I might be headed to the sand dunes next week. I'm trying to figure out what to do after I air down my tires for the sand. Do you guys roll with air compressors on board? Which ones are you using? Do the portable models with jumper cable style battery clips work ok? I'm running 37" tires.

 

37's might take you a bit of time to air up. It's better to use a compressor that clips onto the battery rather than one that plugs into a lighter socket. The lighter socket ones can blow a fuse.

 

Sounds like you wouldn't be using it that often- correct? If not I'd look into picking up a powertank and just use that. then get the monster valves for your wheels next tire and it will make things a lot easier. If you ARE gonna be using it every weekend, then invest in an on board air system.

 

VIAIR has some good 12 volt compressors.

Get one rated for continuous duty cycle, and will shut itself off between tires.
With continuous duty, some speed is sacrificed, but you will be stopping to cool down with one rated for 30% duty cycle, so it ends up being quicker with the continuous duty. Most people I've seen don't observe the duty cycle, though, but that will shorten the life of the compressor.

I keep mine in the under-floor storage in the back. It has been very handy to have on several occasions.

 

FWIW, the compressor I carry is one from Harbor Freight.
It connects to the battery with clips and has worked great for me.
Just a thought.

 

Smittybilt's dually air compressor for ~$160 has more uummph than a number of others, it's quickly pumped my 35s and a buddies on a number of occasions. I carry it in the trunk bungee'd to the trunk bass speaker mount.

I agree with others, avoid the cheaper cigarette lighter plug-in compressors.

 

A portable vs. OBA system all depends on your plans. If you are looking to just fill tires, you can definitely get by with a portable unit. As others have said, any portable that plugs into the power port, is not going to be quick enough for the 37's. The advantage of an OBA, is you get the head start on the first tire due to the tank.... plus you can use air tools and operate air lockers if you have them.

As for duty cycle, the 100% compressors can run for a very long time without resting, but yes, the trade off is speed. The 33% duty cycle compressors are quicker. I recommend the 400 series compressors, because they flow faster, and in most cases can fill up your tires before hitting duty cycle. The 400 series can fill 37's, if you are airing up to 30-35 PSI or less. If you are looking to fill your 37's and your friends, then the 100% will be better.

You have 3 options as for VIAIR compressors.

1) The 400H Hardmount compressor w/ hose. You can mount this directly to your vehicle, and wires directly to your battery. It has a built-in on/off switch on the back. Just hook up the included 25 ft. hose (onboard-air.com kit), and start filling tires. On special this month for $215 shipped.

2) Our Economy 400C OBA System. This uses the 400C compressor with a 2 gallon tank. It has the basic components to install an OBA on your Jeep. Just need to supply your own wiring and fill hose. Or add the fill hose for an additional $16.95. Economy 400C OBA System runs $299 + $20 shipping.

3) 400P Portable Compressor. It clamps onto your battery using alligator clips and comes with storage bag. Has a 25 ft. hose with inline gauge. Cost is $199 shipped.

Let us know if we can help you out any or have any other questions. We do offer a discount for forum members on non-monthly special items. Hope this information helped. There is an automatic version of the 400P, that will automatically shut off when you release the trigger. That runs $259.95

 

Any thoughts on this one? Hard to beat the price!

ht tp://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004K296N6/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?ie=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER]Amazon.com: Smittybilt 2780 2.54 CFM Universal Air Compressor: Automotive

 

It is another VIAIR knock-off. The price is great, but to be honest...... it may do great the first few times, but may not last you long, or will start to slow down significantly after some usage. It does use cheaper internals, but that is why it is also cheaper. Some will say they will just throw it away and buy another if it breaks, but do you really want to be coming off a trail and have the compressor fail on you? Then after a few failures, you will be at the cost of the VIAIR 400P. To me, it makes sense just to buy the best right off the bat and get something that you know will work for years to come, and is a quality unit. Just my thoughts.

I understand everyone has budgets, but is will be frustrating when you go to use it and it fails or pumps a lot slower than it did when new. There is the 300P which is a little cheaper and can fill up to 33's. No, it can probably be pushed to air up 35's, but will be reaching it limits and pump a little slower. Not the ideal compressor, but will work, and a better choice than the one posted above. That can be had for $150 vs. $199 for the 400P.

Hope this info helps.

 

I got the one that slime sells and it comes in a nice bag with a repaire kit as well. I added some extra hose and can do all four tires with it attached to my batt. It airs my 35s up pretty quickly. Last time out used it to air up mine and my buddies and it didn't get hot or turn off.