Best affordable portable air compressors and winch?

EGBronc

Dec 30, 2022

Help! So I was looking into a portable air compressor and a winch. Any thoughts on which are the best bang for your buck! I like the ARB brand for air compressor but they are so dang expensive!! How about a portable winch? I think I have the capable bumper?? (I have no idea what I have just that it is steel🤣) and have the 2.7 with Lux package so I don’t want to mess with a new bumper or hidden winch where things have to be modified or rerouted to make them work. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Last edited by a moderator: Dec 30, 2022

Sort by date

Reaction Score

Jan 06, 2023

#40

EGBronc
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!

The hidden winch has its advantages, especially in in the aesthetics department. The disadvantage is that it's less accessible for repair and maintenance. I encountered an unexpected one with my Warn EVO 8-S winch (FabFour Matrix front bumper with hidden winch install). I took my rig to some nearby, modestly rough terrain for a test run, unspooled the (synthetic) cable and...-->the end of the line came right off! Right on the ground! Good thing I wasn't out in the boonies.
I took it back to my installer, wondering if they'd have to pull the bumper off to reconnect it. Happily, they were able to work through the cable's aperture and reconnect it. They secured the starting loop with a heavier bolt and a wider washer.
But I learned (1) these decisions have to be carefully thought through. I think I'd stay with the hidden winch, even with what I know now, but I'm alert to problem access issues. And (2) Always take new gear to a safe place to test out and familiarize yourself with it. Don't wait until you're off on some distant trail.
EGBronc, look into installing a trailer hitch under your front bumper, to match your rear hitch. You can then mount a winch on a hitch-with-plate (Search "trailer hitch for winch"), and take it out whenever you need it. This will also give you flexibility to recover others to your front and rear, which will make you one popular lady! (Just don't get your wires snagged.)

Edit: Consider dying (coloring) the last few feet of your winch line, or identifying the near-the-end-of-the-line point with a colored ribbon or string or something, so that when you're spooling it out, you'll know when you're reaching the limit.

Laura, EGBronc

Jan 06, 2023

#41

I just ordered one of these. It’s a rebranded maxi track compressor. I will be making a 4 tire inflator/deflator after it comes in. I don’t need to worry about a winch.
https://td-distributing.myshopify.com/products/trickflate-dual-cylinder-12v-300-l-min-air-compressor

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

Laura, ne2000

Jan 06, 2023

#42

BostonBadlands
The hidden winch has its advantages, especially in in the aesthetics department. The disadvantage is that it's less accessible for repair and maintenance. I encountered an unexpected one with my Warn EVO 8-S winch (FabFour Matrix front bumper with hidden winch install). I took my rig to some nearby, modestly rough terrain for a test run, unspooled the (synthetic) cable and...-->the end of the line came right off! Right on the ground! Good thing I wasn't out in the boonies.
I took it back to my installer, wondering if they'd have to pull the bumper off to reconnect it. Happily, they were able to work through the cable's aperture and reconnect it. They secured the starting loop with a heavier bolt and a wider washer.
But I learned (1) these decisions have to be carefully thought through. I think I'd stay with the hidden winch, even with what I know now, but I'm alert to problem access issues. And (2) Always take new gear to a safe place to test out and familiarize yourself with it. Don't wait until you're off on some distant trail.
EGBronc, look into installing a trailer hitch under your front bumper, to match your rear hitch. You can then mount a winch on a hitch-with-plate (Search "trailer hitch for winch"), and take it out whenever you need it. This will also give you flexibility to recover others to your front and rear, which will make you one popular lady! (Just don't get your wires snagged.)

Edit: Consider dying (coloring) the last few feet of your winch line, or identifying the near-the-end-of-the-line point with a colored ribbon or string or something, so that when you're spooling it out, you'll know when you're reaching the limit.

You should always "re-spool" a brand new winch under a moderate load to make sure that everything is tight. Sometimes they are spooled on there a little lose, and then when you use it for the first time and put a load on it the cable/rope will "bind".

OnX Trail Guide
4 Door BadSquatch | Soft-top | Velocity Blue | 2.7 Auto

Laura, Jakob1972

Jan 07, 2023

#43

EGBronc
Help! So I was looking into a portable air compressor and a winch. Any thoughts on which are the best bang for your buck! I like the ARB brand for air compressor but they are so dang expensive!! How about a portable winch? I think I have the capable bumper?? (I have no idea what I have just that it is steel🤣) and have the 2.7 with Lux package so I don’t want to mess with a new bumper or hidden winch where things have to be modified or rerouted to make them work. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Take your time and research your options. Don’t compromise. I picked LOD Black Ops because their design preserved my sensors and my fog lights. Make sure you have a competent shop that listens to you. The Bronco is too expensive and rare to screw it up yourself to save a couple of bucks.

Laura, EGBronc

Jan 07, 2023

#44

G7ibby
Make your own.

I better see a write up on how you did this or I’m going to vote to remove you from the island. Awesome idea.

2022 Big Bend, 4 door, Cactus Grey, on 285/70/17 KO2s

Laura, Deano Bronc

Jan 07, 2023

#45

Slight follow up thread hijack question. Is it worth it to get a dedicated deflator? I have been using the ARB inflator with built in gauge, without the hose attached to air down. Is the time saved using a dedicated deflator really worth having another piece of gear buy and store?

22 Black Diamond 2dr non sas w tow and roof rails.

Jan 09, 2023

#46

dover157
Slight follow up thread hijack question. Is it worth it to get a dedicated deflator? I have been using the ARB inflator with built in gauge, without the hose attached to air down. Is the time saved using a dedicated deflator really worth having another piece of gear buy and store?

The deflators are small brass cylinders that screw onto the valve stem and deflate the tires to a pre-set level. They store in a little baggie that can be stored in the glove box, door pouch, or tool kit. You can get some Rhino deflators for under $25. By the time you screw on all 4 the first one is usually about done.

~~2022 Wildtrak 4dr Cyber Orange 2.7 Lux Leather Soft Top~~
2023 Wildtrak 4dr Eruption Green 2.7 HOSS 3.0 Lux Leather Hard Top

Laura

Jan 10, 2023

#47

Just ordered these. I priced out what it would cost to build them and there was very very little savings if any.

2022 4dr Badlands~Cyber Orange~MIC Top~Non Sas~2.3l MT~High Package~Roof Rails~Block Heater~Ordered 1/13/22~Build date 11/3~ In production 10/26~Window sticker 10/27~11/3 Blend date~Modules live 11/4~built email 11/6~shipped 11/14~arrived at the dealership 12/13~in the home stall 12/15

Deano Bronc, EGBronc

Jan 10, 2023

#48

AcesandEights
I would buy a Viair portable compressor, the 400P .

Harbor Freight has a 25% off coupon, off one item. If you want a winch, the Badlands is probably the best bang for the buck at 25% off.

I also have been looking at compressors and I looked up that Viair compressor and its not at Harbor Freight in my area but it is at Northern Tool for 240.00. That is I am looking at buying. So thats for that compressor.

Jan 11, 2023

#49

tstarks
Just ordered these. I priced out what it would cost to build them and there was very very little savings if any.

I have had the MoRRFlate 4 tire setup for nearly a year, and it's great.Love it for both air up and/or down.

OnX Trail Guide
4 Door BadSquatch | Soft-top | Velocity Blue | 2.7 Auto

EGBronc

Jan 11, 2023

#50

Big Bronco
I also have been looking at compressors and I looked up that Viair compressor and its not at Harbor Freight in my area but it is at Northern Tool for 240.00. That is I am looking at buying. So thats for that compressor.

The compressor is not a HF compressor. My first paragraph is about the compressor, the second paragraph is about the winch (available at HF)...but, yeah, buy it.

2022 Jeep JLR, manual with even more extra guacamole
Sold - 2021 Jeep JLR, manual w/extra guacamole

Jan 11, 2023

#51

AcesandEights
The compressor is not a HF compressor. My first paragraph is about the compressor, the second paragraph is about the winch (available at HF)...but, yeah, buy it.

LoL My bad but thanks for the pictures of the air compressor. I'll be adding it wish list.

Jan 11, 2023

#52

I just got my my compressor. It’s pretty nice. The pressure gauge has a little button on the bottom to release pressure I don’t think I would use it to deflate the tires but maybe drop it a PSI or two. This is not only heavy duty but it is heavy. I will test it out this weekend. Seems well worth the $150-ish. I will be doing some upgrades and mods soon.

TK1215, SAVEUP

Jan 11, 2023

#53

Jakob1972
I just got my my compressor. It’s pretty nice. The pressure gauge has a little button on the bottom to release pressure I don’t think I would use it to deflate the tires but maybe drop it a PSI or two. This is not only heavy duty but it is heavy. I will test it out this weekend. Seems well worth the $150-ish. I will be doing some upgrades and mods soon.

Except for different colors, that is the same pump and hoses as the NAPA one that I use. I junked the supplied hoses and put a quick connect on it to use with my 4 line hose. If I recall correctly, the hose connect was difficult to attach to the valve stem because of the Sasquatch rings. Not sure how it would work on the EG wheels.
Also, it was recommended that you look at the circuit board to make sure there are no loose strands of wire that could eventually short something out. Mine was fine but some are not so lucky.

2022 Bronco Badlands, 4D, Hot Pepper Red, 2.7, Squatch, Lux, and MIC.
7/13/2020 10:04pm reservation. Blend 6/16/2022 Delivered 6/26/2022.
Dealership - Stephen's Auto Center.

SAVEUP, TK1215

Jan 11, 2023

#54

VIAIR 450p - use it for everthing and will inflate my RV tires to 110psi continuous runtime, for an example. Around $350 on amazon.

AcesandEights

Jan 11, 2023

#55

Deano Bronc
Except for different colors, that is the same pump and hoses as the NAPA one that I use. I junked the supplied hoses and put a quick connect on it to use with my 4 line hose. If I recall correctly, the hose connect was difficult to attach to the valve stem because of the Sasquatch rings. Not sure how it would work on the EG wheels.
Also, it was recommended that you look at the circuit board to make sure there are no loose strands of wire that could eventually short something out. Mine was fine but some are not so lucky.

You are correct. That is the same as the Napa Maxi Track. Trying to find one of those is difficult, so I settled on this one for the same price. The pictures I took where after I took it apart to check the wiring. I hear you should take the heads off and clean any metal shavings out but one of my bolts is messed up and the Allen wrench doesn’t work so I have to cut a slot in it or something to remove it. I am planning on adding the pressure switch and tapping the air outlet for a normal quick connect. There are a few YouTube videos showing how to upgrade this unit to make it even better. Next I will make the 4- tire inflator.

Deano Bronc, SAVEUP

Jan 11, 2023

#56

Jakob1972
I just got my my compressor. It’s pretty nice. The pressure gauge has a little button on the bottom to release pressure I don’t think I would use it to deflate the tires but maybe drop it a PSI or two. This is not only heavy duty but it is heavy. I will test it out this weekend. Seems well worth the $150-ish. I will be doing some upgrades and mods soon.

I am waiting on delivery of the same unit.

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

Deano Bronc, TK1215

Jan 24, 2023

#57

Jakob1972
You are correct. That is the same as the Napa Maxi Track. Trying to find one of those is difficult, so I settled on this one for the same price. The pictures I took where after I took it apart to check the wiring. I hear you should take the heads off and clean any metal shavings out but one of my bolts is messed up and the Allen wrench doesn’t work so I have to cut a slot in it or something to remove it. I am planning on adding the pressure switch and tapping the air outlet for a normal quick connect. There are a few YouTube videos showing how to upgrade this unit to make it even better. Next I will make the 4- tire inflator.

Just wanted to give folks an update on the compressor now that i have used it. this thing is a beast. It took just over a Minute (per tire) to inflate my 35" tire from 20psi to 39psi. there were lots of folks that had single compressors and I would start well after they started to inflate and I would have mine packed up before the singles were done. Like @MrJimbo I am rethinking building a 4 tire inflator, do I really need the extra equipment...

EGBronc, BostonBadlands

Jan 24, 2023

#58

Jakob1972
Just wanted to give folks an update on the compressor now that i have used it. this thing is a beast. It took just over a Minute (per tire) to inflate my 35" tire from 20psi to 39psi. there were lots of folks that had single compressors and I would start well after they started to inflate and I would have mine packed up before the singles were done. Like @MrJimbo I am rethinking building a 4 tire inflator, do I really need the extra equipment...

Thanks. This forum posting at its best: working with the truck, and your gear, and giving us real-world feedback. Glad you got the gear you need!
For people not familiar with the boards, Tricky Dick is a sponsor and product distributor who can be found on Bronco6G.com. I notice he has it on sale for $155, hard to beat.
https://td-distributing.myshopify.com/

EGBronc, SAVEUP

Jan 24, 2023

#59

JoergH
You should always "re-spool" a brand new winch under a moderate load to make sure that everything is tight. Sometimes they are spooled on there a little lose, and then when you use it for the first time and put a load on it the cable/rope will "bind".

I just re-read this and although that's good info, I think you missed the point. The person you quoted was doing that but making a point relative to a hidden winch mount making it harder to access the winch. A winch mount that has the winch inside the bumper makes it more difficult to maintain the winch, clean it, service it and the cable, etc.

2022 Jeep JLR, manual with even more extra guacamole
Sold - 2021 Jeep JLR, manual w/extra guacamole

You must log in or register to post here.