12v Air Compressor

12 Volt Air Compressor

So chances are you found this page for one reason.  You’re in dire need of finding the best 12 volt air compressor that you can get for the money.  You know that if you go off roading with your tires sitting at the recommended air pressure, that you won’t go anywhere.  It’s great for the pavement, but horrible out off-roading. 

Whenever you’re out on the trail, you’ll need to lower your pressure so you get that added traction.  Unfortunately, if you have to drive your vehicle to and from the trail, this can put you in a predicament.  In comes the 12 volt air compressor.  A good 12 volt air compressor can air up your tires in short order.

While there are several other options out there to air up tires, like c02 canisters, hand pumps, or even engine driven compressors, few are as flexible as 12 volt air compressors.  These handy little compressors are portable, and can be moved from vehicle to vehicle and easily taken with you when you go out on the trail. So we’re going to cover the ins and outs of a few of the different compressors you might see out on the trail.

The original ARB 12 volt air compressor was originally designed to use with your ARB air lockers.  However, they do still work quite well with airing up tires.  You can expect to spend around $175 for an ARB air locker for just use as airing up your tires.  Small and lightweight, it’s a great option, but plan on spending about 6 and a half minutes to air up each tire.

Currie’s air compressor is built to military spec.  So if you’re duty option, consider the Currie Military Tough.  They offer 100% duty cycle, and is capable of using with some air tools when combined with a small air tank.  The Currie compressor can air up the same tire in about 3 minutes.  However, it will set you back almost $500.

Quick Air offers several models as well, ranging in price from $299-399.  However, if you need to run air tools, watch out, because some of their models don’t support the psi necessary in order to run your tools.  That said, their Quick Air 3 model is capable of airing up the same tire in only 2 minutes and 50 seconds.  Blazingly fast, but plan on spending $399 for a stationary mount model.

These are just a couple of the most popular models.  However, reality is, there are a countless number of models available on the market.  Make sure you checkout every vendor and look at the different specs and prices of each model.  If you plan on using your 12 volt air compressor for anything more than airing up tires, then you will need to buy a much more powerful and heavy duty compressor. 

Whatever you do, don’t buy cheap.  If you buy a compressor from your local discount store, or even if you buy one from your local auto parts store, chances are you’ll get something very inferior quality.  The last thing you want is to have your compressor die on you while you’re in the middle of airing up your tires.