Grinner replied:

Robert, check the May issue of 4x4 Australia Magazine, they have done a comparison of Air Compressors. Saying that, I have the Truck Air compressor, and find it resonable for the price. As an indication of inflation speed, my mate has a single cylinder Blue Tongue, and he can inflate 5 tyres in about the same time I can inflate 3. Grinner.

Goran replied:

Hi,Rob
Bushranger unit(about$150) should do the job.It can pump the tyre from flat and reinflate after sand driving.However i would consider any such unit as emergency only.I agree with you about the prices of heavy duty units but i dont think we have a choice.Cheaper units are not very reliable and tend to cook themselfs when most needed.
I run liquid CO2 bottle on my roof rack capable of inflating about 26 tyres(265 75 R16) from flat to 32psi at the 10 sec.per tyre.No 12V compressor can mach that

Mark replied:

Hey Robert, like Gunner said, check out the review in 4x4. There was a new Bushranger unit tested for $250 which appeared to do the job.

Ray replied:

Hi Robert
I have 4WD for years and use a Truck Air. It works very well after a slight modification. Cut the cigarette lighter plus off and add a hela plug or connect it direct to battery, Increases the efficinecy by 25% at least. No problem blowing up the 4 tyres after sand driving and much cheaper. Have had the unit for 4 years with no problems

Grant Taylor replied:

G'day Robert, if my memory serves me, Truckair's have a plastic piston whereas the more expensive pumps have a metal piston. When asked to do too much the plastic pistons can over heat and warp. The metal ones do not. If you only use it ocassionally and don't pump up everyone elses tyres at the same time then you should be fine. They are slower, though.