What Is The Best Onboard Air (OBA) Setup For Your Off Road Truck or Jeep? Why we love the York 210!

One of the most-often asked questions that we get is what kind of air pump or on-board air system do you use? We have used them all, but we think we have found the best system for airing up your tires after off-roading!
Depending on your needs, one of the small, cheap portable air compressors may do the job, but after we upgraded to larger tires on our Jeep, the smaller compressors weren't fast enough so we got bigger air-pumps, ARB dual-compressor air-pumps, and a PowerTank CO2 system - What else is there?! The York 210 belt-driven compressor!

[@HappyHarryHardon]

I put one of these on my Z71 in 2004 so my train horns were proper loud. The system was plumbed to 130psi and 1” hose. I made the front and rear bumper air tanks. I like how quiet it is, no electric motor buzzing away.

[@christophermichaelson9050]

I've had my ARB compressor under my JKU's hood since 2009. It's plumbed to a 2.5gallon ViAir tank, and also to my front and rear lockers. It gets used monthly, and almost always with a hot engine bay. I have had zero issues with the unit. I did rebuild it a few years ago because of leaking o-rings, but other than that I have not touched it.

[@TheNotaRubicon]

UPDATE/Clarification: There is an electric switch that engages/disengages a clutch so that the compressor is not running/pumping air all the time whenever the engine is running. You can see this switch just below the air tank on the mounting bracket at 7:01 in the video

[@lory2622]

I run the intake for the York from my intake box, post air filter. The vehicle air filter does the work for the York as well as the engine.

[@moparlover1968rr]

Blessed to have purchased a TJ Rubicon with this already installed.

[@RobDTom]

Still loving my ARB twin compressor mounted under the front passenger seat

[@trike4]

Yester-decade - the late 70's, I worked in a Wrecking yard on weekends during high school...........we would build air compressors this way and mount them on the back of our yard truck to run air tools.........compressor lasted forever........

[@WTFChuk]

York 210's are great for OBA. They're also great for their original intent - very cold air, even in gridlock traffic on a 110° day ;-)

[@blueweb00]

It would be amazing if Jeep would install a belt-driven air-compressor from the factory. I bought a PowerTank for my TJ, but now I kinda wish I had the belt-driven compressor.

[@TheNotaRubicon]

We love our Power Tank and NOTHING beats it for speed! But, the unlimited air from the York, almost as fast as the PowerTank, is great!

[@lory2622]

If I run the engine at 1500rpm with the York and I think I might be able to keep up to a tank.

[@fleonard4]

I have the original ReadyAir kit, and I have had 5 motors in my CJ, and still running the same York compressor for over 30 years. I had it installed by the original founder of ReadyAir before he sold his company. I have my air tank mounted under the Jeep, in front of my stock 20 gal gas tank, right above the drive shaft. Perfect fit, and takes no cargo space inside the Jeep. It's faster than my garage compressor. The only down side is the occasion when I can't run the motor. I was thinking of adding an electric motor in addition. Even though they can't compare, it would be nice to have as an emergency alternate. I just need to find out which works the best. The only problem I've had with this compressor system, for those that are interested, is it is too much power for the original air lines. The original kit used heater hose, and I blew hoses all the time. I later added a check valve at the tank, so when it did blow, it wouldn't unload all the air. Eventually I found 2,000 PSI air line from a semi truck store, and installed that, and it's never blown since.

[@roddiesmith8880]

I made my home compressor out of the same York compressor. I change the oil ever so often. Been using it for over 40 years. They are bullet proof.

[@Tilley52]

Off-road only sells a York 210 with a modified cylinder head to help cool the discharge temperatures they've also custom made oil control rings for the Pistons and steel cylinder sleeves. I have had mine for a year and a half and it hasn't used any oil. It's a little spendy compared to a junkyard York 210 find. I've been completely happy with it.

[@ColoradoCarGuy]

Yeah I had a twin fail once while under the hood, got ARB to fix it, and moved it to the trunk area, and it failed again, got arb to fix it, then 2 years later with only about an hours worth of run time the other pump on the twin failed, they just sent out a new single pump to replace the one that failed. I pulled the ARB and went with the Powertank. Probably sell the twin and let someone else deal with the next failure.

[@rifleman7313]

It seems like you could possibly even use the engine driven York air compressor like a CTIS (central tire inflation system).Like some military vehicles have. However, it might not be as simple as it appears or might not even be possible. Just a thought.

[@jrcook927]

I built one in my old Ramcharger using a v-twin style AC unit. It filled my 5 gallon tank in under a minute to 140 psi. It was stupid fast filling tires! I just discovered one other way to air up tires. You pull a sparkplug (the easiest to reach), and thread in a fitting with the airhose attached. The run that hose to your tire. I haven't used it myself, but I heard it's pretty quick, too.

[@WilliamCWayne]

Probably a good idea to also disconnect the fuel injector, and maybe add a filter/separator for any aerosolized oil

[@ShawwwHa]

This reminded me of the aircooled Volkswagen engine compressor mod from long ago. You literally turn half the engine into a compressor

[@paulgill7222]

Bomb in a tire .... lol

[@-o-The-Duke-o-]

anyone know of someone making a bracket for a 2012 dodge w/ cummins? We ran the York on our '04 TJ and nothing else compared to it. Everything but the bracket was off the shelf parts. Was great to run an air impact gun on the trail and airing everyone and their brother up when the run was over.

[@robinfly7303]

I use a scuba tank with a regulator. Each fill at my dive shop is only $6. I can get about 4 runs from one tank pumping my 35" tires from 15 psi to 35 psi. I use it because I already have the tank, regulator and other fitting and line; otherwise, buying everything new may cost close to a new Power Tank CO2 setup.

[@nonyabidness6492]

No where near tbh I think a full power tank setup is almost a grand. I spend less than 300 on my setup

[@matadorprime6555]

My York system puts out an avg of 7 CFMs. It can go higher if the engine is revved up, some state it can put out 11-12 CFMs. I've had it for about 2 years and it's my favorite upgrade in my TJ Jeep. I don't have an air tank, and can still run air powered tools. I can air a 33 in tire from 8psi to 30 psi in 45 seconds.

[@TheNotaRubicon]

Does your York spit oil when you rev the engine higher?

[@matadorprime6555]

@@TheNotaRubicon I used to until I installed the coalescing filter. It is supposed to have about 8 oz of oil in the reservoir, depending on the York model. Mine seems to not spill oil if I put about 4 oz, but don't want to take the risk of running low and ruining the unit. Some reading I did suggested that it is safe to run low on oil as its purpose is just to lubricate some moving parts and not the whole system. I took that with a grain of salt.

[@dvonehrlich]

All of these options really blow. . .;)

[@PowerTankOfficial]

Great video, Randy! I've always been curious about the York but I haven't seen any installed. Our CEO has probably seen a few on the trail way back when but they've fallen out of favor it seems. Maybe not as much space in the engine bay for newer Jeeps, you mentioned the newer model is smaller in size. Surprised there's no return line for the oil on the separator.

[@TheNotaRubicon]

Too much water mixed in, wouldnt want to send it back into the pump!

[@PowerTankOfficial]

@@TheNotaRubicon that makes a lot of sense. You need to add a water and oil separator, now, too! haha

[@cbreced1]

Another advantage of a co2 tank is that you can remove it from the vehicle to run up or down the trail to another rig if needed. And you can carry it in any of your own vehicles if needed. For instance I sometimes take it with me in my truck. Question about the york system. Since that's running all the time, is if constantly filling the small viair tank, and the extra pressure needs to be released? Or is there some bypass switch? Great Video and info!

[@TheNotaRubicon]

Great point about the Powertank! The York does not run all the time. It has an On/Off switch at the tank which is connected to a clutch on the belt which disengages the pump.. I probably should have made that more clear in the video.

[@stephenvargas6134]

Great Question, I was literally asking myself that question..

[@tommymadux3646]

From the looks of it you have the front air line going through the oil separator and the rear “t”a off before the separator?

[@mastermoarman]

You should Google the York conversation. If you remove the head off the pump theres a oil passage to the top you can plug to help with the oil in the air.

[@TheNotaRubicon]

Done that! It still spits oil, probably because the head-gasket/seals are worn.

[@lory2622]

The York oil gallery you need to drill tap and plug is actually off the front, behind the pulley.

[@taraaaron1242]

Didn't know this exist. Funny . Once the jeep bug hits you youbstsrt getting multiple jeeps. I have jl gladiator and then brought a used 1999 wrangler 4.0 sahara. I love actually being able to work on a vehicle again. My wife was surprised how much I could do that made the old engine run smooth. Arb is over priced and a bit of a fad in my opinion. I bought a harbor freight 2 years ago. But now having 37 on all my jeeps I need a serious upgrade. This looks promising. 👌

[@deanc24]

I am curious to learn the belt & pulley setup. Do you just get a longer than stock belt to incorporate the York, or does it run on a separate belt? If I can learn all teh details of this install, I wouldn't mind trying. Great video! Thanks

[@TheNotaRubicon]

Yes you need a slightly longer belt.

[@danietkissenle]

I was looking to get a kit then I found out that there is a idler gear on the front of my cummins that's intended for a gear driven compressor pump from the factory as well as a pto on my transmission that I can set up with both a compressor and a hydraulic pump

[@themotofixery]

Do you have any information on products intended for aftermarket install? I have a 2017 cummins 6.7 but I don't see where you could jam anything into the engine compartment without major effort

[@Tilley52]

@@themotofixery they make a air compressor for the Cummins the plugs in to the back of the your housing where the old mechanical pumps used to be.

[@rickfeemster2387]

I recently switched to a 10lb powertank

[@PowerTankOfficial]

Thanks for the business! 🙌

[@J.cooper4x4]

*Watching this after my arb died*

[@lloydboone7185]

I’m curious to know, if you fill that four gallon tank with the air compressor, wouldn’t be just as fast as the one built into the car ? How many tires can you fill with a four gallon tank ?

[@mrmotofy]

No, it doesn't last long. The C02 tank has probably 2-4000psi so there's a lot more volume in there. The underhood York has unlimited air, more you use the more it produces

[@TheoneDragon51]

That air cooler on your oba, do you have a part number?

[@damonstone3790]

I’m interested also

[@owenmilledge789]

Do you have the sacrifice the ac system for the york or does it go ontop of the ac compressor? Also what is the smallest size of tank would you recommend to air up tires with

[@TheNotaRubicon]

On our 2006 LJ, we have both the factory air and the York, so no sacrifice..I dont think we would want to to any smaller than the 2Gal tank we have - I would be happier with a 5G gallon tank.

[@mrmotofy]

I would agree 2gal is the smallest I would suggest. Lots of 3 gal available, check Ebay for rather low prices. Also have to keep in mind air restrictions. The hose diameter and quick connects are important to have good flow. Milton Type V are a high flow quick connect. Use a 3/8" hose for more volume.

[@thelifeofduke3316]

That’s a lot of moving parts man. Air tank is way easier I guess

[@tnkklr2011]

Affiliate link................. below.

[@harveyfreed6342]

Instead of the CO2 tank, why not convert an air scuba tank, and just use air.

[@TheNotaRubicon]

Air is not as fast as CO2, you cant squeeze the same volume of gas into the cylinder and it requires a much higher pressure, but, it is an option.

[@PowerTankOfficial]

Scuba tanks have a much higher bottle pressure. In the 3000-4500 psi range. CO2, because it is a liquid under pressure, has about three times the usable energy but at a much lower bottle pressure of 500-800 psi. Our billet Power Grip Guard Handle increases the safety of our system even more.

[@2dogsf-ing]

Recently bought a 210 for $50 off marketplace. Lol

[@Shadow123276]

How many horsepower do you lose from your engine running that constantly. How much gasoline does it consume running that constantly. I think that would be worse than running your air conditioning constantly on maximum. If it had a free wheel like your air-conditioning were electronic switch engages the pump that would be awesome.

[@TheNotaRubicon]

The fact that it does not run constantly means that the HP loss is negligible. The only time it runs is when you turn it on to air up the tires, and we usually stop when we do that.

[@masonmainpage4105]

Its like any AC compressor, the pulley spins freely until the clutch is engaged via "their switch"