Most Hated & Most Loved Gear for Overland, Off Roading & 4x4 - Most loved will surprise you

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My Hated & Most Loved Gear for Overland, Off Roading & 4x4 - 1 Will Leave You Stranded on a Trail
The ARB Twin High Performance 12 Volt Portable Air Compressor (CKMTP12) has left me in a jam more than any other piece of gear I own. In todays video we cover Air Compressors as well as my most used piece of gear - the OVS 270 awning - which I love and use all the time.
Gear I use on Amazon - www.amazon.com/shop/natejmueller
Overland Vehicle System Awnings - overlandvehiclesystems.com/aw...
Long Travel Suspension - • Long Travel Suspension...
Best All-Terrain Tire - • All-Terrain Tire Buyer...
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Baja Guided Tours -www.legendsoverlanding.com/
#overland #offroad #truckcamping

[@ads2600]

Love these reviews. Big difference between a review of a unit fresh out of box and someone who has really used it.

[@OutdoorAuto]

Yeah... I never really got the whole unboxing trend... like I get it if people just want to se a new thing that has never existed... but definitely not as an actual review of the product.

[@EternalAW1]

ARB: Switch the lines to rubber braided, remove the lines from the compressor with a small amount of pressure left in the tank to clear the moisture after each use and put a plastic body clip in the case hole you mentioned to seal it.

[@OutdoorAuto]

My Wife says we can build a tunnel to the shop if we get 1 MIllion Subscribers 🙌 - You know what to do.

[@phillipjarvis2109]

Sometimes KZbin hooks a brother up with a perfect video to go down a rabbit hole. I don’t sub to a lot… I am subscribing to you sir. Love your content!

[@OutdoorAuto]

Thanks Philip 🙏 - Hopefully you don't get sent down too big of a rabbit hole. Since this video I did take the whole briefcase apart and just install the air compressor on my truck and it works fine like that... just no tank and extra hoses.

[@PNW_Rodeo]

Make your own air lines to link the tank with Vibrant AN hose ends. They are aluminum and capable of 300psi+.

[@SimplyMustGo]

Nice job! Long term reviews like this are really helpful. So much can start to break or go wrong over time.

[@OutdoorAuto]

I’m going to keep doing them… I have so much gear I have tested over the years… time to get some detailed info out.

[@johnmorrow5624]

I am hoping to increase your knowledge base and help you evaluate your equipment better. I have over 40 years experience working on pneumatic systems (Over the road trucks and buses, Off road trucks and equipment, Ground support equipment for aircraft, and finally industrial automation. Lets start with the fitting and connectors. You made reference to some of the fittings having a sealer and some do not. the fittings you showed seal in radically different ways. The fittings you showed with the red sealer are pipe fittings, they seal by the fact that the threads are tapered, the tighter you tighten them the more force between the threads, these do require sealer to lower the torque required to achieve a good seal, too much torque and the fitting (Usually the outer threads) will split. the fittings you showed that did not have sealer are what are called JIC fittings. These seal very similar to how the fittings on your brake lines work, a cone is forced into a flare and do not require a sealer. As a matter of fact a sealer is HIGHLY discouraged on JIC fittings. The sealer you saw in the end of the tank is the result of poor quality control or training. If you look at the fittings with the sealer on them, you will notice that the first and second turn of the threads have no sealer on them. This is to prevent the sealer from contaminating the system. The short piece of hose that you held up is a very important piece of engineering, that someone may have cut corners on to save a dime. Inside of the steel braid is a teflon hose, this hose functions as a radiator to remove the heat created by the compressing of the air. using any other type of hose can have disastrous consequences. The fittings on the ends of the hose should have been stainless steel. they used mild steel which with the heat and moisture spell rapid oxidation (rusting). To prevent the issues you are having I would suggest replacing the steel parts with brass, use compression fittings on a copper tube, instead of the teflon hose. Caution: the copper tube will work really good at dissipating heat, it gets hot. make sure nothing that can melt is near it. I would tell you about my air system but I am afraid you will copy it and with Idaho weather it would cause you major heartache. if you need any tips or tricks for installing an air system, feel free to contact me. Also let all of the niave keyboard experts attack, nothing amuses me more than people trying to prove their superiority with stupidity. P.S. Love your review, I especially enjoyed you telling of your experiences with customer service. I have always lived by "It's not whether there are breakdowns, it's all about how you handle them." The deep dive into the issues you are having is great too, I thought about getting one of those suitcase setups for my daughter, I guess I will have to rethink it or go to an ARB showroom and see if the issues have been corrected.

[@OutdoorAuto]

Thank you for taking the time to write all this... I am big believer that all of us as community can help each other out and learn from each other. As you saw I am definitely not an expert on air systems... all I can do I show the problem and hope that much smarter people at ARB are listening and make adjustments. They actually did it with their shocks so who knows. I had no idea the braided wire hose serves as kind of a radiator... that is super cool.

[@johnmorrow5624]

@@OutdoorAuto The function of the teflon hose was a lesson I learned the hard way. I had a blown discharge line and no teflon line, I had to get the system up again. I used stratoflex (Rubber lined braided steel) hose instead. The rubber worked as an insulator the oil/water vapors stayed gaseous and went right through the air dryer. A week later I had to disassemble the entire system and clean the baby shit out of all the lines, valves, and acuators. such is the life of a 20 year old apprentice.

[@pistonwork522]

This makes me glad I'm making aluminum -6AN lines for my onboard dual +air tank. Plus adding a bleed valve.

[@Justaddfilmgrain]

I had the same issue with this compressor. Stopped working after 10 uses and found the hose to be clogged. Thanks for sharing your solution on how to get it back up and running again. Wish I saw this months ago.

[@TrailNewbie]

Love this - going to dinner, but need to watch the rest of this one after 💯. 👏🏻👊🏼

[@jaretmoskal5558]

Really appreciate long term reviews, most KZbinrs are in a hurry to get content out to keep up with hype. On the compressor, I use air compressors every day to work and they’re not that finicky. ARB needs to start from scratch with that thing if it’s that unreliable

[@razor4432]

Switch hoses and fittings to Parker lines and fittings. All poly and stainless.

[@Russianmafia10]

For $1000 it should come with that

[@gilvietor1918]

Weird, mine I used for 3 years in the case multiple times and never drained it. Then had a shop mount it in the engine bay of one of the rigs and again worked like a trooper for another 1.5 years. The only issue I had is sometimes if the engine wasn't running the pump would get mad, but I attributed this to an electrical issue on that rig.

[@perplexedcrab6352]

Just an idea, replace all those fittings and connectors with brass fittings and use Teflon tape

[@OutdoorAuto]

I think brass would probably do it... it is hard to actually tell where the rust is coming from... but the fittings is my guess as well.

[@rossipremier]

Keep these reviews coming! I've looked at this compressor before, but it's a bit spendy so I continue to use my Makita 18v cordless compressor...it's not crazy fast, but it's been good enough for the 34's on my truck, and with the 4Runner having smaller tires it should be even faster.

[@OutdoorAuto]

Reliable is more important then speed...

[@justkillintime7554]

I get OVS ads on instagram all the time and have wondered how the awning is. Good to hear you like it because it’s at a good price point. Wife and daughter got me the ARB twin now I’m just waiting on the under hood mount to be shipped. Nice reviews, definitely better than the unboxing videos people do

[@LiterallyOverTheHillAdventures]

I have this unit, I got it in 2018 and live and use it predominately in the humid southeast US, I have never had an issue and I use it a good bit. I do carry in in a secure location within the cab of my various vehicles so it does not get beat up like yours does. I like it because I have three vehicles that I will air down and carry it in the vehicle I am using that particular day.

[@OutdoorAuto]

Yup, the multi vehicle use case is so perfect for this unit. I may have to try another one some day... Maybe they just had a bad run for a bit and figured it out. Like I said it really is a cool unit... I want these to exist.

[@Xcerptshow]

I cant stand, "unboxing/ I just got this" reviews... I demand more like this.

[@joseph_quiles]

I personally have never used the ARB Suitcase but the Dual ARB compressor I have mounted in my engine bay and it’s been through hell and back and it’s never let me down. Before I when I was new to the scene, I had buddies loan me their smittybuilts and those were not fun but I am grateful as I was able to air up but just took forever lol. As far as the awning, I’ve always wanted one that I could mount. I’ve seen some of my Tacoma buddies with the Overland awning you shown here and looks Awesome. I just know how I off road and would be worried a trees branch would snag it and rip the cover or cause damage to it but I do love the ground coverage it offers! I invested in with the Moonshade Awning and we love that one because we not only take it on the trails and camping but we also take and use in the stands when our kids have their BMX races. As always, thank you for sharing your experiences and knowledge.

[@mattdagger1480]

Love love these videos! Thank you so much! Please keep them coming!

[@steveconte1858]

I've had my ARB suitcase for almost a year now and haven't yet had a problem (albeit, I'm in Nevada, so also a very dry state). This is very good info though and I appreciate these videos. Thanks!

[@OutdoorAuto]

Good to hear… let me know if you ever run into issues… maybe mine went south from the sealant clogs in the beginning and then couldn’t recover… maybe ARB figured that out and stopped using that sealant… it’s hard to know 🤷‍♂️

[@marceld6061]

Very well done video. I use a ViAir compressor. Couldn't afford the ARB at the time. I like it. It isn't as cool and compact as the suitcase style but I don't need that either. I agree on the 270 awning, for sure! I couldn't justify the expense until I found a sub 50 pound unit. So easy to pull out and put away. Selling off my 2.5m side awning with screen room. I'll miss the bug protection but I won't go back now.

[@jeeper426]

replace the steel braided lines with copper line, fully clean the ports of the sealant and use PTFE tape instead, it tends to shred less than standard Teflon tape as well as being "gas tight", steel braided lines are great in theory, but sometimes in practice don't always work the best

[@OverlandersHQAdventures]

We love our 270 Awning from Overland Vehicle Systems. They deploy so quick and easy!

[@OutdoorAuto]

I love mine so much… constantly use it.

[@MrAirtaz]

@@OutdoorAuto which one did you actually purchase? Your link just goes to their products page.

[@mlangejan]

I have had quite a few issues with my arb twin, 2 failed motors, a broken piston rod bolt, 5 relays and replaced the cooling fan in 4 yrs. As far as the rust I have converted to cotton braid hose with reusable aluminum fittings and I upped the size of the hose

[@Expedition.Kitchen]

Fantastic video as always man! Keep up the good work!

[@robmontgomery5030]

Thanks for the honest reviews. I have the single cylinder ARB compressor in a box. It has worked well so far. Also, because of your honest review, I ordered the awning!

[@OutdoorAuto]

Enjoy the awning… I use mine so much. I just love how fast they go up and down.

[@moloono1]

Sweet Tundra! It’s such a great truck.

[@OutdoorAuto]

I love Tundras... they just go and go forever.

[@project_poor_runner]

The MaxiTrac twin is my go to at 1/3 the cost of the ARB and more CFM. MoRRflate has an upgraded version of it as well.

[@ryanm4013]

LOVE my MaxiTrac!!! Nothing was a better buy for the money.

[@spaceape5697]

Dude YOU ARE AWESOME. Keep going because I'm telling everyone I know about your channel

[@richardweerasinghe3296]

This is quite an interesting review. I have a single arb compressor and it’s been mounted under the hood of my vehicle for over 10 years. It’s never missed a beat. So the main difference would appear to be the tank. I’ve been looking at upgrading to a twin with tank and this has reminded me to keep things simple.

[@OutdoorAuto]

Keep things simple... that is a good point.

[@51KTM51Hurricane]

Simple is always the best option in overlanding, no?😅

[@garretlewis4103]

I looked at one of these. Did not buy one. Have you thought about changing the type of lines running to the air tank? Also, couldn’t you take one of the compressors and mount it in a case and have a portable compressor without an air tank?

[@mpz375]

Great perspective on everything, easy to tell you actually use this stuff. Earned my sub.

[@OutdoorAuto]

Thanks so much for watching and the feedback. Positive of negative... always appreciated.

[@fronex1insta184]

Hey don’t know any thing about the details of utilisation of ARB compresseur because in our state we have not but if you have some corrosion in the flexibles can you make another flexible in aluminium ou high pression rubber hose as aviation hose ? So even there made condensation, there will be no more materiel to corrode so the problem is elsewhere ? This is what I conclude if I understood your video correctly. Thank’s for the learning and enjoy

[@tjmarrinan]

I mounted a twin and 2.5 gallon tank in my super duty. Had only been used ~30 times. Blew a piston ring on one of the chambers and one of the relays had corroded/melted to the point where it would pass voltage but too much resistance to run the good cylinder (fun to diagnose). One positive…they sell piston rebuild kits for them. If i blow another relay, i will outboard the relays into a sealed container with oversized relays to avoid over heating. I blow another ring, i am going to ViaAir or something like that. I agree…expensive to be so unreliable.

[@davidrucci]

Yeah man, I love my OVS 180 also. Although, I find that the poles are usually always necessary. Maybe it’s the design of the 180 vs 270 though. I do wish the OVS had those center pop up points for rain/water discard, but other than that it’s fantastic IMO. I find that with rain, I also always have to use the guy lines to divert water flow. Curious, do you find “without” the extra air tank cylinder you still needing to blow out the tiny cylinders that are built into the dual compressor? I was just talking about adding a VIAIR 1L cylinder to my on board air system, but that unlike the more costly ARB cylinder, has a condensation purge valve to release after use, which I like a lot. Again, I haven’t installed and tested it though! I liked the vid for sure and super stoked I stumbled upon the channel. I subscribed! Good luck with the tunnel! 😆🤙🍻

[@IndependenceOverland]

A fast awning and tent changes the game!

[@OutdoorAuto]

Yes they do... especially when you add 3 hungry kids to the equation.

[@jefffeltes9309]

@@OutdoorAuto that timer in the video was the slowest timer I've ever seen! lol

[@glockguide]

Would you chose to replace the tank over mounting the compressor? Viair has a steel tank with drain plug for

[@dylanmerker9901]

Great video Nate!

[@OutdoorAuto]

Thanks for watching 🙏

[@OXFOOT]

Love the idea as well. Was waiting to try this out but maybe not so much?

[@OutdoorAuto]

It be cool if ARB commented and let us know what was up… there are definitely people out there thathave these and have had no issues… maybe one of the design or quality control changes solved it and they just need to get me a new one 🤷‍♂️

[@baja5000]

Chuck that steel hose. Make one from brass fittings and a rubber hose.

[@OutdoorAuto]

My one worry is how much does the original hose have to do with heat dissipation? When I disconnect the tank and run it direct on the short hose (after I in clog it) that hose gets really hot by the time I’m done airing up 4 tires…

[@OutdoorAuto]

Btw… love your name… if they ever do a Baja 5000 race… I want to see the vehicle that survives that.

[@abbeyhoward9426]

Nice haircut!

[@OutdoorAuto]

Thanks 🙏

[@xavilicious]

Is there an air system you would recommend over the ARB?

[@rolocr]

Have you seen the TJM compressor and tank? It uses nylon hoses fromt he compressor to the tank to avoid rust.

[@panthros7395]

Question - What about the SINGLE MOTOR PORTABLE 12V AIR COMPRESSOR CKMP12V2 that does not use the tank? Have you tried this? Is this any good?

[@Charlie-ec3bc]

Had mine 8 years fixed 2x from arb recently had the brass fit under where your plug your hose in . Still going good but frustrating paying top $$$ you expect it to not have issues .

[@rsisente]

ARB should use brass, not steel.

[@Beat98TJ]

Put in nylon hose. Get rid of the steel fittings.

[@leemen]

Great Video. Is your awning the regular 270 or the LT version? From the video I could tell is wasn't the LTE but not sure if maybe the LT. Trying to decide if I want to lose some quality to save some weight.

[@OutdoorAuto]

Mine is the LT... I haven't tested their next level down yet.

[@leemen]

@@OutdoorAuto awesome. Thanks. I will go with the LT as well then.

[@freddymartinez5613]

I have a Stanly air compressor worth a battery jumper for $100

[@timothyyocum9349]

what I do is spry wd-40 in the lines before every trip it's a pain but mine has always worked no problems yet over 300 uses.

[@OutdoorAuto]

Just out of curiosity... why did you decide to spray WD-40 in it in the first place... is that a thing I don't know about?

[@FlorencioParaon]

I also used it about 3 - 5 times, and it powers up but has no air. I am switching to an air tank system.

[@OutdoorAuto]

Interesting... so yours is probably clogged too.

[@user-tv8sm6so9y]

Mine did the exact same thing after Just Once use, so I removed the Hose after first thinking it was the pressure switch, so I just removed the Tank,. Then Guilt took over and I cleaned out the Hose from the Tank to the Hose socket and put it back together, That was fine until I went to use it again and AGAIN it would not work again. So I removed the Tank again and cleaned it out and it is now working again, If It Goes wrong AGAIN this Time I am removing the Tank altogether And using it like the Hi Power Portable SIngle Because It is 1000X more reliable than the Twin with the Tank, The Output Hose from the Tank to the Hose Connector is All that stops the ARB Twin Portable from being Perfect, The only other option is to replace That Hose with a Stainless Steel Tube because it is very hard to push anything down the Braided Hose to clean it out, The Portable ARB Single ( Hi Power Single ) Never has this Trouble So Take the Hose that feeds the Tank and Screw it on to the Air Hose Connector and then Your Twin will be as reliable as the Hi Output Portable Single Compressor. Hope that Helps. But I am going to remove my Tank Perminantly from Now On because I am sick of It.

[@garycrawford1729]

OMG put your hat back on! Love the reviews.

[@OutdoorAuto]

HAHA.... yeah.. that haircut was pretty short.

[@MyIronman8]

stupid question get an cheap harbor fright compersor for 50 bucks use the cycler that it has it has an dry plug anmd make you own

[@MyIronman8]

add water trap

[@MyIronman8]

or you could leave it in the box and put water trap inside the box and just use and external tank or you can install it in the truck an just fill an external tank an Carrey that to the other cars . That might be easier no battery need easyer for noobs

[@timjchick]

Just remove the tank and it will still work great as a portable air compressor. How often do you really need to use air tools in the field?

[@OutdoorAuto]

Yup, that is what I did... already took it out and mounted it in the back of the Tundra.... so basically just super overpaid for an ARB twin compressor 😳

[@Azntrutek2012]

@ 10:34 …you said ”i bought it in 2001” … perhaps you meant 2021 ?? Because ARB will not going to give you a new replacement unit for your 21 yrs old compressor 😂😂

[@OutdoorAuto]

Yeah… I pinned a comment with the correction… talking is hard apparently 🤷‍♂️…. I actually post the picture of the receipt in the beginning with the right date…. I’ll see if KZbin will let me cut it…

[@iceman-ko6xi]

Sounds like you like the compressor but dislike the the tank portion. is that correct?

[@OutdoorAuto]

Compressor alone seems pretty solid. Tank systems has some major flaws and is a waste of the extra $300 dollars it costs over the price of the compressor... cause it clogs... a lot.

[@iceman-ko6xi]

@@OutdoorAuto I thank you for the honest opinion. You have a new subscriber.

[@oscarmike4596]

👍

[@peekguyy3194]

ARB was always sub-par.

[@joshuabuss4840]

Love the videos and it’s nice to see someone who doesn’t brown Nose big companies just because. ARB makes great products but that doesn’t mean they’re perfect. I just picked up the Kammok awning and mostly because of how fast it is. No offense but your deployment and put away time feels like a lifetime compared to the Kammok but yours is also way bigger. I have a Harker so a 270 wouldn’t work for me. Cheers and keep up the content. Liked and Subscribed.

[@OutdoorAuto]

I’m going to check out your awning… sounds like it’s super fast.

[@MrMice...]

Compressor, tank and case not much smaller than a pancake compressor. $1000 vs $150. What am I missing?

[@OutdoorAuto]

12V is probably the main issue... That changes everything actually. Machine has to be incredibly more efficient 🤷‍♂️

[@MrMice...]

@@OutdoorAuto oh, I figured/assumed most modern rigs these days have battery bank/inverter systems powering everything/anything. Guess there's cost/weight/room trade-offs as well.

[@adambaker9092]

I sent you an email about a fix for your system if you'd like to save it as is!

[@MyIronman8]

stupid question why dont they replace the metal tube that holdes the air an simply use air lines with an drain line valve that easy problem solved

[@inqufox1750]

I mean you stuck with that twin compressor in its current form for over 20 years, in that time not a single thing was done to make it more...user friendly to work in its current form? Or got another one? Seems a bit odd that nothing was attempted to change it over so many years, personally i would have either asked for my money back or figured a way to keep it from clogging, the hoses and the way its sealed seems to be the main reason its failing im sure there are inexpensive ways to fix all of that. I mean even mounting it under your seat isnt going to stop the tubes from rusting or it from clogging in its current form unless you change tubs and the hardware which should have been what was done anyway? Idk maybe its just me but i wouldnt have stuck with it for so long with it being THAT dysfunctional

[@OutdoorAuto]

If you look at the picture of the receipt I provided it shows I bought this in 2021… so I haven’t had it for 20 years unless you are from the future… which would be cool. Also when you install it under a seat you don’t use any hoses or a tank… air output comes straight off the side of the twin compressor… so no water build up or hoses to rust. It works great, I have run one that way before. But like I said in the video… then you don’t have a mobile air unit you can easily use with multiple cars and you can’t run air tools.

[@inqufox1750]

@@OutdoorAuto OH i heard 2001 hahahaha, sorry, and ah i thought you still needed an air tank and such for under seat mounting, or well not mobile mounting it, so i guess my points out moot X3

[@OutdoorAuto]

@@inqufox1750 oh your fine… if I had put up with that for 20 years… I definitely would deserve to be called out. I’m installing just the compressor right now. Fun weekend project.

[@LiterallyOverTheHillAdventures]

@@inqufox1750 I heard 2001 also.

[@albow4oops5]

Blood for the algorithm

[@OutdoorAuto]

Sad that an honest review is seen as blood… but I get what you mean. I still say it is better then just getting paid to say stuff is great even when it’s not 🤷‍♂️

[@albow4oops5]

@OutdoorAuto no offense or commentary meant. I like your content. I didn't have anything to say, but I know engagement in the form of Comments benefits you in the algorithm l...so " blood for the algorithm".

[@OutdoorAuto]

@@albow4oops5 🙏

[@albow4oops5]

@@OutdoorAuto any movement on the budget 2nd gen tundra for ultimate reliability?

[@OutdoorAuto]

@@albow4oops5 yes… I am working on this one in my spare time… it’s a super time intensive video because I want to do a Good, better, best scenario on all the components… where even the “best” option is still in the realm of affordable… so it’s just a lot to pull together and test

[@phlfly10]

any 4 tires air up takes about 10 min with decent system. so 1:40 is too fast. I would say 3 min its true. I use Morrflate and love it, all 4 tires at same time. Only frustrating is deal with hoses.

[@OutdoorAuto]

So let me get this straight... you don't own this ARB... and have never used one... but you are telling me that it cant do what I said it does??? Even though I own one and have used it for years....??? BOLD - here is a link showing it doing EXACTLY what I said it does with a timer.... kzbin.info/www/bejne/oIC3iX6lat9_eM0

[@ryanm4013]

@@OutdoorAutoPretty much that is what is is saying! 😂😂😂 Must be fun to be ignorant of real world results

[@phlfly10]

@ryanm4013 his truck would not inflate in under 2 min as as heavy trucks needed about 60 psi, btw all 35 in tires needed 60 psi for better wear

[@OutdoorAuto]

@@phlfly10 you really should stop giving advice… I haven’t owned a tire in 15 years that runs at 60psi

[@phlfly10]

@OutdoorAuto I can show a sticker on my truck. I guess you don't know everything. I had 15 cars and trucks over 25 years. I fixed planes as career.

[@berjerk3425]

ARB is supposed to be cheap china made but it selled like high end products. Never go for this brand.

[@SacredHeart0520]

Why not just fix the issues yourself . Qnd move on

[@OutdoorAuto]

I did... I took it apart, removed the parts that I paid an extra $300 for and mounted in my truck... Doesn't change the fact this is not a good product and this product makes you overpay for a twin compressor that will fail you on the trail...