12 Best Off Road Air Compressor [Overlanding & Wheeling]
Preparation for something is always better than having to be confused. An off-road air compressor can be useful when going on a trip.
If you love off-roading, you will love an off-road air compressor. But which one should you buy? And what are the benefits of an air compressor? Well, this article will cover all of this and more. So, let us get started!
What Is an Off-Road Air Compressor?
First, an off-road air compressor is a portable, lightweight air compressor that can inflate vehicles quickly. These are necessary tools for people looking forward to going on an off-road trip. Off-Road compressors are important devices for all kinds of trips. Most people on an off-road trip usually take a portable air compressor. Some even like to install a compressor right on their trucks or SUVs.
Best Off-Road Portable Air Compressors
We have covered almost everything you may need about off-road air compressors now; let’s get into the best portable off-road air compressors in 2022.
The reliability and durability of the Viair 400p air compressor along with its relatively silent performance and portable size wins its position as our top choice.
[amazon bestseller=”best off road air compressor” items=”10″ template=”table”]1. VIAIR 400P Portable Compressor
The VIAIR 400P is a great off-road air compressor. This unit provides a good amount of pressure and comes with an air hose of 25 feet. With a duty cycle of 33%, you get that quick burst of air pressure for 15 minutes
You get an inflation tip kit and a carrying case to keep everything organized. Plus, you get the brand value of VIAIR, a very famous name in the Air Compressor world. In addition, you get one year of warranty with this product.
With the Viair 400P Portable Compressor Kit, you can inflate tires up to 35 inches in less than 5 minutes by connecting the heavy-duty battery clamp power leads to a battery, connecting the lever-style air chuck to the tire valve stem, and then turning on the compressor. It comes with an inline hose and gauge that allows you to simultaneously use it as an inflatable/deflator 5-in-1.
PSI- The VIAIR 400P has a PSI of around 150, which is great for doing most of the tasks. It can be used quite easily to inflate and deflate tires.
CFM- CFM means the flow rate of an air compressor. This CFM level will make sure the airflow on the compressor is stable. With a CFM of 2.3, the VIAIR 400P is one of the best air compressors on the market.
Output- This air compressor can produce an output of 12 Volts which is quite impressive. The engineer runs smoothly with this power.
Duty Cycle- The duty cycle refers to a compressor’s time to provide pressurized air in a certain cycle time. A lower duty cycle means a more powerful compressor with better airflow. So, 33% is a good air compressor as the overall flow of air will be better.
Weight- The weight of this air compressor is not much as it is a portable one.
2. ARB 4×4 12V Portable Air Compressor
ARB’s CKMP12 is one of the most popular products in their catalog. It is a high-performance Air Compressor that is incredibly lightweight and made with high-grade material. This Air Compressor is available in both portable form and onboard form. So, there are two versions of the compressor.
This air compressor is suitable for many air tools combined with a 1-gallon air tank (optional with onboard models). This air filter element is sealed against moisture and dust; washable sintered bronze is housed in a splash-resistant cover. The compressor comes in a durable carry case for easy transport and storage.
Flow rate (under no load): 0 PSI 2.65 CFM; 29 PSI 2.18 CFM. Teflon-impregnated carbon fiber piston seal for reduced friction and maximum trouble-free life. The kit comes with 19 feet of air hose, a wiring loom, battery clips, and all the fittings needed to inflate tires and other gear.
The package includes a kit that contains a six-meter air hose, battery clamps, an inflation kit, and a carrying case. It has an impressive flow rate, airlock activation (in the onboard version), tire inflation, and many other features. The onboard version also comes with a guide for easy installation.
The ARB 150 air compressor is designed for ease of use. Not only is it easy to operate, but it is also packed will all types of features that are more useful than you might expect. The compressor is incredibly lighter than other air compressors, but it doesn’t affect its incredibly great durability.
The ARB is resistant to dust and moisture and has a bronze air filter that can be washed when needed. The ARB compressor also has a cylinder bore which has hard anodization. This means the pressure that this compressor provides is second to none.
PSI- The PSI level is 29, which is not something to write home about, but for an onboard compressor, this will do.
CFM- Standard 2.65 CFM, which is great for home usage. This CMF also goes well with the available 1-gallon air tank in the product.
Output- The 12 V output on an air compressor is standard, and this one also has the same voltage level. It can be run without any problem from a car battery.
Duty Cycle- The compressor is quite powerful. You have a duty cycle of 33% to prove that.
Weight- The compressor weighs around 15 pounds which is light enough for an onboard compressor. The portable one weighs much less, though.
3. Smittybilt 2781
The Smittyblit 2781 is a portable air compressor with many features. It has an auto thermal cut-off switch that protects it from motor damage. This will be good news for you if you have been considering using this compressor for a long time. You also get a storage bag with this product. In addition, you get a quick-release 24-foot coil hose as well with it.
There is no doubt that Smittybilt’s air compressor is one of the most powerful on the market. The 5.65 CFM Smittybilt 2781 Universal Air Compressor comes with the added convenience of blowing air into a tire or blowing air out of a tire to accommodate different types of terrain. The kit comes with a 1/3 horsepower oilless direct-drive motor and an inline fuse rated for 30 amps.
The Smittybilt 2781 is one of the best 12-volt air compressors out there. This is also the perfect option for beginners. This air compressor will cost you only a little, but the investment is worth it. Smittybilt is one of the oldest air compressor companies for Jeeps. It has been on the market for almost 50 years, and the company has many advantages.
This portable air compressor has a powerful motor coupled with auto thermal protection. The size of this thing is pretty huge too. It is a reliable air compressor with a solid duty cycle. In addition, this air compressor also has an airflow of 72 liters per minute which is very impressive.
PSI- 150 PSI is decent for inflating and deflating tires. This air compressor can be used in off-road conditions.
CFM- A CFM of 5.65 is quite huge for an air compressor. We know that a CFM of up to 5 is the best-case scenario. So, this CFM level is quite a drawback.
Output- A 12 V output is decent for an air compressor of this size. You can run it in a car without any problem.
Duty Cycle- You get a duty cycle of 40 minutes with this air compressor which is more than enough.
Weight- The compressor weighs 20 pounds which might be a bit more weight for a portable compressor.
4. EPAuto 12V DC Portable Air Compressor
The EPAuto 12V compressor has a digital screen that separates it from the bunch. It is a multiuse compressor with a lot of features. This compressor can inflate tires on cars, bikes, and even sedans. You could also use it with a midsized SUV Plug directly into your vehicle’s cigarette lighter socket. Twelve volts DC, 10 to 15 amps, 120 to 180 watts. This unit is equipped with a 12V-DC Cigarette Lighter Plug, NOT a 110V AC plug.
This compressor has a universal valve connector, and additional adapters are included. You get short cone/long cone adapters for inflating things like pools, mattresses, and kayaks.
PSI- The PSI is displayed on the digital screen of the compressor. It has a standard PSI of 150, which is great for most tasks.
CFM- A CFM of around 3 gets most of the job done. You could use this compressor for all kinds of off-road purposes.
Output- 12 Volt Output is standard so that the compressor can be used without any problem in most vehicles.
Duty Cycle- An impressive duty cycle of around 40% lets the compressor do its job without any problem and not take too much time sitting idle.
Weight- This compressor weighs just 454 grams which is a decent weight.
5. VIAIR 300P
While the VIAIR 400P is a great compressor, this one is slightly more affordable. The 300P is quite a large portable compressor that can inflate tires up to 33 inches without a sweat. This compressor has a lot of features. It has an Aluminum construction, and it comes with carrying bags. There are dual battery clamps, and the inflation kit is well made.
ViAir offers a newly developed large portable compressor kit, the 300P, with a 150 PSI rating. It can easily inflate tires up to 33 inches by simply connecting the power leads to your battery, attaching the tire chuck to the valve stem, and turning it on. The pressures of tires can be monitored with an inline pressure gauge. A five-in-one inflate/deflate inflator/deflator. There are many accessories included with the compression system, including inflation tips, a 5-in-1 inflator/deflator, dual heavy-duty direct battery clamps, and a soft carry case.
PSI- You get a total of 100 PSI which might be slightly less than the standard, but it is still good enough for most tasks.
Output- You can run this compressor from your car at a voltage of 12V, which is a standard voltage range.
Duty Cycle- A duty cycle of 33% means better break time resulting in better performance.
Weight- The compressor weighs only 9 pounds which makes it quite lightweight.
6. Yhjkvl Tyre Inflator
The Yhjkvl is a very portable compressor capable of inflating the tires on cars, bikes, and even sedans. With this compressor, you always have the convenience of a proper air supply when you need it.
This compressor delivers a huge amount of air per minute and comes with a free hose extension. It is designed with stability in mind, and you can use it to inflate tires of all kinds of vehicles. There is also a nozzle adaptor with mattresses, airboats, toys, sports balls, and more.
The design of this inflator is quite compact, making it easy to lift and carry around, and you can keep it anywhere you want.
PSI- Standard 150 PSI that does the job for most use cases.
CFM- A CFM of around 3 is a very good number.
Output- This low-powered compressor can run at 12 volts of electricity which is sweet.
Duty Cycle- You get an impressive duty cycle with this compressor. The exact number is 33%.
Weight- Since this is a super portable compressor, it doesn’t weigh that much.
7. Schumacher SJ1332
The Schumacher SJ1332 is an impressive air compressor for off-roading. It works with all kinds of diesel engine vehicles. A digital display on the compressor will indicate the internal battery and voltage of the power.
You can use the compressor with a 12 Volt DC power supply and get sweet USB outlets. The ultra-bright LEDs on this compressor also let you use it in darkness. In addition to heavy-duty jump starting, the SJ1332 provides AC, 12-volt DC, and USB power while moving. In Schumacher’s Jump Starters line, this unit features a 150 PSI air compressor and portable power.
For tailgating, camping, or power outages, the SJ1332 has an inflator that can inflate air mattresses, pool rafts, and beach balls. You can jumpstart your car in the dark using an ultra-bright LED light. The warranty is one year.
PSI- A standard 150 PSI of pressure means the compressor can fill up any tire you throw.
CFM- CFM levels in the compressor are good enough for most tasks.
Output- This compressor can use a 12V power supply which is great for all kinds of tasks.
Duty Cycle- The Duty Cycle of this compressor is great for doing most tasks.
Weight- This portable compressor doesn’t weigh much. You can easily carry it around[/su_tab][/su_tabs]
8. VIAIR 45043
VIAIR compressor can be used for either on-road or off-road vehicles. This is a huge benefit as those with multiple vehicles won’t have to use a separate air compressor for their off-roader. If you go and look for air compressors on the market, Viair is one of the best options available. There are many reasons for the popularity of this air compressor.
First, this portable air compressor works with a maximum pressure of up to 150 PSI. This air compressor also has built-in pistons and can spread air twice as fast. You get a 25-foot hose here, a sweet addition on the manufacturer’s part.
This air compressor will quickly fill up the tires whenever you are in a rush. The air compressor shuts off when it overheats. There is also a thermal overload protector here that works automatically.
9. SuperFlow MV-9012
The Superflow air compressor is best for people that want an air compressor at an affordable rate. The price of this air compressor is just perfect.
This air compressor doesn’t sacrifice quality. It is one of the best compressors and can be used for inflating and deflating tires.
Some users call this compressor the monster pump since the compressor is powered by a direct-drive motor and can generate a CFM of 6.4. When using this compressor, you can air up your tire from 25 PSI to 35 PSI in less than 3 minutes which is insane. Driving around with an overinflated tire is not the best and the safest thing to do.
10. Air Armor M240
There are times when you need to inflate your tires when your vehicle is stuck somewhere. When conditions aren’t best, and it is muddy outside or almost evening, you might want a compressor that fills up the tire quickly.
You might also need a use a tire kit. This is something a lot of drivers seem to neglect. Air Compressor manufacturers have fortunately considered the outcome of people being stuck, so they have many tire kits that get the job done.
The Air Armor M240 is one such tire kit. This kit is pretty safe to use overall. The kit is also very durable as well as powerful. It is also quite affordable. The carry bag that the compressor is packed in is made out of stainless steel. And this makes it quite durable. The Air Armor is the best air compressor for jeeps you use in the harshest conditions.
11. GSPSCN Silver Tire Inflator
The GSPSCN Air compressor might seem very small to many, but this compressor is incredibly sturdy. It has 70 liters of air per minute. The compressor is quite lightweight, too, when you compare it to other compressors of its class. This makes it super portable.
This air compressor has a dual cylinder pump air for faster inflation. The low rotation speed of the direct-drive motor makes it more stable too. In terms of performance, it is quite stable too.
Many jeep customers recommend this air compressor, claiming that 35-inch tires can air up from 15 to 30 pounds in around 3 minutes.
Many users claimed that it is great for off-roading needs. The overall response that people have for this product is generally positive. The compressor looks quite sleek too. It delivers in most aspects, and it has a good value. This air compressor is a very solid addition to your jeep.
Best Features
- The compressor comes with a powerful 12-Volt engine
- It has a capacity of 70 liters of air per minute
- The compressor has two cylinders for extra power
- The compressor can inflate a standard tire in under 2 minutes
- This compressor comes with rubberized feet for more stability
- You get a durable nylon carry case, clams, and an 11.5 ft air hose with the purchase
- There is a direct drive inflation pump, and you get 12 months of warranty
- You also get a cigarette lighter attachment here
12. Tuff Stuff Overland TS-150-CMP-XT
The Tuff Stuff Xtreme air compressor packs a lot of punch for its available price. This air compressor is best for any jeep that requires a PSI of 50. The manufacturer has designed this air compressor to allow maximum airflow. You can air up any kind of tire in no time using this.
The company has also added aluminum cooling fins to cool the piston under extra heat. The airflow here is pretty large in volume too. When we compare Tuff Stuff with other competitors, it is available at a lower price.
Best Features
- Has up to 5.65 CFM airflow (160 liters/minute)
- Maximum airflow thanks to the extra-large cylinder
- 150 PSI starting pressure
- It comes with Thermal Overload protection
- It has an anti-vibration rubber-mounted sand tray for more stability
- It comes with a removable air filter for easy cleaning
- The compressor is compact and sturdy
- You can hard mount the air compressor
- It comes with an easy-to-read gauge
Benefits of using Air Compressor
While off-roading, the best thing you can do is to let the air out of your tires. When you deflate the tires, traction improves, and the tires will have a larger footprint. This makes the tires balanced in off-road conditions.
Deflating the tires can improve the performance of your vehicle on rough terrain. But remember, you cannot run with low tires at high speeds on the road. They could fail! This is why you need a powerful air compressor to get the pressure back before hitting the blacktop at the end of the trail.
You will also most likely want to get back on the road after you are done with off-roads, and you can’t drive with deflated tires, right? This is where the inflation feature of the air compressor comes into play. Not only does an air compressor help to deflate the tire, but it will also help you inflate a deflated tire with air.
Types of Air Compressors
There are mainly two types of air compressors. We have explained briefly about them below:
Onboard Compressors
We recommend an onboard air compressor if you own an SUV with a lot of room. They take more space under your vehicle and cost a bit more, but they have a bigger tank. This means the compressors can store more air.
An onboard compressor will also help with the air suspension of your vehicles, which are installed under a truck or an SUV.
The onboard air compressor does the same job as the portable ones, but these are faster as the air content and the PSI is higher. They can fill up a tire three times faster than portable compressors.
You will save 10 to 15 minutes each time with an Onboard air compressor. So, if you are going on a long weekend trip, this is the compressor we recommend.
Portable Compressors
A portable Air Compressor for a jeep is quite important. While the importance might depend on your driving experience, you cannot deny that Tires can be deflated in no time. A deflated tire will also waste your fuel, and the tire itself will wear out twice as fast.
So, a portable air compressor may be a very useful and practical investment. But there is no one super air compressor on the market. Even the models that can fit for jeep wrangler may vary. Taking all of this into consideration, we have made this guide about portable air compressors that you can carry on your jeep. So, without any further delay, let us get into this list.
Portable Compressors are great for people with less space in their vehicles. This is the best way to inflate and deflate tires. As the compressors have a small size, you will be able to take them anywhere you want. You can also move them from your SUV to your jeep and your overland truck. You can also use them in various ways.
One thing that’s a visible flaw with a Portable air compressor is that they don’t have a large tank. So, they will need to run harder and longer than air compressors that can store air in the tank. These compressors also need a long time to inflate, and the compressor may also need time to rest.
Portable air compressors are easy to store and carry as well. They can be transferred to other vehicles as needed too. If you want to top off your vehicle’s tires and put air in e-bikes and mattresses, a portable off-road compressor is a way to go.
Buying Guide for the Best Air Compressor for Off-road
.There is so much technical jargon to consider before you get an Air Compressor. Here we have simplified them for you so you can understand them properly. In addition, we have also given some other factors that you would want to be familiar with:
PSI
PSI is the amount of force that an Air Compressor can provide. PSI stands for Pressure per Square inch, which determines the air compression speed. More PSI means faster the compressor will work. Normally, a PSI of 150 is considered the best for air compressors.
Also, check- Is 150 Psi Air Compressor Good?
CFM
CFM stands for Cubic feet per minute, which is the compressor’s flow rate. Flow Rate means the air a compressor can produce at a certain pressure level. Compressors with higher CFM can provide more air, but this will impact the total time you can use the compressor. As the air tank in a compressor is limited, higher CFM means faster air depletion. The best CFM value is around 0 to 5.
Also, check- Is a higher CFM a better air compressor?
Duty Cycle
The duty cycle refers to the time a compressor will deliver pressurized air in its total lifetime. Normally, Duty Cycle is represented in percentages. For instance, if a compressor has a 50% duty cycle, it will need 30 minutes of break time every 1 hour. This means the compressor can be active for half an hour before it needs to be turned off!
Tank Size
Air compressors work by sucking the air from the atmosphere. This air needs a storage place, so the concept of Tank Size is there. A larger tank size means more air and a better duty cycle.
Also, check-Does Tank Size matters in Air Compressor.
Build Quality and Price
Another factor to consider is the build quality of the compressor. Any material other than plastic should be strong. Aluminum compressors are a tad bit lightweight too. Also, onboard compressors are sturdier than portable ones. In terms of price, get the one with a perfect blend of features and cost that you can properly afford.
FAQ
Is an Off-Road Air Compressor Worth It?
While you are off-roading, air compressors are worth all the money. Instead of getting stuck on terrain, getting an off-road air compressor will be more beneficial.
Here is a full detailed guide: Is an off-road air compressor worth your money?
What Size Air Compressor do you need?
It depends on your needs. For off-roading, you don’t necessarily need a huge one. Even a small portable but powerful air compressor will do the job!
What PSI do you need for a portable Air Compressor?
The standard PSI number is 150. Anywhere around this number is a great PSI for your air compressor.
Which is the best 4×4 off-road air compressor?
Many 4×4 off-road air compressors can be considered the best. All the compressors we reviewed in this article can be considered the best in some regard.
What size air compressor do I need to fill car tires?
You need a compressor with 102 CFM and 90 PSI for an average passenger car. With jeeps, though, we recommend you get compressors that provide at least 2 CFM and have a PSI of around 150.
What is a good psi for an air compressor?
A PSI of 150 on average is great for any good compressor for a vehicle.
Can I drive on a tire with 20 psi?
Yes, you can, but we don’t recommend it. This is because a tire with 20 PSI can get deflated fast. These kinds of tires also get hot faster, and it can result in an accident too.
What is an automatic air compressor?
An automatic air compressor is a tool that allows you to move between the tires without switching your compressor on and off. You won’t have to switch off your pump to read tire pressure accurately.
What pressure should your tires be?
There are different types of tires, and each type has its ideal pressure. Furthermore, the information about the ideal tire pressure is available in the product information. This information is very necessary before you start using a portable air compressor.
The basic rule of thumb is always to check your tire pressure when it is cold, as this will help the manufacturers generally base their recommended pressure on the PSI of the cold tires.
How often should I check tire pressure?
This mainly depends on how you use your vehicle and how often you use it. We advise you to check the tire pressure at least once a month. This is because most tires lose 1 PSI of pressure per month.
What is the difference between PSI and CFM?
The main difference between PSI and CFM is what they define. In short, PSI is responsible for pressure while CFM is there for airflow.
Conclusion
Air Compressors are quite important while off-roading. They provide you a backup if by any means, your tires get flat or if you need to deflate an air-filled tire. The compressors we have reviewed in this article are all great, and you can use them without any problems.
We have provided the amazon links of these products as they are a bit affordable online. So, if you are in the market for air compressors, do consider them!
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