MySwag.org The Off-road Camper Trailer Forum
General => General Discussion => Topic started by: McTavish on January 25, 2018, 12:01:20 AM
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I've searched and can't find any recent threads. So decided to ask the question - which portable 12v compressor?
Not into 4x4 in a big way but keen to get something 'decent' and prepared to go up to say $200 - is there such a thing.
ARB just shy of $400 - Really? Are they 'that good'? And yes the twin unit is amazing but I could put that money into plenty of other things first.
TJM seem to like their own little yellow one or the Bushranger Blackmax around that price.
Then of course our Supercentre friends selling the Thumper for about the $75 mark - and I can't seem to find any bad reviews of them.
So - What have you got and why do you like it?
Ps - Bird - I hope this topic takes your interest as I note your quote from a thread years ago that you love a good air compressor thread!!
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Check out this one - DR AIR PRO FLOW AC495 150L/MIN. Get them now for $230 delivered from Ebay.
Got one for the son in law when they first came out about 5 years ago as they spend a lot of time on the beach. In that time it has had a good work out and he reckons its just great. It works, its fast, its never stopped and can get all 4 from 18 to 40psi in half the time it takes for the other blokes around to do just 2 wheels he says.
Five year warranty and rated by 4WD Action Magazine Best Air Compressor Overall when they tested a bunch of them.
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You don't have to look too closely to notice that 3/4 of the compressors priced from $50 to $300 are the thumper with various paint jobs. I got mine in red, paid about $160 "on sale" back when I was new to 4WDing and newly returned to Oz, and still yet to learn how things work around here.
It's a decent compressor IMO, I do a lot of beach work so mine has seen some action. I'm not sure if it's a genuine 160L/min as it does take a while to inflate my patrol tyres. The hose and fittings that come with it are garbage, I replaced both a long time ago. On a good hot day it will shut down several times while doing all of my tyres from 18 back to 36 and I have to wait a few minutes here and there.
The biggest thing for me if I was buying a compressor again would be to get one with a pressure switch, to save running back and forth to turn it on and off (or making the kids do it). Might not be a big deal for others, but I think the extra investment is worthwhile. A lot of them are coming with remotes now, which I spose eliminates that need, if you want to carry and use a remote (I don't).
My old man has a mean mother compressor, not sure the details off the top of my head, but I think it's about 110L/min. It has a pressure switch, it's quiet, and I reckon it's at least as fast as my thumper, so I reckon there is some value to the higher priced models.
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I have a projector typhoon twin head compressor from one of the car spares shops about 6-7 years ago. It pumps 33” tyres up from 14 to above 30 in under 2 mins per tyre. It’s the last 10 psi to 40 that is slow. It hasn’t missed a beat with plenty of beach work and regular trips to Fraser Island. I have taken all my tyres to 40 psi when I have no option and it has never over heated, but mostly I just want to air up enough to get to a high volume compressor at a servo
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l have an ARB mounted in the Pajero dose the job nicely . The work truck has a on special $99 single head unit , also dose the job well . Anything is going to work but there will always be something better . :cheers:
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I have a Repco red version of the single piston units that everyone sells, paid just under $200 about 3 years ago.
Also have a little Bushranger RV Air and it’s an absolute ripper.
Paid $100 for it about 6 years ago and it cops a flogging.
The repco thing is massive and works no better then the compact little RV Air.
I bought the Repco monster thinking I needed it to do the 33s on the Jeep, how wrong I was.
The little Bushranger actually does the 33s from 14 to 35psi just as fast as all those monster units out there.
The repco unit hasn’t moved off the shelf in 2.5 years, and while the RV Air is still doing such and awesome job I can’t see the big POS being used for many more years to come. Maybe I should put it up on the Swaggers give away page... ;)
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Had an $80 unit from Big W for 20 years that worked well .. Replaced it with a DR Air Pro $230. So much more solid / heavier and faster unit ..
Only criticism of it is the Airline quick connector gets Extremely hot [ You need gloves to disconnect the air line ] the rubber insulator on the connector turns to a marsh mellow .
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Had my Bushranger Maxair 2 compressor for 10 years now....in that time on multiple occasions it has pumped up 2 X 4wd's and 2 X caravans one after the other from beach pressures to road pressures without cutting out due to overheating...basically can't kill the thing.
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x2 for bushranger RV bought mine around 6 year a ago off Arb sunny coast, been up to Pennefather 5 times still in original box, dos 6, 265 x 16 on the 80 and boat trailer loaded to nearly max, well , Craig
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https://www.4x4australia.com.au/gear/electronics-gadgets/1603/12-volt-air-compressor-comparison (https://www.4x4australia.com.au/gear/electronics-gadgets/1603/12-volt-air-compressor-comparison) probably worth a look
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Anybody had a go at the Ryobi one ???
https://www.bunnings.com.au/ryobi-one-18v-cordless-air-inflator-and-deflator_p6210400 (https://www.bunnings.com.au/ryobi-one-18v-cordless-air-inflator-and-deflator_p6210400)
Don't think it would handle heavy-duty work, but OK for Justin ???
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I don’t generally buy arb stuff, however I got one of their compressors second hand, as you can get plenty of parts to rebuild them if something goes wrong. I needed a part for one, (cant remember the part) and ARB wanted about $80 plus freight, the Guy was trying to up sell me to a new compressor as they were 100 or more off fo a special. So would not pay full price, would consider one on sale or second hand. That said the box they come in has a bit of wasted space, I am considering making one out of ply that folds out.
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Had an $80 unit from Big W for 20 years that worked well .. Replaced it with a DR Air Pro $230. So much more solid / heavier and faster unit ..
Only criticism of it is the Airline quick connector gets Extremely hot [ You need gloves to disconnect the air line ] the rubber insulator on the connector turns to a marsh mellow .
Hate to break it to you edz, but that's the same thumper that everyone else sells.
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Anybody had a go at the Ryobi one ???
https://www.bunnings.com.au/ryobi-one-18v-cordless-air-inflator-and-deflator_p6210400 (https://www.bunnings.com.au/ryobi-one-18v-cordless-air-inflator-and-deflator_p6210400)
Don't think it would handle heavy-duty work, but OK for Justin ???
I'd be very reluctant to rely on that, it's a general PITA to stop and pump up tyres as it is, if you had to sit and wait for a battery to charge in the middle as well that would really suck.
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Hate to break it to you edz, but that's the same thumper that everyone else sells.
https://www.toughtoys.com.au/media/commerce_products/14/4WD169-036-054-FEATURE-air_2.pdf (https://www.toughtoys.com.au/media/commerce_products/14/4WD169-036-054-FEATURE-air_2.pdf)
This review is from a few years ago, but most interesting to me was when they stripped 3 compressors that looked the same and found a range of cylinder heads and pistons. So not necessarily everything that looks the same is the same.
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Had my Bushranger Maxair 2 compressor for 10 years now....in that time on multiple occasions it has pumped up 2 X 4wd's and 2 X caravans one after the other from beach pressures to road pressures without cutting out due to overheating...basically can't kill the thing.
Another vote for the Maxair.
Had the original maxair but busted the switch (had to use a fork :-[ ;D ) Have had the maxair II since it came out. Never had an issue.
Once I kill this one (I've tried quite hard but to no avail........yet >:D ) I'll replace it with the Maxair III
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Another vote for the Maxair.
Had the original maxair but busted the switch (had to use a fork :-[ ;D ) Have had the maxair II since it came out. Never had an issue.
Once I kill this one (I've tried quite hard but to no avail........yet >:D ) I'll replace it with the Maxair III
I'm still running the original maxair from somewhere around 2002 I think I got it. That was about the last time I had air lockers too and it embarrassed the ARB under bonnet unit back then when we were reinflating 35" Baja Claws - the good old days.
The rubber feet have perished so the base plate fell off. The air filter cover got bashed off somewhere. The rotten old thing still cranks like nobody's business - love it.
I had the Ryobi one for pumping up bicycle tyres to 110 psi - it didn't last long. It will definitely let you down if you think it is going to pump up 4 4wd tyres.
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I recently brought the Thumper from the 4x4 supacentre ,was talked out of the double thumper by a staff member because they said more than a few are coming back with overheating issues, $74 pick up , that will do me, 1 year warranty, so if it lasts 2 years it's cost me about 10c a day.
10 years is awesome Rumpig , more to spend on black tins lol
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Well, I'll go against the tide and say I'm very happy with my ARB one in a box. It works reliably, the pressure operated switch and gauge at the tyre end make it easy to use. Its never once cut out from overheating. With an Anderson plug on the end I just plug it in to the back of the Pajero and can reach all tyres including the trailer without having to move anything. The box ensures that the hose, inflator and other nozzles are easy to store and pack away. Having an easy to access, reliable set up means that I'm happy to air up and down when I should instead of pushing on and risking tyres and/or damaging track or getting bogged. For me the ease of use, storage and setup make it a worthwhile investment.
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Well, I'll go against the tide and say I'm very happy with my ARB one in a box. It works reliably, the pressure operated switch and gauge at the tyre end make it easy to use. Its never once cut out from overheating. With an Anderson plug on the end I just plug it in to the back of the Pajero and can reach all tyres including the trailer without having to move anything. The box ensures that the hose, inflator and other nozzles are easy to store and pack away. Having an easy to access, reliable set up means that I'm happy to air up and down when I should instead of pushing on and risking tyres and/or damaging track or getting bogged. For me the ease of use, storage and setup make it a worthwhile investment.
Yep same here. Bought mine around 2008 and still running fine despite being bashed around in the back of the vehicle (protected by box).
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Had a bushranger max air II install on my last rig, it ran the lockers and inflated many a tyre and balls and inflatables. It’s now in a mates truck still working fine.
I now have a single ARB and a Twin ARB permantly installed.....both working fine.
I do have a 4WD super centre unit in the garage that was donated to me, brand new never used.
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Which part of Brisbane are you in.....if anywhere near bracken ridge feel free to drop of and give the the Single ARB and 4WD Super Centre a run......the ARB Twin as well.
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I have had an early model of this for over a decade.
http://www.sidewinder.com.au/page254.html (http://www.sidewinder.com.au/page254.html)
Works ok and the black hose is a zillion times easier to coil up than the semi-rigid orange snake that comes from ARB. My Prado came with an ARB on board.
and the combined pressure gauge and deflator he sells is also simpler to use than some others I have seen.
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I’ve got arb under bonnet, came with car... very good small unit, does all 4 tyres without cutting out, previously had an ALDI version of thumper, it could only do 3 tyres then needed a rest and had a 100amp blade fuse !!!!! Mate of mine just got the medium dr air that comes in metal amo box, that seemed to work well.
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https://www.toughtoys.com.au/media/commerce_products/14/4WD169-036-054-FEATURE-air_2.pdf (https://www.toughtoys.com.au/media/commerce_products/14/4WD169-036-054-FEATURE-air_2.pdf)
This review is from a few years ago, but most interesting to me was when they stripped 3 compressors that looked the same and found a range of cylinder heads and pistons. So not necessarily everything that looks the same is the same.
Interesting point. But I have to wonder if they all still came out of the same factory at different times. I'm sure they'll buy however many pistons and heads from whoever's cheapest and then use them till they run out and go shopping again.
I used to have an 86 skyline (possibly the best car I've ever owned) and if you needed anything electrical you had to know the month, because they contracted out so many units and then put it out for bidding again.
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Well, I'll go against the tide and say I'm very happy with my ARB one in a box. It works reliably, the pressure operated switch and gauge at the tyre end make it easy to use. Its never once cut out from overheating. With an Anderson plug on the end I just plug it in to the back of the Pajero and can reach all tyres including the trailer without having to move anything. The box ensures that the hose, inflator and other nozzles are easy to store and pack away. Having an easy to access, reliable set up means that I'm happy to air up and down when I should instead of pushing on and risking tyres and/or damaging track or getting bogged. For me the ease of use, storage and setup make it a worthwhile investment.
Yep, been using mine for yrs. Now mounted in the wing of the rear drawers, connect with an anderson plug when needed to run ( which is right beside it ) and is connected to the outlet fitting via a few fittings and some hydraulic hose...no worries about a bit of heat !!
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I don’t generally buy arb stuff, however I got one of their compressors second hand, as you can get plenty of parts to rebuild them if something goes wrong. I needed a part for one, (cant remember the part) and ARB wanted about $80 plus freight, the Guy was trying to up sell me to a new compressor as they were 100 or more off fo a special. So would not pay full price, would consider one on sale or second hand. That said the box they come in has a bit of wasted space, I am considering making one out of ply that folds out.
I have the twin ARB compressor , when new it was great but one of the electric motors buggered up no long after the warranty period and I went into ARB chasing motor parts and was told that they do not sell motor parts ( even though they do list all the parts ).
All they were wanting to do for me was to sell me a new complete compressor , they would not even sell me a new complete motor .
Still use the bloody thing , but slow as hell as only one compressor is working .
I have never had a good run form any ARB gear that I have bought , I must be one of the unlucky people as this has been mentioned to me by several ARB staff members on a few occasions .
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Another vote for the Bushranger Maxair.
12 years of service without ever skipping a beat. Permanently lives in the back of the car.
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Max air user here aswell. My original from around 2003 is still going strong, was mounted under bonnet in my last vehicle for 3-4 years. Its now mounted in a plastic for mobility, as I have no room under my bonnet of current car.
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As far as I am concerned, mine still comes in as "Portable" , from Home hardware -Compressor 240V, 40 litre tank, 140cfm at $160, handy for the 37" tyres.
The Honda powerplant however $$$$$$ Both mounted on a slide in the truck box.
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Stephen - well I suppose I didn't specify any definition of 'portable' did I?
No one can say it's not up to the job...
:cup:
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Which part of Brisbane are you in.....if anywhere near bracken ridge feel free to drop of and give the the Single ARB and 4WD Super Centre a run......the ARB Twin as well.
Generous offer Weeds - thanks mate - but we are in Forest Lake - so other side of town...
Thanks for all the replies - the main message I get from this is that it's hard to find a lemon which is good news.
After all the positives about the Bushranger I think I'm going to drop the $'s on the MaxAirIII - which at around $300 just gives a few more features including the trigger nozzle, digital reading and pressure cut off switch, longer hose to get to the CT and the 5 year warranty. I'll go and check them out later this week to be sure.
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Still got my Ironman compressor, and theres about dozen of them in our club...
Regularly does 2 cars in a session
(http://www.ironman4x4.com/system/images/W1siZiIsIjIwMTQvMTAvMTQvN2dsMnQ5b296Z19GbG9tYXhfUHJvXzI4LmpwZyJdLFsicCIsInRodW1iIiwiNjM1eDM2MCJdXQ/Flomax%20Pro_28.jpg)
but just dont buy an ebay Shitter, you'll regret it unless you only use it once a year for a wheelbarrow tyre.
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Still got my Ironman compressor, and theres about dozen of them in our club...
Regularly does 2 cars in a session
(http://www.ironman4x4.com/system/images/W1siZiIsIjIwMTQvMTAvMTQvN2dsMnQ5b296Z19GbG9tYXhfUHJvXzI4LmpwZyJdLFsicCIsInRodW1iIiwiNjM1eDM2MCJdXQ/Flomax%20Pro_28.jpg)
Got the Aldi version. Does the Patrol and the Coota without blinking.....
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... The biggest thing for me if I was buying a compressor again would be to get one with a pressure switch, to save running back and forth to turn it on and off (or making the kids do it)...
I was going to set up a remote for my compressor until I came across this gadget ... https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/MAURICE-4X4-Tyre-Gauge-3-IN-1-TYRE-DEFLATOR-AIR-GAUGE-AND-TYRE-INFLATION-TOOL/292414579501?hash=item441544632d:g:5RYAAOSw0wRaGL4L (https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/MAURICE-4X4-Tyre-Gauge-3-IN-1-TYRE-DEFLATOR-AIR-GAUGE-AND-TYRE-INFLATION-TOOL/292414579501?hash=item441544632d:g:5RYAAOSw0wRaGL4L)
Was discussed here ... http://www.myswag.org/index.php?topic=53880.0 (http://www.myswag.org/index.php?topic=53880.0)
Nice bit of gear that does what it says it will.
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Still got my Ironman compressor, and theres about dozen of them in our club...
Regularly does 2 cars in a session
(http://www.ironman4x4.com/system/images/W1siZiIsIjIwMTQvMTAvMTQvN2dsMnQ5b296Z19GbG9tYXhfUHJvXzI4LmpwZyJdLFsicCIsInRodW1iIiwiNjM1eDM2MCJdXQ/Flomax%20Pro_28.jpg)
but just dont buy an ebay Shitter, you'll regret it unless you only use it once a year for a wheelbarrow tyre.
Uumm, what's the difference between Ironman and an e bay Shitter ?? Just the sticker ??
I can imagine them coming down two lines in the same factory with wing chang leaning left and attaching Ironman stickers and then leaning right attaching X brand stickers !! ;D
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Another Max Air II here. Bought it in 2007, it was a $299 show special. Still as fast today as it was then. Just last week I pumped up my 6 tyres (inc camper) from 14psi to 40psi and then did my mates trailer and 2 of his tyres in the time someone had done their 4 tyres with one of those cheap double pumpers. The double pumper started cutting out on the 3rd tyre and had to be cooled down before starting the 4th tyre. The Max Air II just kept on pumping as it always does...
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Uumm, what's the difference between Ironman and an e bay Shitter ?? Just the sticker ??
I can imagine them coming down two lines in the same factory with wing chang leaning left and attaching Ironman stickers and then leaning right attaching X brand stickers !! ;D
Material the Internals are made of..
Many of the Chinese ones we looked at have plastic pistons which is the main failing in many of them... we pulled apart several dead ones one weekend at a mates shop and as soon as you crack them open you can see the difference in parts.
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I remember someone years ago bought a brand name brand one and a Kmart(?) equivalent. They then pulled them both down and saw that the Kmart was definitely made from cheaper internals, he then decided to run the Kmart one through its paces and continually tested it (within the specs) but stripped it down regularly to see the wear and tear. It started to wear pretty quickly but surprisingly held on for quite a while before it broke and was returned under warranty.
Sometimes I think it comes down to expected usage, with a below average use it would have likely lasted for many years before wearing out but probably wouldn't have gone the long haul if used to do a few vehicles every weekend.
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I’m now on my 2nd ARB (single) as the first one lasted 13 years before it gave up the ghost. Not a bad run considering I do a lot of beach work plus it lived under the bonnet the whole time.
Considering the good run out of the first one I recently bought new ARB (single) but this time I’ve mounted it in the back of the cruiser in one of the plastic side storage compartments. This way it’s now out of the dust/water and if I get another 13 years then I will be happy.
For me it’s great because it’s wired up permanently and all I have to do is open the top half of the back tailgate and plug the hose in and away I go. Also when not in use I can put the cover on the compartment so it’s out of sight.
No denying there are faster units, but being small and permanently mounted was the decider.
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Does anyone see any disadvantages of cutting the power about a foot from the end and putting an Anderson plug in?
That way I've got the two connections available to me - Alligators for direct to the battery or the Anderson to go in the back of the Prado on the live feed from the dual battery?
McT
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I cut the cable and put a anderson on, then put an anderson on the the battery clips, that way I can use it on any vehicle, best of both worlds
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I put an Anderson plug on my compressor, no issues doing that and all.... I run the compressor from the trailers power supply Anderson plug off a lead
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Something I've done to the last Compressor, and the current one.
I thought it was a popular mod. and being done by a lot of others.
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Uumm, what's the difference between Ironman and an e bay Shitter ?? Just the sticker ??
I can imagine them coming down two lines in the same factory with wing chang leaning left and attaching Ironman stickers and then leaning right attaching X brand stickers !! ;D
Maybe I am paranoid but anything electrical or with moving parts I like to buy from a bricks and mortar retailer. It will come with a warranty and if it goes bang or pffft early on I know where to start looking for redress.
Ebay? 100 percent good buyer feedback? As we saw with the recent posts about the dud battery that doesn't always mean much.
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Anderson plug mod us a must on portable compressors. So handy.
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Sometimes I think it comes down to expected usage, with a below average use it would have likely lasted for many years before wearing out but probably wouldn't have gone the long haul if used to do a few vehicles every weekend.
Bingo....
also poor people cant afford cheap things.