All about compressors

[Owl]

But my experience is that the top of the line compressors last around 3 ~ 4 years of reasonable use for around $400 (ARB, BlueTongue etc)
Gordon
That's disappointing! My last ARB compressor performing the air locker / tyre inflation duties in the GQ Patrol was 20 years old and still going strong. Regular use - at least once a month off road - often more. Are you implying the new ARB compressor is not as good?

[rmp]

I've found quality compressors to last almost indefinitely. Cheapo ones break or burn out before four tyres are done. If people want a cheap compressor get the least expensive Bushranger:

Bushranger 4WD Gear - Most Wanted (http://www.bushranger.com.au/)

and their more expensive gear is excellent too.

The ARB CKMA-12 fits nicely under a D3's bonnet and they did some quite amazing tests so I have no doubt it'll last longer than the car!

[Celtoid]

Hi All,

Thanks for the advice on compressors and Maxtracs.

I'll do some Googling.

Cheers,

Kev.

[gghaggis]

Perhaps we should start a new thread on compressors. This thread seems to be the only one that can't stick to 19" rims ;)

Cheers,

Gordon

[DiscoWeb]

If people want a cheap compressor get the least expensive Bushranger:

I recently purchased a Bushranger "Pro Air" for about $220, one of their smaller and less expensive models.

I looked at lots of models, bigger Bushranger products, cheap chinese knockoffs and a number of other brands. I chose the little Bushranger as it suited my purpose and intended use, has a solid reputation and the $50-$100 saving I could have made would wear off quickly if I was stuck in the middle on know where with a compressor that did not work.

I have been really pleased with it performance to date. Takes about 2 mins per tire to re-inflate my 255/60/18 from 26 psi to 36 psi and it has re-inflated the tyres of 2 4wd consecutively without any over heating problems.

It is neat and compact, fits in the footwell of the 3rd row seats and being a bushranger I have both a usefully warranty and confidence that comes with the brand.

My use will probably be infrequent, however the unit looks and feels robust enough to be used regularly.

George

[gghaggis]

I always travel with one large compressor (150 ltr/min Chinese copy for $220) and a small back up ($60 ~ $70 Chinese job). Because we often have to pump up my tyres + clients' tyres, the main unit is worked pretty hard. It's lasted 18mths so far, so I'm happy enough with it.

My experience with the ARB compressor was that it lasted around 4 years or so with fairly frequent use (2 ~ 3 times per month) before losing performance (it didn't actually stop). However, I should point out that mine was mounted in the engine bay of my D1 and continuously drenched in mud and water, as well as extremes of temperature. This probably shortened it's working life.

Cheers,

Gordon

[isuzurover]

I always travel with one large compressor (150 ltr/min Chinese copy for $220) and a small back up ($60 ~ $70 Chinese job). Because we often have to pump up my tyres + clients' tyres, the main unit is worked pretty hard. It's lasted 18mths so far, so I'm happy enough with it.

My experience with the ARB compressor was that it lasted around 4 years or so with fairly frequent use (2 ~ 3 times per month) before losing performance (it didn't actually stop). However, I should point out that mine was mounted in the engine bay of my D1 and continuously drenched in mud and water, as well as extremes of temperature. This probably shortened it's working life.

Cheers,

Gordon

Was that the old type ARB compressor Gordon? I believe ARB (engineers) have stated that their new design should be much more durable and performs better.

Personally though, I am happy with my converted AC compressor(s). However there is likely no room to fit one to a D3/4 or RR?

(I do have a chinese compressor as a backup though).

[gghaggis]

Yes, that was the old ARB design, I don't think the new one's been out long enough to see if it will outlast 4 ~ 5 years!

Cheers,

Gordon

[subasurf]

When I got my first car (Sub forester) the first thing I bought was a good compressor. Got a TJM one for just under $400 and it's never let me down.

Once, in the outback, I popped 3 tires in one day with only one spare. The compressor got me home. Pumping up the tires every 10 minutes for a solid day.