Which Compressor

x2 for the sidewinder compressor. Happy with mine.

No doubt a good compressor but the test was done in 2009 so there might be others available now which are better value.

Is there a more recent comparison available?

Yes Chisel, search the web and this site. Pretty sure the mag report is now online. One of the top performers was the Dr Air 150l, ~$200 iirc.

Second the old max air. The feet have fallen off (rubber perished), the plastic air filter holder broke off years ago, the bag zippers corroded and broke, but that old compressor has earned every scar.

This might give you a idea of the real price of these cheap Chinese compressors.......

http://www.alibaba.com/trade/search?fsb=y&IndexArea=company_en&CatId=&SearchText=12v+car+air+compressors

Have one mounted and feeding a 10 litre tank, works quite well with no problems at all.
They are quite an effective unit.
Cheers
Flighty

What is the shape and meaurements of the tank? Any link or picture?

I was thinking of doing the same. Not a lot of room beside the drawer system. You know the type of place, just behind the rear wheel arch in a sedan.

Phil

1. CKMP12/CKMTP24 – High Output PortableEngineered to suit any off road adventure and the most popular in the range, this portable air compressor has been constructed entirely of lightweight, high grade materials and is mounted in a durable case offering easy carrying and storage.

2. CKMA12 – High Output On-BoardPermanently mounted, this water, dust, heat and shock resistant compressor can be used to activate Air Lockers and will perform a number of other functions with an optional tyre inflation kit sold separately.

My ARB compressor is the best I've ever had. One of the good things is the automatic cutoff when you are moving between tyres so that the hose doesn't blow. It only runs when I squeeze the trigger, and it's fast.

I forgot to add, on the weekend at a club trip, 1member forgot his compressor, anothers blew apart at the hose coupling. My fixed in car ARB inflated my car and those 2 other cars in less time than some of the others with the portable ones did having to unpack, setup, and move the unit around because their hoses wouldn't reach. No comparison, I'd already inflated 2 tyres before they got their compressors working.

I think ARB make some of the best compressors on the market, we use two CKMA-12's running together into a 18lt tank. The compressors have a 6 inch high capacity fan ( not a cheap computer one) blowing air over them to keep them cool in long run situations.

The thing I like about the ARB compressors is you can get every part needed separately.

A lot of people knock them mostly due to their hate of ARB and thinking there are better for less....... Air compressors are one of those things that when you need it you need it.

ARB make real honest compressors that work and are reliable.

Just a note about some units high flow claims of 150 litres a minute, this is usually calculated at 0 psi , check the glow rates at around 30 psi and you will see a truer measure of their ability

And for Phil, I have a small tank mounted on the cross member under the vehicle about under the passenger seat. Raining here at the moment so will take a pic tomorrow and post it then.

Here is a pic of the mounted air tank I promised.


Here is another pic. (note the strenghthened torsion bar mount, a good investment for any well travelled 100 series)


I hope people find these of interest, just ask if anyone wants more info.