ARB Twin Air Compressor vs TJM Twin Air Compressor

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

What's your poison, ARB or TJM?

[@Arron-S]

Well I got an arb compressor with tjm lockers Lol

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

@@Arron-S having a bet each way? :)

[@Arron-S]

@@LockyourHubs4WDing yea big fan of pro lockers and the tjm compressors weren't as good a few years ago. In my opinion

[@totobyafrica847]

@@Arron-S I've got twin ARB's lockers in my defender, both are leaking haha

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

I think I've been lucky with my ARBs in the 80. I installed them around 10 years ago and they've been faultless since. The compressor did burn out a relay, but other than that, perfect.

[@CamperKev]

No one in the 4WD world, tests products as well as you. They don't even come close. The effort you put into these videos is highly admired and they are scientific and educational. On behalf of all your viewers and subscribers, thank you very much, kind Sir.

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

Thanks very much mate, I really do appreciate the kind words.

[@dvjv8654]

No manufacturer or seller ever tests products to show efficiency

[@WaitWhat99]

Highly agree. Its so refreshing! Love seeing ya work. Keep it up 👍

[@moto4x4adventure9]

It's almost criminal such a high class, extremely accurate and informative channel only has 10,000 subs. I can see this channel growing, substantially. As always mate, bloody brilliant vid and top notch research. Thanks heaps. Will continue watching, liking and commenting on your vids 👍

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

Thanks mate, appreciate the kind words. And I'm almost at 11K! :)

[@fidodidoz]

True

[@jasonkay742]

Mate, that may be the most thorough comparison of any product I've ever seen, please do more, great work

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

Thanks!

[@iconiic1234]

I’ve been waiting for a proper review between these two - Absolutely fantastic review and comparison!

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

Thank mate, we try to leave no stone unturned. Sometimes more successfully than others.

[@SirFuseable]

Not too long ago, and after I'd watched this episode, I needed to replace my compressor. Based on your results and my needs I chose the ARB. It's been working a treat, especially as I have a 9L tank under the tray. The only part I got wrong was not replacing the hosing when I replaced the compressor. The PU line burst right at the compressor outlet but luckily this happened just after I finished airing up. Being near Whyalla at that point in the trip I located Whyalla Hose and Fittings, where the incredibly helpful staff fixed me up with a nylon hose, which has the pressure and temperature ratings to suit the job.

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

Thanks for the feedback, my ARB is still working fine ever since the day I got it, it's a great pump. I haven't heard of anyone else having issues with the ARB hose bursting. I know a few of the Kings ones with the Thumper Max have let go. Good to hear you got it fixed up and hasn't caused any other issues for you.

[@SirFuseable]

​@@LockyourHubs4WDing Sorry, it wasn't the arb hose. My compressor is permanently fitted under the tray. I used PU hose and push-in fittings to pipe the system, including outlets front and rear, as well as the airbags. That hose was fine for the old compressor but was not rated for the temperature and pressure of the ARB. The hose, which only had a 120PSI rating anyway, got hot right where it connects to the compressor and burst. The nylon is so much better I'm going to redo my workshop with it as well.

[@maxbillam8867]

Bloody brilliant head to head product test. Exactly what i was looking for.

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

You're welcome!

[@Brocks-Travels]

Good video..excellent data.. A thing to watch out for, is that the orange airhose couplin next to the compressor gets very hot. When using your compressor to inflate multiple cars its a good idea to cool off the connection or the hose can blow off. I know this as it happened to me.. If you dont have a spare hose you could be stuck if no-one else is around to help..

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

I know they get very hot, though I haven't had one blow off yet.

[@DASHOffRoad]

Great technical video as always. I’ve always used ARB compys and have never been disappointed. Matched with a lithium start battery and I’m always airing up before everyone else 👌

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

It's a shame that the TJM doesn't go to a higher pressure, maybe the aftermarket will come to the TJMs aid with a 150psi switch.

[@mrmotofy]

One could rather easily put a different pressure switch in

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

I wonder if the TJM could handle the extra pressure?

[@rfcdgaf]

Lul u can spend $800 on a arb dual that does the same CFM as a $100 vevor/rfx/whatever generic rebrand compressor. Even slower than the napa maxi trac if you can still find it. Hilarious

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

I don't think anyone is confusing the quality of the ARB/TJM with the Maxitac/Kings any time soon.

[@mikes4352]

Just found your channel while looking into air compressors. Fantastic comparison. So much detail involved. Thank you much for sharing the results. Mike (USA) new subscriber

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

Welcome aboard!

[@djboh1289]

Stumbled on you channel and absolutely love the objectivity. Subscribed straight away. Please keep the vids coming

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

Thanks!

[@crazyethanyeahyeah]

Bloody awesome video! I love how you use proper calibration tools to validate the test ... unlike other videos just using iPhone timer - the amp draw and thermal imaging was great benefit to know. However lacking in the real life test of inflating 4 or more tyres to torture test the compressors when tyres at high temps post off roading. Besides that Great video!

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

Thanks!

[@stuartgordon1501]

Great vid - Excellent objective comparison - data tells the story as to which one suits your application - would love to see the same comparison on the single air compressors for ARB v TJM - thanks for sharing!

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

Thanks! If I can line the two single compressors up, I might give it a go!

[@olliehopnoodle4628]

The tank test was a bit unfair. Getting from 120 psi to 150psi is much harder than going from, say 0 psi to 30 psi. But that also became a bit more clear on the tank/tire test. Thanks for putting this together!

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

I wanted to simulate what a typical install with larger tanks might do.

[@jimmyd6819]

Same with the tyre inflationary test

[@bill7501]

Wow...what a great detailed and in depth review...thanks mate..

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

Glad you liked it!

[@jcberb]

Good data. Helps big time in making an informed decision. 👍

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

Thanks!

[@johnhardwick5301]

Thanks for the awesome and unbiased analysis, something that's getting harder and harder to find these days! With the amperage requirements shown in the comparison, is that the total draw? I just purchased an ARB twin and it has two cables to the compressor, so the 50-60amps would be spread across two wires right? That'd mean two cables each with a 30amp capacity should be sufficient right 🤷 Cheers!

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

Yes, both wires.

[@marklaurendet1861]

A very nice review, one of the best I have seen. Have you done a test of various tyre pressure gauges and deflators? It would be nice to know which ones digital and analog are accurate

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

I done a few as part of other videos, like the ARB digital inflator (very restrictive at high flow rates) and comparisons or a few deflators, like Stauns, ARB Rapids and All4Adventure deflators.

[@koruoverland]

Great work, I almost partnered with TJM for on-board air on our OEM trailers but this saved me!

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

Too much current?

[@msa7773]

Hey mate any chance you can check out the air on board gear? In particular the 12v 200psi compressor. They're on board kit is very affordable and I'd be very interested to see how it fairs against the big guns.

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

If I can get my hands on one, I would love too!

[@UnbendingMetal]

Great comparison! What is the phone app that your using for the measurement at 8:00? That looks slick!

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

That's the app that comes with the Mooshimeter

[@MiniLuv-1984]

Tanks are everything...didn't know the results would be so dramatic with and without tanks. Thanks.

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

They make a heck of a difference!

[@SomervilleMetalWorks]

Tanks are great for 1 tyre but then your back to using compressor to pump up the other 3. Unless you have a 150lt tank they're not worth the extra room and weight penalty

[@MiniLuv-1984]

@@SomervilleMetalWorks That's a good point SMW. I would have thought that 30l of 150psi air would be good for 4 tyres going from 18 to 38psi, but there you go, live and learn.

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

I must test it, though not sure how I'm going to monitor the pressures in the tanks and all four tyres at the same time. Hmmmm, might have to think about that one.

[@MiniLuv-1984]

@@LockyourHubs4WDing Just fill the tank to 150 psi and use it to pump up a tyre from 18 to 38psi 4 times. It might take a long time when the pressure in the tank drops substantially during the tyre inflation (infinite time if it drops to less than 38psi LOL). I would think that with the compressor connected to the tanks it will be faster than just the compressor, but SMW seems to think not, if I have understood his comment correctly.

[@barrysharman2645]

Thanks, that was an excellent review. Informative & very thorough. Will subscribe & checkout other content on your channel. Cheers. Barry.

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

Thanks mate!

[@totobyafrica847]

This is really thorough testing, definitely following for more!

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

Cheers!

[@johntemp1692]

Would love to see you compare one of these to the Sherpa Big Air

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

I don't know that compressor, I'll have to google it!

[@Russh1]

Surprised the TJM performs so badly in comparison! 20Amps more for slightly more flow at a lower pressure =O Nice testing, thanks for including the amperage, very important and often ignored. My Discovery has 150PSI in the air struts so works out perfect as a backup supply.

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

I don't think you would go too far wrong with either compressor, though if you run tanks, the ARB will be the better choice

[@clerissonmesquita]

Thank you so much for your invaluable information, highly appreciate it, keep it up the outstanding job, have a great day.

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

Thanks mate!

[@DeadlySil3nt1]

great video and information, very well detailed. new sub for sure

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

Thanks mate, appreciate it!

[@jefflangdon3540]

Excellent video bud thanks for giving us all the specs. Really impressed with your knowledge on this, what's your background?

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

I'm a life long tinkerer! Though these days, I'm knowledgeable enough to get things running again and smart enough to hide the left over parts :)

[@benj2212]

Best review I've seen yet 🍻

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

Thanks!

[@1Coolbanana]

Hey mate, great review as always. 👍 Where did you get you prices from? I can find an ARB twin for under about $740. Cheers

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

Inflation?

[@doubledark2]

would buying two ARB portable single compressors make sense rather than a single portable twin compressor? I'm considering this option as it would mean having a backup should one unit fail. I could also use one unit per each side of the car.

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

You could, though my ARB has been extremely reliable, and I've not been kind to it at all.

[@doubledark2]

@@LockyourHubs4WDing thanks for your reply. It's for my son who lives in remote WA; 4x4 plus a tinny on a trailer. Wasn't sure if a single would do 6 tyres without cutting out due to heat as it's only got 50% duty cycle. Awesome channel by the way; well done

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

@@doubledark2 my single, has pumped up my 35s more times than I would care to think about prior to picking up the twin, they're a solid unit.

[@doubledark2]

@@LockyourHubs4WDing thanks for your feedback; gives me confidence that the single will be more than adequate for his needs. One thing I forgot is whether a hose extension will be needed to reach the boat trailer?

[@MrNeroDiablo]

Quick silly question, was the tank test done with the Schrader valve in or out of the tyre?

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

Out

[@sandtura1374]

Great review with quantitative data. I’ve only got the single ARB one mounted under a hilux rear seat. However, thinking of getting the twin one for a BT50 Im kitting out. Anyone run the ARB twin under rear seat of a BT50 or Ranger? Love to hear thoughts on noise

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

Thanks! While I can't tell you whether the twin is going to fit under the rear seat of the BT, I can tell you it's going to be a little noisy in the cabin with you, though it only runs for a few minutes at a time.

[@Mouldyturnip75]

Thats a great in-depth comparison. I'd like to see these up against the Sherpa Big Air.....brace yourself!!

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

That would be interesting!

[@SeriousSchitt]

Damn good in-depth review there cobba, however I’d like to see how long they take to go from 0 psi to 38, for when “Tyre Extinguishers” strike. Also, what’s the capacity of your two fire extinguishers versus the tank that comes standard with the portable ARB unit? Thanks.

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

The ARB tanks I believe are 4L each. The 9 kg are 11.2L of volume capacity each.

[@SeriousSchitt]

@@LockyourHubs4WDing Thanks mate, that would probably make a big difference? No response to the first part of my comment? Have you ever heard of “Tyre Extinguishers”?

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

No, what are they?

[@SeriousSchitt]

@@LockyourHubs4WDing My comment doesn't seem to be here, did someone pull it off or something? What I said was, this 'Tyre Extinguishers' is a new age movement, more than likely instigated by miss informed young people, who are Climate Change Radicalists, who believe that SUVs and 4WDs, the very things that you and I drive, depend upon and most likely are an integral part of the way we live, are deemed as unnecessary and indeed downright dangerous, and are just a manifestation of of our arrogance and excessive wealth. They believe that our 4WDs are the single, or second most, cause of global warming, and that Governments around the world aren't doing enough to stop us, so they're taking the law into their own hands by deflating all four tyres of those who own/drive 4WDs and SUVs, in order to make it unbearable for us to own them, then we're all gonna magically come up with tens of thousands of $$$ to go and buy electric!. tyreextinguishers.com

[@bigo9896]

Best review I have seen

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

Thanks! Glad you liked it.

[@SteveBurns80]

The TJM is the clear winner in actual performance. Faster and quiter, due to larger pistons and motor, yes, more current because it is physically larger, hence the higher performance and heat. The pressure switches don't really mean anything in this test, they're external and can be easily swapped to suit what ever cut-in / cut-out application you prefer.

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

While you're right that the pressure switch can be swapped out, you have to compare what you have in front of you.

[@fatmanoverlanding]

Not sure if I can justify the extra expense needed for the TJM. Plus the ARB has proven itself a very capable and reliable, high quality compressor time and time again. So it's a no brainer for me. ARB all the way.

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

Fair call, my ARB has been put through its paces for years and hasn't had a similar single issue. The TJM hasn't been around for very long and is yet to prove itself.

[@lukenettleton8063]

Great comparison video I have just bought the Tjm how did you find wiring it together? I am having trouble trying to get the specified 8AWG wire into the 5pin connector clips properly

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

Yep, you're not the only one. I ended up having to strip the thick insulation back out of the plug and used just a layer of heat shrink on the wire to get the pin to seat properly in the plug.

[@lukenettleton8063]

@@LockyourHubs4WDing ahhh I will give that a try thanks do you think that those small connectors are a weak point for the 85+ amps it consumes and therefore might cause wire heating/fire issues at that point

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

@@lukenettleton8063 looks like they're spreading the load over a few pins, so should be fine. Though it would have been better if they had used an Anderson or similar, that way you wouldn't need multiple fuses or multiple conductors.

[@M8YM8]

Great video thanks mate

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

Glad you liked it!

[@troywatts1360]

Great info mate

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

Thanks mate!

[@johnmadsen37]

Back pressure is a real thing. It increases amps, massively increases heat, and shortens life. Normal tire stems can only allow ~5.5 cfm flow which is why that’s a popular number. These higher output around 11cfm should only be used on two or more tires at once or a high flow stem valve. Redo the tests on two or more tires and you’ll see huge differences in all your numbers.

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

That would only be with the Schrader valves in.

[@johnmadsen37]

@@LockyourHubs4WDing you seen it was a nominal difference. As your own video shows. And about ten thousand various different sources both antidotal like yours (very low credibility) and actual measurements using equipment. So umm no buddy.

[@a1racer441]

This shows why we should be using a tank of some sort with our compressors.

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

If you've got the room, definitely.

[@jareddiamond6607]

Great video.tks mate 👍

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

You're welcome!

[@dustyfarmer]

How's the price point for those two Chinesium's? I thought you had to go to the beach to find a rip.

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

I'm hearing you, but for much less money, you could get a Thumper Max ..... :)

[@NasTimeAdventures]

ARB wins for me. Well done buddy. Killer comparison. A lot of work no doubt.

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

Thanks mate, yep took a while!

[@jamieandrews3238]

I read somewhere that the duty cycle for the TJM is 100% efficiency where as the ARB is for X minutes duty and Y minutes to cool down. What are your thoughts? If it's all fair dinkum, it would be a marketing point for sure.

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

I was under the assumption that both were 100% duty cycle under certain conditions. Though neither in testing have heat cycled out like the Thumper Max did on us during testing.

[@michaeltoomer4090]

The ARB looks a lot more compact. That alone means it will fit in places the TJM may not. I’ve got mine mounted under my rear seat

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

Definitely smaller as well as lighter.

[@wayneferguson1520]

it would be nice to see this testing done with a thumper and a "kings" setup too

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

I've previously compared the Thumper max with the ARB Twin in two parts on the channel.

[@13106580]

My thumper would thermal cutoff on my 4th tyre, it eventually burnt itself out. My new ARB doesn't cut off, I have inflated 8 tyres with it

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

@@13106580 I've had a similar experience with the Thumper Max.

[@TheJanope13]

I was keen for another player in the game but man I’m not sure if they’ve dethroned the king! It’s much larger which didn’t come across in stills I saw before this vid, is heavier draws a lot more current and is hardly any faster in real world trim (18-40psi, as practically no one has room for dual fire extinguisher air tanks )I do like it’s little manifold though and even the single is 100% duty cycle I believe? I haven’t looked into it’s up rating .

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

Both are rated at 100% duty cycle @room temps.

[@TheJanope13]

@@LockyourHubs4WDing yep, but the single arb comp isn’t.

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

Hmmmm, I've still got one of those under the bonnet of the 80 running the lockers (It's about 10 years old) I'm not sure of the specs, and it still gets a run of inflation duties occasionally when I lend out the twin. While it might not be rated for 100% duty cycle, I can honestly say mine has never turned off from getting too hot either.

[@TheJanope13]

@@LockyourHubs4WDing no doubt it still works, just stating the facts that it’s not 100% rated. Are the tjm units ip67/8 rated? Be cool to throw it under the bonnet and throw the intake into the airbox

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

Hmmmm.... Not sure

[@ianwatson3315]

I’ve had two arb and both had one motor failed in 12 months.

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

Sounds like you've been unlucky, mine is probably 4 or 5 years old now and hasn't missed a beat.

[@jimmyd6819]

Put a 150 psi switch in the tjm and re do the tyre test

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

There are also 180psi switches for the ARB available, though that wouldn't be fair either. You need to test one standard pump against the other standard pump.

[@jimmyd6819]

@@LockyourHubs4WDing indeed there is, i ran high pressure switches in my arbs for years in my comp truck to prevent wearing out engagement rings racing on 37s Had issues with 120 and lower pressure switches and new style arb lockers. Old style have a larger contact area on the engagement ring and isn't an issue

[@explore_moor]

i think a point to note here is the location of the cylinder heads. TJM is exposed leaving it open to touching things whereas the ARB heads are located within the body. The physical size of the TJM unit is noticeably bigger too both in diameter and length meaning the TJM wasnt an option for me to mount under my seats - ARB won out for me.

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

Either are going to be a great choice, but you're right that the TJM is much larger physically and that's going to limit mounting options.

[@SomervilleMetalWorks]

This interesting video I would've thought the tjm would be better being a larger pump. In the end the cons of price, weight, size and current draw don't make up the 6 or 7 sec saving per tyre. In my opinion tanks are pointless as they're only ever good for one tyre or less depending on size of your tank. 1.5 min saving isn't worth it over pumping up 4 tyres . my system is a arb twin with tyre pressure control and a indeflate so I can 2 35s at once pressure I set and I can walk away till its done and then move on to the next 2. The biggest hassles of pumping up tyres are eliminated. bending over and monitoring pressures

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

I'm yet to test the ARB tyre pressure auto inflator. I use the Jamec Pem Auto 1000, which is a great piece of gear, though no bluetooth! The Jamec Pem though really restricts high flow rates, just like the ARB digital manual inflator. I hope the ARB auto does a better job.

[@SomervilleMetalWorks]

@@LockyourHubs4WDing I have it in the linx system (i use it for airbags aswell) its same deal of their standalone system. Just couple of solenoids on a mac valve and a pressure transducer. Works pretty good when it works theres alot of downsides to the linx system but when it works its great

[@mrtwrx]

@@LockyourHubs4WDing I had noticed my Jamec Pem Auto and ARB digitial both limit flow rate but I had guessed it was down to the schrader valve more than anything, have you seen better flow with other valve in place systems?

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

All seem pretty average to be honest, though I am doing some preliminary design work with some mates on a project, so watch this space!

[@TheJanope13]

Doesn’t the arb not come with pump up kit? Bloody annoying as it uses American industrial fittings and not nitto! When I got my $1k portable kit the pump up kit didn’t even come with a gauge lol

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

Unfortunately, neither comes with the inflation hose etc in the box.

[@robertlewis7237]

THANK YOU FOR VIDEO

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

You're welcome!

[@ausguy4385]

Only thing missing was 4 tyres one after the other. ARB seems the winner over all

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

I've had a few comments about that, I might do a video on how to optimise the air tank capacity for your setup.

[@denttech2515]

0:45. You had your graph for the ARB at $550, not $650. Don't understand the purpose of the slope. It even through you off... 1:55. You did it again with the weight

[@xr650rguy]

Inflating through 1 Schrader valve is a bottleneck. Inflate 4 tires at once with each pump and the TJM will be on top. Try it.

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

The Schrader is definitely a bottleneck, though you have to test as most people would use the air compressor.

[@Arron-S]

Which sounds better?

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

It might be a little subjective, but I prefer the sound of the TJM!

[@truthalwayswinsonewayorano9518]

Perfect, Cheers !

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

Glad you liked it!

[@truthalwayswinsonewayorano9518]

@@LockyourHubs4WDing Well you do a good job, informative and to the point. Can't ask for more than that old mate.

[@ausguy4385]

Arb is now 705...

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

Wow!

[@Agent.K.]

Both overpriced. I got arb.

[@LockyourHubs4WDing]

The poor man buys twice!