The 9 Best Onboard Air Compressors [Offroading & Airlifts] (2023)

Onboard air compressors are said to be able to power multiple applications. With just one system, you can quickly refuel large off-road tires to the correct PSI value after a long day on the trails.

These systems are also usually permanently installed on the vehicle. You can use it for tire inflation, air storage, load leveling, air horns, air suspension and various air tools.

Onboard systems are also great for applications that require higher CFM ratings than your standard portable air compressor.If you haven'tenough CFM, you cannot operate your pneumatic tools continuously.

Certain onboard compressors can handle air up to 200 PSI. So if you are constantly on the move or cruising outdoor trails, you would certainly benefit from an onboard air compressor.

Pressure and airflow are the two most important things to consider when purchasing an onboard air compressor.

The reason for this is that your tire size affects the air pressure and airflow into your onboard air compressor.Big tires mean more pressure and small tires mean less pressure and airflow.

Most people choose onboard compressors capable of greater than 2.5 CFM at 90 PSI, but ultimately it depends on what you want to use it for.

Below we have compiled a list of 5 onboard air compressors that we have tested, one for each application you may need it for.

Top Onboard Air Compressor

1.ARB-CKMA12– Best for jeeps

The ARB CKMA was selected as the best for Jeeps due to its 100% duty cycle motor and durability.

Don't be put off by the small size of this compressor. While it doesn't look like much, it's a powerful tool that can bring great benefits to you and your Jeep.

It runs off a simple 12V socketand is fitted with a cylindrical roller to ensure maximum durability. This simple but durable construction also improves flow rate.

The first thing we did with the supercharger was turn it on and pump up some tires on our jeep.Standard jeep tires require between 32 and 35 PSI.

Because the compressor has a 100% duty cycle, we were able to inflate all four tires from empty to 35 PSI in a single duty cycle.It took about 2 minutes per hoop.The compressor starts at 130 PSI and stops at 150 PSI, but you can use the 70/100 pressure switch if needed.

We were surprised to find thisThe ARB CKMA offers 2.4 CFM at 29 PSI.This is enough to run an air chuck and smaller pneumatic tools that may be needed for the Jeep, such as B. a percussion gun or a sprayer. To do this, we like to connect the compressor directly to the battery to ensure proper performance.

Weighing just 8.6 lbs and measuring 5.7" x 7.5" x 3.8"it is quick and easy to assemble. The wiring wasn't too difficult and it's pretty easy.The kit includes the mounting hardware and a mounting plate.We also had to install the pressure switch, air filter and safety valve, which was quick and easy.

The biggest issues we noticed were that the battery terminals were smaller and difficult to attach to the battery and the compressor would heat up when running for long periods of time.

Its small design makes it easy to assemble. Wiring is also child's play. It's generally easy. It comes with all mounting hardware and a mount plate. We also thought installing the pressure switch, air filter and safety valve was easy.

2.GSPSCN-Air Compressor– Best for overlanding

We selected this as the best compressor for overlanding as it gives us 5.6 CFM and a fast inflation speed of 1.5 minutes for most applications.

Overlanding is fun, and often you'll need a compressor for a variety of tasks like inflating tires or rafts. The GSPSCN Air Compressor is a budget-friendly device that we found useful when overlanding.

First off, it has a compact design that makes it easy to store away and get out of the way until you absolutely need to use it. It has a solid construction that can handle bumps in the road while driving. It was very easy to use andis connected via a 12 V socket or can be clamped to a battery with the crocodile clips.The extra-long 6.5mm heavy-duty cable came in handy for us.

This little compressor has a maximum pressure of 150 PSI and can inflate a standard size tire in 1.5 minutes.For us it ran for 40 minutes at 40 PSI in 70 degree weather. It got a little hot but we turned it off for a few minutes and it cooled down quickly. There is a 28ft self-retracting hose that comes with the compressor to reach all 4 tires without having to move the unit.

The dual cylinders in the supercharger give it the ability to output 5.65 CFM at 40 PSI. This was perfect for using various pneumatic tools we needed along the way such as: B. an air chuck for inflating the tires and a percussion gun for removing/installing lug nuts.

Since the motor is directly driven, it slows down the speed for high efficiency and low noise.We recommend turning off the compressor for 5-10 minutes every 20 minutes.

Our only issue with this compressor was that the pressure gauge seemed inaccurate at times.

3.Viair 40047-400P– Best for RVs

We ultimately settled on the Viair 40047-400P as the best for an RV as it can be quickly inflated from 0 to 30 PSI in less than 5 minutes.

The Viair 40047 400P was one of our favorite 12v units on boardAir compressors for RVsuse. It was used in our RV and was light and compact enough not to take up much space in our storage areas when not in use.

We were impressed with the inflation time the supercharger gave us.It took the compressor just under 5 minutes to inflate a 35 inch tire from 0 to 30 PSI.

We tested this on a variety of tire sizes, from a basic 16-inch tire all the way up to a 38-inch tire.For a 16 inch tire, it took only 2 minutes to fully inflate from 0 to 32 PSI.As the tire size increases, the need for more air increases, so it takes longer to inflate.

The 5-in-1 inflator/deflator tool gives you everything you need when it's time to take care of your tires.In total, the compressor can output a maximum of 150 PSI and run for 40 minutes before needing a rest. This at a duty cycle of 33%.

In addition, the compressor can output 2.3 CFM @ 150 PSI.As the pressure in your tires or whatever you inflate increases, the flow rate decreases.The lowest is 0.71 CFM at 150 PSI.

This particular design protects your tires from over-inflation, but there is also an auto shut-off feature that allows you to preset your specific PSI to avoid over-inflating.

While this was a great machine, it has its downsides. It is expensive and draws a maximum of 30 amps. You can buy it atHeimdepotAlso.

4.Smittybilt 2781– Best budget onboard compressor

Since we all can't afford expensive compressors, we chose the Smittybilt 2781 as our budget pick because it costs just under $100.

People who are looking for onboard compressors are usually the ones who enjoy driving off-road or overlanding. This budget-friendly compressor will be your best friend, especially if you're on a budget.It has a ⅓hp oilless direct drive motor and a 30 amp in-line fuse.It may be small, but it works pretty well.

The Smittybilt has a maximum pressure of 150 PSI and can operate at 40 PSI continuously for 40 minutes before needing to cool down.This rating is based on an outside temperature of 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

The mentioned ⅓ hp motor makes the supercharger work just as hard as 72 liters per minute. The thermal circuit breaker protects the motor from overheating and overstretching, which can lead to failure. You can also buy itWalmart.

Aside from that,we were fed 5.65 CFM @ 150 PSI.We were able to inflate a completely flat tire from 0-35 PSI in just under 2 minutes.

Although it doesn't take long to build up pressure inside the compressor,It takes a while to inflate tires larger than 20 inches or requiring more than 40 PSI.However, you can operate it as a portable device or stationary in your vehicle.

5.Viair 20001 Ultra Duty Air System– Best for service trucks

We thought that the Viair 20001 was the best on-board compressor for a service truck due to its robustness and high performance 100% cycle motor.

We think the 12v VIAIR 20001 is a fantastic option for a service van.It is a pre-engineered onboard air system that allows 4 37" tires to be inflated at once. It has a 100% duty cycle which helps with tire pressures like this. We have found that the motor does not overheat even with prolonged use, even at 150 PSI. It can be used for up to an hour without a break.

This onboard unit has a 2.5 gallon, 200 PSI air tank and runs at 100% at 100 PSI and 50% at 200 PSI with a CFM rating of 200 PSI at 1.86.A convenient dashboard display is located in the onboard air system with an easy to use on/off switch. Additionally, there is also a tire inflation gun with a 200 PSI gauge.We've found it can inflate a 35" tire from 15 PSI to 30 PSI in just over 3 minutes.

Installation is easy in our opinion.Everything you need to install on your service truck is included. The system is super flexible so you can mount it anywhere you want it.

It comes with cables and the included hoses are also ideal enough for most installations.The only issue we found with this compressor is that the gauge on the nozzle seems to read about 5 PSI higher than the pocket gauge. But no big deal.you can buy ittractor supply.

6.ARB-CKMA12– Best for drag racing

This onboard compressor is small enough to fit in even the tightest of spaces. As you may know, drag racing cars don't have a lot of space, making this supercharger an ideal option for you.

When activated, the compressor builds pressure to a maximum of 150 PSI and shuts off. It then turns back on when the pressure falls below 130 PSI. If you're not looking for that much pressure, ARB also has a 70/100 switch that you can install.

We have found that the ARB 4x4 Supercharger can inflate up to four 35" tires in just one pass and deflate a 35" tire in just over 2 minutes.This is perfect for those sudden flat tires during racing.

The compressor is super light, but has high-quality components that allow for quiet operation and a long service life.

It is fully sealed to keep moisture and dust out. The motor is also thermally protected against extreme temperature damage.We would like to say that we found that the compressor got very hot with prolonged use.

7.Air Jack 25980 74000EZ– Best onboard air compressor for airlift

If you are looking for convenience and ease of use for your airlift, consider the AirLift 74000EZ cordless AIR compressor. It comes in handy for a variety of uses, such as B. Changes in load or road conditions.

The dual path system independently inflates and deflates each air spring to different pressures.It's a great solution when you need to instantly inflate your air springs to a specific pressure. No need to stop or look for an alternative route. We found the low-pressure sensor and auto-inflation feature to be useful quite often.

The unit was easy to install with the included bracket and hardware. It included the wiring harness and airlines with easy to follow instructions.It took us almost 3 hours for the complete installation.

The kit also included an upgraded heavy-duty air compressor and manifold that sits snugly and securely on a bracket. No cables to the cab were required and a simple 12V socket was used.

Finally, the remote control and free mobile app are fantastic.You can use the wireless remote control inside or outside the vehicle to deflate or inflate your air springs. In addition, the app duplicates the functionality of the remote control. It was a little tricky at times, but ultimately it still came in handy. You can toobuy it here.

Onboard air compressors for airbags and airhorns

8.Vixen Air Compressor Suspension Kit– Best onboard compressor for airbags

If your vehicle has rear sag when towing or carrying a heavy load, you may benefit from suspension airbags. These adjustable pockets add extra pressure to your vehicle when the suspension needs it most, ensuring weight is evenly distributed.

This compressor has a tank capacity of 5 gallons.It runs off a simple 12V socket. The tank has four ½" NPT ports on the front, one ⅜" NPT port, two ¼" NPT ports on the left, one ⅜" NPT on the right, and one ¼ -Inch NPT bottom connection. It has an oil-free design and is moisture and dust resistant.

One of our favorite features is the auto-resetting thermal overload protection. If the compressor starts to overheat, it will shut off automatically to protect the engine and your vehicle. It also has one170 PSI on - 200 PSI off pressure switch with a maximum PSI of 200.Additionally,it outputs 1.8 CFM @ 170 PSI.

The kit comes with a remote filter, pressure switch, water trap with coupler, drain valve, relay with pre-wired connector and all mounting hardware.Installation was pretty easy and took a little under two hours.

Warning:This does not increase the loading capacity of your vehicle.

9.Horn Blaster Outlaw 127– Best onboard air compressor for air horns

Let everyone know you're coming with this Air Horn Onboard Air Compressor. These horns have a large neck to produce a lower tone. We were surprised at how loud these horns were and how well the compressor worked.

The horns are constructed with a 3-tone function.3 trumpets are mounted on a bracket. The compressor's manifold design made installation easy. All we had to do was mount the mount to an enclosed area of ​​our vehicle. All mounting hardware was included.

The compressor is not weather resistant so it is important that it is mounted in an enclosed area. Ithas a wired solenoid that is wired to the activation button.

The horns work well with as little as 50 PSI, but we recommend running the compressor at 150 PSI to ensure the air horns are at their loudest.The 2 gallon tank will give you 5-7 seconds of horn time.We also recommend a ½ inch straight line as smaller airlines restrict airflow.

10. Vevor-Zughorn-Kit

This premium quality slide horn set is perfect for anyone looking for a loud air horn.It has a rating of 150 dB.

This is of all four stainless steel horns which all measure different lengths. The compressor itself is made of zinc-plated, chrome-plated material and a carbon steel housing. It can handle changing temperatures and adapt to different weather conditions.

The compressor itself has a maximum output of 150 PSI. It features automatic safety protection design and 1.6 US gallon air tank. When the compressor reaches 125 PSI, the tank stops pumping. During operation, we could not determine any noticeable vibrations due to the 4 vibration pads.

As far as the installation goes, it was pretty easy and straightforward. It is flexible and portable, allowing it to be moved from one vehicle to another. Our kit included the basic parts needed for a quick installation, plus additional sealing tape and 1m of extra hoses for replacement if required. Overall we were pleased with this horn compressor kit.

Why do you need an onboard air compressor in your truck?

One of the most common uses is pumping tire air pressure so you're ready to hit the road. But that's not the only reason to invest in one.

• air horns. Send alerts to other drivers.
• Drive small tools. Instead of having to buy separate compressors, use on-board air to power small tools on the go or in your shop or garage.
• overland comfort. Use it to fill air mattresses, power a refrigerator, or provide hot water for showers.
• For filling airbags that level your vehicle.

But why fit a compressor when you can take enough with you when you need them?

• Space. Onboard compressors can fit in tight spaces, such as B. under the hood or under the car.
• Convenience. Once you have your compressor installed, you have the peace of mind that it will be there when you need it.
• Time. You'll recoup the initial time investment in installation if you're constantly having to remember where you put it, make room for it, or have to turn around because you forgot your portable compressor.

Take a look at the best truck air compressorsHere.

Why an onboard compressor is needed for off-road use

An onboard air compressor is a must for off-road riding because when you decrease tire pressure, you increase traction and comfort over rough terrain.

Your tire pressure should be lowered to around 15 PSI for optimal traction and comfort, but you can only do this if you have a way to refill your tires, hence the onboard supercharger.

Not only that, you can use it to inflate a bike tire, a camping air mattress, and more.

Belt driven onboard air compressors

Imagine you could fill a tire in 55 seconds. Or an onboard compressor rated at 200psi and 8.0 CMF. That would be possible with a belt-driven on-board air compressor. But is there such a thing?

Instead of running off your battery, the belt-driven supercharger would be driven by your engine's V-belt. This gives you more power with very little power loss and without draining your car's battery. But is there such a thing?

Yes and no. You could buy a York or Sanden compressor. But the installation is not easy.

• It would need to be aligned with the fan or air conditioner belt.
• Then you would have to find space to mount it.
• The air diffuser would have to be mounted on the firewall of the vehicle.
• The correct electrical connections would have to be made.
• The system would need to be fitted with a pressure relief valve.

For this to work you need a car that has room for a larger supercharger. You should also have a lot of experience with this type of installation.

If you are interested, contact us and we will make you an offer.

Homemade Onboard Air Compressor – Is It Worth It?

If you're a DIY enthusiast, you might be wondering whether it's worth buying the parts for an onboard compressor separately and building your own system.

That depends on several factors:

• How much time you are willing to invest
• Your level of comfort when working with electronics
• your ability to improvise

To give you an idea of ​​what you need to do, here are the steps you might need to take:

1. First you need to find a 110 volt air compressor and make sure it has the necessary valves (pressure relief, dump and test) and a pressure switch. It should also be rated to fill the size tank you will be using.
2. If the compressor stops working (which is why it was so cheap to begin with), you'll have to buy a new one and hook it up12-Volt-DC-CompressorMotor.
3. Next you need to make sure the pressure switch is rated to turn off at the desired psi. This could mean a reconfiguration of the switch.
4. After mounting the compressor motor on the tank, you need to run cables from the compressor to the car battery. Another pair of wires must be routed into the cabin to connect to a remote on/off switch.

Assembling and finding parts takes longer than opening a package with all the parts needed. It's easier to make sure you connect everything correctly when you have the instructions that come with a complete system.

If you don't have a lot of experience with things like relays, solenoids, and aftermarket switches, then a kit will save you time.

However, if you have the time and experience with electronics, you can build your own system to customize it. It may even be slightly cheaper, although the savings will be minimal.

How to hook up an onboard air compressor

If you want to find out how to install an onboard air compressor, read ourdetailed installation guide.

Do you need a tank for on-board air?

This is a common question asked by people new to onboard compressors. No, you don't need an onboard air tank unless you plan to use a lot of pneumatic tools.

The only thing the additional air tank does for you is an additional volume boost for the first tire inflation.Tankless compressors inflate a 35 inch tire in an average of 5 minutes per tire.

Why install when you can keep going?

Some people wonder why put a supercharger in your vehicle when you can just pack it up and take it anywhere. There are actually a few reasons someone would install it permanently.

First is the space. Onboard compressors fit in tight spaces, such as under the hood of a car. Second, they are comfortable.

Once you've installed the compressor, it's always there when you need it, with no extra steps to take. Third, they save time. You'll never have to turn the car over because you forgot it.

Can it be installed in a toolbox?

The primary goal of an onboard air compressor is to remain accessible, dry, clean, and cool while in operation.

An overheated air compressor is the easiest way to fail prematurely. You can certainly build it into a toolbox to accomplish all of these goals. Mounting it in a tool box protects it from the elements, and when it's open, the compressor is adequately ventilated.

If you decide to mount it in a tool box, you should mount it so that it doesn't slide around. If you use a smaller tool box, attach it to the bed to keep it in place. Also, drill a hole near the bottom of the toolbox and deburr it before running any wires.

What is the best onboard air compressor for tires?

We thought the ARB CKMA12 to be the best onboard tire compressor overall as it can quickly inflate small to large tires in just under 5 minutes, depending on size.

Since there is a generous CFM, it can not only inflate tires, but can be used for a variety of applications. It's small and light enough to mount to almost anything and is backed by a generous 2-year warranty.

frequently asked Questions

Can a portable air compressor be installed as an onboard compressor?

Not all portable air compressors are suitable for onboard performance. Most are not weight-optimized and cannot be installed on board.

There would actually be more problems with that than the headache is worth. So we do not recommend you to use your portable air compressor as an onboard compressor.

Does it really matter where my onboard air compressor is installed?

No, it doesn't. You can install the onboard compressor virtually anywhere as long as space and clearance allow. Some trucks will actually come with a place for it. However, you should remember to install it in a place where it will stay dry and less prone to shaking.

Does a perfectly sealed air compressor matter?

Because the compressor is exposed to many external elements, it is important to purchase a properly sealed compressor to ensure long life. If not properly sealed, dust, dirt and other debris can enter the compressor and make it dangerous to operate.

Final Thoughts

In our opinion, on-board air compressors should be standard on certain vehicles. They are a handy tool to have with you in an emergency or just for fun.

They are perfect for overlanding and off-road driving. It is now up to you to choose the best for your particular needs and we hope that in this article we have helped you with that.