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Compressor options for ARB's?

kholding

Bronco Guru
Joined
Sep 6, 2010
Messages
2,209
Loc.
Las Vegas, NV
I am installing ARB lockers and need to buy a compressor to run them. Which compressors are people having good luck with?. I haven't heard great things about the ARB compressors. Thanks, Kenny.
 
Last edited:

reynard101

Bronco Guru
Joined
Aug 19, 2006
Messages
1,098
Maybe the new ARB compressor. http://www.arbusa.com/Products/Compressors/19.aspx

" CKMTA12 - This compact vehicle mounted compressor has been designed to do everything! Activate your ARB Air Locking Differentials, air up a 35" tire in less than a minute and run air tools. This 100% duty cycle, 6.16 CFM compressor is built to support all of your compressed air needs."

ARBTwinCompressor.jpg
 

Scoop

Contributor
Have Bronco, Will Travel
Joined
Feb 1, 2006
Messages
10,822
Loc.
Cuchara, CO
I run a small Viair compressor. It works well for the ARB but is not big enough to inflate tires.

You might consider running a power tank instead of a compressor - that's probably the way I'd go it if I did it over.
 
OP
OP
kholding

kholding

Bronco Guru
Joined
Sep 6, 2010
Messages
2,209
Loc.
Las Vegas, NV
Sorry, that is what I meant. I have been looking at the Viair OBA systems (constant duty and higher). I should have no problems using this system with my ARB's correct?
 

NY-Bronco

Resident Dipstick
Joined
Aug 4, 2010
Messages
2,336
Loc.
Weehawken, NJ
Ill be running the ARB compressor and have a powertank as a redundant backup. 4x4groupbuy.com has powertanks 15lb powertanks package C available for over 100 bucks less.
 

Sbolt19

Bronco Guru
Joined
Nov 8, 2005
Messages
1,098
Loc.
Colorado Springs
I run a small Viair compressor. It works well for the ARB but is not big enough to inflate tires.

You might consider running a power tank instead of a compressor - that's probably the way I'd go it if I did it over.

x2 on the Viair compressor. I have the 350C and have it plugged into a 2 gal. pancake tank. It works great for the ARBs and it will run without having to shut off for tire inflation. The other thing is that it was $50 cheaper, was able to handle more and just seemed like an all around better compressor than the ARB one.

The problem with the power tank is you gotta refill it....
 

Scoop

Contributor
Have Bronco, Will Travel
Joined
Feb 1, 2006
Messages
10,822
Loc.
Cuchara, CO
Sorry, that is what I meant. I have been looking at the Viair OBA systems (constant duty and higher). I should have no problems using this system with my ARB's correct?

Almost any compressor - if rated to ~125 psi or greater - will run an ARB or 2. The ARB takes high pressure but almost no volume to run.
 

Broncobowsher

Total hack
Joined
Jun 4, 2002
Messages
35,713
I thought the ARB was suppose to be limited to 90 PSI to prevent damage to the seals?
 

Devin

Bronco Kineticist
Joined
Apr 29, 2004
Messages
3,956
I thought the ARB was suppose to be limited to 90 PSI to prevent damage to the seals?

Yep, that is what my ARB directions indicated. I have a constant-duty Viair system that I regulated down to 90 psi. I have yet to test the system out, however. Soon....very soon. ;D
 

bmc69

Contributor
Bronco Guru
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Jun 11, 2004
Messages
11,917
Running a 12V Lincoln air-ride compressor connected to a home made aluminum tank and base plate.
 

trailpsycho

Bronco Guru
Joined
Dec 11, 2003
Messages
4,856
I have a small compressor to air up my tires when I need to, its not fast, but it does the job...the Costco one that everyone was hyper about a couple of three or 4 yrs ago.

As far as for actuating my ARBs, I picked up a small regulator at Lowes designed for use with the 9 and 20 OZ CO2 tanks (used for brad-nailers, etc). It came as a kit...with a case. I carry 2 20 OZ cylinders. I have never even used up the first one completely in 4-5 trips. The regulator is adjustable, has a quick connect, hose, etc. I picked up a junction block from power-tank and am using the solenoid switches mounted up on the dash. All the plumbing is always there...just pull out a tank, the regulator, set it and plug it into the distribution block.

The nice thing about the smaller tanks is that you can keep them anywhere, which means you dont have to worry about someone swiping your $300 P-tank setup when you go into the store. As well, filling or picking one up is pretty easy almost anywhere in the country (paint ball supply, gas shop, Lowes). Since I carry mulitples-all the time in my storage trunk, if necessary, I can burn one up to reseat a bead... and still have plenty of air for a several days of wheeling. I have posted about this in a couple of other threads...so you might try a search

Here is a link. http://www.lowes.com/pd_82384-61735...l=1&currentURL=/pl__0__s?Ntt=kobalt+regulator

I havent had any problems and no leaks. A great option in my opinion, for those that need or want stealth air for their ARBs. Dont get me wrong, the Powertank and similar products are sweet. I wouldnt mind having one, but its a storage and security issue...and possibly a safety issue for anyone in the back-seat area.

As well, while you can get tnew tanks and have old tanks filled at Lowes, I have found that buying a couple of aluminum tanks from a paintball supply and getting them filled there is a better option (~$4-5, per refill).

Good luck!

John
 

KyleQ

Bronco Guru
Joined
Apr 24, 2008
Messages
5,480
ARB's new compressor is out of this world expensive. I would suggest running a CO2 paintball tank.
 

Buldozer

Bronco Virtuoso
Joined
Oct 17, 2007
Messages
3,065
Loc.
God's Country
Vair is the only way to go as far as on board 12v compressors go IMO. Tried several different ones....ARB is the worse of all! Stay clear of any compressor with the ARB name on it! Get the largest Vair you can afford that is rated for continious duty and get you a on-board storage tank for airing up your tires and running your air tools and such. ;) Just my $.02.
 

gddyap

Bronco Guru
Joined
Mar 8, 2005
Messages
1,334
Loc.
Mtn View, CA
The comp guys run at higher pressures to reduce damage when crash locking. They get faster, better engagement.
 

jw0747

Contributor
Bronco Guru
Joined
Nov 22, 2006
Messages
2,434
Loc.
San Antonio, TX
I'm El Cheapo and am running one of these mounted on driver's inner fender. you have to get a braided line coming out of the compressor running to a nearby manifold because the hose gets really hot. got an ARB up front and air tank mounted in the system for filling tires. compressor is five yrs old and hasn't hiccuped yet. not as good as a York compressor or maybe a Viair but very simple and for $69 it is well worth it. price now about $10 higher.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200442866_200442866
 

bmc69

Contributor
Bronco Guru
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Jun 11, 2004
Messages
11,917
The comp guys run at higher pressures to reduce damage when crash locking. They get faster, better engagement.

Have run one of mine for a good 8 years now at 120....no problems.
 
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