Air compressor decision

Lloyd Rowland
Aug 08, 2025

Rank 0

Aug 08, 2025

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.

Wherever you go, there you are!

Aug 24, 2025

#60
I took the seat cushions out of mine so they will fold flat if you do that. Something to think about. Just a couple screws for each one.

Awesome, thanks! ๐Ÿ‘
onX Trail Guide & Tread Lightly Member
broncorob3

Wherever you go, there you are!

Aug 25, 2025

#61
I run the ARB dual compressor engine mounted. As for hoses I have the MorrFlate quad hose kit, with a six foot extension hose that runs between the pump and air hub manifold. I also added the small ARB tank that helps to dissipate heat. I originally had the MorrFlate valve with the batteries, but it goes through batteries like crazy and the pressure was always way off. I spent some money and purchased the MorrFlate air hub. I find it to be much more accurate, balances the tire pressure between the tires more evenly, holds a charge/charges easily. once you figure out how it works it is a simple, set it and forget it system. Gloves are definitely a must after inflation. I wish there was a built in bleed off valve to drain the residual pressure off after use. If you arenโ€™t paying attention it is easy to launch a hose while disconnecting. I learned from experience. One thing I have noticed that happens on the slide valve connectors is that they will get some dirt build up, and can become difficult to connect and disconnect. I keep a can of WD-40 Dry Lube with PTFE in my box and I give them a spray if they become sticky. zero issues after 2 1/2 years of use.

You're making me want to try this system again.. Perhaps I was to unforgiving with it my 1st go-around... I see Thor's has a similar system as well..
onX Trail Guide & Tread Lightly Member
TK1215

Expelled From Polite Society

Aug 25, 2025

#62
You're making me want to try this system again.. Perhaps I was to unforgiving with it my 1st go-around... I see Thor's has a similar system as well..
I have the Thors, very satisfied with it and their customer service is superb.
With Labor Day approaching, maybe there are some good sales. As you know, the Thors/Morflate/TrickyDick's and others are all basically the same two cylinder 300cfm, so speed differences will be minor. Now Thors (at least) has programming which allow you to set your target psi, then it will shut off.

If you've read my posts, I have a permanent install with a remote on/off switch. I just sit at the wheel and watch the dash psi reading, then shut it off, remote.
TK1215

Wherever you go, there you are!

Aug 25, 2025

#63
I have the Thors, very satisfied with it and their customer service is superb.
With Labor Day approaching, maybe there are some good sales. As you know, the Thors/Morflate/TrickyDick's and others are all basically the same two cylinder 300cfm, so speed differences will be minor. Now Thors (at least) has programming which allow you to set your target psi, then it will shut off.

If you've read my posts, I have a permanent install with a remote on/off switch. I just sit at the wheel and watch the dash psi reading, then shut it off, remote.

I am debating between the Morrflate and the Thor's.. I do not need, nor want, either of their compressors as I have an ARB dual under the hood..

I am only considering the hose kits that comes with their brain units.

https://thorslightningairsystems.co...eflation-and-inflation?variant=46317789315328

https://morrflate.com/shop/morrflat...tion-deflation/air-hub-automagic-air-control/

The Thor's brain unit looks like it has a larger screen so that would be nice to have..

Not sure if I will give either system a shot again but I am thinking about it. I guess I'll wait and see if there are any Labor Day sales..
onX Trail Guide & Tread Lightly Member

Rank II

Aug 25, 2025

#64
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.

Airing down is one of the best things you can do to improve your off-road performance in any vehicle. When it comes time to drive home, then you need to air up or drive very slowly (rule of thumb: don't exceed 2 times your tire pressure in mph). Two basic ways to go are CO2 (Powertank is one example) and compressors, either portable or installed. CO2 gives you virtually unlimited power for faster inflation, power tools, cleaning, or whatever you can think of. The downside is you periodically have to take it to a shop to get it refilled. Additionally, you have to carry that tank around somehow. Where I live, tanks are the preferred inflation method for fire departments, rescue personnel, and so on. Compressors are slower, less powerful, and do require some maintenance. I have and use both, it just depends on what I am doing.

The two most important numbers to watch for in a compressor are duty cycle and air flow. Duty cycle is expressed as a percentage of an hour. A 50% duty cycle means the compressor can run for a total of 30 minutes before it has to shut down and be allowed to cool. A 100% duty cycle means the compressor can run for a full hour. Air flow is expressed in CFM, or Cubic Feet per Minute. I have a compressor that has a 100% duty cycle that puts out 0.9 CFM with a maximum pressure of 160 psi. I use this for a large, heavy vehicle with large tires that also require high pressures. It is time consuming, but effective. I also have a compressor with a 50% duty cycle that puts out 10.6 CFM. It's extremely fast, and probably sees the most use for regular vehicles through a four tire inflation system. Setting up all the hoses and the compressor takes longer than filling the tires from about 16 psi to 38 psi.

I have mounted in my old Toyota an ARB single motor compressor. Having it mounted in the engine bay is convenient, but subjects it to heat and therefore I have to be a bit more careful about maintenance. ARB (and other manufacturers) offer dual motor versions to increase air flow, making them much faster. Personally, the single motor has worked fine for me, but that vehicle has 31" tires so your case may be different.

Your tire size, pressure required, and whether you intend to only air up just your vehicle or also others are things to think about before purchasing. I have found the portable air compressor to be the best all around solution for me, as I am frequently called to attend to the tires of others. Becky, if you are reading this, that's for you!
Jakob1972, Deano Bronc

Trusted and Carefree

Aug 26, 2025

#65
I am debating between the Morrflate and the Thor's.. I do not need, nor want, either of their compressors as I have an ARB dual under the hood..

I am only considering the hose kits that comes with their brain units.

https://thorslightningairsystems.co...eflation-and-inflation?variant=46317789315328

https://morrflate.com/shop/morrflat...tion-deflation/air-hub-automagic-air-control/

The Thor's brain unit looks like it has a larger screen so that would be nice to have..

Not sure if I will give either system a shot again but I am thinking about it. I guess I'll wait and see if there are any Labor Day sales..

I have the thor's lightning one. Its super easy to use, and works well. It really is set and forget. Uses a USB cable to recharge,

I like Thor's lightning as a company too- I did their pre-order and when it got to me it was a bum unit, but the Thor's lightning people quickly replaced it. Good customer service all the way around.

I cant speak to the Morrflate one, but I'd be willing to bet the guts of both units are probably the same. I guess you save a penny with the Thor's lightning one though :)
2023 Wildtrak. "Sometimes you got to get lost, to get found" -J Bronco
raqball

Wherever you go, there you are!

Aug 26, 2025

#66
I guess you save a penny with the Thor's lightning one though :)

Regular, non Labor Day sales, prices are like this for me:

Morrflate: (I get a 20% off discount through onX) 4 hose set with the brain box unit = $311.20
Thor's
: (using a 10% discount code) = 4 hose set with the brain box unit = $350.99

Thor's told me they will not have a Labor Day sale on their hose kits or on the brain box. I am not sure if Morrflate will or not and if they do, if I can stack it alongside the onX 20% off discount..

If Morrflate does not have a Labor Day sale OR if I can't stack the onX code on top of it then I'll have to decide.. The Thor's is $40 more but I like the larger screen on it and it's red like my Hot Pepper Red Bronco.. ๐Ÿ˜
onX Trail Guide & Tread Lightly Member
Mal, TK1215

KFG

Aug 26, 2025

#67
Regular, non Labor Day sales, prices are like this for me:

Morrflate: (I get a 20% off discount through onX) 4 hose set with the brain box unit = $311.20
Thor's
: (using a 10% discount code) = 4 hose set with the brain box unit = $350.99

Thor's told me they will not have a Labor Day sale on their hose kits or on the brain box. I am not sure if Morrflate will or not and if they do, if I can stack it alongside the onX 20% off discount..

If Morrflate does not have a Labor Day sale OR if I can't stack the onX code on top of it then I'll have to decide.. The Thor's is $40 more but I like the larger screen on it and it's red like my Hot Pepper Red Bronco.. ๐Ÿ˜
I have Thorโ€™s dual compressor (in a case), four hose kit, and brain box (my compressor is not set and forget)โ€ฆ.

Love everything about the products and company
Riding OB1, 23 4- door Outer Banks, SAS, MOD, MIC, Lux, Ordered 10/20/22, delivered 1/13/23
Deano Bronc, Mal

Wherever you go, there you are!

Aug 27, 2025

#68
I have Thorโ€™s dual compressor (in a case), four hose kit, and brain box (my compressor is not set and forget)โ€ฆ.

Love everything about the products and company

Yeah if I decide to get another hose kit setup I'll probably go with their kit since it has the bigger screen. Unless Morrflate has a killer Labor Day sale that also allows me to stack my 20% off code..

Here is what Thor's told me re: Labor Day Sale

Our 4-tire hose kits won't be part of our Labor Day Sale. However, we do offer a 10% discount on your first order!
onX Trail Guide & Tread Lightly Member
Deano Bronc, Bluestreak57

Gladesmen

Aug 27, 2025

#69
MORRFLATE does run some good deals I got the 4-way with no gauge for less than I could get the parts to build one my self. I figured I could add a gauge if I need to but I use the dash read out to get me close then a hand held gauge to dial it in. I take the reading at the schrader valve in the distribution block. Works well for me.
BN 1100, Desert Sand Everglades. Reservation 7/30/20. ordered 1/22/21, reordered 10/15/21 dropped tow and hard top, reordered 3/9/22 changed to Everglades. production date 9/7/22 rescheduled 9/14/22 completed 9/26/22, shipped 10/7/22, arrived 10/31/22, delivered 11/03/22
TK1215, raqball

Wherever you go, there you are!

Aug 27, 2025

#70
MORRFLATE does run some good deals I got the 4-way with no gauge for less than I could get the parts to build one my self. I figured I could add a gauge if I need to but I use the dash read out to get me close then a hand held gauge to dial it in. I take the reading at the schrader valve in the distribution block. Works well for me.

I went ahead and ordered the Thors kit.. Morrflate said that their Labor Day sale would not allow the stacking of a Labor Day sale with the onX code. The Thors kit ended up being $317.24

Guess if I don't like the 4 hose system again then it'll be for sale cheap in the marketplace.. ๐Ÿ˜‚

I have a trip planned for the middle of next month after my surgery next week (depending on how I feel) so that will be a good test run.

I do like the set it and forget it nature of these systems but I don't like the bulk and setup / tear down times of them.

I mainly went with the Thors for the larger screen.. Old age dictated that I needed to do this..

Screenshot 2025-08-27 at 08.46.58.png
onX Trail Guide & Tread Lightly Member
Deano Bronc, Jakob1972
Moderator

Life is a Highway

Aug 27, 2025

#71
MORRFLATE does run some good deals I got the 4-way with no gauge for less than I could get the parts to build one my self. I figured I could add a gauge if I need to but I use the dash read out to get me close then a hand held gauge to dial it in. I take the reading at the schrader valve in the distribution block. Works well for me.
At the time I purchased my MorrFlate was during Covid and it was definitely more expensive to build it myself.
Deano Bronc, Jakob1972

Wherever you go, there you are!

Aug 27, 2025

#72
I was trying to figure out the price difference between my previous post for the Thor's system and the price I paid.

Apparently the Total Control brain unit is in fact on a Labor Day sale for 15% off.. I got it for $212 plus an additional 10% off for the coupon code I used.. That's a total of 25% off for the brain unit. The 4 hose kit is not on sale.

If you are interested in their brain unit, now might be the time to buy as with the additional 10% off the brain unit comes out to be about $191 which, IMO is a killer deal!

https://thorslightningairsystems.co...eflation-and-inflation?variant=46317789315328

I used code 10FORYOU and it stacked..
onX Trail Guide & Tread Lightly Member
Deano Bronc, Jakob1972
Moderator

Life is a Highway

Aug 27, 2025

#73
I was trying to figure out the price difference between my previous post for the Thor's system and the price I paid.

Apparently the Total Control brain unit is in fact on a Labor Day sale for $212 (15% off).. I got it for the $212 plus the 10% off on the coupon code I used.. That's a total of 25% off for the brain unit. The 4 hose kit is not on sale.

If you are interested in their brain unit, now might be the time to buy as with the additional 10% off the brain unit comes out to be about $191 which, IMO is a killer deal!

https://thorslightningairsystems.co...eflation-and-inflation?variant=46317789315328

I used code 10FORYOU and it stacked..
Whether you go with Thor or MF they are both great products! Although they should be called the โ€œno brainer unitโ€!
Deano Bronc, Jakob1972

Wherever you go, there you are!

Aug 27, 2025

#74
Whether you go with Thor or MF they are both great products! Although they should be called the โ€œno brainer unitโ€!

True.. And just for the record, I am blaming you for making me want to try the system again which includes the draining of $300 smackaroos from my checking account... ๐Ÿ˜‚ ๐Ÿ˜œ
onX Trail Guide & Tread Lightly Member
Deano Bronc, Jakob1972
Moderator

Life is a Highway

Aug 27, 2025

#75
True.. And just for the record, I am blaming you for making me want to try the system again which includes the draining of $300 smackaroos from my checking account... ๐Ÿ˜‚ ๐Ÿ˜œ
Glad to be of service!๐Ÿคฃ
Deano Bronc, Jakob1972

Gladesmen

Aug 28, 2025

#76
True.. And just for the record, I am blaming you for making me want to try the system again which includes the draining of $300 smackaroos from my checking account... ๐Ÿ˜‚ ๐Ÿ˜œ
Thatโ€™s what we call Trail Tim Assist. ๐Ÿ˜‚ ๐Ÿ˜‚
BN 1100, Desert Sand Everglades. Reservation 7/30/20. ordered 1/22/21, reordered 10/15/21 dropped tow and hard top, reordered 3/9/22 changed to Everglades. production date 9/7/22 rescheduled 9/14/22 completed 9/26/22, shipped 10/7/22, arrived 10/31/22, delivered 11/03/22
raqball, Deano Bronc

DisplacedYooper

Aug 29, 2025

#77
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 canโ€™t speak for the single cylinder model, but I just installed the ARB dual cylinder compressor and I am already loving it. My experience on my last offloading adventure at Silverlake Dunes State Park drove home the necessity for something better than I had; something quick and capable of easily handling all four tires. See this post about the install, which was fairly lengthy, but not impossible to be done yourself.: https://thebronconation.com/members/ekbrook-t.97641/#profile-post-2429

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Deano Bronc, raqball

Rank II

Aug 29, 2025

#78
I run an ARB dual in a DV8 rear storage compartment. Admittedly, it is easier to install in a Raptor than regular Bronco due to muffler routing, but it works great.
Full build photo album:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/JK9DzkcMWQaB368UA


Deano Bronc, TK1215

DisplacedYooper

Aug 29, 2025

#79
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.

Let me ask, go into a little more detail and give a brief review of my feelings of the ARB dual cylinder compressor. Maybe this will help you in making your decision. You talk about portability as being an advantage/factor. I ordered the ARB dual cylinder kit through the Ford accessories link and used my 20% discount for August. By doing so I got the compressor, the manifold, the mounting rack and brackets/braces and all the fittings to mount the compressor and manifold directly into my 2025 heritage edition with Sasquatch package engine bay. There are a few minor things that need to be moved, but it was no big deal. It was a lengthy install, and if you follow my link in the previous post, the video I cite helped immensely as some of the instruction pictures are really dark and confusing. As far as portability, this compressor is now with me everywhere my Bronco goes. It comes with enough hose to not only reach all four of my tires, but potentially all four of another vehicle that is pulled up in close proximity on either side or in front. I also considered getting a separate handheld version, but then it will be just one other item to take up space in your trunk, and I am already running out of room back there between everything else Iโ€™m collecting and finding I will need offroading. So in my mind Having this thing mounted out of the way under my hood is a great option and provides all of the portability I should ever need. Hope that helps your decision. By the way, I replaced the basic inflator heads that come with the hose with this beauty from harbor freight, which was on sale. The digital meter goes to tenths of PSI and so really lets me hone in on getting the tires equal. It works beautifully with this compressor.

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Deano Bronc, TK1215

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