believe it can run for an hour and is good up to 150 psi. May not be the fastest but it has always worked for me.

23 Bronco Raptor, code orange belts, keyless, lux, leather trim/suede seats, carbon fibre, shadow black

LR48

Jul 21, 2023

I opted for the ARB dual / portable setup with tank. It’s pricey but is 100% duty service and is very quick. I like the option of mobility as I might use it with the truck and RV while towing but certainly for the BadSquatch as I challenge trails then hit the pavement for return to camp.

It comes in a compact hard case and has enough room inside to accommodate my ARB digital gauge (a bonus). Edit: Amazon purchase - not Bronco Nation (I sometimes confuse myself with all the purchases of accessories) 🤣

‘22 Cactus Gray / Badlands / Sasquatch / LUX / Leather / MIC

James M.

Jul 21, 2023

Roughstock11
I'm using a Viair 400P only because I bought it for an RV (non mountable). This model comes with an extra extension hose. I will eventually get an ARB. This seems to be a pretty good compressor. Not that expensive. You see people using these in the off road community. I believe it can run for an hour and is good up to 150 psi. May not be the fastest but it has always worked for me.

Ditto. This is a good compressor. I like that it's portable so I can use it for a number if situtations. Pump up air shocks, air up tires, help other folks if needed.

Roughstock11

Jul 21, 2023

No shortage of threads on this! I am an enthusiastic customer of the ThorsLightningAirSystem, run by a few guys in Colorado ($670). Everything you need for the price of the ARB 2-cylinder compressor alone. The core is the 2-cylinder NAPA-based compressor, a 300 lpm pump. I air from 10 to 40 psi in just under 4 minutes. The package includes the compressor, a pair of 2 (x2)-chuck hoses (you air all 4 tires simultaneously with) a manifold, a single-tire hose, an extension hose, plus fittings and bags, and their molle mounting cage (see below). The hoses in their bag squeezes nicely in between the roll-over strut and the rear window, and holds all my tire stuff: my wheel lock keys, my Boulder Tools tire repair kit, etc.

Thor's is the only system I know of which allows the NAPA 2-cylinder to be permanently mounted: it bolts to the hardtop tie-down bolts along the rear window, utilizing the cubic space over the right rear well.

Their customer service is great. I had a defective manifold, they replaced it in an instant and included an upgrade on their valve chucks. I get no compensation, but mention "the ex-cop in Boston" if you phone them.

https://thorslightningairsystems.com/products/the-ultimate-setup-6th-generation-ford-bronco

Steve B, Deano Bronc

Jul 21, 2023

BostonBadlands
Thor's is the only system I know of which allows the NAPA 2-cylinder to be permanently mounted: it bolts to the hardtop tie-down bolts along the rear window, utilizing the cubic space over the right rear well.

There's mine as well, but I'm not producing the brackets yet so you'd have to use Thor's. Same compressor but only $130.

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BobN, Magic Raptor

Jul 21, 2023

Tricky Dick
There's mine as well, but I'm not producing the brackets yet so you'd have to use Thor's. Same compressor but only $130.

Well, I bought TrickyDick's recovery boards. They're longer, look like they have more "grab" and (sounds silly) better looking than the RhinoUSA ones which failed me in the mud near Wilson Hot Springs off the Pony Express Historic Byway in Utah. Gotta get bogged down somewhere to test them out for real--can't wait!

BobN, Deano Bronc

Jul 21, 2023

This long thread should give you more info--maybe more than you need! Easy to get paralyzed by too many choices.

https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/thre...mpressor-for-inflating-deflating-tires.72332/

Jul 22, 2023

I have the Tricky Dick compressor. I still keep it in the cheap bag it came in it stores pretty small, I like it being portable because I can take it out and use it on my Travel trailer, or one of my trucks. There are lots of upgrades you can do with this compressor including adding a 4-tire inflator but I have found this thing to be fast enough that I don’t need any upgrades airs up all four tires from 15 to 39psi in about 12 minutes.

Bronco Nation 1100. Everglades, Desert Sand
Res: 7/30/20 ordered 1/22/21 reorder 10/15/21 changed to Everglades 3/9/22 schedule 8/29/22 bumped to 9/5; 9/7/22 blend, 9/9 Mods, 9/26/22 completed, 10/7 shipped, 11/3/22 delivery

BobN, Magic Raptor

Jul 22, 2023

I purchased the "4x4 Offroad Tozalazz" Portable Compressor through Amazon on the strength of a friend's endorsement and after seeing it air up four tires in the time it took me to inflate one tire using a different compressor. It cost $185 including free shipping with Amazon Prime membership. It was purchased during Prime Days, so it cost a bit less than usual. Here's a link: Tozalazz 4x4 Portable Compressor

I unpacked it and tried it out as soon as I took delivery. I was astounded by how quickly it aired up a tire I had purposefully deflated. I like the soft case the unit comes in; it won't scuff up the cargo area panels like a hard case might. Also, there are four beefy rubber feet under the plate the compressor is mounted to, which may be part of the reason it operates so quietly. No vibration is transmitted to the floor (or ground) while using. In the photos below, I included a shot of the specs on the shipping container for reference.

There are definitely a lot of options out there, including the Trickflate 300 as @Jakob1972 indicated (Link here: Tricky Motorsports). Many will do the same thing, some better, some not. The gamble is longevity and durability. AND more importantly, customer service if something goes wrong or if the product does not meet expectations. No one wants to buy a compressor more than once! Best of luck with your search.

2023 Ford Bronco Badlands Sasquatch • 2-Door • Velocity Blue • 2.7L V6 • 10-Speed • Lux Package

BobN, Steve B

Jul 22, 2023

#10

Under hood mounted ARB single. Airs up the 35's from 15-35 psi in about 10-12 minutes.

21 Badlands, 2 dr, four banger, slushbox, SAS. PERFECT!

Chief Ron, Superstition AZ

Jul 22, 2023

#11

Sven
Under hood mounted ARB single. Airs up the 35's from 15-35 psi in about 10-12 minutes.

To be honest, I'm a bit envious of those with underhood air compressors. Talk about convenience! The portable I purchased was something I wanted to do so I would be prepared for planned trail rides. The beauty of always having one with you is that you can spontaneously decide to go off-road. You don't have to throw one in your trunk. The cost difference could not be ignored. Ultimately, I would like to get an underhood compressor added to my Bronco, but the portable should do for now. Baby steps for me. I'm still very much a noob.

2023 Ford Bronco Badlands Sasquatch • 2-Door • Velocity Blue • 2.7L V6 • 10-Speed • Lux Package

Deano Bronc, Chief Ron

Jul 22, 2023

#12

Sven
Under hood mounted ARB single. Airs up the 35's from 15-35 psi in about 10-12 minutes.

Inflation speeds are discussed and exaggerated like horsepower and acceleration debates among high school boys. Mike Love should write a song...

Steve B, Chief Ron

Jul 22, 2023

#13

BostonBadlands
Inflation speeds are discussed and exaggerated like horsepower and acceleration debates among high school boys. Mike Love should write a song...

“I caught a fish, and it was THIS BIG”

Riding OB1, 23 4- door Outer Banks, SAS, MOD, MIC, Lux, Ordered 10/20/22, delivered 1/13/23

Steve B, Deano Bronc

Jul 22, 2023

#14

Bluestreak57
“I caught a fish, and it was THIS BIG”

Was it THIS big?

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21 Badlands, 2 dr, four banger, slushbox, SAS. PERFECT!

Steve B, Stryf

Jul 22, 2023

#15

Sven
Was it THIS big?

BIGGER

Riding OB1, 23 4- door Outer Banks, SAS, MOD, MIC, Lux, Ordered 10/20/22, delivered 1/13/23

Steve B, Deano Bronc

Jul 22, 2023

#16

Jakob1972
I have the Tricky Dick compressor. I still keep it in the cheap bag it came in it stores pretty small, I like it being portable because I can take it out and use it on my Travel trailer, or one of my trucks. There are lots of upgrades you can do with this compressor including adding a 4-tire inflator but I have found this thing to be fast enough that I don’t need any upgrades airs up all four tires from 15 to 39psi in about 12 minutes.

It fits perfectly in the Apache 3800 from HF

Lt. LAGER = 2 Door Badlands, A51, High pkg, 2.3, 7 Speed, Non-SAS. Prod week 8/8/2022 - Picked up 12/5/2022.

Magic Raptor, Deano Bronc

Jul 23, 2023

#17

SAVEUP
It fits perfectly in the Apache 3800 from HF

Wow, that really is a great fit. I'm pretty sure the one I have is similar in size. It's considerably bigger than the one that I have been using for about 20 years now. It also fills the tires at at least twice the speed.
I am happy that mine came with at least a soft case, but the HF one you showed will work better for strapping it down so it doesn't bounce around off road. I worry about tightening it down too much and smashing something while it's in the soft case. That foam though, I worry it would get melted if the compressor isn't allowed to cool down some first before stowing it. hmm...
My old compressor is a TJM, an Aussie company like ARB, but they've seemed to go out of business. I believe it is rated as 5-6 CFM. It cost me 120 bucks or something. I would rather have a portable one than one under the hood. Under the hood ones are subject to hot and cold, dirt and grime. Mine goes back in its bag and is ready for the next time I head off road. My little yellow one still looks new, I've used it scores of times.

I am not a leader. I just like to go first.

Deano Bronc, Chief Ron

Jul 24, 2023

#18

BuckYeah
I purchased the "4x4 Offroad Tozalazz" Portable Compressor through Amazon on the strength of a friend's endorsement and after seeing it air up four tires in the time it took me to inflate one tire using a different compressor. It cost $185 including free shipping with Amazon Prime membership. It was purchased during Prime Days, so it cost a bit less than usual. Here's a link: Tozalazz 4x4 Portable Compressor

I unpacked it and tried it out as soon as I took delivery. I was astounded by how quickly it aired up a tire I had purposefully deflated. I like the soft case the unit comes in; it won't scuff up the cargo area panels like a hard case might. Also, there are four beefy rubber feet under the plate the compressor is mounted to, which may be part of the reason it operates so quietly. No vibration is transmitted to the floor (or ground) while using. In the photos below, I included a shot of the specs on the shipping container for reference.

There are definitely a lot of options out there, including the Trickflate 300 as @Jakob1972 indicated (Link here: Tricky Motorsports). Many will do the same thing, some better, some not. The gamble is longevity and durability. AND more importantly, customer service if something goes wrong or if the product does not meet expectations. No one wants to buy a compressor more than once! Best of luck with your search.

Thanks for the info. Trying not to break the bank and this may be a good way to keep some of my money and still get the job done. We have 2 Broncos and my mod list is getting long. Tie Rods are next.

Chief Ron, BuckYeah

Jul 27, 2023

#19

SAVEUP
It fits perfectly in the Apache 3800 from HFwow thanks for this bit of info.i boughtthe same but different offamazon too.

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