ARB Mounting

Has anyone mounted an ARB twin compressor in the storage compartment underneath the rear seats? I know caliraised sells a compressor that is custom fit for that exact same spot but I have an ARB twin which I'd like to mount into there. (https://caliraisedoffroad.com/collections/compressors-and-accesories/products/10-present-tacoma-oem-fit-toyota-tacoma-air-compressor-kit)

Comparing mounting locations:

1) in engine bay above fuse box--
I'd like to easily access my fuse box so I feel that this is not a great location. Also will have my Switch Pros and Blue seas connection over that area

2) in engine bay passenger side above the air intake--
I plan on going with a split dual battery system and will have the auxillary battery in that location. If that wasn't the case, I feel that this would be a great spot.

3) Going with the expedition essentials BCM inside the bed cubby--
Even with the debris shield, I feel that its not the best location to protect the compressor from dirt, water, debris, and the elements. Also requires the purchase of an extension harness which makes this the most expensive option. The BCM would be inaccessible for those with decked drawer systems.

4) underneath the passenger seat--
desertdoesit sells mounting option for underneath seat but requires the purchase of seat risers. I figure I'd end up getting seat risers for both seats to keep things level, plus the mount, which would also add to the cost of going this route. I don't know how well the ARB will perform underneath the seat to pull air and I haven't seen anyone really going this route.

5) R4t in front of radiator mount--
I haven't seen anyone go this route and it requires drilling into the radiator support. I'm not a fan of blocking a big chunk of radiator that is used to help keep the engine from overheating. Dust, dirt, debris would be hitting the compressor. I was also told that it's best to keep the compressor mounted horizontally rather than vertically which is also a con for the expedition essentials BCM route

 

I went with option 3 in my 20 OR and you're right, it gets filthy in there (although you wouldn't know it from this pic) However it is very convenient having the switch and air coupling accessible. If I had to do it over again, I would go same spot but throw down some insulation behind it to protect it more from the elements. However I ain't pulling everything out again so I'll just live with it. It doesn't seem to mind getting dirty and has never let me down.



Paired it with the Mobtown locking cubby cover as well...

 

@Mike402 thanks for the input. I like that lockable cubby to protect your investment hah. I have a lockable tonneau cover so it's not needed. Do you have the debris shield that EE now sells? In any case looks good.

Meso customs, rago fab, SDHQ, caliraised...Someone come to market with a mounting solution in rear seat storage for ARB twin compressors and take my money

 

Don't have the debris shield. Ironically enough I wasn't even aware of it until you mentioned it. I don't remember seeing that when I bought their mount. I called em and wouldn't you know, I bought the whole setup in Jan of 2020. They released this debris shield in Feb of 2020. LOL FML
Bad news is that you have to pull everything out to install it. Really don't want to do that so I'll just see how I feel if I get tired of cleaning it all the time.

 

OP thanks for the comparison write up on the possible locations for an air compressor. I will be having to make the same decision soon. What I will not want is the noise inside the cab with me so those options are out. I am thinking rain, snow, etc. when I will want to be inside the cab for most of the air up time. Also considering an air locker for the front diff and I would not want the compressor coming on inside the cab while doing technical trails. The bed cubby sounds so far to me to be the best; I don't think these things fail often enough for the need of quick access. Perhaps the air compressor could fail when I'm wheeling with someone else and they can help with air until I get home. I could fabricate my own mount for that location or possibly another similar location. I have no problem with drilling anything on the truck and everything one does is a compromise. Just my take.

 

@Toycoma2021 you make a good point about noise in the cab and obviously not wanting to be inside during air up and wanting to be inside during inclement weather. At the end of the day however, you would have to be stepping out of the vehicle to install the quick connects to each tire. I get however if you are going the front air locker route, this would not be ideal.

There is so much room underneath those rear seats or even behind the drivers side rear seat for mounting options and to store gauges and inflate/deflate gear which makes it convenient for me as I am not planning on getting a front locker. Also would not require an extension harness and be protected from the elements.

The BCM is still an option I'm considering. Anyone here on TW have the Expedition Essentials BCM with the debris shield? Pros and Cons of going this route? BCM mount + debris shield + longer harness adds up to a very expensive mounting "solution". I know ARB has a mount for the bedside as well but it goes on backwards where the compressor faces the tires rather than inside the bed. Not sure how I would be able to access the connector if going this route via ARB's mounting solution. Also this route is not an option for 2019+ Tacomas as they removed the bedside cubby.

 

For 2020+ the BCM can be mounted on the right side of the bed with an adapter from EE. Check out their website. I myself would not think twice about carving up the left side of my 2021 OR either if I wanted it there as in the 2016-2019. Another place I might think about after some good weather comes and I can take a good long look under the truck is anywhere under the bed, of course adding appropriate protection where needed. I will not limit my selection to only those locations some company has made a product for. To me fabricating stuff for 4-wheeling is part of the fun.

I have the Access Cab so inside locations are limited to under the passenger seat.

I believe the operators of this website have blocked your link to the Cali Raised product; at least I can not use it. Breaks their rules I understand.

I really wish I could go without a compressor like I do with my Samurai. A 31” spare tire inflated to the max 60psi will re-inflate the other 4 tires twice from 8-10psi up to road pressure of 18psi. Plus I carry paintball size CO2 cylinders for emergencies and to power the lockers.

 

I ended up ordering the EE BCM + debris shield + extension harness. I guess time will tell how it holds up but I feel better knowing that there are several owners that have this setup without issues (without the debris shield which just launched).

 

I am doing the same. Everything is ordered but not here yet. I may look into adding som extra protection if needed but I hope the debris shield will be sufficient.

 

Is this still running okay for you? I'm about to mount mine here and thought about getting some filter extensions. Any need?

 

I actually had to pull everything out and clean it up, filter got clogged with dirt. I also bought the dust cover, which is a must imo.

I also blew the main fuse on a wheeling trip and didn’t have a spare so I had to drive 20miles to a gas station at 12 psi to air back up. I have since changed to a circuit breaker in place of the fuse to prevent that from happening again

 

Good to know. I'm thinking of running the valve and filters out to a panel next to a drawer system. Do you think something link this would fit in the cubby given the clearance on the top? Not expecting you to be certain about dimensions, but if you have a gauge on clearance above the compressor with/without the dust cover I'd be interested to know!

 

Without the dust cover, plenty of room. With the cover installed, not so much its pretty tight. That's a pretty slick product, haven't seen it before...