Thanks for everyone getting back to me. I called around and got priced and installation for the onboard ARB. They want $550 for the until about 300 to install. I about crapped my pants. So I think for now I'll just get a hand handle one.

 

If you're not a member of a local Jeep Club, you may want to consider joining. Most clubs get together when needed and do "Wrenchfests" where some members get together and work on member's projects. Great way to get things done with no labor charges. Of course, pizza and beverages of your choice may be a nice touch!

 

What's the purpose of such heavy and expensive compressors? I use the tiny air pumps that plug into my cigarette lighter. $15 at Target. Been using it for 5 years. Takes a few minutes to fill each tire but it's cheap, weighs nothing and works. Am I missing something?

 

What's the purpose of such heavy and expensive compressors? I use the tiny air pumps that plug into my cigarette lighter. $15 at Target. Been using it for 5 years. Takes a few minutes to fill each tire but it's cheap, weighs nothing and works. Am I missing something?

Please don't think I'm trolling. It's an honest question. I am not an expert off-roader but I'm slowly diving deeper into it. I tend to stay on the beginner trails mostly and intermediate here and there. Still learning.

 

I'd say 2 reasons --
One is reliability. When back on road, at a remote place, there's no point in having to drive a long way on 16psi or less, because the compressor failed.
Even when driving in a group, a compressor on another Jeep isn't always near enough to a repaired wheel (offroad).
That's one of the reasons why I use a portable compressor.
The second is time. After a long day - or more - out there, it's nicer having the tires inflated pretty quickly.
That's where twin head compressors chime in, they're fast.

If I used a $15 compressor, I'd have put a second one in the Jeep as backup, definitely after 5 yrs of use.

BTW, the one I use is a portable ARB, twin head.

 

It is great to have a compressor big enough to air up the tires without waiting around.

Having a compressor that is trouble-free is another story.

Had a big Viair for a few years. The intake valve needed replacement every few hours until I found the design defect and fixed it. Viair basically blew me off over the phone. The Viair could only be mounted inside the Jeep so it sits in my garage.

Next I got the dual ARB unit. Fine compressor, but only when it works. It popped a temp sensor while running cold. ARB sent two new sensors. Shortly after I replaced the sensors, one of the motors started blowing fuses with no load and running cold. ARB is sending me a complete replacement.

So ARB has great customer service, Viair not so much. But both units have been a PITA.

My motor home has a good little 12V compressor made by Thomas. It seems real solid and has never failed. If the ARB replacement turns out to be another turkey I will probably try a compressor from Thomas in the Jeep.

 

Best bang for buck in my opinion is the $130 Amazon smittybilt. Used over 10 times on my 35s about 3-4 mins each tire, several in our group with them. No failures. Portable and easy.

 

That's bad luck...
BTW - Are the cables to the battery thick enough?
ARB justifiably gained the reputation of being very reliable. They are very popular in Australia, where long distance offroading in very hot climate is a way of life.
My personal experience is with 3 ARBs. One on my sons' rig, one on my previous Jeep and one on the current Jeep, zero problems.

 

Viair 400C in my last JK, this one has a 450C. Not a single issue out of either. don't know how many 30 buck compressors I've thrown away after one or two uses. Never will trust one again.

 

i didnt have factory a/c so i bought a a/c pump off a salvage jk and converted it to a compressor. worked great until a faulty harbor freight oiler caused it to seize. very fast, id recommend it for anyone who likes a project and doesnt have factory a/c or doesnt use their a/c