Was I CRAZY to spend $990 on this Portable ARB Air Compressor?

Get ready for the ultimate off-road gear review! In this video, I'm going to tell you whether or not my nearly $1,000 investment in the Portable ARB 12 volt air compressor was worth it. I've been putting this bad boy to the test for the past three years, and it's time to give you the inside scoop on how it's held up.
If you're an off-roading enthusiast like me, then you know that having a reliable air compressor is an absolute must. Whether you're driving a Jeep Wrangler, Toyota Tacoma, or any other capable four-wheel drive, you need to be able to air up your tires no matter where your adventures take you.
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ℹ️ PRODUCTS IN THIS VIDEO ℹ️
✅ Portable Air Compressor: bit.ly/trailre...
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[@Enjoytheinbetween]

Great review! I like it but 1000 bucks is expensive. You could purchase an inverter and pancake compressor for under $300 and do the same thing.

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you!

[@DuaneCaldwell]

This is my favorite kind of review: real world experience over time rather than just a demo over a weekend. Thanks for sharing this!

[@TrailRecon]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@DesertRox]

For a 1000 dollars that thing better be pumping like a Saudi Oil Sheik!

[@Donnut123]

Every time I start my Jeep I smile and I don't even have a V8!

[@madman432000]

For that much money don't think I would buy it but it certainly works well apparently. Looking at it another way, for that kind of money it BETTER work well and reliably for a long time. Whether it's worth $1000, personal choice. ARB stuff is typically a little overpriced.

[@DSC800]

The ARB unit is nice but, as noted, it is just too expensive. The tank really isn't necessary and doubles the size of the unit. I've got a SmittyBilt model 2781($150 five years ago) that works great for airing up plus it runs at 5.65 cfm which inflates my SUP's in 6 minutes each. I only have 33"s and they air up from 15 to 30 in just a couple minutes each.

[@TrailRecon]

There are other options out there. Here is a older video I did were we compared a few: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gp7OZYyLodOcnK8

[@monkeybarmonkeyman]

First thing I'd do if hard-mounting an air compressor is to establish two air lines out, one front, one rear, with caps. Opening the hood every time you need air would be a huge pita to me 🙂

[@johnmadsen37]

If you wheel, it’s not that bad. How lazy have people gotten. It’s why they get stuck or slide into a tree.

[@leechapman7848]

Yes but made in Australia, tested in one of the most hostile environments, you get what you pay for. not made in china crap !!! buy one you will be glad you did. remember quality is remembered long after price is forgotten,

[@DR10002]

No way is an air compressor a $1000 item. My $140 Smittybilt one inflates my 35s in 3 minutes. My brother has been using the same one on his jeep with 40s for years. Putting it in a plastic box and including a small tank isnt a $900 upgrade.

[@DSC800]

Ha! I just posted the same thing. The Smittybilt 2781 is serving me well and it has the CFM to inflate my SUP's in 6 minutes each. ARB definately not worth 6x more and tank does nothing for me.

[@TrailRecon]

Here is an older video I did where we test the Smittybilt agains a few others: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gp7OZYyLodOcnK8

[@yesode4201]

Yes but you haven’t been to a mall parking lot!

[@user-vw6mu8gt6c]

The 2781 will be as hot as radiator after inflating 6-7 tires. Also it’s cfm is pretty low comparing to the twin cylinder

[@gotmullets]

Smitty builds great stuff.. but I have seen many many many burn out on people while they were out on the trail.. and they hadn't been used that long.. The only benefit there was they weren't 1000$ and so a person could buy a replacement.. because they are cheaper.. I as well am not excited at arb price of 1000$.. tooo $$$😅 u have seen these on the trail.. people who have them.. seem to really love them.😊

[@BaconCruiser]

Always love to see battle tested reviews rather than straight out-of-the-box reviews like most of KZbin. Thank you!

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you!

[@wheel1775]

One of these days I hope a car manufacturer starts pre-wiring their cars for radios and accessories like this. If you could buy a Tacoma or Jeep with power plugs, they would dominate the off road market for years.

[@John-uo1qf]

Not needing to open the hood and attach to the battery would be great. There must be a way to run power to the cargo area in a jeep and just plug it in when you need air

[@Bacnow]

Broncos are prewired and have factory auxiliary switches! I think that all upcoming off-road vehicles will follow that lead!

[@Wolf4wdadventures.576]

@@John-uo1qf easy job, I have done it for years...

[@TrailRecon]

100% Agree! There are already vehicles out there with air compressors, so others could make this an options... I would also add I wish a winch could be an option as well, not just the mount.

[@robertyoung8289]

Very timely. Not very pleased with the performance from my Viair 400p.

[@nosnerd1967]

Too rich for me …

[@billbarberconstructioninc.17]

As soon as you said $1000.00 you lost me... that's rediculous. I'm all for buying quality, but this is not a practical expense. Same guys buying this are buying $300 shovels. My milwaukee m18 compact tire inflator fills all four of my 37" tires from 12-34psi in 20 min... and the battery can go with the rest of my garage tools.

[@christophermichaelson9050]

Just replaced my ARB CKMA12 compressor after 15 years of service under the hood of my JK. I used it pretty regularly to air up my 37s and run front and rear lockers but it finally gave up the ghost a few months ago. I'm very happy with it, but I think relocating it to another area (e.g. not under the hood) would be a good idea going forward. I know, not the same as a portable box like you had, but I can attest to the durability of this little beast.

[@sdericmonty]

New Milwaukee M18 tire inflator is dope!

[@TrailRecon]

I'll have to check that out.

[@tmcnicho]

I had the single version, it was definitely struggling to inflate a 35.

[@TrailRecon]

Totally agree, it was great when I had 32's but just was a struggle with 35's

[@shadowj5639]

That's depressing considering how much the single costs... gotta save up more then

[@tmcnicho]

@@shadowj5639 it does get the job done, takes a while tho. When I switched to an onboard I saved a little more to get the dual

[@maxbooshay7875]

ARB has a recommended routing for the power cable when it's stored, with the clips going above and below the air tank, and the cable around the perimeter of the compressor. It really does work well.

[@jimandvalstravelchannel]

Thanks Brad. I actually bought that exact unit and removed it from the case and installed it in my Tacoma. I use the case to store additional hose, tire patch kit and digital tire gauge similar to yours. I've had it for just over a year now and it works great. I would recommend this unit as well.

[@TrailRecon]

Thanks you and great to hear it's working well as a fixed unit in your Tacoma.

[@bwofficial1776]

New year, new intro? Looks good. Long term reviews are valuable. I'll pay a little more for gear that will last years. You could buy 10 Walmart compressors and get six months out of each or you could buy one ARB once and not have to deal with the hassle of stuff breaking. ARB makes good stuff that lasts.

[@TomaszbtdZiobrowski]

so, I'm getting it right, for smaller wheels when you don't go over 32" smaller arb compressor will be enough? it served you well?

[@tedo1634]

Yes it’s perfect for this size tire.

[@TrailRecon]

Yes!

[@therealmarkchilton]

It's great. But the Powertank crushes it for the same money. Yes, it's helpful to have a CO2 refill company close but that makes a good backup.

[@craigversetti5700]

ARB makes great products and I've heard awesome things about there customer service , that said with the enormous price tag on that dual portable kit what other comparable options are there ? Kinda feel like ARB has the market cornered and they make you pay for it !?

[@oneplutoa]

Great overview, I've had one for a couple years and it's still doing great. On the battery clip storage, I tuck them into the small cavity on each corner of the tank. That keeps everything really neat.

[@FlorencioParaon]

Purchased in 2016. Used only a few times, and it is broken. Powers on, but no air. Air tank better and faster.

[@daved6464]

My poor mans hack is t I have 2x $100 pumps and have them going at the same time. Only have stock tires so not a problem.

[@JustNobodyButME]

I have the on board twin ARB air system (no air tank) and it has been great except for having to replace the pressure switch and it just recently stopped working on me while i was using it to blow up balloons for a party. I think it over heated and seized up but i havent yet taken it apart to find out if its repairable.

[@tims728]

Howdy, check your fuses, they blow when the unit gets hot. Keep a couple of spares with you. They have two. If one blows, you only have one pump working. It will sound different and not work as fast. In Australia, they seem to blow with heat, theres a lot of resisitance when the unit is working. Myself and mates have upgraded to midi style fuses from the ones ARB supply, they last longer. 🇦🇺🤠👍

[@karmafarbus160]

ARB is too expensive and take advantage of the Off Road community .

[@junaidcassim3496]

What you need is an Indeflate 4 or 2 hose system to go with that compressor .....

[@shockerracing]

We’ve been running the same compressor and it’s been great for inflating our 40’s on the Gladiator and 35’s on our JL back to back.

[@jaykanngiesser3454]

I have had one of these for 6 or 7 years. Ended up removing both compressor and tank and permanently mounted and re orienting the tank as if filled with water over time then putting water into my tires. Since it freezes here, I then had plenty of tire valve issues. I ended orienting the tank vertically with the in /out teed together with a drain valve on the bottom. I then installed an inline paint gun air dryer to feed my air lockers to keep water out of the lockers. Tire connector is upstream of the air dryer. Still using after 7 years!

[@TrailRecon]

Great to hear its still running after 7 years!

[@abh1945]

Great video! How long air tank need to refill after filling the first tire ?

[@abh1945]

Name of the wheel boss? Thank you for the video

[@johnmadsen37]

I use four twin compress. It take 5 minutes for Al four. From 8psi to 35psi. A single compressor will overheat and either shutdown or melt.

[@real_ultrajoe]

I use this air compressor on my G37 and family cars

[@stanscrooby7108]

That's Mr knucklehead to you! 😂😂

[@Aaron-ge1hy]

Thanks so much for the honest and thoughtful review. Well done, and much appreciated, sir! 👍🏼

[@TrailRecon]

My pleasure!

[@MM-gm2yk]

1K pass I got a VIAIR over 2 years ago for less than $200 small and works great. but good vid love the update.

[@MaryJohnson-p6x]

Perez Scott Brown George White Shirley

[@jameswilliams3013]

There's a HUGE difference between $70 and $1,000. C'mon, ARB. My opinion is that you think too highly of yourself. Unless I see some specs about how these things are Handmade by artisans IN THE USA, **WITH** ultra-elite, super-high-end components, you're never going to get me to believe that an Air Compressor is worth A Grand.

[@RobRoyRoadie]

I actually did pull mine apart and hard mount it into my Discovery 2. I have the compressor under the hood, next to the battery, and the air tank is mounted behind the passenger rear wheel. I have air chucks on both bumpers, and use the compressor to run my air lockers as well. It’s run flawlessly for 3 years as well.

[@ladyloren8414]

I really enjoy watching these Trail Recon videos. I find them to be a great learning tool. Keep sharing your information on Jeep knowledge, tools, repairs and overlanding. You and your family are amazing and adventurous. I would love to have Jeep buddies like you all. Blessings, ~Chaplain Coleman #jeeping for Jesus

[@Joes-Adventures71]

Couldn't pull the trigger on an ARB because it costs nearly as much as my Quincy 4 piston, 2 stage, 60 gallon, 16 cfm shop compressor. I did some research and picked up a Maxitrac from Napa for around $100 that out performs the dual ARB. Built my own 4 tire inflation system and can inflate 4-35 inch tires from 15 to 35 in about 3 1/2 to 4 minutes. ARB does make good stuff but it seem to be priced double what it's worth IMO. Love your videos Brad.

[@Gazziza29]

FYI, the ARB air compressors are made in China. There are a few other brands that use the exact same air compressor. Sherpa 4x4 has what they call the BOX AIR which is essentially this entire kit for $630. Save some money and get the exact same product.

[@Dav-S5658]

One thing that I always go back to is: How would all this go in the rain or a snow storm. That's when reality actually sets in. I do think the cost of some compressors is crazy. I've been running the same Puma Compressor for 12 years now. They are half the cost of big overlanding brands, and they are rebuildable if you ever get to that point. They mainly sell to contractors

[@yakitoriPB]

Would that fit under the rear seat if the gladiator?

[@1a1u0g9t4s2u]

To paraphrase...your 39's plus two other jeeps with 35's at the same time. I believe you meant to say ...your 39's then two other jeeps with 35's one after another. This I have also done with my portable ARB air compressor. Excellent video, thanks for sharing.

[@adrianw3985]

I have an ARB single compressor mounted under hood for my 4Runner, I bought it with my ARB Air Locker. I wanted the better compressor to air tires, not just power the Locker. So far no problems. It's been about 5 years. It doesn't have as many hours on it as yours, because I don't get out there as often as you. Anyway, I think the Australians make quality off-road gear. They have to have reliable gear in the Outback, they don't have the infrastructure in Australia that we do. You get stranded in the Outback, it might be a very long time before you get back out if your lucky.

[@johnc8327]

Seems like a lot of money for an air compressor.

[@toddshook1765]

For the cost seems right. If you are servicing 3-4 vehicles and had to out fit each one with compressor would be around same price as the one unit. You and Matt from Ozark say some things you don’t cheap out.

[@donmontalvo1]

My very first mod was the same ARB dual compressor in a case. The 100% duty cycle had me sold. I ended up mounting it under the passenger seat. I gave away the one gallon tank and the case. In Dec it’ll be 3 years of weekly use, and it has performed flawlessly. ARB support is quick and extremely smart.

[@flattire15]

I've had the same unit/case for about four years. Great unit. Have had to replace one compressor, and the braided line from the tank to the coupling - rusted close (apparently, fairly common). Would not trade for a CO2 system.

[@mwa3476]

Flemish down (Hooyah Navy!) with the power chord, and land the alligator clips on each side of the tank. That's what I do with mine and it works out pretty good.

[@johnsanders606]

Hi Brad! Off topic but have you gone with a different GMRS antenna on the 392 other than the stealth low profile one? I am going to install a twin ARB air compressor under the hood using your video as a guide later this year! Thanks for your content.

[@bozemanbear]

The Gladiator has limited cargo capacity. I'm building an overland rig that bumps up against the ~1100 lbs capacity. The weight is definitely a consideration! Thanks for the video.

[@avnmech]

I’ve had me dual ARB for 2 years now, with a air up/down system installed, works great, fills all me tires pretty darn quick and I have a 50’ hose so I can air up a friends tires as well. Looking to add a tank where my muffler was in my JLU so so can run some air tools if needed.

[@TheJanope13]

Hey mate i've got the exact same setup and if you pack it how they describe in the manual and how it would have came from new, it packs up really well. you coil the power lead and place it over the compressor, the red clip to the little crevace below the tank and black above, the fuse sits where the switch is. The inflator can then go in between the compressor and tank. These compressors are the ducks guts. When touring in aus many times you can find yourself having to do bitumen stretches between trails and having a fast, reliable compressor is a god send. Who wants to be waiting around 20-30 minutes to air up tyres only to let them down again in a couple KMs time. It is worth every cent, i had gone through 3 of those napa style compressors (kings) you guys get in the state before i splurged on one of these units out of anger. Couldn't be happier. A great and cheap upgrade is to grab 3 sb50 plugs, cut the cable before the fuse and crimp the plugs on both ends and also hardwire 8awg minimum from the starter battery to somewhere easily accesible. That way you can still connect it to the alligator plugs or just plug it straight in and omit the need to open the bonnet everytime and clipping onto the battery.

[@6226superhurricane]

two of the worst places to mount a compressor are in the engine bay and under the seat. especially bad if it's running lockers. engine bay has heat, dust, mud and water. and under the seat gets flooded if that boghole or river crossing is a bit deeper than you thought.

[@joeallison2779]

Great review! Have you used or do you sell a 12V to 110V converter? The reason I ask is that I have a fifth wheel and would like to move further away from the vehicle and use an 110 outlet. Thanks again for all the fantastic videos and love your family time together videos

[@Kevin---kx3jy]

You could wire in 50 amp Anderson connectors on your Jeeps and on the end of the power cord for the compressor. Put the Jeep lead on the bumper somewhere and you won’t have to open the hood to connect it and the compressor lead would be much less bulky than the clamps.

[@andregreen8040]

You’re buying Jeep after Jeep. Your son buys a Toyota straight off. You can learn from your son. Smart boy. 😊

[@02JP69]

I have the same setup and my only complaint is the same as yours. I wish the box was just a tiny bit deeper so that you can fit things inside a little easier. That being said I have a set place for everything and it works pretty darn good. I too would recommend getting one

[@tigerwoulds]

First

[@FlameBlue9016]

I bought one at pretty good discount. The only issue having is it keeps blowing fuses…

[@genebalinski645]

Brad, thanks for another truly informative video. Perhaps you can get together with ARB and offer a special low price on the dual compressor kit for your subscribers.

[@justkillintime7554]

Wife and daughter bought me an ARB compressor for Christmas!! Gonna be mounting it under the hood as soon as I can! First one so kinda stoked to give it some use!!

[@Wolf4wdadventures.576]

ARB make quality products. !

[@TheLishmac]

I wish arb made a no air tank version to reduce the footprint of the case

[@whatroads4x4]

Ur like the mister rogers of jeeping. Lol I put this channel on like a past time...plus it helps me relax

[@totallycyt]

Sold! Current setup failed this weekend and I bought one of these today. Thanks Brad.

[@SCWanderer]

Brad, I have that same gauge/inflater. I love it, except... the quick release end doesn't seal on the valve stem very well. I need to fidget with it, mostly rotate it like I'm screwing it on. I noticed you move it a little. Is yours finicky as well? I'm curious. I love my portable Viair. It works with whatever vehicle I'm in. Even the wife's car on multi state road trips. When money isn't a problem, I'll install one in every vehicle, but until then, portability is king!

[@TrailRecon]

Yes, I've experienced the same thing, have to really press hard to get it to bit, agree a screw on style might be better.

[@danhoffman9392]

Once again, great production, excellent content and explanation🚙 of your thoughts on the ARB un it.

[@ocjohnweber9698]

Thanks Brad! I had a single ARB in my Suburban. I ordered the dual ARB and universal bracket for my Silverado HD. I’ll be mounting it to the inside wall of the bed along with a skinny 1-gallon tank from Boss Air. I like the idea of keeping it away from the hot engine bay…

[@emtguy1]

Really curious about the one mounted on Regina’s jeep. I really want to mount one there

[@cincicycles]

Noticed the Bronco isn’t in the new TR intro stock video. Still around?

[@jeffreypreiss8191]

Interesting option if you daily your off road rig. Less weight helps mpgs and less gear makes the rig less interesting to the nefarious out there.

[@chrisboek2346]

I would do this if i was able to

[@GATORADDAM]

Absolutely. I'm only on 33s so the single ARB serves me well.

[@부산무대포]

이 제품을 5년 사용중입니다. 이 제품의 문제점은 바로 탱크입니다. 콤프 작동시 발생되는 열로 인해 탱크에 수분이 생기는데. 그것을 배출하는 드레인밸브가 없습니다. 그래서 그 수분이 마르면서 에어호스를 막아버립니다. 이런 고장을 막을수 있는 방법은 드레인밸브를 설치하거나 탱크를 눕혀서 보관하면 에어호스에 이물질이 막는걸 막을수있습니다.

[@98.infinity]

can you drain the air tank?

[@mariofigueroag]

Pretty happy with the affordable harbor freight air compressor tbh

[@josephsoper9036]

Have had mine for about the same time. Wouldn't change it for anything else out there. Works great with the indeflate 4 tire inflation system as well...

[@fjnomad]

I just bought onboard one , will install it soon to see if it’s worth it.

[@Hobbies4Hire]

Great job on the video! Thanks for making it.

[@randallharris3667]

Absolutely love the content in your channel your narration everything that you do is awesome I just wish there was a few less commercials man Google and KZbin has you so packed full of commercials.

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you and sorry about the ads, I have to turn monitization on to keep the cameras rolling, but you can always try KZbin premium which is ad free.

[@four_low_adventures]

Great video Brad! I love my ARB it has never let me down.

[@67wildwolf]

can never go wrong with arb. I've got both on board and portable. Portable good for those times it hits the fan and someone else needs a compressor or air tools are needed on the trail.

[@1040crewsj]

35s are deffently a tall mountain to climb.

[@TheNotSoOrdinaryCarGuy]

Hey, when did you switch from KM3s to the KO2s on the 392?? Was it because of the flat you had?

[@TrailRecon]

about 2 weeks ago, I wanted a little quieter and lighter tire for 392's performance.

[@TheNotSoOrdinaryCarGuy]

@@TrailRecon Great choice! I love BFGs!

[@FamilleJalbert]

Have you test the EGOI you sell on your website? Its more friendly budget ans look same as ARB. Great video again :-)

[@TrailRecon]

Sorry, I haven't personally test that one. Thanks!

[@rkendsley7561]

Wow, that's quite the "To Do" list you have on the whiteboard on the garage wall for multiple vehicles, and I though I had a lot of "To Do's" for my Jeep.

[@TrailRecon]

It always seems to get longer and not shorter!

[@reidypeedy34]

What is your preference on the portable unit vs a hard mounted option like the Grimm Off Road mount for the dual compressor you have installed on your other Jeeps? I have a Jeep gladiator and have been struggling to make a decision on an under hood mounting option as I’ve heard that specific mount is susceptible to a lot of external heat. I would also like to route the air chuck to somewhere in the bed for convenience and haven’t figured that part out. Thanks!

[@TrailRecon]

I think a hard mounted setup is more convent and helps to save storage space, the Grimm system has worked well in Regena's JL.

[@kellyontheroad]

Hey Brad I enjoy your channel. I noticed on one of your latest videos you installed the Garmin Tread XL in your Jeep. Can you do a review/overview of the Tread XL and how you mounted it in the Jeep? I am thinking of getting one but it seems if you mount it with the included windshield mount, it can really obstruct your view. Also will like the review of on road and off road navigation. Thanks.

[@TrailRecon]

I'm going to get some good use out of that Tread before I offer my opinion, still getting use to it and learning all the functions. I can say, so far so good.

[@jasonmolihan61]

How do you drain any water that may be in the tank?

[@offroad-adventure]

Great video Brad. ARB makes a great compressor. But…..where’s the Power Wagon?

[@TrailRecon]

Thanks! The PW is no longer in the driveway.

[@iwishiknew10]

i was just thinking about this yesterday

[@edwardsimmons3721]

Great review. Air is something every off-roader needs at some point.

[@mundymulligan665]

This video came at a perfect time for me. I just started thinking about an upgrade today! Wow, this is great!

[@TrailRecon]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ericschroeder6898]

We need a coffee one take with a garage update

[@madman432000]

Why not mount a second ac pump on engine and use it for air compressor and mount a 3 gallon tank in jeep somewhere?

[@TrailRecon]

I think a hard mounted system is the way to go, but this is a good portable option.