Best affordable portable air compressors and winch?

BostonBadlands

"Tricky Dick" is a sponsor and frequent (and knowledgeable) poster on the other site. Check out this thread, lots of info. He also sells an affordable variant on the MaxiTrack.

https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/thre...al-rebranded-compressors-some-in-stock.43685/

As you think through your compressor options, consider (1) you may find yourself utilizing it more than you're planning to right now as you get more into off-roading, so consider performance, speed, and accessories. That means a 4-way hose setup, which allows you to air down and air up all four tires simultaneously. That means a fairly powerful machine. "Cheap is expensive," the say, in that cheap products wear down, break down, and have to be fixed or replaced. There's also the matter of time and inconvenience, like arranging a tow because you skimped on maintenance.

With that in mind, consider the ThorsLightning setup. At $669, you get a powerful 1000 lpm compressor, and all the harness, hoses and fittings you need, plus a cage-like mount that goes over your right rear wheelwell. I got it for $560 on their Black Friday special, and they told me they have a Memorial Day sale, too. It's a Colorado outfit run by a couple of retired cops. They shipped for free, and didn't charge my state sales tax (I wonder about that).

https://thorslightningairsystems.com/collections/ford-bronco-2021-present

Thank you! I will check out that post as well as the compressor you mentioned.

Question about multiple lines at once. How does that save time? Isn't the amount of air the compressor is pushing out finite, singular, and splitting it is causing each tire to only get a proportionate share of the air, and therefore take, in this case, four times longer to fill? You still have to connect it to each wheel, so that doesn't save time either. Then you have all the "extra" hose(s) that take up space and time pulling out and putting away. What's the benefit?

I think the ARB twin air compressor is for bragging rights, but hardly worth the additional expense. A portable compressor is more convenient and less costly. Every time I've aired up I've been having a conversation, or drink or snack, or organizing my stuff, with my friends. I've never been trying to air up so I could race home. So, the extra minute, or few, that my buddies are done before me has never been wasted time. You may not want to share stories about the trail, but I think most people do. Airing up isn't about shaving minutes so you can get back to the rat race before the next guy.

AcesandEights

Question about multiple lines at once. How does that save time? Isn't the amount of air the compressor is pushing out finite, singular, and splitting it is causing each tire to only get a proportionate share of the air, and therefore take, in this case, four times longer to fill? You still have to connect it to each wheel, so that doesn't save time either. Then you have all the "extra" hose(s) that take up space and time pulling out and putting away. What's the benefit?

I think the ARB twin air compressor is for bragging rights, but hardly worth the additional expense. A portable compressor is more convenient and less costly. Every time I've aired up I've been having a conversation, or drink or snack, or organizing my stuff, with my friends. I've never been trying to air up so I could race home. So, the extra minute, or few, that my buddies are done before me has never been wasted time. You may not want to share stories about the trail, but I think most people do. Airing up isn't about shaving minutes so you can get back to the rat race before the next guy.

You definitely have a point there! I just have no patience! I can’t believe I survived the wait for my Bronco! I am new to this off-road thing and I guess I was thinking the faster you can air back up the sooner you can get out of others way. I think I will stalk my local Napa for a bit before I pay $1000 for the ARB.

@EGBronc: Airing 4 tires up or down, simultaneously, assures you an equalized pressure all around. There are also two-way setups, either to save money or to air your fronts & rears separately. It's all a matter of preference.
@Aces&Eights: Yours is a valid point. We're talking $200 or so of additional gear, and ten or twenty minutes at the trailhead, what matters to you most? It might matter if you've got a less powerful compressor, and/or you are helping out trail buddies with their inflation needs. (Air pressure inflation--not economics. Can't help you there!)

I'm probably overbuying on accessories. I'm grateful (and a bit smug-proud) that at this point in life (retired) I can afford to. I also believe in two precepts: 1) "Cheap is expensive," e.g. that bargain alternator may fail you at a very inopportune moment, and (2) "Better to have it and not need it, then need it and not have it." So I sprung for the ThorsLightning setup: A complete system, a little pricey, but still cheaper than the ARB.

Last thought, @EGBronc: Think through what you expect to do with your Bronc, and the roads and trails you're likely to attempt. But understand your appetite for off-roading may increase, and that, along with your family interests, will affect your accessorizing. This is a very addictive, and expensive, hobby! If you can wait, hold off till ThorsLightning has their Memorial Day Sale. BTW, it's a small outfit, and they answered my email questions promptly and personally. I appreciate that.

@Deano Bronc has a compressor that I think he got at Harbor Freight. It inflates his tires faster than my ARB twin inflates mine.

The thing I like about my ARB is that it is mounted under the hood and frees up cargo space in the back of the bronco.

BostonBadlands

@EGBronc: Airing 4 tires up or down, simultaneously, assures you an equalized pressure all around. There are also two-way setups, either to save money or to air your fronts & rears separately. It's all a matter of preference.
@Aces&Eights: Yours is a valid point. We're talking $200 or so of additional gear, and ten or twenty minutes at the trailhead, what matters to you most? It might matter if you've got a less powerful compressor, and/or you are helping out trail buddies with their inflation needs. (Air pressure inflation--not economics. Can't help you there!)

I'm probably overbuying on accessories. I'm grateful (and a bit smug-proud) that at this point in life (retired) I can afford to. I also believe in two precepts: 1) "Cheap is expensive," e.g. that bargain alternator may fail you at a very inopportune moment, and (2) "Better to have it and not need it, then need it and not have it." So I sprung for the ThorsLightning setup: A complete system, a little pricey, but still cheaper than the ARB.

Last thought, @EGBronc: Think through what you expect to do with your Bronc, and the roads and trails you're likely to attempt. But understand your appetite for off-roading may increase, and that, along with your family interests, will affect your accessorizing. This is a very addictive, and expensive, hobby! If you can wait, hold off till ThorsLightning has their Memorial Day Sale. BTW, it's a small outfit, and they answered my email questions promptly and personally. I appreciate that.

To be honest, I FULLY intended my Badlands to be a Mallcrawler🥴! That is until I went to the Off-Rodeo in Moab! I gained so much confidence there and am itching to go off-roading but also want to be prepared. I appreciate all your advice and will most likely limp along until I get a good deal on quality equipment. This is also my daily driver so I don’t want it loaded down with off-road equipment that is only used occasionally. I will definitely keep my eyes peeled for deals on this stuff.

EGBronc

To be honest, I FULLY intended my Badlands to be a Mallcrawler🥴! That is until I went to the Off-Rodeo in Moab! I gained so much confidence there and am itching to go off-roading but also want to be prepared. I appreciate all your advice and will most likely limp along until I get a good deal on quality equipment. This is also my daily driver so I don’t want it loaded down with off-road equipment that is only used occasionally. I will definitely keep my eyes peeled for deals on this stuff.

Good news…..Holly Oaks, Silver slake, Bundy Hill and other places have air stations you can use. ;)

@EGBronc: If you haven't already, register on Bronco6g.com, and look through the clubs. There has to be a Michigan club, or maybe a nearby state, that's appropriate. Lots of those sponsors will give you 10% or better discount, notably Tricky Dick. Once you start buying stuff, everybody has your email and you'll get spammed with sales stuff.

Even if you don't have the Sasquatch, your Badlands can handle some very serious backroad and trails. The Off-Roadeo, plus the recent storms, have shown you how capable a machine you have. Use the winter to read and educate yourself, whet your appetite, an"d decide on your first upgrades and gear. Ask around for customizing shops you can trust; there's lots you can do yourself.

Last thought: The Wrangler community has lots of websites and expertise. Search "jeep trails" + (a town or region near you), and you'll get clubs, trails, and events you can exploit. We joke about "the other brand," but everybody into "wheeling" is very helpful with advice. Nobody looks down on newcomers.

If you run short of ideas 😆 Start the 140+ post thread, "What Did You Do With Your Bronco Today" (this site). Everything from "What size nut do I use...?" to "I'm thinking of turning my Bronco into a stretch limousine...😫" but a lot of useful ideas inbetween.

ne2000

If you can find it at your local NAPA the Maxi Trac compressor is your bang for the buck winner. There are many videos out there on how to "upgrade" it once you get it to make it more usable and build your own 4 way inflator but it's perfectly capable out of the box.

Re winch I have Lux 2.7 as well but with modular bumper. I have a solution I'll be posting about soon that does retain ACC.

SlashRacer

@Deano Bronc has a compressor that I think he got at Harbor Freight. It inflates his tires faster than my ARB twin inflates mine.

The thing I like about my ARB is that it is mounted under the hood and frees up cargo space in the back of the bronco.

Mine is actually the one that @ne2000 mentioned above. I ordered from Napa before they became really popular. With all the discounts, it was a little less than $100. I know it won't be as reliable as the ARB unit, but it was worth a shot for only $100. I've only used it twice, but so far so good.

SlashRacer

Good news…..Holly Oaks, Silver slake, Bundy Hill and other places have air stations you can use. ;)

Perfect! That will be what I do until I am self sufficient!

BostonBadlands

@EGBronc: If you haven't already, register on Bronco6g.com, and look through the clubs. There has to be a Michigan club, or maybe a nearby state, that's appropriate. Lots of those sponsors will give you 10% or better discount, notably Tricky Dick. Once you start buying stuff, everybody has your email and you'll get spammed with sales stuff.

Even if you don't have the Sasquatch, your Badlands can handle some very serious backroad and trails. The Off-Roadeo, plus the recent storms, have shown you how capable a machine you have. Use the winter to read and educate yourself, whet your appetite, an"d decide on your first upgrades and gear. Ask around for customizing shops you can trust; there's lots you can do yourself.

Last thought: The Wrangler community has lots of websites and expertise. Search "jeep trails" + (a town or region near you), and you'll get clubs, trails, and events you can exploit. We joke about "the other brand," but everybody into "wheeling" is very helpful with advice. Nobody looks down on newcomers.

If you run short of ideas 😆 Start the 140+ post thread, "What Did You Do With Your Bronco Today" (this site). Everything from "What size nut do I use...?" to "I'm thinking of turning my Bronco into a stretch limousine...😫" but a lot of useful ideas inbetween.

I do have the Sasquatch package as well! It is very capable and I was lucky enough to be able to drive a Badlands at off-rodeo so I know what it can do. I had only driven a Big Bend Sasquatch for the quick test drive at the dealership prior to that. I have been reading everything I can on this thing, my husband is always asking me what I’m doing, “Um, reading BN!!” He just shakes his head! I am on B6G as well and go back and forth between the two sites for information. I am building my bank of information! Thank you again for all the information!

Make your own.

G7ibby

Make your own.

It's a good idea, and doable. But do I have the time--and more importantly, the skillset--to put that together?
I really admire the automotive tech skills a lot of members possess, but that's way beyond me. That's why I paid big $$ for a Badlands Sasquatch: to have Ford do all the engineering and component compatibility decisions. For you guys who can take a Base and turn that into a serious rockcrawler: Amen, and amen!
I've seen posts where members bought the hoses, fittings, and put it all together for a neat 4-way integrated set up. And for little money! If I did it, first time out on a trail a chuck would probably fly off and hit me right in the eye.
If you check my posts above, after a lot of research I figured the ThorsLightning rig was the best option at my price point. But your case setup looks very, very sharp!

G7ibby

Make your own.

What compressors did you use?

I just added an LOD Black Ops bumper, front skid plate and a Badland Apex 12000 winch with synthetic rope, to my 2022 Outer Banks. I had them installed by Karl Flammer Ford Custom Shop at my dealership. Anthony, the shop manager, told me that the LOD bumper was the best as far as fit and finish. It cost me around $1600. He was very impressed with the Badland Apex 12000. I got that one on sale at Harbor Freight plus an additional 20% discount. Their warranty is only 90 days, so I bought the 2 year extended warranty. I think I paid under $750 for it with the extended warranty. Installation was $1,000.00. Worth it, because everything done at Ford does not void the warranty. I have researched the Badland winch. But I figured if Matt at Matt's Off Road Recovery uses Badland winches, they can't be too bad.

GDavis

I just added an LOD Black Ops bumper, front skid plate and a Badland Apex 12000 winch with synthetic rope, to my 2022 Outer Banks. I had them installed by Karl Flammer Ford Custom Shop at my dealership. Anthony, the shop manager, told me that the LOD bumper was the best as far as fit and finish. It cost me around $1600. He was very impressed with the Badland Apex 12000. I got that one on sale at Harbor Freight plus an additional 20% discount. Their warranty is only 90 days, so I bought the 2 year extended warranty. I think I paid under $750 for it with the extended warranty. Installation was $1,000.00. Worth it, because everything done at Ford does not void the warranty. I have researched the Badland winch. But I figured if Matt at Matt's Off Road Recovery uses Badland winches, they can't be too bad.

Please delete this post. You're inflicting buyer's remorse on lots of us!

I almost went with the ARB CKMP12 for $400 but then I found the ALL TOP Air Compressor Kit for $159. (I think it's actually $119 right now)

https://www.amazon.com/ALL-TOP-150Psi-Compressor-Portable-Heavy/dp/B08637KCWQ

From all I read it sounded reliable and would fill all 4 35” tires plus a few others before it overheats and has to sit for a while. Some compressors apparently last 15 minutes then need a 30 minute cool down before they will run again. I wanted a portable unit so I could use it in other vehicles or pass it around if somebody in the group doesn’t have one.

I used it last month when I spent a weekend in Sedona, AZ and had to air up and down several times a day as I drove highways between trails. Filled my 35" tires from 20lbs to 37 in 2 minutes and 15 seconds each. Pickup some Rhino Deflators for under $25 bucks - those are well worth it.

If I go off roading enough to burn this compressor out I know it'll be worth spending big bucks for a top of the line one. I also don't see a 4 way connector saving any time at the moment. I could fill all 4 tires in the time it takes to uncoil/untangle and then repack 30 feet of tubing.

BostonBadlands

Please delete this post. You're inflicting buyer's remorse on lots of us!

Please accept my humble apologies. I’m thinking we need a forum to share our mods and what we have learned good and bad. You can’t imagine my anxiety over this modification of my beloved Bronco.

Caution on the “hidden winch” on a 2.7. I seriously considered it. I watched the installation videos and decided not to go that route because of the extensive mods. I really felt uncomfortable with cutting coolant lines on the intercooler and removing pieces off the frame. Looks like my instincts served me well. My Ford custom shop did one before mine and the day I was in for the bumper and winch, the ”hidden winch“ was in with leaking coolant.

GDavis

Caution on the “hidden winch” on a 2.7. I seriously considered it. I watched the installation videos and decided not to go that route because of the extensive mods. I really felt uncomfortable with cutting coolant lines on the intercooler and removing pieces off the frame. Looks like my instincts served me well. My Ford custom shop did one before mine and the day I was in for the bumper and winch, the ”hidden winch“ was in with leaking coolant.

That is exactly why I want a portable winch. I read about installs on them and I don’t want it mess with any modifications of coolant lines. That will give me nightmares!