what's everyone's thoughts on air compressors..worth the money? i don't need to lock my diffs, just as a source to fill tires..i see some with air tanks, some that are just compressors..& i saw one that is just an air tank that you fill occasionally at a scuba shop(afraid i may end up like the shark in the end of jaws).

any good write-ups here?

thanks
steve

 

You need a source of air and have to choose between a compressor or an CO2 tank. I have a Rubi so also don't need air to operate lockers. I didn't want to get into having to buy a consumable (CO2) on a regular basis (or dedicate the space to a bottle) so I decided on a compressor. The best comp would be the engine driven Kilby but that is major dollars; around 1300 or so. And as the JK is short of room under the hood and I wanted a winch I went with the Warn Powerplant. The compressor only adds about 12 pounds and should be a better compressor than any but the Kilby. None of the other electrically driven compressors have anywhere near the HP that the Warn has. So far the Warn has worked out fine. If you do get the Warn PP I'd suggest a bumper that mounts it between the frame rails to lower it's height. I haven't noticed a difference in temp since I installed it but this has been an area of concern to some as it is fairly tall.

 

viair make great compressors... i have the viair and a 2.5 gallon air tank setup on my rig.. i would get viair over any other compressor, if you have the money go with kilby but they are expensive

 

I went with an ExtremeAir 4.0 CFM 150 psi 100% duty cycle compressor and 4 gallon tank, and hooked it all up with a 120 - 150 psi solenoid to start the compressor when low, and stop it when it reaches 150 psi in the tank.

I added a pop-off relief valve to the tank, and a back flow preventer to the compressor output end. I put a manual override on a dash toggle, so the compressor would not kick on in the middle of the night, etc.

I then hooked the tank to deliver the air to a quick disco fitting on the front bumper....so when I need to air up, it takes maybe 30 seconds for the first tire, and 45 - 60 seconds for the others, depending upon how low I took the 33 x 12.5's to start with, and how high I want them for the street again.

I can re-set blown beads easily...and it re-charges the tank very quickly...I typically end up with a line of friends who line up to have a turn to use it...I'm like a mobile air station.

I paid about $180 for the compressor in a group buy, and have been using it for about 8 years now, with never a problem.

Before the OBA...I used an Interdynamics Truck compressor for YEARS......which worked OK, but took like 5 minutes/tire instead of 30 - 60 seconds....but, only cost about $40.




The OBA is one of my favorite mods...adding a locking air chuck with a built-in pressure gauge, so I don't kill my back or freeze my hands off waiting for the air to go in made it extra special...its added to my fun factor off roading. Its not a critical mod, but, its so handy and cool, I really am glad I did it.

 

Ok, just so I get this straight...

What're the advantages of one over the other... Warn PP -vs- Viair/tank type setup?

 

Some pics of your setups would be HUGE help.....I have a tank and compressor (both viair) from a fake train horn kit that I was going to sell, but just may keep now if I see I good way to mount them up.....

 

This is my wife's setup, used a compressor from Harbor Freight







I tried deflating/inflating one of her 35's and it took about 90 seconds to go from 5psi to 25psi. It took a bit longer to reach 35psi but we dont run the tires that high on pressure anyway. Overall I am real happy with it, much better feeling going offroad knowing its back there.

 

Does the line stretch all the way to both front tires?

 

Do you have wire run to the battery for your power? Did you drill a hole in the tub?

Any chance for some detailed pics and a possible write-up?

Looks good though, providing your hose reaches front tires.

 

Just put one in for my air horn.
Vair compressor and a 1 gallon tank.
Installed an extra air chuck for tools, etc...