air compressor advice

Looking for some input here. Been going back and forth between a portable compressor and mounting in the engine bay on the passengers side.

Budget for this is roughly $250 so I think the ARB compressors are out. Anyone mounted a VIAIR in their engine bay? If I were to go portable I'd probably do a VIAIR 400P for $200 off Amazon. I've heard that it is kick ass. Plus, I think the hose / nozzle are much higher quality than any of the cheaper portables I've seen.

Anyone have opinions on whether to mount or keep portable?
Anyone know of a kit with brackets to mount in the bay? I don't have access to a metal shop right now so having something fabricated would add a lot of cost.
Open to other suggestions on brands, within the $250 range.

edit: will be used to air up tires after off roading and for occasional raft inflation during summers.

 

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I have the VIAIR 400 P Auto. The auto is a auto cutoff on pressure. Less worry about blowing up the machine as you move between tires. I didn't see the point of mounting a compressor in the truck unless I was getting lockers.

 

Some of us have an empty space with (3) studs on the passenger side wheel well. It would be nice to put something there.

 

Unless u have plans to add a front air locker, I would just go with the VIAIR 400. It is a bad ass compressor for a decent price, and u have the added ability to take it anywhere or put it in multiple vehicles. I have a harbor freight version of one that I hope to replace with a VIAIR soon.

 

What does the 400p give you that 88p doesnt?

 

every time I have to air up, I think about mounting a nice compressor in the engine bay... so now I'm interested in this thread.

 

I have a Superflow compressor that I got from O'Rileys. Hooks up the battery for power, fills a tire in a couple minutes to 35-40psi. Cost around $70. Small and easy to use.

 

$164 Smittybilt 5.65 CFM Air Compressor - 2781

https://www.amazon.com/Smittybilt-2781-5-65-Universal-Compressor/dp/B004K25GMG

I use this Smittybilt one. It works way better than I thought it would. I would recommend it.

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you can get the smaller ARB compressor for $290
http://store.arbusa.com/ARB-On-Board-High-Performance-12-Volt-Air-Compressor-CKMA12-P3572.aspx
Why not just wait a few more days and spend the extra $40 and get a high quality one?

I have this one
http://store.arbusa.com/ARB-On-Boar...olt-Twin-Air-Compressor-CKMTA12-P21341C9.aspx
Out of your price range but its incredible. Has never failed me. Use it all the time to air up my buddy's 35s without an issue.

Maybe save a bit more and get that one even.

 

A better nozzle that attaches to your valve (not screw on like the 88p, I am 90% sure the 88p is screw on). More importantly, much faster flow rates.

 

would be nice to have it wired up and ready to go, with a switch inside the cab or just at the compressor in the engine.

 

$77 VIAIR 88P - 00088 Tire Inflator Portable Onroad/Offroad Air Compressor for Car, Truck, SUV & RV | 12V On/Off Road Tire Pump Air Compressor Portable Heavy Duty 120 PSI, Alligator Clips, Twist Chuck

https://www.amazon.com/Viair-00088-...?ie=UTF8&qid=1478140991&sr=8-1&keywords=viair

$20 Rothco G.I. Style Mechanic’s Tool Bag – Heavy-Duty Canvas Material – Black

https://www.amazon.com/Rothco-Mecha...coding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=B1XT5QWFDFQ68WMC4RHB

This is my set up. Works great!

 

Flow rate of 2.3CFM vs 1.4.7CFM is the big one.

I'd love to get me an ARB twin w/ 6.16 CFM, but the price is hard to swallow.

Bang for the buck, the VIAIR 400p is likely one of the best options.

 

The first one is $275 on Amazon w/ Prime shipping, and has a pretty nice 3.08CFM. Hmm... might get one of these for myself soon!

 

Im curious to see whats out there. Ive been debating on these two.....
http://www.specialopstools.com/air-armor-m240-portable-12-volt-tactical-air-compressor-kit/
http://www.lowrangeoffroad.com/superflow-mv-90-mega-air-compressor-mv90.html

I guess I want the better of the two. Not enough info for me to decide. Its possible id like to mount either one. Im pretty much getting it to air back up after airing down. If possible id want to ad a small tank. O Riley Auto parts carries both but not in stock. Also there is a newer pump from air armor. Saw a ad at O Riley. Couldnt find any info though. It doesn't have the ammo box though.

 

Unless your doing airlockers go with the 400P.
I have had ARB lockers on 2 trucks now with the same ARB mid size compressor. It works as you think it should having it under the hood isn't all that great yeah you are saving having to take the compressor out of the bag and hook up the battery clips.
But when your using the underhood you still have to get a hose out and when ur stretching it back to get a rear tire and the hose is rubbing on your paint it may not seem so glorious.
I also have a 400P used it the 1st time the other day worked as it should. I carry a patch kit, hose etc in the bag to.
they are nice as if you are wanting to jump in with a buddy grab it. Or towing a trailer and need to air it up hook it up to another cars battery if it wont reach.
So unless ur gonna air lock up I think the abilty to run and go with the Viair has the advantage.

 

That 240 comp does look sweet I was checking that out but I got my 400p slightly used from a member for a good deal.
But also Viair has been around while and probably will be if you ever needed service.

 

I take it back my Viair if the 450p Flow rate and duty cycle for the win

 

when you guys are talking cfm, it doesnt matter unless you include at what PSI.
get the double arb setup