12 volt compressor

I think you will be hard-pressed to find one not made in China. No matter what brand name they have on them!

I know , I had a bush ranger III but the plastic ring joining the hose to the unit over heated and broke hence the hose would not stay attached tried Pirtek but not able to fix it (cost) I was informed they used to be brass but replaced by plastic when sent overseas for manufacturing,
Need something reliable while traveling and something to inflate all tyres without struggling ??

I bought a Big Red compressor back in 2003, made in USA by Thomas and used in pneumatic bus doors and other commercial uses. It was about $350 then but seems now around $550. Also a black version is made to Australian specs. Its not the fastest but very reliable. http://www.4wdworld.com.au/Big-Red-Air-Compressor.html

ARB Twin Motor Compressor. Very reliable, expensive yes, but gets very high ratings on all the tests. If you can afford the one in the case with the tank, it is the one to get. Also have a look at a twin hose deflater, I think the brand name is Indeflate. When connected correctly, it enables you to equalise/inflate/deflate two tyres at once, shortening the time it takes to reset tyre pressures.

Macca.

For dependability look for one with a 100% duty cycle at at least 80 psig. That will probably rule out most of the junk. I have a Boss, 100% duty cycle@100psig and rebuild-able. I built up an engine driven one on our LC 80 in Saudi (the best-IMO) but that type usually won't fit in cramped engine bays. You want reliability outback.

I bought a Thomas “Blue Tongue” maybe 25 years ago, from Piranha in Melbourne.

Has 100% duty cycle, but is very steady and certainly wouldn’t suit an impatient traveller. Recently purchased a Supercheap compressor as a back up, it works okay, but wouldn’t fit your criteria.

The set up Macca mentioned might be the way to go, twin cylinder ARB unit. I also investigated the twin hose thingys, there are at least 2 different brands available on eBay, at different prices. Good gear, and worth getting if regularly changing tyre pressures.

Bob

When choosing my compressor - an item which anyone travelling remote has to rely on, I was put off ARB units, even though plenty of folk recommended them. The reason - a few reports I read online about when things go wrong with them - in a nutshell - poor customer service. Fine so long as they keep working ok was the impression I got. No direct experience however.

At the time of buying that left me with two choices, already mentioned by others - Thomas - because I had had one in a previous vehicle , & like reported it was slow but reliable. The other - the Boss PX07. I went for the Boss based on recommendations from folk who travelled as I intended to, & whom I trusted. I have no regrets. Installed it with a 9 litre tank. They say they are rebuildable - I put that to the test - not a compressor failure, but the result of my own stupidity. I needed a new cylinder head. Emailed Boss for advice on a Friday evening & was amazed to get a phone call from them the next morning. The chap could not have been more helpful. Parts were dispatched at very reasonable cost, & the fitting of the new cylinder head was simple enough for anyone who can put a couple of Lego bricks together! It has provided reliable service frequently during the past two years we have been away from home. No idea where they are made, but Australian backup is good. One thing - use a brass adapter into the cylinder head, not the supplied hose with chromed fittings. That way you can avoid the damage I did to mine should you ever need to remove it. ;)

Another nod for the Boss PX 07. Expensive but does the job, quickly.

I have a TJM Heavy Duty compressor in my Cruiser, goes pretty good pumping up my 34” tyres from beach to road pressure, and is quite small in size.

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This should do the job, Not chinese and won't over heat.

Fast compressor

Not sure of your budget cause you didn't say.

Reliability ? Time ? If time is not important 'reliability' is easier to get , my old ARB single which was actually designed for air locker activation not tire inflation does my tires , 33" , from 14psi back to h/way pressures no worries , yeah it might take 5min per tire BUT it does the job and has done in the 3 different vehicles that I have had it mounted in ....