Wanting to buy 12v air compressor

Submitted: Saturday, Sep 08, 2018 at 08:32
ThreadID: 137211 Views:9653 Replies:13 FollowUps:27
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Can anyone out there recommend a good brand name and model for a 12v Air Compressor. I have tried the SCA but not suitable.....
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Reply By: rumpig - Saturday, Sep 08, 2018 at 09:29

Saturday, Sep 08, 2018 at 09:29
Bushranger Max Air brand for me....i have the MaxAir 2 that is going on 12 years old now, it pumps up multiple large vehicle 4wd tyres (have done 12 tyres one after the other several times now) from beach pressures to bitumen pressures without shutting off due to overheating issues, though compressor motor will be very hot to touch as you get from most compressors. They have superseded that model now and have a MaxAir 3 version instead, guess your budget will be your biggest determining factor though.
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Follow Up By: DiggZ - Saturday, Sep 08, 2018 at 09:39

Saturday, Sep 08, 2018 at 09:39
Bushranger Max for me too. It also has a pressure switch too so its not running all the time.
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Follow Up By: Batt's - Tuesday, Sep 11, 2018 at 17:22

Tuesday, Sep 11, 2018 at 17:22
Bushranger max air as well mines 14yrs old and done a fair amount of work cost $360 back then but worth the extra dollars for a long lasting reliable compressor. It puts out 72lts a minute has a higher temp cut out than some has a 35amp fuse so your not going to be drawing massive amps which can ruin or shorten the life of a low out put alternator just something to consider.
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Reply By: Member - DingoBlue(WA) - Saturday, Sep 08, 2018 at 09:29

Saturday, Sep 08, 2018 at 09:29
Make sure you buy one that puts out at least 170l/minute. Most cheapies only do about 70l/minute
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Follow Up By: Member - Blue M - Saturday, Sep 08, 2018 at 13:52

Saturday, Sep 08, 2018 at 13:52
DingoBlue, would you have a brand name of a 12 v compressor that puts out that volume.
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Follow Up By: Member - McLaren3030 - Saturday, Sep 08, 2018 at 15:19

Saturday, Sep 08, 2018 at 15:19
Blue M, ARB Twin Motor Compressor output 174 L/Min.

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Follow Up By: rumpig - Saturday, Sep 08, 2018 at 16:07

Saturday, Sep 08, 2018 at 16:07
I don't get the big deal about a 170 LPM flowrate myself....my Maxair compressor has my tyres pumped up fairly quickly (MaxAir 3 claims they are 72 LPM), it might not be as quick as the ARB unit, but it's not a huge amount of differance longer in reality. For occasional use it's hard to justify the price of the ARB units for many people, I'd say I use my compressor more then occasionally, and whilst I looked into upgrading to the ARB twin unit (purely due to my compressor getting on in years, it still works fine currently), I didn't bother when I got the price. If someone wanted to give me one I wouldn't say No (i would be more then happy to own one), but there is no need to spend that much on a compressor to get something reliable and still pumps tyres up in a half decent amount of time.
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Follow Up By: AlbyNSW - Saturday, Sep 08, 2018 at 18:30

Saturday, Sep 08, 2018 at 18:30
I have the Bushranger Max air and also the ARB unit . Both are very good and would happily purchase either again . Something to consider is the size and portability of the two units as you may find one more convenient to carry or use.
I prefer the ARB for permanent mounting in a vehicle but the MaxAir is a great portable unit.

Be careful of the output claims of many of the compressors as they are very misleading.
The output is measured with no load resistance and depending on the quality of the unit will produce much less when pumping up a tyre.
The MaxAir units are only 72 litres a minute but will still outperform others with claimed outputs twice that amount.

FYI MaxAir use Viair compressors on their units
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Follow Up By: Member - McLaren3030 - Monday, Sep 10, 2018 at 09:04

Monday, Sep 10, 2018 at 09:04
Hi Rumpig, when you have 6 or 8 tyres to pump up from 20 psi back to highway pressures, the larger the volume of air, the shorter the time to complete the task. Particularly off road tyres, that are quite large. Worth reading the articles in the attached links.

http://unsealed4x4.com.au/12v-portable-air-compressor-comparison/

http://unsealed4x4.com.au/issue017/#35

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Follow Up By: Member - McLaren3030 - Monday, Sep 10, 2018 at 10:03

Monday, Sep 10, 2018 at 10:03
Wicket, volume of air supplied is probably more important than pressure, after all 300 psi @ 10 Ltrs./Min. will take an awful long time to pump up a tyre.

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Follow Up By: rumpig - Monday, Sep 10, 2018 at 19:23

Monday, Sep 10, 2018 at 19:23
Regardless of what the test says about compressors Macca, I still stand by my opinion that it's hard to justify the $870 it says it costs for an ARB twin compressor for many people....i'll save that $520 extra it says they cost more then what I'd likely buy, and enjoy spending it on something else on my vehicle instead.
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Follow Up By: Member - McLaren3030 - Tuesday, Sep 11, 2018 at 12:29

Tuesday, Sep 11, 2018 at 12:29
No problem rumpig, lots of people will agree with you regarding the price.
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Follow Up By: Batt's - Wednesday, Sep 12, 2018 at 18:56

Wednesday, Sep 12, 2018 at 18:56
Macca Interesting test results for the compressors couldn't help but notice Bushrangers ran a lot cooler than most of the others maybe their thinking of the long term life and reliability of their product by running them at a slower speed.
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Follow Up By: KevinE - Thursday, Sep 13, 2018 at 20:32

Thursday, Sep 13, 2018 at 20:32
$870??? Are you serious???

To pump tyres back up?
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Follow Up By: Member - McLaren3030 - Saturday, Sep 15, 2018 at 10:37

Saturday, Sep 15, 2018 at 10:37
Each to his own Kev. When you have 8 large tyres to pump up in 38 degree heat, I want something that will go the distance without issue. Also if I want run my air tools, I want something with enough volume.

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Follow Up By: Neihoh - Saturday, Nov 03, 2018 at 09:54

Saturday, Nov 03, 2018 at 09:54
If speed at which you can re-inflate tyres is an issue, and the ARB cost $900ish, you could get 4 cheaper compressors and have them all running at once instead. ??
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Follow Up By: Member - McLaren3030 - Sunday, Nov 04, 2018 at 07:30

Sunday, Nov 04, 2018 at 07:30
Neihoh, not practical, in order to run 4 compressors at once, you would need 4 anderson plugs, and at least one if not two extra batteries on top of the two I already have. At approx $200 for each battery, (for quality batteries), plus the extra weight of the batteries, and finding somewhere to mount them, and the cost of installation & wiring, the cost is getting up there. Plus, cannot run air tools without the volume that a tank provides.

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Reply By: Les - PK Ranger - Saturday, Sep 08, 2018 at 10:02

Saturday, Sep 08, 2018 at 10:02
What model Noelene ?
Do you know ?

Most of the 150psi - 150lt/m will do a fine job.
The double piston variations seem to have less of a hard time.

I've had my BBT for 5 years now, lots of work done with beaches and tracks over many trips.
The case is starting to show signs of rear tub storage, but still keeping it safe.

BBT Gold compressor
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Reply By: Member - McLaren3030 - Saturday, Sep 08, 2018 at 10:28

Saturday, Sep 08, 2018 at 10:28
Hi Noelene L, IMHO, you can't go past the ARB Twin Motor Compressor, particularly the model with the air tank. Yes they are expensive, but they give you the best "bang for your buck". Testing by Pat Callinan media group showed it outperformed every other compressor they tried. Yes, ARB is one of his sponsors, but I have also seen other test results from 4x4 magazines etc. showing the same sort of results.

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Reply By: Member - John T (Tamworth NSW) - Saturday, Sep 08, 2018 at 13:03

Saturday, Sep 08, 2018 at 13:03
Hi Noelene

Might I recommend the ABR air compressor sold by a Business member of the forum. 'Do not confuse with ARB - totally different company. Derek from ABR is great to deal with and the price is right.

I have bought from him numerous times. No affiliation, just a happy customer.

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Follow Up By: DesF - Saturday, Sep 08, 2018 at 13:24

Saturday, Sep 08, 2018 at 13:24
Have to agree ARB is a great unit , only had the single unit but worked a treat,

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Follow Up By: 9900Eagle - Saturday, Sep 08, 2018 at 17:23

Saturday, Sep 08, 2018 at 17:23
I have the ADR sidewinder twin which is getting on a bit now. it has never given any trouble and is fast enough for my inflation needs. Just be aware that any the big output units draw a lot of amps

I give the abr sidewinder compressor a big tick.
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Reply By: Member - Boobook - Saturday, Sep 08, 2018 at 13:15

Saturday, Sep 08, 2018 at 13:15
What do you want it for? Eg how often do you intend to let your tyres down and how quick do you want to pump them up?

A twin ARB is great but very expensive and bulky if you just want to use it very occasionally. On the other hand it may need to be mounted properly and a tank added if you use it weekly.

Anything from a $80 special to a $2000 could be right depending on the needs.
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Reply By: Gazza70 - Saturday, Sep 08, 2018 at 16:32

Saturday, Sep 08, 2018 at 16:32
Have a Doctor Air Pro Flow 150lpm and it is brilliant. Pumps tyres up in know time. And has a great warranty period.
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Follow Up By: CSeaJay - Monday, Sep 10, 2018 at 12:23

Monday, Sep 10, 2018 at 12:23
+1
It too won top spot in a magazine comparison
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Reply By: nickb - Saturday, Sep 08, 2018 at 17:16

Saturday, Sep 08, 2018 at 17:16
Another vote for bushranger. I’ve had a Max Air 2 for 10+yrs and still going strong and reasonably fast.
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Reply By: Macquarie - Sunday, Sep 09, 2018 at 13:23

Sunday, Sep 09, 2018 at 13:23
I have a Repco 12v compressor which is a twin cylinder unit and rated ( by Repco I presume) at 150 L p/m.

I have used it for two years without any problems.

I purchased it during a Repco promotion for around $155.

It could be improved ; the original hose is of the 'curly' type which does retract easily into the carrying case but the valve attachment is the clip on rather than the screw on type and this often fails to seal completely unless it is held onto the valve
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Follow Up By: Les - PK Ranger - Sunday, Sep 09, 2018 at 16:15

Sunday, Sep 09, 2018 at 16:15
Both niggly issues easy fixed.
I modded mine with 10’ of airline and some extra fittings (1 joiner), and fitted a screw on valve connector.
Did that early on and makes life a lot easier.

Next mod to do will be small airtank and pressure switch, so I can plumb air up and have a fitting to the front and rear of vehicle, and just use the 10’ airline at either end easily.
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Follow Up By: Macquarie - Sunday, Sep 09, 2018 at 19:25

Sunday, Sep 09, 2018 at 19:25
Thanks Les, I have seen online some of the fittings you have mentioned so I need to get off my backside and chase them up.

My answer to getting to the compressor output to the tyres of the vehicle, a Ranger, and also to those of the caravan was to fit 12v Anderson plug adjacent to the tow ball hitch. I then made up an extra long extension cord with Anderson plugs each end. The final change was to replace the alligator clips on the compressor lead with its own Anderson plug.
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Follow Up By: Les - PK Ranger - Sunday, Sep 09, 2018 at 20:40

Sunday, Sep 09, 2018 at 20:40
That’s also a decent option to make life easier Mac.
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Reply By: Kazza055 - Monday, Sep 10, 2018 at 13:19

Monday, Sep 10, 2018 at 13:19
If I recall correctly there was a survey a few years ago and the winner for value for money was the Thumper Max Dual Air Compressor from 4WD Supa Centre.

I am currently looking to replace my Supercheap compressor which sound like it is ready to die, changes speed while pumping.
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Follow Up By: Batt's - Wednesday, Sep 12, 2018 at 18:37

Wednesday, Sep 12, 2018 at 18:37
With a max amp draw of 90amps will your alternator cope, they have a max operating temp of 60deg which is fairly low but maybe they run cooler than other brands something worth checking out.
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Reply By: Member - abqaiq - Tuesday, Sep 11, 2018 at 08:41

Tuesday, Sep 11, 2018 at 08:41
Look for the duty cycle of the unit (if you can find it). Most brands won't/don't say. My unit is the same physical size as most but has a 100% duty cycle at 100 psig, which means it will run all day (big tires or air tools intermittently will tank) and is rebuild able..About the same price,maybe less, than the ARB et al units..
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Follow Up By: Craig H4 - Tuesday, Sep 11, 2018 at 11:44

Tuesday, Sep 11, 2018 at 11:44
What compressor are you using abqaiq?
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Reply By: Member - Supersi - Tuesday, Sep 11, 2018 at 17:47

Tuesday, Sep 11, 2018 at 17:47
If budget isn’t the key look at the Boss Air PX07, very happy with mine.

12v Air Compressor 3/4 hp engine 100% duty cycle 170ltr free flow rate (approx 3.5cfm) recommended working pressure 0-150psi maximum pressure 200psi – 31.5 amp maximum draw. Fan cooled engine and cylinder head, oil free design, 3/8npt ported head, rebuildable design, crank case fed – external washable air filter, cast aluminum legs, special piston valve design for maximum performance – MUST USE CHECK VALVE TO PREVENT BACK FLOW+ 40 AMP FUSE – NEVER OIL THIS COMPRESSOR

https://bossairsuspension.com.au/compressors/com-px07-complete-12-volt-air-compressor/

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Follow Up By: Bill R5 - Sunday, Nov 04, 2018 at 10:25

Sunday, Nov 04, 2018 at 10:25
Yes, this is the one I swear by.

Probably not real practical for a portable type of use.

I have mine plumbed-up to a converted and inverted 9kg LPG cylinder....which supplies front and rear Ryco outlets, two sets of large air horns, rear air bags (with in-cab adjustability and digital gauge) as well as the Airsafe Hitch.

Of course the air bags and Airsafe Hitch are protected from over-pressuring by use of regulators and there is a check valve, safety (blow-off) valve and a pressure switch (90psi= ON and 120psi=OFF).

The first thing I do when I get in the truck is flip the toggle switch to power-up the compressor... it runs off the 120ah Itechworld lithium battery I recently installed which has less sag during the compressors operating cycle than the TWO 100ah AGMs that were there before.

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Reply By: Member - Trouper (NSW) - Wednesday, Sep 12, 2018 at 16:55

Wednesday, Sep 12, 2018 at 16:55
I do like my Thumper Max from 4wd Super Centre $120. Check them out the specs are quite good. I use mine about 4 times a year. Whilst the well known brands mentioned above are very good. They are way too expensive
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Follow Up By: Member - peter_mcc - Monday, Sep 17, 2018 at 16:52

Monday, Sep 17, 2018 at 16:52
I've got the normal Thumper and found it works ok for us. It pumps up 6 tyres pretty quickly from 16psi to 40psi without any problems. I've had mine for a few years. I'm not sure what you would gain by spending the extra $$.

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Follow Up By: Michael H9 - Saturday, Nov 03, 2018 at 21:31

Saturday, Nov 03, 2018 at 21:31
I've got a Thumper as well. It does the job fine and very cheap. I've had an ARB in my last car and it was great, especially the auto pressure cut off, but the price is way up there.
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