Air compressor decision

Where are you planning on installing the compressor? The ARB twin fits in the engine bay for both the 2.7 and 2.3 engines with the correct mount. This one will fit:
https://www.ford.com/product/20212025-bronco-underhood-air-compressor-kit-p2978942721
Use code Bronco20 to get a 20% discount so long as you create an account on the Ford Parts website.

I had a portable one for awhile before I swtiched to hard mounted. It was one less thing to worry about and lug in and out of the Bronco between trips.

Dual motor inflates faster. Most people I know buy a 4-tire hose kit to fill up quick. Something like this from EZ Flate:
https://ezflate.com/
https://ezflate.com/products/hyperflex-with-standard-manifold
https://ezflate.com/products/pre-order-m-o-a-b-auto-air-10-6-cfm-portable-dual-air-compressor

There are only a handful of companies that make Air Compressors, and they all sell the same models under different names.

TechnicalDisaster

Where are you planning on installing the compressor? The ARB twin fits in the engine bay for both the 2.7 and 2.3 engines with the correct mount. This one will fit:
https://www.ford.com/product/20212025-bronco-underhood-air-compressor-kit-p2978942721
Use code Bronco20 to get a 20% discount so long as you create an account on the Ford Parts website.

I had a portable one for awhile before I swtiched to hard mounted. It was one less thing to worry about and lug in and out of the Bronco between trips.

Dual motor inflates faster. Most people I know buy a 4-tire hose kit to fill up quick. Something like this from EZ Flate:
https://ezflate.com/
https://ezflate.com/products/hyperflex-with-standard-manifold
https://ezflate.com/products/pre-order-m-o-a-b-auto-air-10-6-cfm-portable-dual-air-compressor

There are only a handful of companies that make Air Compressors, and they all sell the same models under different names.

Thanks for the quick response. very helpful. Ezflate has a 2 motor portable compressor for about $400..Do you know anything about its reliability/quality...obviously much cheaper than going the install route

Lloyd Rowland

Thanks for the quick response. very helpful. Ezflate has a 2 motor portable compressor for about $400..Do you know anything about its reliability/quality...obviously much cheaper than going the install route

Those models are known for having great reliability. Here are some others just like it:
https://thorslightningairsystems.com/collections/12v-portable-air-compressors
https://morrflate.com/

Like I said. All made by the same company. I've never heard of any of these going bad.

I have the thors lightning portable in a suitcase which allows me to take it between vehicles depending on what I’m traveling with… very VERY pleased with it

Why would an ARB single not fit your Bronco? Does someone not make an under the hood bracket for a single??????

I have an ARB dual under the hood of my Badlands and it fits like a glove.. Below is a link to the complete kit that includes the ARB dual, the mounting bracket and all needed hardware..

https://www.ford.com/product/20212025-bronco-underhood-air-compressor-kit-p2978942721

Ford Accessories has a 15% off coupon code this month. Use code: REDEEM825. That code will drop the kit to a very reasonable price..

If you are going to air up larger tires or off-road frequently, I'd recommend you go with the dual setup. A single will need to be cycled so it does not overheat. Something like 45 seconds on then 45 seconds off.. The dual will allow you to just run it non stop while airing up.. In other words, an ARB single is 50% duty cycle -vs- 100% for the ARB dual.

The old adage of buy once, cry once come to mind here..

Bluestreak57

I have the thors lightning portable in a suitcase which allows me to take it between vehicles depending on what I’m traveling with… very VERY pleased with it

I have the ThorsLightning, too, mounted and hardwired in their "Refuge" cage over the right rear wheel well. Used it for three years, no problems. They're customer service is excellent.
The Thors, Morflate, TrickyDick and others use the basic NAPA 2-cylinder pump. Very fast, in wide use. If you go that way, consider features and price to differentiate one from another in your decision--the machine will be the same. Thor now has target PSI: you set your PSI then it shuts off when that is reached.

Join others (yeah, Jeeps and Tacos, too) on group runs. You have company if you have a flat or need recovery, and they'll help you work the best line for an obstacle. Experience and advice, all that. But also see what other people are using for gear, and not just compressors. Traction boards, kinetic lines, winches, etc.

Labor Day isn't far off. Maybe somebody has a sale that will work for you.

https://thorslightningairsystems.com/

Lloyd Rowland

I am thinking of getting an air compressor before doing more off-roading (I'm a beginner). I am told that the ARB single model 12v model for installation will not fit my 24 Wildtrac. Is there another that will or does it make just as much sense to buy the same version in a kit that you just carry with you. Advantage to the kit in a box is portable and seems to have all the components needed? Also, why is there single and double motor versions of the compressor.

I am pretty well sold on the underhood placement of an air compressor; plenty of room in a 2.3 engine bay. For the additional cost of a dual (vs single) pump you gain time (fill/cycling) and hopefully longevity. For the cost of the extra brackets for engine bay mounting I’ll gain space inside and it won’t be forgotten at home. I am looking at the Underhood Air Compressor Kit SKU: M1830BRC for $975 (less 15% code) = $828.75 + State tax . If I were looking at a portable, me, personally, I’d be concerned with hose and housing temps cos I seem to find a way to burn myself if it is possible.

Pivot

I am pretty well sold on the underhood placement of an air compressor; plenty of room in a 2.3 engine bay. For the additional cost of a dual (vs single) pump you gain time (fill/cycling) and hopefully longevity. For the cost of the extra brackets for engine bay mounting I’ll gain space inside and it won’t be forgotten at home. I am looking at the Underhood Air Compressor Kit SKU: M1830BRC for $975 (less 15% code) = $828.75 + State tax . If I were looking at a portable, me, personally, I’d be concerned with hose and housing temps cos I seem to find a way to burn myself if it is possible.

I have an ARB dual, mounted in my engine bay in the usual spot for a 2.7L.
First time I tried using it with the air hose going directly into the compressor, it got so hot the compression fitting on the hose failed.

So I got the small manifold from ARB & a 6' stainless line & ran a line from compressor to manifold, then the 6' line from manifold to my front bumper & added the air chuck onto my front bumper.

So it has time to dissipate heat before your hose connection.
Also gives you a small bit of air in the manifold, if ya know, you wanted to plumb an air horn or anything like that.

I will say, even though I don't have to pop the hood, I typically do when filling all 4 tires to try to keep the compressor a bit cooler.

jtgensler

So I got the small manifold from ARB & a 6' stainless line & ran a line from compressor to manifold, then the 6' line from manifold to my front bumper & added the air chuck onto my front bumper.

So it has time to dissipate heat before your hose connection.
Also gives you a small bit of air in the manifold, if ya know, you wanted to plumb an air horn or anything like that.

I will say, even though I don't have to pop the hood, I typically do when filling all 4 tires to try to keep the compressor a bit cooler.

I did something similar.. I have an ARB dual under the hood and the hose connection point was placed on the passenger side crash bar area. It works great!

jtgensler

I have an ARB dual, mounted in my engine bay in the usual spot for a 2.7L.
First time I tried using it with the air hose going directly into the compressor, it got so hot the compression fitting on the hose failed.

So I got the small manifold from ARB & a 6' stainless line & ran a line from compressor to manifold, then the 6' line from manifold to my front bumper & added the air chuck onto my front bumper.

So it has time to dissipate heat before your hose connection.
Also gives you a small bit of air in the manifold, if ya know, you wanted to plumb an air horn or anything like that.

I will say, even though I don't have to pop the hood, I typically do when filling all 4 tires to try to keep the compressor a bit cooler.

Hmmm - have not heard of hoses getting hot being a problem with the (twin) ARB kit and do not really understand your fix, but, being able to add an air horn sounds like a bonus. Better a separate post to explore the necessity of an off-road air horn - 🤪 when I get to that!

Pivot

Hmmm - have not heard of hoses getting hot being a problem with the (twin) ARB kit and do not really understand your fix, but, being able to add an air horn sounds like a bonus. Better a separate post to explore the necessity of an off-road air horn - 🤪 when I get to that!

The problem was that compressors get hot. When I had the air chuck screwed directly into the top of the compressor, the entire thing got hot enough to cause the compression seal on the rubber air hose to fail & not keep the hose on its chuck.

So my solution was to create space between the compressor & the hose chuck.

1.Mount compressor
2. Mount manifold tank
3. Run short line from compressor to manifold
4. Run long stainless line from manifold to front bumper
5. Connect to air chuck & enjoy easy airing up

Using the aluminum ARB manifold & stainless braided lines allows a lot more heat to dissipate in that distance.

Pivot

Hmmm - have not heard of hoses getting hot being a problem with the (twin) ARB kit and do not really understand your fix, but, being able to add an air horn sounds like a bonus. Better a separate post to explore the necessity of an off-road air horn - 🤪 when I get to that!

Mine was not moved because of heat or overheating, mine was moved to the location I showed in the previous photo for convenience.. I don't need to pop the hood, it's tucked up out of the way and it's easy access...

I have a trickflate 300 I added his pressure switch and “normal” quick connect hose fitting. I carry it in a harbor freight box and the thing lives in the bronco strapped to a molle panel I really like the portable aspect because I can take it on any vehicle. I have even used it to fill up my travel trailer tires. I run a Morrflate 4tire hose set. I added an Anderson connector so I don’t need to open the hood and use those alligator clips on the battery. I used the money I saved to buy some skids for the bronco.

jtgensler

The problem was that compressors get hot. When I had the air chuck screwed directly into the top of the compressor, the entire thing got hot enough to cause the compression seal on the rubber air hose to fail & not keep the hose on its chuck.

So my solution was to create space between the compressor & the hose chuck.

1.Mount compressor
2. Mount manifold tank
3. Run short line from compressor to manifold
4. Run long stainless line from manifold to front bumper
5. Connect to air chuck & enjoy easy airing up

Using the aluminum ARB manifold & stainless braided lines allows a lot more heat to dissipate in that distance.

Thanks again - learning on the fly and you all are very helpful! I do recall some discussion I read about the overall heat issues which was really more slanted towards folks worried about the operating environment in the engine bay being hot and how the unit itself handles those heat loads so it makes sense that the parts that touch that unit are going to be hot too, but, there was really no mention of concerns with accessories getting too hot to handle and how to mitigate. Thanks for the pics!

raqball

Mine was not moved because of heat or overheating, mine was moved to the location I showed in the previous photo for convenience.. I don't need to pop the hood, it's tucked up out of the way and it's easy access...

thanks!

Pivot

Thanks again - learning on the fly and you all are very helpful! I do recall some discussion I read about the overall heat issues which was really more slanted towards folks worried about the operating environment in the engine bay being hot and how the unit itself handles those heat loads so it makes sense that the parts that touch that unit are going to be hot too, but, there was really no mention of concerns with accessories getting too hot to handle and how to mitigate. Thanks for the pics!

Mine has never overheated. It's under the hood, hood closed and it runs at a 100% cycle for each tire. The only break it gets is when I am moving from tire to tire.

I also had an ARB dual on my previous Jeep JK that was also under the hood. It never overheated either..

I've personally never had an issue with overheating on a dual. A single? Sure because they are 50% duty cycle. Something like 1 minute on, 1 minute off etc... For a single, it does not matter if it's under the hood or a portable version. Singles are all 50% duty cycles.

Jakob1972

I have a trickflate 300 I added his pressure switch and “normal” quick connect hose fitting. I carry it in a harbor freight box and the thing lives in the bronco strapped to a molle panel I really like the portable aspect because I can take it on any vehicle. I have even used it to fill up my travel trailer tires. I run a Morrflate 4tire hose set. I added an Anderson connector so I don’t need to open the hood and use those alligator clips on the battery. I used the money I saved to buy some skids for the bronco.

Thanks for the reply. It probably is a bit wasteful or maybe excessive to consider underhood and it’s good there are portable options. For now, I am trying to evaluate the best for underhood.

Pivot

Hmmm - have not heard of hoses getting hot being a problem with the (twin) ARB kit and do not really understand your fix, but, being able to add an air horn sounds like a bonus. Better a separate post to explore the necessity of an off-road air horn - 🤪 when I get to that!

I’ve had three hoses go bad due to the heat. I ended up buying a 4 foot metal braided hose to attach to the ARB and then connect to my EZFlate system.

raqball

Mine has never overheated. It's under the hood, hood closed and it runs at a 100% cycle for each tire. The only break it gets is when I am moving from tire to tire.

I also had an ARB dual on my previous Jeep JK that was also under the hood. It never overheated either..

I've personally never had an issue with overheating on a dual. A single? Sure because they are 50% duty cycle. Something like 1 minute on, 1 minute off etc... For a single, it does not matter if it's under the hood or a portable version. Singles are all 50% duty cycles.

Right… really only considering a dual. I was trying to get at jtgenslers comment about the chuck getting hot. I have little understanding of the possibilities…