ULTIMATE 3-WAY ARB Air Compressor Comparison {YOU WON'T BELIEVE THE RESULTS}

We test out the single ARB compressor, dual compressor and the dual compressor with a ten litre air tank to see if they can reseat a bead onto a wheel and test the inflation times.
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[@luisandluisgabriel6778]

Excellent video. In my 4R I had a Viair to system with dual compressors and a tank. With my new jeep build, after seeing this I’ll be going with the twins no tank. Thank you 🙏

[@davidpaterson2643]

The single valve on the tyre is the flow limiting point, if you used one of those kits that do 2 tyres at once you would see a decrease in time with the tank. If you did it without the valve core you'd half the time. The other major benefits of a tank is to seat a bead like you said but also you can use airtools with a tank, realisticly you can't without.

[@64nine]

insert vid with clearview tyre spyder 👌

[@Sethjxl]

There is another benefit to the tank though. As you are moving from wheel to wheel you are storing pressure so it will be a bit faster wheel by wheel, but even more so doing two at a time. Edit: On second thought, that won't matter. They started the test with a full tank and showed it dod not help. so you're right, the valve restrictions simply limit inflation time regardless of the pump. Perhaps it may be different with a 60L tank at 110psi...

[@davidpaterson2643]

That is only the case if you get to pumping the next wheel before it reaches the cut off pressure, otherwise the comp will wait for the tank to drop 20psi+ before it kicks back in and your almost back to where you started without a tank.

[@davidpaterson2643]

The reason I know its the valve flow that's limiting things is because the system I built on mine. I have 2 compressors, 2x 3lt tanks and a separate airline at each wheel with 4x 1m hoses - can pump all 4 35s in just over 4mins. 1st compressor is a single ARB for the lockers at 90psi and as a backup. 2nd is a Thumper Max duel and it fills the tanks to 140psi. Running both, the arb has a line to the 140psi system with a 90psi pressure switch on the 140 side, if both comps are on and the 140 side drops below 90psi it opens and both run. Tyre pressure is all auto regulated too.

[@andrewlund3886]

If your tank is only going to 100psj Ide change the switch to either 135 or 150psi to get more air in. My 12L tank goes to 150psi and it gives such an initial inrush of air to the tyre at the start that the click on chuck keeps popping off the tyre valve and it seems like the tyre valve itself is the limiting factor. I also have a single and twin arb compressor plumbed together so continuous flow is great...

[@cross7926]

You boys just saved me a few hundred, good test!

[@bondisteve3617]

Thanks!...valuable info for those involved...well done.

[@jeepinaustralia2477]

Really glad I watched this, you just saved me a wad of $ and a chunk of space. Cheers fellas!

[@bevorazzi751]

Good honest test. Cheers gents!

[@4west7]

Awesome video guys, love the honesty 👌 That kind of honest appraisal is going to get you way more followers than the "smoke" that some other channels pedal. We'll done 👍

[@SIDETRACKED]

Thanks for that!

[@officialWWM]

Those other channels are paid for their opinions…

[@raymondlogister6828]

Good test. Thank you.

[@howesyaadventures5542]

Perfect timing watching this video. I was going to put a tank in and compressor above now I can install compressor under side wings where it won’t get damaged!

[@duramaxpatrol914]

Really liked this vid, you guys should do some more videos comparing similar products kinda like “myth busting” Example comparing a electric chainsaw to a petrol one

[@kymbloffwitch3728]

Interesting result guys good work

[@MudducksTouringAustralia]

That is very interesting. Thanks for sharing. Cheers Steve

[@olliehopnoodle4628]

Good video. I also have a dual ARB and a small tank (2 gallons). When I did similar tests I did get a slightly faster result with the tank. And airing up all four tires was a bit faster too, partly because the compressor is running the entire time. Is it worth the space the tank required? I don't think so either, especially with the dual compressor. But mine is installed and until I need the spot for something else I will most likely leave it.

[@lukebryce5097]

Very interesting, good vid!

[@VideoShowMeHow]

Great vid guys... Feel like it's something to do with the ARB and the mini tank and pressure cut off. Do you have a non tank comp handy to test with? eg a Supacentre twin that doesn't have tank but does have a cut off switch? Would be interesting to test

[@deanehill9730]

Wouldn’t have thought that. Thanks for the info, no tank.

[@4bnewb969]

Perfect timing...was considering installing the ARB Twin in my vehicle. Just need to work out that it will fit under the front passenger seat as there is no room under the bonnet. Good to know the tank is not an advantage for most people’s use. Cheers...

[@James_James01]

Same here!!!! Will definately not waste cash and.time on tank! Surpising the double wasnt twice as quick, makes you wonder whether to just get single anf thats it!!!!

[@greatsouthernoverland]

Excellent fellas:D I have a 15 litre long slender tank with a big Airbag compressor and my mate has the twin ARB. I am no faster :( those ARB twins are a ripper compressor!!! Cheers fellas

[@rollyb5061]

a very interesting test, a few years ago i was to fit an air tank and decided against it, top demo guys

[@SIDETRACKED]

Thank you!

[@8ad8oy15]

The reason there is no difference between dual arb with or without tank is that you are limited to the amout you can flow thru a standard tire valve. If the rims were fitted with a larger quick fill valve you would see a much bigger difference

[@douglaseuritt3919]

Yes! Flow is being limited at the valve.

[@rockbiterhd]

Anything 3 ways is going to end in tears

[@olliehopnoodle4628]

"The valve stem is the restriction and that is the cause of the difference". This may be true but I did a test with my home AC powered compressor (5 gallon tank filled) and turned on. It was 78 seconds to take my tire from 11 to 30psi. With an ARB dual and a small tank it was 105 seconds. So while it might be restrictive the large volume of pressurized air in the 5 gallon tank was able to negate some of the restriction.

[@thomasbomberovic2931]

Thanks for honest feedback, even you don’t look very impressed about it. Cheers Tom

[@mrsaturdaymovies1293]

Good video. A written comparison in the end would be helpful

[@SIDETRACKED]

Good idea!

[@roblackie]

Are both compressors using the same size and length wiring ??... the cable makes a big difference... my arb double got noticeably fast after changing the arb wiring for 2pair of 6b&s (a pair for each motor head).. after changing the wiring I later on added a tank and the inflation time again decreased.

[@lastknownlocation8760]

Good test Could you possibly do it again but inflate 4 tyres? Same vehicle, same 4 tyres, same pressures? Real world test as if airing up after having been on sand. Say 16 PSI UP TO 45 PSI?

[@SomervilleMetalWorks]

Interesting i was going to purchase a twin compressor but they're currently sold out around oz they waiting on some parts from ive been told. However you can still buy the kit with the tank which i was considering but the extra $300 or whatever it is doesn't seem like its worth it now

[@philippschneidenbach]

I have installed a dual ARB /w 10L tank in our RV and included two quick connects: 1. directly after the compressor 2. one after the tank There is a valve between compressor and tank so i can decide whether i want direct compressor air for airing up my tires or max cfm volume from the tank for using air tools. The convenience is superb. Using a blow- and suction-gun from Hazet this gives me an air powered vacuum cleaner :-) Anyways you guys are right: For airing up tires the tank is useless. For Power tools it gives you more air volume or, to say it in an easy way, "longer time usage of high pressured air". Example: Normal Air Gun as you showed at the end of the video works 1sec without the tank, until the pressure is getting low (below 6 bar) to a point where you only get the cfm flow that the compressor is providing while it runs. For short pushes to the trigger it would be sufficient though. With the tank, it drops down much slower so you have more time to use an air tool in the sweet spot between 10 and 6 bars. When using impact wrenches this would pay off even more. For my cleaning purposes in the RV with blow and suction gun it is perfect. Great vid, enjoy your time using it. Here in Germany it was already an adventure to even get the compressor, as such tools are very rare in our non-offroad country. I mainly wanted a decent onboard air system for tire pressure checking between cold bavarian winters and hot summers. You cant get anything decent here in europe and you need to look for serious USA or AUS gear when it comes to compressors. I love the twin compressor and the convenience at hand now that it is installed.

[@bazradventures]

Great real world test

[@davidmoriarty2314]

Was contemplating making up a tank rather than spending the $170 at arb. I’ll stick with just the compressor now. Cheers fellas!!!

[@jeremywinslow7345]

Its fluid dynamics. The arb twin can push air faster than it can flow though a valve stem. You can only go as fast as the smallest point. For instance if you use all 3/8" hose you can move more air volume than if you have 1/4" hose. You will not notice any change unless every single inch of hose is 3/8. The valve stem is the smallest point, no matter what the valve stem dictates your air flow into a tire. Now if you run any type of air tool the tank will make a difference. Provided all connections are large enough to accommodate the volume of air.

[@dfross87]

If you want to blow out your filters -- use your spare. Make up a female-female coupler, which you attach to the male end of the hose. Put the blow gun on that end (so you don't have the extra weight hanging from the spare tyre's valve stem). Then a plain clip on tyre chuck on the female end of the hose, attach it to the spare, and blow out filters to your heart's content. -- Obviously keep your spare pumped up to its maximum allowable pressure. If you need it, you can easily let out the excess pressure at the time. -- If you use the spare to blow out your filter(s), and subsequently need to use the spare you can inflate it at the time. Otherwise, re-inflate it to its maximum allowable pressure when you get home/to a servo.

[@matthales8857]

great timing on the video guys, I've been trying to decide between the twin and the twin with tank and this video helped me pull the trigger on the compressor without.

[@SIDETRACKED]

Our pleasure!

[@rogercole9942]

I've got a dual arb and recently added a 6l tank. The initial fill is noticeably faster (when the tank's full and comp off from reaching the 150psi limit). Then as you walk from tyre to tyre the compressor is still doing work which provides a marginal gain/time save. I question why 1) in your test the compressor was still running/hunting when you were not using it (assuming that was you compressor we could hear) 2) if you didn't notice a noticeable difference in the initial fill vs the non tank version what's the difference in plumbing vs the non tank version? Other comments on the valve being a limiting factor is false. Boyle's law says you should have the equivalent to 100l at 15psi in that tank. Having said all that the benefit in over all fill time is marginal but should still be a bit more noticeable than in your comparison.

[@masamasi9521]

Have you thought about removing the tire valve core permanently? It drastically decreases time deflating and inflating. By doing that the twin compressor with a tank will shine, even more than double the speed of a single compressor. With the right sealed valve cap the tire can hold the pressure.

[@mackf7275]

Great video gents. Question: can the twin compressor with no tank still blow enough air to clean an air filter?

[@jusimplicit]

i reckon it should do just fine. or even if you just have the small manifold. you can just do small spurts of air as the lil manifold tank tops of from the compressor.

[@scottyyy3608]

Can you run an extra test, fill up your 10l tank, have tyre deflated to 15psi ,turn off compressor manualy once pressure switch kicks in and then dump just the tank air into the tyre. How much psi will it add? This will explain the little diff.

[@jusimplicit]

the tank would take even longer cause as the air goes into the tire, the pressure within the tank decreases having less force behind the inflation; twin compressor is 100% duty cycle, so i see no point in this. the only "tank model" that would beat the compressor is if it is prefilled past 100psi with or without CO2, but once the tank is out you're SOL

[@user-tv8sm6so9y]

If you check the Specs on the ARB Twins they have a pressure Cut Off of 180psi Not 100psi and the Twin is Rated at 150psi, The tank is for running small Air tools and blow guns which is Ideal for cleaning parts such as Air Filters, The Single has a pressure Switch cuts in at 70psi and off at 100psi, hope that helps.

[@SwampySi]

So the air tank makes no difference with a dual compressor, but is it worth it with a single?

[@bonsaidownunder3140]

If your using an air blower, weather your using a 10 litre tank or a 100 litre tank the air will still come at the same speed. Air will only enter the tyre as fast as the biggest restriction (the tyre valve) will let it, that’s why tank and no tank isn’t making a difference

[@SIDETRACKED]

Yeah you got it.

[@davecoke2345]

interesting video

[@themechanicslab]

Hey lads, apologies if this suggestion is too late but before writing off the air tank model (which I have) you should actually let the tyre temperatures come back down to atmospheric pressure then re-check air pressures. Yes I know this sounds over the top but in all honesty the ARB compressors have a tendancy to throw a lot of moisture into the tyre when out on the tracks and I have found differences of 3 to 5 PSI due to moisture content once tyres are at atmospheric temps within the air delivered from the ARB units. Before biffing out the tank, be sure to recognise that it either draws out the moisture or increases the moisture delivered from the compressor because a 3 to 5 psi cold pressure differential is quite substantial when a tyre is up at operating temperatire on the motor way and thats where safety comes into it.

[@SIDETRACKED]

You are right, moisture does build up and a tank would be a way to eliminate that from making it's way to the tyre, no idea if its more than other branded compressors though. Checking the pressures again after highway use (inflating a tyre with and without tank) would be interesting and its something we might do! As for safety, if we air up to a number, we've never seen too much of a change when checked again (hot or cold). Thanks!

[@paulclarke4431]

The tank doesn't help because it holds far less air than the tyre, so it just adds that little bit extra at the beginning and then the compressor just has to pump through the tank and into the tyre. Tanks are designed for constant flow into air tools, so the compressor doesn't have to stay on. Never really understood why people go to lengths to put air tanks in their vehicles.

[@ilove2explore]

Paul Clarke exactly

[@onefixitman]

The valve stem is limiting the air flow. Remove the internals of the valve stem and try again or try a monster airflow valve stem.

[@lastknownlocation8760]

It’s always going to be beneficial to have a tank if the tank is big enough and pressurised at the start. The air tank (ARB TWIN with tank) will also have time to refill while moving to the next tyre. So you get a slight head start each time. Provided you have a 100% duty cycle compressor. To work it out - take it to extremes- have a 20000 litre tank. You’ll be able to inflate your tyres without even running the compressor if you start with the tank fully pressurised.

[@boxheadmr]

That was what i used to think but apply it to the experiment and they started with a full tank and found no difference between them.....

[@lastknownlocation8760]

Matt Robinson they only did one tyre. I’ve asked them to do 4

[@gaj5701]

I had this same convo with an ARB sales guy & he was adamant the tank would help & be a worthwhile fitment. Normally I don't point out I'm an automotive design engineer to salespeople, but couldn't help it in this case. There is currently no tank on my vehicle 😀

[@lastknownlocation8760]

I disagree with you. It’s always going to be beneficial to have a tank if the tank is big enough and pressurised at the start. The air tank (ARB TWIN with tank) will also have time to refill while moving to the next tyre. So you get a slight head start each time. Provided you have a 100% duty cycle compressor. To work it out - take it to extremes- have a 20000 litre tank. You’ll be able to inflate your tyres without even running the compressor if you start with the tank fully pressurised.

[@gaj5701]

@@lastknownlocation8760 We're talking about a 10 litre tank here, not a huge industrial reservoir so when you look at how pressure & volume interact in these kind of parameters when inflating a tyre (large volume, low pressure) there is pretty much no advantage in having something that small. Even 20 litres would have next to no effect for the cost & hassle of fitting the extra tank.

[@krump7429]

@@gaj5701 hey mate did u point out the the arb assistant that the digital pressure gauge is crap. Stuff squatting for 2 to 3 minutes holding the button down while u air up lol. Surely they can come up with a better design 😂

[@gaj5701]

@@krump7429 Nah, when he told me he would get a technician to explain to me how things work I almost flicked him on the forehead & walked out. Plenty of inflators you can fit higher up the line if you're familiar with air tool fitments to help out 👍

[@lastknownlocation8760]

GAJ yes As I said- a slight benefit. But a benefit none the less. The point of using the large reservoir as an example was to illustrate that having a reservoir does give an advantage and it’s relevant to the size of the reservoir. Maybe you should’ve let the technician explain it to you after all. Then he could’ve flicked you on the forehead and sent you on your way.

[@ej2863]

I think the advantage of tank is when airing multiple tires.

[@4wdMonkey]

Whats the offset on the black wheels on the JK and brand/size?

[@SIDETRACKED]

They are Dynamic 17x8, cant remember exactly, but +20 rings a bell offset wise...

[@krump7429]

Cool video. My single arb has been a trooper. Always battles on. I think i may upgrade to the twin in future. I think the biggest shock of this experiment is how shit is that arb digital pressure gauge is. Have to sit there with ur finger on the button for about 2 to 3 minutes to inflate the tyre. Stuff that on your knees... terrible arb engineering lol.

[@SomervilleMetalWorks]

yeah right should be able to set a pressure on it and it'll stop when it gets there

[@rodneyrowell7743]

@@SomervilleMetalWorks The ARB Linx Pressure Regulator will enable you to do that!

[@SIDETRACKED]

A cable tie that you can slip on/off the lever can help your knees out, otherwise the ARB Linx may help.

[@krump7429]

@@rodneyrowell7743 how much is the lynx system?

[@frankenbeans1967]

Those tyres really bag out at 19psi. My km3’s don’t look anything like that at 15psi🤔

[@ToyBJ]

All off the same battery ? , car running ? 😎

[@robertlewis7237]

PUT PRESSURE SWITH ON THE 10LITE NOT SMALL YIE SEE WHAT GET OUT THANK YOU FOR VIDEO

[@sydneymowerandautomotivece4319]

One advantage of the air tank is your mates don't you turn on the compressor to engage the lockers.

[@q8mechanic427]

I guess the tank could benefit the single compressor more.

[@donewhiskey]

I've heard a lot of people complaining about the dual ARB compressor, over the single. From what I have heard, the single is much more reliable. That makes some sense in that there is only one compressor to fail. I run a single and it works well.

[@SIDETRACKED]

Cant say we've heard a bad thing about them, i have had 2 other brands fail on me before purchasing the ARB however.

[@Joe_Brown99]

It’s not about speed. It’s about volume Guys that go to glamis would very much appreciate the twin and bigger tank

[@davecoke2345]

space and $$

[@pranays]

It makes sense because the output pressure is still the same with or without a tank. The tank just gives a greater reservoir of air but it's still the same pressure.

[@Mouldyturnip75]

Reckon the valve is the bottleneck? Try again with a AirTech valve removal tool - works for air down. Reckon it would speed up any decent compressor.

[@psy06]

dont know, have you seen guys in the states use CO2 tanks to pump their tyres ? they pump them with the valves still in and they go heaps fast. i think they compressors are just piss weak and the pressure they put out drops off a lot as the tyre goes over 20 psi.

[@Mouldyturnip75]

@@psy06 tank pressure is very high in PowerTank which is why they are so fast, much higher than an air compressor could ever muster. Sadly, not available in Nanny Australia.

[@psy06]

@@Mouldyturnip75 i know that hence im saying the valve isnt a bottleneck if they can pump CO2 in high volume. you can easily make a tank yourself, buy a tank of co2, they use them for brewery and get a regulator. probably not gonna be real cheap to keep swapping it out after every trip or so

[@Mouldyturnip75]

250psi constant pressure (regulated) as the co2 is in liquid form and simply expanding, also super cold and incredibly dense. MAX pressure for average 12v compressor is 120-150psi, usually very hot and therefore not very dense. Open flow is say an average 140lt/min from 12v compressor, prob double or triple or higher than that with Powertank. The bottleneck is the valve, 2nd is the actual ability of a compressor. ARB compressors are industry standard with few peers so its not that they are 'piss weak'.

[@zulustu8214]

You guys are bright sparks…. It will be quicker over four tyres…. FM

[@one1shot1shaun]

A comparison of different brand compressors would have been more useful

[@Dorko85]

The issue is the tire valve size can’t take more than designed. If you did the same test blowing up a swimming pool toy with a large valve, it’s a huge difference. The tank is a must if you want to blow air, I use it to clean my filter, windows and interior. Can’t do that without a tank as it has got enough puff

[@pranays]

Why would you put a compressor and tank designed for the military inside the vehicle? Mount it under the hood or under the skid plates.