Power Tank or ARB

I see that most of you guys run a arb single or twin air compressor system. My question is if the 10-15lb Power Tank is about the same price as the twin ARB but the Power Tank is like four times as fast to inflate four 35" tires. Why wouldn't you go with the power tank? I get that the power tank requires refilling. But isn't the game about getting back on the trail quicker?

 

True;
when I get a air system I'm going with the power tank

 

I have the ARB air compressor and I installed the ARB tank which is tucked away behind (in front of?) my taillight. Best of both worlds if you're not using the monster valves (which likely most aren't with their power tank).

 

You can build a 10lb co2 setup for like half the cost of a power tank. Wont look as flashy but does the same thing. No real reason for their adjustable reg either.

 

I don’t have either yet but was dead set on the tank. I’ve recently changed my mind and have springtime plans to install an arb twin under the passenger seat. I like the fact that the compressor is relatively limitless and shaving a few minutes here or there isn’t a big deal unless I’m out in the rain. But I have a fix for that- shrimp boots and rain gear.

You say cost is about the same but you are ignoring the recurring cost of refills.

 

I have both. Powertank is cool, but shit gets old always needing to take it to be filled.

 

Yeah the powertank is kind of big and bulky and heavy. I dont have an arb but I do have both a power tank and a compressor which is not mounted. A day or weekend out wheeling maybe I take the tank, longer trips I take a compressor. I bought a propane tank thats about the same size as my tank so I can mount either in the same carrier. I just haven’t been able to justify spending $600 for an arb when my $150 portable compressor has been fantastic.

 

hope it works for you

I like my ARB, I have had it now over 5 years and two different vehicles. Once I filled up my 4 tires & 2 trailer tires, plus 3 other vehicles and another trailer.

 

ARB for general airing up and locker actuation. Tank on standby to seat beads and run tools... when I remember to get it filled.

 

I thought thats what wd-40 was for?

 

I prefer starting fluid.

 

Or brake cleaner. WD-40 doesn't light for shit.

 

You just gotta light it while you are still spraying. Also keeps the mosquitoes away.

 

I've also had both. Started with the Powertank and ended up with a dual ARB, which I prefer much more.

In every instance, the extra speed of the Powertank was worthless, as everyone else I was wheeling with used ARB's. So, I finished faster, but it didn't mean anything, as I wasn't going to leave my friends behind.

Powertank is much too bulky as well. Mounting it was more painful. You also always had to keep in mind that you were transporting highly pressurized stuff around with you, in a vehicle that was getting jostled around and tipped side to side and forward and back.

 

FWIW: I was considering installing OBA at one point. Did a lot of research into all the options. I came really close to buying the ARB twin compressor. After considering how often I would realistically use it though, I decided to go with a

$98 Viair 88p Portable Compressor Kit (12V, 120 Psi, Forup to 33" Tires)

Viair 88p. I personally only hit the trails maybe three or four times a year and don't even air down every time, so it didn't make much sense for me to buy the expensive ARB setup, although it would be a whole lot cooler. I keep the 88p in an ammo can in the cab with an ARB tire repair kit. I've used it a lot more than I thought I would helping other people out of a bind; only used it to air myself up a handful of times. I love it though; super handy and arguably more convenient, as you don't have to move your entire truck close to air someone else up. You just connect it to the battery terminals and have at it. I have since bought two more for my other two vehicles. Best part is, it is a fraction of the cost of some of your other options; you could have almost seven of these for the price of just one ARB twin compressor, that doesn't include the cost (effort and money) of installation.

Edit: I should add that the Viair 88p is not fast. If you need/want something that will air you up quick, this isn't it. It probably takes 2-3 min or so per tire to air up from 20PSI (33" tire). You also don't want it to overheat. You should let it cool down between tires. I would estimate that it takes about 20min or so to air up all four corners from 20PSI if you allow for cool down. Just rough estimates as I haven't aired up in awhile and never actually timed myself.

 

The ONLY thing I ever found good about wd-40 is that it makes for an excellent diesel starting fluid.

Well, it also works well if you want to start something to rusting. It will promote rust faster than saltwater...


As for this thread. I have both, an on-board compressor (mounted) and a small 10 lb (3000 psi) tank (mounted). I use the compressor most.

 

Did you do the installation yourself?

 

Yes I been doing some research into this

 

I'm slowly changing my mind to go with the arb. And yes I wasn't including cost of re filling

 

That's right. And some of these mounting points are pretty sweet. Like tucked in the bed of the truck or under the seat..the hood