Air compressor decision

Pivot

For now, I am trying to evaluate the best for underhood.

The best for under the hood? ARB dual, no question..

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..

OR you can join Bronco Nation Premium Membership and get a one time use (can be used once a year I think) code for 20% off to use on it.

The ARB is the complete kit for the Bronco and it includes the ARB dual, the under the hood mounting bracket and all hardware needed..

Good luck with whatever route you go..

TechnicalDisaster

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.

Thanks - so even if it’s ARB, there are compromises, considerations or options ? I thought I would just have to decide one hose or 4? 😂 So - while we are at it - other than chuck placement, and/or better hoses, or inflator/deflator/etc needs, are there other things for a well tuned air compressor solution?

Pivot

Thanks - so even if it’s ARB, there are compromises, considerations or options ? I thought I would just have to decide one hose or 4? 😂 So - while we are at it - other than chuck placement, and/or better hoses, or inflator/deflator/etc needs, are there other things for a well tuned air compressor solution?

I can't see that persons responses but I can see what you've quoted. I have never replaced a hose on an ARB dual that's been installed under the hood..

I do wonder why some have and others like me, have not.. Weirdness... 🤷

Another option to consider is something like a PowerTank Setup.. I originally had one in my Bronco but later swapped it out for the ARB.. The issues with a PowerTank is they take up cargo space and getting them refilled cost money. Finding Co2 refill places might be difficult depending on where you are in the USA..

But they do refill tires 10X faster than the ARB dual does..

Bronco 2dr: https://powertank.com/products/10-lb-2-door-bronco-edition-power-tank

Bronco 4dr: https://powertank.com/products/10-lb-bronco-edition-power-tank

Here was mine installed in my Bronco 2dr:

Pivot

Thanks - so even if it’s ARB, there are compromises, considerations or options ? I thought I would just have to decide one hose or 4? 😂 So - while we are at it - other than chuck placement, and/or better hoses, or inflator/deflator/etc needs, are there other things for a well tuned air compressor solution?

Couple more things…

If you go with a hose kit, keep spare batteries for the digital gauge. If the digital gauge is stored closed and has air pressure, the screen will stay on indefinitely.

Paper towels to clean the wheel wells around the valve stems if you drive through mud.

Spare valve stem caps. EZFlate always includes extras. But people lose them here and there.

raqball

I can't see that persons responses but I can see what you've quoted. I have never replaced a hose on an ARB dual that's been installed under the hood..

I do wonder why some have and others like me, have not.. Weirdness... 🤷

Another option to consider is something like a PowerTank Setup.. I originally had one in my Bronco but later swapped it out for the ARB.. The issues with a PowerTank is they take up cargo space and getting them refilled cost money. Finding Co2 refill places might be difficult depending on where you are in the USA..

But they do refill tires 10X faster than the ARB dual does..

Bronco 2dr: https://powertank.com/products/10-lb-2-door-bronco-edition-power-tank

Bronco 4dr: https://powertank.com/products/10-lb-bronco-edition-power-tank

Here was mine installed in my Bronco 2dr:

can seetheallurewithairpower, but thespace?Isthatwhy you switchedtoARB?justcurious… thanksagain!

Pivot

can seetheallurewithairpower, but thespace?Isthatwhy you switchedtoARB?justcurious… thanksagain!

What’s with the formatting?! Sorry!

Pivot

What’s with the formatting?! Sorry!

Happens to me all the time here.. Are you on a MacBook? A lot of time I have to go back and manually add the spaces because even after hitting spacebar, the text cursor just snaps back..

Yes the main reason I switched was because of space.. My 2dr has even less of it..

I run the ARB twin in mine, but I used the AGS kit to install it on the tailgate. Some downsides to this- weight on the tailgate, long wire runs being the main two, but I like it being out of way, and I'm using dead space in the tire carrier. Here is my install thread-

https://thebronconation.com/bronco-how-to-n.141/ags-airgate-arb-twin-install-t.20684/

This may get reworked a bit this winter- I am planning on finally getting around to a tailgate brace- but its pretty awesome for now. I use the Thor's hammer automatic manifold with the four hose hook up, and its pretty cush for airing back up.

Nice thread, some interesting/trick install ideas. We air down/up our WildTrak pretty often and started with a small/cheap single hose compressor rig. That pump took forever with multiple shutdowns - Very annoying! It's now an emergency unit in wifey's car.

As mentioned, we air up a lot and have accumulated our kit over several years. We're currently using a full size portable pump with 4-Tire hose setup. This unit's never quit on us, even on the hottest days.

You should know that heat is an air compressor & hose's enemy. Operating these pumps generate lots of heat, so I'm always looking for the coolest locations to air up - Placing our compressor in good airflow & full shade.

There're also LOUD, so not a fan of interior mounts where wifey's hanging out,
usually playing tunes.

These are the reasons I prefer portable air compressors. It's just way too hot under Bronco's hood and Cindy would need ear pro with an interior install.

I'll throw in couple more suggestions. Your hose chucks & tire valve stems can take a beating and get really dirty in the summer & frozen in the winter. You can help avoid potentially major hassles using these chuck/valve covers. Also, give those chucks an occasional silicone lube squirt to keep 'em functional.

One more element of our air kit is a small battery powered single hose unit. This back up pump works very well and can fill all 4 of our 35" tires on a single charge. It's also handy when working on single tire or need a quick puff to top off a few pounds. Heck, if you're only occasionally off-roading, a small battery pump's probably all you really need.

FYI, if you're already running battery power tools, those companies also offer tire inflators that work fine too. I know Milwaukee make a good one and if you're stocked with their bats for running other tools, this unit makes a great option too.


Cheers

Mal

I run the ARB twin in mine, but I used the AGS kit to install it on the tailgate. Some downsides to this- weight on the tailgate, long wire runs being the main two, but I like it being out of way, and I'm using dead space in the tire carrier. Here is my install thread-

https://thebronconation.com/bronco-how-to-n.141/ags-airgate-arb-twin-install-t.20684/

This may get reworked a bit this winter- I am planning on finally getting around to a tailgate brace- but its pretty awesome for now. I use the Thor's hammer automatic manifold with the four hose hook up, and its pretty cush for airing back up.

Great idea on the tailgate area. I am looking to max that area out with gas/water storage but not until I look at the upgraded bracing options; another post. Let me/us know what you get up to with a tailgate brace. The Thor’s or Moreflate look like really solid portable options.

raqball

Happens to me all the time here.. Are you on a MacBook? A lot of time I have to go back and manually add the spaces because even after hitting spacebar, the text cursor just snaps back..

Yes the main reason I switched was because of space.. My 2dr has even less of it..

Is a MacBook where you put those floppy disc things?! 😝 Wait till I start posting about THE OnX… hope there is space for that in my, likewise, 2 door! 😀

Jakob1972

I run a Morrflate 4tire hose set.

I have a similar round hose bag I got from ThorsLightning systems (It seems they've square now.). I put in my various tire things: puncture and sidewall repair kits, deflators, spare pressure gauge, etc. and it wedges very nicely between the right-rear roll-over strut (C-pillar) and the window on my 4-door. Out of sight, but always handy.

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.

ARB makes a good product, but you will pay heavily for it. Bang for your buck, I don't think it's the best option. But if money is not a factor, you can't go wrong.

I'm not a fan of mounting a compressor under the hood for multiple reasons: heat, exposure to elements, etc. Plus, I have the 2.7, and it looks like it would only cause more grief with servicing anything in that area. I have also been able to assist friends with airing up, and am able to use it on other vehicles I own or for other purposes without playing musical vehicles.

Regardless of what you get, absolutely get something rated for about 5.65 CFM or higher (dual piston), unless you plan to combine airing up with meal time. 😄 Single vs. dual can be 20 vs. 10 minutes. If that doesn't sound like a lot, go sit in your Bronco for 20 minutes and see if you'd want to do that every time you're done off-roading. 😉

A solid, portable, dual-piston unit can be purchased for nearly $100 less than a single-piston ARB without factoring in the price of the mounting bracket kit. I got a 6.35 CFM compressor with hose, gauge, and travel bag for about $160.

I like the IAG tailgate air compressor, it is solid and the install is very clean.

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.

I installed the ARB single in my OBX 3 years ago. I have 33" tires, and it easily inflates from 18# to 35# all 4 tires in a minute or so per tire at each beach trip. If I had Sasquatch 35" tires, or if I was deflating to 10# for rock crawling, I would get the ARB dual which doubles the air output. I bought the ARB hose and regulator handle, I dont like the 4 way hose setups. AFAIK you can install underhood in any Bronco but Everglades and Raptor, due to air plenum. Oddly the dual pump is easier to wire, I paid a shop to wire mine, total cost with 4x4LED bracket, pump, accessories & labor about $1,000. You can also buy the ARB Dual in a portable box.

Pivot

Thanks - so even if it’s ARB, there are compromises, considerations or options ? I thought I would just have to decide one hose or 4? 😂 So - while we are at it - other than chuck placement, and/or better hoses, or inflator/deflator/etc needs, are there other things for a well tuned air compressor solution?

You have a wildtrack, which has 35# tires, so you need the dual. Buy Only ARB hoses and regulator, and you shouldn't have any failures. If you buy cheap stuff, it will fail.
You can get it all here: https://www.4x4truckleds.com/kr-off...1-ford-bronco/?searchid=0&search_query=Bronco

timhood

I'm not a fan of mounting a compressor under the hood for multiple reasons: heat, exposure to elements, etc.

People have been running ARB compressors under the hood for decades. Rarely do I hear complaints at about overheating or exposure to the elements..

A single will overheat if not running it at a 50/50 cycle but a dual? nah..

All compressors get HOT, very hot so if heat is a concern just pop the hood when running it for some added air flow.

raqball

People have been running ARB compressors under the hood for decades. Rarely do I hear complaints at about overheating or exposure to the elements..

A single will overheat if not running it at a 50/50 cycle but a dual? nah..

All compressors get HOT, very hot so if heat is a concern just pop the hood when running it for some added air flow.

Here's a hose failure last year at Super Cel West

Cheers

Regarding heat, it's important that you keep gloves if you expect to run your compressor. I keep mine in my hose bag, so they're always there.

Also, there is a bit of a horsepower race when off-roaders start talking compressors. "How fast...?" etc. Which is all in good fun. My ThorsLightning is fast enough, but I spend more time hanging around and talking to other drivers when airing up or down than I do working the equipment.

All part of the fun.

Kenneth

Here's a hose failure last year at Super Cel West
are
Cheers

Are you sure? ARB hoses are RED! THAT DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE AN ARB HOSE FAILURE. THAT IS ANOTHER MANUFACTURERS HOSE. Check out the ARB website. There is not a green hose anywhere. When you try to save a few dollars, sometimes you get what you pay for.
Air Compressor System Hoses Accessories | ARB 4x4 USA https://share.google/s6ckogMQ2vT7We0tp