There are so many "Off road / Overland" Air Compressors options. Best Air compressor?
There are so many great air compressors on the market these days. Many clones of one another and some just as good as other just in a different color. Since we do not partake in air compressor clone wars, we would rather share with you a list of these wonderful air compressors. A reference guide as you will for helping you choose an air compressor.
This list will consist of only 12 volt compatible air compressors. Some of these air compressors do come in 24 volt as well, but the fittings are the same so no need to list them twice. This is by no means a complete list. We will be updating and adding this list as we go. If we are missing an air compressor, reach out to us and let us know. If we have something listed incorrectly, reach out and let us know. Together everyone achieves more. TEAM work. Let's categorize them air compressors now. (Viair coming soon)
First we will put the air compressors into two main types based on the fittings. We use the these two common fitting types on our kits as well. First is the most common type used in the US is the Industrial fittings ( aka. type D, I/M style, Milton plug). We will call them M-type. The other fitting is the Japan Nitto fitting ( aka. Japanese quick connects, type Q). We will call them Q-type. Both of these fittings types are commonly found on what is considered an Off road / Overland air compressor. These air compressors will use either the M-type or Q-type fittings. Now there are some oddball air compressors out there using different fittings as well. The oddballs will be group three.
Second we will put them in groups of the same design / layout: Onboard, Portable, Portable w/ air tank, and CO2 tanks. Within the groups for Onboard and Portable with or with out an air tank, they can be broken down into two more smaller groups of either Dual or Single Cylinder.
Breakdown of air compressor groups:
Onboard air compressors: They come in Single and Dual Cylinder. The air compressor that most of you might know of is the ARB air compressor. An air compressor that is usually hard / fixed mounted on the vehicle somewhere. Sometimes air storage tanks are also mounted in conjunction with the air compressor on a vehicle. These usually come with a pressure cut off switch. That is why a coupler is used on the out port.
Portable air compressors: They come in Single and Dual Cylinder. The wonderful and most popular 12 volt type of portable air compressors on the market these days. They come in the mighty dual cylinder and a single cylinder like the OG Smittybilt 2781. Everyone brings this one up the 2781 as a comparison to their dual cylinder air compressor. "Our air compressor is twice as fast as the Smittybilt." These type of air compressors are pretty popular for two reasons. One reason is price point and the other is the air output on the big Dual cylinder air compressors. The newer models coming put out now have controls to set your desired PSI when inflating.
Portable air compressors w/ air tanks: These can be either the onboard or portable air compressor connected to tank. The onboard air compressor is mounted in a case with or without a tank for a portable version.
CO2 Tanks: These are cylinders filled with CO2 which is used to inflate your tires instead of compressed air.
Hopefully we made this guide useful to help you decide which air compressor will work best for you. All air compressors have pros and cons. We will not do pro or cons because we don't know your exact needs or wants. This is NOT a which air compressor is best list either. We will list the main objective points we feel that are useful when deciding on which air compressor fits your needs.
Speaking of what we do list when it comes to the numbers for CFM ( cubic feet per minute) / LPM ( liters per minute ), there is a tiny caveat about these numbers. The numbers listed for CFM / LPM are all at 0 psi unless other wise noted. These CFM / LPM @ 0 numbers are a marketing / sales mans jargon. It distinguishes what group the air compressor belongs too. Any of the numbers list @ 0 psi is useless information when it comes to how much CFM are actually being pumped out when connected to a tire with air pressure. The better CFM numbers are at a psi. For example 4.65 CFM @ 29 psi. We list this @ 0 psi number because its usually the only number for CFM listed and it helps distinguish one air compressor from another of the same brand.
We will list the information we feel is most important in helping you research an air compressor for your needs and wants. To learn more about each air compressor clink on the link (the brand of each air compressor). Some of these companies do not list a lot about their air compressors. If they don't list the info, the world may really never know how many licks it takes to get to a center of a Tootsie Pop. We will put the air compressors in order by price in each group at this time. Most expensive to least expensive.
Example of how the air compressors will be listed
Brand, Product Name, *Auto Shutoff: *LCD Control Panel to Preset Target Pressure, duty cycle, CFM / LPM, **warranty. ***price
Weight, dimensions, Inflation times
*Auto Shutoff - LCD Control Panel to Preset Target Pressure, will refer to air compressors with the ability to set your desired air pressure and the air compressor will shutoff at the desired setting. If a brand has a specific name for this same feature, will use the terms they use for their system.
**Check with the manufacturer of any air compressor listed for the nitty gritty of the warranty.
***The air compressors are priced at the time of research or as we update this blog page. Prices are subject to change without notification. We will update prices as we update the list of compatible air compressors. We also weren’t shopping for the cheapest price that we could find.
Weight - We will weight the air compressor and list the weight of said air compressor in house. We will not use the their listed weights.
Dimensions - We will measure the dimensions in house as well.
Inflation times - The inflate times for air compressors will only be listed as we test an air compressor in house. We will do times based on the same size of tire, time frame, and starting psi. 33x12.5R17, 5 minutes total run time, starting @ 10 psi. 1, 2, and 4 tire kits will be used for inflation.
Always check with your air compressor's manufacture on operations and what their recommended usage .
Index
1. M-type ( Industrial type fittings) compatible air compressors.
1.1. Onboard Dual Cylinder air compressors: M-type compatible
1.2. Portable Dual Cylinder air compressors: M-type compatible
1.3. Onboard Single Cylinder air compressors: M-type compatible
1.4. Portable Single Cylinder air compressors: M-type compatible
1.5. Portable air compressors with tank: M-type compatible
1.6. CO2 Tanks: M-type compatible
2. Q-type ( Nitto type fittings) compatible air compressors.
2.1. Portable Dual Cylinder air compressors: Q-type compatible
2.2. Portable Single Cylinder air compressors: Q-type compatible
1. M-type ( Industrial type fittings) compatible air compressors.
These work with our M-type: Multi-tire i.d.k™ and i.d.k Whip™. These air compressors usually have a coupler at the output port or on the hose. Which usually means they have a cutoff switch since the coupler used is closed flow.
1.1 Onboard Dual Cylinder air compressors: M-type compatible, Recommended 1, 2, or 4 tire inflate deflate kits.
TJM Pro Series Twin air compressor: 6 CFM / 170 LPM, Limited Warranty, 2 year warranty if used commercially. $629.00
ARB CKMTA12 Twin air compressor: 6.16 CFM @ 0 psi / 174 LPM @ 0 Bar, 4.65 CFM @ 29 psi / 131.7 LPM @ 2 Bar, 100% duty cycle, 3 year warranty . $616.00
Tire-Rite TR Twin air compressor: 100% duty cycle, 30 day warranty. $499.99
Up Down Air EGOI Twin air compressor: 6.1 CFM, 4 year warranty. $499.99
Rough Country Twin Air Compressor: 100% duty cycle, 3 year warranty. $314.95
LoftMarte CKMTA12 Twin Air Compressor: 174 LPM, 12 month warranty. $308.99
GELUOXI 12V Twin Air Compressor: 100% duty cycle, 18 month warranty. $308.00
1.2 Portable Dual Cylinder air compressors: M-type compatible, Recommended 2 or 4 tire inflate deflate kits unless manufacture recommends otherwise.
EZ Flate M.O.A.B Auto Air Dual air compressor: LCD Control Panel to Preset Target Pressure, 50% duty cycle, 10.6 CFM / 300 LPM, 1 year warranty. $329.99
Thor’s Lightning Bolt Total Control True Dual air compressor: LCD Control Panel to preset target pressure, 50% duty cycle, 10.6 CFM, 5 year warranty . $329.99
MORRFlate TenSix PSI Pro: LCD Control Panel to preset target pressure, 80% duty cycle @ 0 psi, 70% duty cycle @ 40 psi, 50% duty cycle @ 120 psi, 10.6 CFM @ 0 psi / 6.5 CFM @ 30 psi, 12 month warranty. $325.00.
Thor’s Lightning Portable AirVault Dual air compressor: 10.6 CFM, 5 year warranty . $319.99
EZ Air 4x4 Beast Pro EZflate technology: LCD Control panel to preset target pressure, 10.6 CFM, 1 year warranty. $299.99
EZ Flate C.A.S.E. Dual air compressor: 10.6 CFM / 300 LPM, 1 year warranty. $299.99
ALL-TOP Auto Shutoff Dual air compressor: LCD control panel to preset target pressure, 12.35 CFM / 350 LPM, 2 year warranty. $269.99.
SSW Off-Road Digital Dual air compressor: LCD control panel to preset target pressure, 50% duty cycle, 10.6 CFM / 300 LPM, 6.36 CFM @ 29 psi / 180 LPM @ 200 KPA. $249.95
EZ Flate M.O.A.B. Dual air compressor: 50% duty cycle, 10.6 CFM / 300 LPM, 1 year warranty. $239.99
SAMOUT Auto Shutoff Dual air compressor: LCD Control Panel to Preset Target Pressure, 12.3 CFM, 2 year warranty. $239.99
Thor’s Lightning Bolt True Dual air compressor: 50% duty cycle, 10.6 CFM / 300 LPM, 5 year warranty. $239.99
MORRFlate TenSix: 80% duty cycle @ 0 psi, 70% duty cycle @ 40 psi, 50% duty cycle @ 120 psi, 10.6 CFM @ 0 psi, 6.5 CFM @ 30 psi, 12 month warranty. $230.00
SAMOUT Dual air compressor: 12.3 CFM, 2 year warranty. $199.97
ALL-TOP Dual air compressor: 12.35 CFM / 350 LPM, 2 year warranty. $189.99
1.3 Onboard Single Cylinder air compressors: M-type compatible, Recommended 1 or 2 tire inflate deflate kits.
TJM Pro Series Single air compressor: 3.04 CFM, 3 year warranty. $339.00
ARB CKMA12 air compressor: 3.08 CFM @ 0 psi, 2.34 CFM @ 29 psi, 50% duty cycle, 3 year warranty . $338.00
LoftMarte 12V CKMA12 Single Air Compressor: 18 month warranty. $189.99
GELUOXI 12V CKMA12 Single Air Compressor: $159.00
1.4 Portable Single Cylinder air compressors: M-type compatible, Recommended 1 or 2 tire inflate deflate kits. If CFM / LPM > 5 CFM / 160 LPM you can use a 4 tire kit if your tires are preferably 33" inches or less.
Sherpa Winches Big Air air compressor: 10 CFM @ 0 psi / 283 LPM @ 0 psi, ~8.9 CFM @ 40, 5.2 CFM @ 80 psi, 100% @ 80 psi duty cycle, 12 month warranty. $879.00
ARB CKMP12V2 Single Motor portable air compressor: 3.08 CFM @ 0 psi, 2.34 CFM @ 29 psi, 50% duty cycle, 3 year warranty . $450.00
MORRFlate FiveSix PSI Pro Gen2: LCD Control Panel to preset target pressure, 80% duty cycle @ 0 psi, 70% duty cycle @ 40 psi, 50% duty cycle @ 120 psi, 5.6 CFM, 12 month warranty. $285.00.
EZ Flate M.E.S.A Auto Air Single air compressor: LCD Control Panel to Preset Target Pressure, 50% duty cycle, 5.6 CFM / 150 LPM, 1 year warranty. $229.99
ALL-TOP Auto Shutoff Single air compressor: LCD Control Panel to Preset Target Pressure, 7.06 CFM / 200 LPM, 2 year warranty. $219.99.
AstroAI T6 Offroad air compressor: 7.06 CFM, Price $199.99.
JACO 4X4 TrailPro air compressor: 3.5 CFM, 3 year warranty. $174.95.
SAMOUT Auto Shutoff Single air compressor: LCD Control Panel to Preset Target Pressure, 7.06 CFM, 2 year warranty. $169.99
MORRFlate FiveSix Gen2: 80% duty cycle @ 0 psi, 70% duty cycle @ 40 psi, 50% duty cycle @ 120 psi, 5.6 CFM, 12 month warranty. $160.00.
EZ Flate M.E.S.A. Single air compressor: 50% duty cycle, 5.65 CFM / 160 LPM, 1 year warranty. $159.99
1.5 Portable air compressors with Tank: M-type compatible, Recommended 1, 2, or 4 tire inflate deflate kits.
ARB CKMTP12 Twin Motor portable air compressor: 1 gallon air tank, 6.16 CFM @ 0 psi / 174 LPM @ 0 Bar, 4.65 CFM @ 29 psi / 131.7 LPM @ 2 Bar, 100% duty cycle, 3 year warranty . $990.00
Sherpa Winches Box Air air compressor: 3.8 L air tank, 4.2 CFM @ 0 psi, 2.3 CFM @ 40, 1.9 CFM @ 90 psi, 30% @ 100 psi duty cycle, 12 month warranty. $799.00
Up Down Air EGOI II Dual Motor air compressor: 1 gallon air tank, 6.35 CFM, 4 year warranty. $699.99
GELUOXI 12V CKMTP12 Twin Air Compressor: 100% duty cycle. $510.00
Rough Country Portable Twin air compressor: 100% duty cycle, 6.16 CFM, 3 year warranty. $479.95
ALL-TOP air compressor with 6L Tank: Steel 6-Liter tank, 7.06 CFM / 200 LPM, 24 month warranty. $223.99.
1.6 CO2 Tanks: M-type compatible, Recommended 2 or 4 tire inflate deflate kits. (more to come)
Smittybilt Compact Air System: 32 CFM / 900 LPM, Limited Lifetime warranty. $382.99
2. Q- type ( Nitto type fittings) compatible air compressors.
These work with our Q-type: Multi-tire i.d.k™ and i.d.k Whip™. These air compressors require an i.d.k Whip™, i.d.k Whip™ adapter, the flip-flop method, or new fittings if you choose to use them with industrial fittings. These air compressors usually have a plug at the end of the air hose. They lack a cutoff switch which explains the plug to let air escape since the air compressor doesn’t know when to shut off.
2.1 Portable Dual Cylinder air compressors: Q- type compatible, Recommended 2 or 4 tire inflate deflate kits unless manufacture recommends otherwise.
Up Down Air EGOI Auto Shutoff Dual Motor air compressor: Control panel for setting air pressure, 12.6 CFM, 4 year warranty. $299.99
Thor’s Lightning Bolt True Dual air compressor: 10.6 CFM / 300 LPM, limited lifetime warranty. $239.99
EZ Air 4x4 Beast: 10.6 CFM / 300 LPM, 1 year warranty. $234.99
SSW Off-Road Dual air compressor: 300 LPM. $209.00
Tozalazz Dual air compressor: 11.65 CFM @ 0 psi / 330 LPM @ 0 psi, 7 CFM @ 30 psi, 24 month warranty. $187.53.
Barricade Heavy Duty 150PSI dual air compressor: 250 LPM, 2 year limited warranty. $183.99
Stop & Go 2100 Dual air compressor: Price $159.96.
NAPA Horizontal Electric air compressor: $134.99
2.2 Portable Single Cylinder air compressors: Q-type compatible, Recommended 1 or 2 tire inflate deflate kits. If CFM / LPM > 5 CFM / 160 LPM you can use a 4 tire kit if your tires are preferably 33" inches or less.
Dobinsons Zenith air compressor: 6 CFM / 170 LPM. $420.00
Up Down Air EGOI Auto Shutoff Single Motor air compressor: Control panel for setting air pressure, 7 CFM, 4 year warranty. $249.99
Road2Summit Single air compressor: 6.35CFM / 180 LPM. $199.99
Up Down Air EGOI air compressor system: 5.6 CFM, 4 year warranty. $199.99
Ironman 4x4 Air Champ Pro Heavy Duty air compressor: 5.65 CFM / 160 LPM. $199.00
Dobinsons portable air compressor: 72 LPM. $190.00
Ironman 4x4 Air Champ air compressor: 3.2 CFM. $179.00
ALL-TOP Single air compressor: 7.06 CFM / 200 LPM, 2 year warranty. $159.99.
Smittybilt 2781 High Performance air compressor: 5.65 CFM / 160 LPM. $151.49
16 lbs 9 oz,
Barricade Heavy Duty 150PSI air compressor: 160 LPM, 2 year limited warranty. $146.99
MADDOX 125 psi high performance air compressor: 3.0 CFM, 90 days. $139.99
SAMOUT Single air compressor: 7.06 CFM, 2 year warranty. $139.97
Rough Country Air Compressor: Limited Lifetime warranty. $129.95
TJM Portable air compressor: 2.54 CFM / 72 LPM, 5 year warranty. $129.00
Smittybilt 2780 High Performance air compressor: 2.54 CFM / 72 LPM, advantage warranty. $126.99
Pittsburgh Automotive 150 psi compact air compressor: 1.35 CFM. $74.99
7 lbs 14 oz,
Stop & Go Single air compressor: $74.96.
Pittsburgh Automotive 100 psi High Volume air compressor: $39.99