ARB Single Air Compressor Review - It Died! CKMP12

ARB single air compressor CKMP12 review
My air compressor died after 7 years, I list the pros and cons and walk through how the air compressor has held up after many many 4wd, camping and touring trips!

[@whemmas]

so bottom line... you have used it consistently for 7 years... a relay went out and it cost you 17 bucks and its still working great. sounds like its a solid purchase

[@1989cranston]

@@SeekAdventure so you are agreeing your title is click bait?

[@1989cranston]

@@SeekAdventure "ARB Single Air Compressor Review - It Died! CKMP12" is the title... compressor didn't die, it wouldn't turn on due to a blown relay which cost apparently $17. So your title reads something negative and everyone knows bad news or provocative news travels fast. Literally, the only reason I clicked on this video was that of the " it died ". BUTTTT.... super glad to hear that that is the only issue you have had with it and it has lasted as long as it has :D.

[@bpeberhard]

@@1989cranston well it did die. He then bought a relay and "fixed" it but It did die.

[@mifki]

That's all good, but melting connectors and exposed wires don't look safe. If the hose and relay died of heat too, it means there are some issues with materials used for everything.

[@barmynick5027]

@@mifki the wires heating up may be as simple as alligator clips connection to battery might and be good enough when pumping for a long period🤔 they all most likely would get hot when pumping extended periods??

[@CamperKev]

A few years ago, I bought the best 4WD compressor that SuperCheap Auto sold at the time. It failed after just 30 minutes of usage over 12 months. Now I have bought the ARB CKMP12. The quality and performance is so much better. I use a compressor more often these days. If I get 7 years plus out of it, I won't complain to much. Thanks for your review.

[@sharingtheadventure]

Love long term reviews. Thank you.

[@Layingflat]

Great video, please come back to KZbin. Just make short videos. We all miss you.

[@flapbean]

He has!!!

[@gtxtx3]

being an auto sparky I've come to really like buying old beaten up arb compressors, pulling them completely apart and rebuilding them better as a hobby haha good tip is to cut the two way white connector near the motor off and replace it with 50 amp Anderson connector, you shouldn't melt another one again and if the relay dies you can still power the motor off another 50 amp Anderson which most people have on 4wd's any way

[@SeekAdventure]

That is a legendary Idea!!! I was looking at the connector the other day and it's really had it. Being able to power it direct is an epic idea. I think I'll go and do that right now. Thank you! 👌👌

[@Bobodeman]

I have my dads old air compressor. Im currently 18 and got my first 4x4 and he gave me his. Its been sitting in the shed last 4 years or so. And he has had it for 10+ years and it has no trouble and it is a cheap one that I know of

[@montybrown3792]

The vivair comperessor are pretty good. I had the fuse block melt on mine. I had to cut it out and bypass it to finish filling up. My wife has one also and it looks like they upgraded things a little. They are still holding up. We do a lot of sand riding so we air down frequently, we live at the beach. So I’m doing some research on the ARB’S , thanks for the review, mate.

[@marcus729]

I have the same compressor. One day it passed out and stopped working. Touched the white plastic connector and had the same issue as shown in video: Melted. Also the wires were pretty hot. The 6.3mm connector inside the plug is not suitable for the current draw. Best option would be not to have the connector and wire the loom directly into the compressor. Or if ARB prefers to have it, then put in an Anderson Plug or the like. Also the wires could do upsize one size as they run on the thermal limit. I cut the plastic, added soldering lead to the plug system and taped it. Works like a treat and no overheated connector anymore.

[@blekinge4x4offroadadventur26]

I'm too poor to buy cheap stuff.

[@neutronstorm]

I have the dual arb compressor and arb have replaced the relays many times. The arb relays are not up to the task so I got my auto electrician to install better ones. Arb refuse to do any more warrenty work on the unit but it's working perfectly now so I call it a win. If you buy an arb compressor, change the relays and replace the fuse with a breaker and you will be all set.

[@Cesar-xy6fd]

neutronstorm Hi. Could you provide or share more details (brand and model) of the breaker and relay that you had use which provide better performance. Thank for frank comment. It is be hepful for all ARB user.

[@Bradthetruckie]

mine done same thing recently, I'm yet to check the relay but I did find the part of the wiring harness that zip ties to the metal frame rubbed through and shorted it out which I'm guessing is what caused the melted plug and blown relay.

[@bhutch731]

10 years from my TJM then melted the fuse holder , put new one on still runs but won't produce air stm, got another TJM and works a treat .I'll eventually get old one to shop for repairs. $150 is a great unit.

[@WesternAustraliaNowAndThen]

I have had a different model ARB for a very long time. So long in fact that I can't even remember when I bought it. Because we have a Coaster and a 4x4 I changed the valve connection to a truck style as we have duals on the back of the Coaster and anything else is just a nightmare. Also changed the original battery connector to a low voltage T plug as I use them for all 12 volt systems and it just makes life so much easier when every connector in every vehicle is the same. As we sometimes need a compressor in both the bus and the 4x4 I have recently bought an el-cheapo from SCA. Not the cheapest model but the next one up. Too early to say much about it but I do like the inclusion of a pressure sensor on the compressor as the ARB doesn't have one and using one manually every time to inflate or deflate is a huge pain. A bit suckky that your ARB has such light wiring. 12v high power using gear needs heavy duty wires to stop things melting. Not sure if the new ARB gear is any better but I seriously doubt it as things tend to get worse as new models come out. Will let you know how the SCA one goes once we have been using it for a while.

[@kaydengilmore4840]

How long does it take to air up your tires with this unit??:]

[@pajman4264]

I purchased an Outbac OTB400 compressor about 5 years ago and it hasn't missed a beat. The alligator clips are pretty small and cheap, and the soldering is ordinary at best but the pump itself is pretty good. It's never overheated and doesn't get too hot even after pumping up 4 tyres to 40psi. Small and compact. Great unit.

[@pajman4264]

yep. Still going strong to this day.

[@user-tv8sm6so9y]

Love It. Crazy bugga, what a great video, It's a good thing it is an ARB because you can get parts for them unlike the other brands, I bought a cheaper compressor and the Tyre connector broke and it's 2 months old and I really like it's double pump setup, So while I am waiting or trying to find the parts I am Buying an ARB and using it as my main compressor and keeping the other one as a backup, The Double is real fast but I am not going to risk it. well done thanks again. Thumbs UP.

[@user-tv8sm6so9y]

I have bought a fair bit of ARB gear lately and I am really liking the quality, I have the tyre inflator and the EZ deflator which is so quick and easy to use with no messing, and I was going to buy the Engel fridge but I went with the ARB 47L/50Qt model because of it's design features and it is a joy to use, The ARB High Output Compressor turned up and it is an Awesome piece of kit and I bought the spare hose kit too, On board Air it nice but being able to take it from one vehicle to another is a huge bonus,

[@jewboy8237]

Thank you for the info...I bought the same thing and had issues but I only use for car tyre ...need mor info if ya can help for the bugs

[@psy06]

i recon getting 7 years out of something you constantly use is pretty damn good

[@philmarek3272]

I love my portable. Going on 6 years and the plastic shell didn't make it...so the works have been relocated to a US ammunition can. ;) Adds weight, but it's super durable now. Love all my ARB products.

[@andrewhayman1822]

Phil Marek I've thought of doing the same thing. Would love to see a photo of how you fitted and fixed it in. Cheers

[@pztiger_214]

Love the ammo can idea...

[@clintrobey3765]

I run the same compressor only two faults runs too hot in the box and the hose melted on the compressor end from becoming too hot but it runs rings around the 4WD Superstore compressor tried two of them and both smoked took over 6 mts to get a refund

[@morphshag]

if the failure point was the relay that's not bad is it. I have the same compressor and yeah man the end gets HOT! I keep gloves in the box too. plus the ARB tyre deflater. Like you I had some cash after buying my first 4X4 (Land Rover Discovery 1 300TDi) and wanted to get the good stuff right away.

[@petermiddo]

I pump up two tyres on mine, stop and have a bite to eat or a sip of water, then go at the next tyres. Never had a problem with heat/melting.

[@the_curry_cruiser]

Had a mean mother for 5 years. Had to replace the wiring due to wear and tear. ( one beer to many, dropped alligator clips into fan) Pumps 33s to 45psi quite well. $180

[@jimmyjones2426]

PAJ 101 my mean mother lasted 3 1/2 x 33” tyres. I got a refund and an ARB

[@andrewthomas3985]

I bought a '12 Volt Gear' compressor in 2005. I cant remember how much it was, but it was a cheaper alternative, probably around the $100 mark. Anyway, its still going now in 2019 and is only just starting to make some funny noises like the pump going louder and quieter while pumping. I am surprised every time I use it that its still working considering how cheap it was!

[@samcarthew2599]

I have a cheapo from Repco & I did last a couple of years with little use but overall was happy with it until my last weekend away I went to air up but it's was dead so a long slow drive on 14psi back to nearest town. I'll get a better quality one now.

[@Jason-bd5iq]

I’m surprised it lasted that long, mine crapped out in a few years and was barely ever used. I had an ARB air locker and it broke and stayed locked. ARB stopped making the locker and parts for it, it only needed a plastic plunger. They told me it was a common failure and that’s why they didn’t have any plungers left. Offered me a small discount on a new air locker but I wasn’t about to give 1500$(US) to them when they don’t stand behind any of their products. Ox locker cable locked locker is infinitely better.

[@norikghoukassian1773]

One should always carry an extra relay and fuse for these type of compressor , any ways

[@RustyCandyAdventures]

Have a look at sparky's on the loose fixing a supercheap air compressor with feeler gauge.

[@Shanes_Shed]

I've got (or should I say had) the previous generation ARB compressor. I brought it 18 years ago and it died at the start of this year.

[@TheJanope13]

Have a thumper max original (black one) that got replaced 2 times in the warranty period. Originally bought it in 2017 but haven't used it much. Right now it still "works" but its sounds like its about to die and its tempermental. sometimes it will go and sometimes it just keeps cutting out. Never again.

[@henriwolbrink]

Why not use 1 compressor to fill both front or both rear tyres at the same time, using a T-joint and an extra hose? Pressure should distribute evenly. It would thus be only three actions while setting up camp. 1) Connect front wheels, set/start, 2) Swap to rear tyres, set/start, and 3) Storing.

[@gmick52]

Mine died after 7 years, only used once per year at most, For $400 I am pissed. Nothing shows as over heated in electrical , Just stopped with everything in perfect condition. Should I have a case to complain, Hell Yeah! Also in WA Lancelin. Thanks for your clip Buddy at least I am not the only one that has a problem with ARB. I will buy a cheap compressor now and if I use it once there will not be a tear when I chuck it in the bin after using it once. Bumbed.

[@Phil_McAvity]

Nice video. I’d still much rather go on a solo trip with a ARB compressor than..... let’s just say, a budget air compressor.

[@texminchin4062]

Hey mate how did you get that compressor out of the box I have one also and want to remove it from the box

[@texminchin4062]

@@SeekAdventure thanks mate!

[@navithefairy]

Probably overheated because you used it for too long at once, remember this single unit is 50% duty cycle. If you need 100% duty cycle, get the ARB Twin compressor.

[@jamesbushy9031]

My Ridgerider compressor frm Supa cheap auto has worked faultless n it been getn bashed around in the back of the 80 for yrs

[@toddmillar4041]

I've got the same compressor with a different sticker 5 years still working $125.00

[@omargaidi9698]

I bought a cheap compressor and it last fort one time of airing up, so i bough a Tmax

[@rexringschott]

I think these ARB compressors are great. My eBay special failed after probably 15 uses. The ARB has a quality feel. I’ve only used it about 6 times so but it just seems so solid and up to the job.

[@6226superhurricane]

i've had a thumper since 2011 the hose just failed yesterday. i'll put a new hose on it.

[@steveelliott7893]

Can we put one of those quick releases on the thumper? He has a point about the screw on fitting

[@6226superhurricane]

@@steveelliott7893 new thumpers (and most others that type) come with both because half the people prefer screw on and half prefer clip on. there's benefits to both clip on is easy to check pressure with a different guage but they're prone to leaking or popping off. screw on is not as easy or quick but it's a positive connection with no leaks.

[@csjtbanks]

Bushranger Pro Air purchased in 2001 still going strong although pretty slow by the 3rd tyre...

[@DontBlameDONTdoIT]

4wdsupercenter thumpermax lasted less than 3 month's. I was using the orig Thumper for 2 year's before i upgraded aswell that was a mistake haha

[@DontBlameDONTdoIT]

Michael Sanders yeah not happy. I pulled it apart today and found the motor burnt out. Looking at ARB twin pump to replace it :)

[@zeMasterRuseman]

I'd rather buy 6 thumpers than 1 arb.

[@tedbower685]

purchased one 10 yrs ago been great, nothing is infallable

[@flacky93]

Cant go wrong with the bcf aircompressor i got me self one a few weeks ago see how it goes later on down the track 😃😃 seems to be a solid unit quick to pump up tyres as well

[@abcdefg5185]

Some products are worth paying the money for and not cheap out. Id rather pay for reliability. For other things i just go the cheap option.

[@Ramon-du7jv]

Lol I was getting kissed cause I was ready to buy that same one! Was like oh boy this is a bad review! Then you said it lasted you 7 years! Lol! Sounds good to me!

[@apsilonblue]

You got lucky with it lasting as long as it did IMO. I never had one of these ARB compressors last more than 2 years. First one I thought may have been my fault due to how I had it mounted so changed things for the second one only for it to die as well. Both seized the same way. They're just rubbish. My old portable Blue Tongue is still going and is almost 20 years old.

[@2-old-Forthischet]

I don't know if you have a Costco in your part of the world, but I found an AC/DC compressor for $25 there! It's a digital model with a preset pressure setting that automatically shuts off. I'm only sorry I didn't buy out the whole lot! I'm still using it after many, many, many, many, many, many, many years. I also have a Lowe's AC/DC model with the same features that cost under $50. I take that one with me on our road trips.

[@joelcorica7112]

I have the ARB twin compressor with the tank in the box, and I hate it. I do all 4 tyres on mine then look over and my mates are only on there second tyre. End up helping them too 👍👍😜😜 haha. All seriousness tho, I have the same opinion as you mate. You get what you pay for. So I thought go for the big daddy and should never have to worry about another one again. After 3yrs so far I cannot fault the sucker, and would recommend it to anyone. (Plus you should know all this, you were standing next to me when I bought it 👍😎😂) Only negative is the price, but if it lasts for years I think it’s money well spent

[@junglejim4569]

Besides steel bars. ARB is nothing but cheap imports with a sticker on them.

[@sweefu2]

ARB don't make any bars in Australia anymore

[@junglejim4569]

@@sweefu2 Makes them even worse considering their prices and b.s.

[@junglejim4569]

@@sweefu2 ARB I guess stands for Asain Roo Bars.

[@PhilTaylorPhotog]

This is absolutely incorrect. They give tours of their operations in Kilsyth Vic for 4WD clubs where you can see the millions of $$ worth of robotic welders, and staff welding their bars. Other gear might be imported (but most of it is decent), but their bars certainly aren’t. They are also crash tested here in Aus.

[@MrFastFarmer]

@@PhilTaylorPhotog Robots doesn't make it any better. ARB suck.

[@jakecavers9111]

It’s more then liked over heated in that box

[@ScreenTalker]

This day and age anything that lasts 7 years is fantastic. And the fact that it was only a cheap relay that burnt out after that time, I think your upset about the wrong thing

[@TTKayno17]

Not worth the money imo. You pay for the name and looks like you’re not getting the quality you should be. There are compressors out there which are just as good, if not better, for less than half the price.

[@TTKayno17]

I haven’t had mine for that long so I can’t say yet but take the Kings Thumper for example, it’s $80. If it lasts 7 years like yours did, awesome. If it doesn’t, who cares it was $80. I could buy 5 of them and it would still be cheaper than an arb compressor

[@IPF250]

TTKayno17 Bull.Have one that’s heading to 10 years old and hasn’t stopped working once.Before the ARB compressor I had them all.cheap crap that last only one trip and more expensive brands that shat them selves after short use.

[@jaimo929]

TTKayno17 it’s not the name it’s the reliability your paying for . Arb is arb not a rebadged compressor like half the other ones. I’ve had cheap ones and arb ones they all worked fine till they died . The arb one never died (sold the car). So you can buy 5 thumpers for the same price , enjoy your 5 trips driving with Unaired tyres that can be damaged due to the heat build up of road driving flat . I’d rather get home with no concern .

[@jaimo929]

That’s on road not off road