D4: buy air compressor, use built in unit or co2 air system?

[wombathole]

Recently got my 3.0L D4 and took it to Canunda NP near Mt Gambier on Australia day long weekend.

Great truck! Very comfortable on the 6 hour drive from melb, loads of space, huge grunt to pass trucks on the highway, 10L/100Km average.

Didn't read about turning DSC off on sand and got very stuck on a steep beach near #2 Rocks. Another car got stuck trying to pull me out, then a third got both of us free with the help of a fully extended winch cable, 50m extension strap, a snatch strap and a newspaper. We didn't want him to get into the soft stuff and join the party. Then... after reading the manual(!) and with sand mode on and DSC off, had no problems there after on any of the hardest challenges.

Wheels and tyres. Agree with all the articles and posts regarding the issues with only being able to use 19" rims. Look forward to hearing about either a solution for 18" rims or a reasonable 19" off road tyre.

My question is in regard to tyre inflation: Should i buy an off the shelf compressor like the ARB CMKA , or buy a kit to use the on board air compressor , or buy a compressed co2 solution like Powertank?

(http://www.arb.com.au/resources/pdf/products/ARB-Air-Compressor-Specifications.pdf)

(Discovery 3 - Air Off Kit (http://store.mitchellbros.com.au/discovery-3-tow-hitch/discovery-3-air-off-kit.html))

(POWERTANK - CO2 Air Systems (http://www.powertank.com/charts.specs))

[Tombie]

At Robe one of the biggest things is the tyre itself, not the profile.

I've had a horrible run on one brand of tyres, and then next visit (2 weeks later) in identical if not worse conditions, had a great run at higher pressure!

[DiscoSaffa]

or buy a kit to use the on board air compressor

I wish I had known this was an option before buying my compressor last week! :mad:

I must have been through every compressor thread on here and never saw anything about this mentioned..... that said, the thought did cross my mind, the D3 carries one around all the time, can't i just tap into that, and I probably should have asked the question......

So would be very interested to know if anyone has done this on a D3/4?

[Guss]

Although this has been discussed before I am interested to hear what everyone has to say.

Using the onboard compressor makes sense as long as it's not detrimental to the car or void your warranty

[rmp]

Exactly Gus. Personally, I knew of the kit before I bought an ARB compressor and I still got the ARB anyway. Several reasons:

- warranty would definitely be void on that part
- changing a very high pressure (but low volume) air supply, reliability questions? Introducing extra duty cycles for which it's not designed?
- the time saved would be minimal, the ARB compressor is extremely quick
- cost; not a huge difference between the two
- ARB can be removed from the car and re-used, or even powered by another vehicle in extremis

I have an under-bonnet ARB CKMA12. About 30 seconds after stopping I'm already airing up, and typically I can do my four tyres and 2-3 other tyres before many others have done all their four.

Note that the D4 has less under-bonnet room than the D3. There's space for the ARB if you don't run a second battery, if you want both some relocation is going to be required on both the 2.7 and 3.0 D4s. Or, put the compressor inside somewhere, or just use a portable unit.

As for the air tanks, not really required for tourers IMHO. Yes, they will inflate tyres quicker, but compressors like the ARB are pretty quick anyway, can reseat a bead easily, and you don't have the extra weight and storage of a compressed-air tank.

So my recommendation and experience is just get a powerful, small compressor and the ARB is the current pick of them, mount it permanently and run with that. But each to their own.

[djhampson]

That kits is pretty expensive for what it is. $300 gets you a fairly decent compressor.

Also I'm not sure what the capacity of the AS compressor is but its probably not all that much.

I'm going to buy a compressor and mount it in the spot in front of the main battery.

Because really do you want to muck around with the air suspension? Imagine what you could go wrong if you or the kit buggers something up.

[wombathole]

Thanks rmp, all your points make sense. Much appreciated.

[CaverD3]

The Air-off kit will not fit the D4 (LR deleted the bung on the MY09) it can be done but needs to be connected to the back of the tank and needs a bracket manufactured as well.

[Guss]

Has anyone tried the repco 12v compressor. They have a special on at the moment $90, 40% off

specs: 12V, 120 psi. 72 L/min. Quick release 4.8m coil hose. Includes storage bag & 3 inflation adaptors

[rmp]

Has anyone tried the repco 12v compressor. They have a special on at the moment $90, 40% off

specs: 12V, 120 psi. 72 L/min. Quick release 4.8m coil hose. Includes storage bag & 3 inflation adaptors

Don't even think about it.

Never buy an air compressor worth less than $100. Those cheapies simply do not last. Buy once, buy well. ARB, Bushranger.....many to choose from.

12-Volt Air Compressor Comparison - Equipment Tests - Overlander 4WD Magazine - Australia's leading four wheel drive magazine (http://www.overlander.com.au/equipment/index.php?id=88)

[DiscoSaffa]

Has anyone tried the repco 12v compressor. They have a special on at the moment $90, 40% off

specs: 12V, 120 psi. 72 L/min. Quick release 4.8m coil hose. Includes storage bag & 3 inflation adaptors

Blast!! Just paid $160 for the equivalent from Supercheap :mad: (did get a 6m hose though).

There are a few on here that have bought em and there a mixed reviews, they are a chinese copy of the Bushwanderer one if memory serves correctly, which means you pays your money and takes your choice.

I chose it because with the amount I am going to use it, I couldn’t justify the cost of an ARB or similar, and I will, at this stage, never be in a situation where I will be on my own, so should it fail, I will be with other vehicles who will have a back up…….

Where I in the middle of nowhere on my own regularly I would be spending the extra cash for a better one.

[rmp]

I chose it because with the amount I am going to use it, I couldn’t justify the cost of an ARB or similar, and I will, at this stage, never be in a situation where I will be on my own, so should it fail, I will be with other vehicles who will have a back up…….

Where I in the middle of nowhere on my own regularly I would be spending the extra cash for a better one.

Fair enough, but I've heard that before about many bits of kit.....

This is what I'd recommend for a budget compressor:

Power-Air Compressor - Bushranger (http://www.bushranger.com.au/powerair_compressor.php)

which is actually under $100 but as it's a Bushranger I trust it not to melt or explode after the third tyre like the average no-name compressor. My first Bushie worked for me for 6 years, perfectly, and the second is still going strong after 8.

Others may look similar but often they are not; I know companies which use the same factory as the cheapies but have their gear built to a different specification using some different parts.

[DiscoSaffa]

Fair enough, but I've heard that before about many bits of kit......

Like I said, it all depends....... my compressor is going to pump up more rugby balls than tyres, so justifying $380 for the ARB one to Safari Barbie is a bit tricky......

When we start talking snatch straps and the like..... and things become safety critical...... it is a different story, go with reputable and reliable brands, sod the cost......

[djhampson]

Has anyone tried the repco 12v compressor. They have a special on at the moment $90, 40% off

specs: 12V, 120 psi. 72 L/min. Quick release 4.8m coil hose. Includes storage bag & 3 inflation adaptors

Sound like the one I bought last year and it is crap... it overheats after 1 or 2 tyres.

I've learnt my lesson.

[oldsalt]

I fitted the ARB unit in the engine bay of my D3 - peace of mind when I'm in "the back of beyond".....I wouldn't want to muck about with the LR compressor - leave well enough alone........just my two cents worth.

[DiscoSaffa]

Sound like the one I bought last year and it is crap... it overheats after 1 or 2 tyres.

I've learnt my lesson.

OOOPS....... :(

[rmp]

Sound like the one I bought last year and it is crap... it overheats after 1 or 2 tyres.

I've learnt my lesson.

don't worry you weren't the first and you won't be the last.

[ADMIRAL]

I still like the idea of using the air off kit from the LR tank. Has anyone had a recent look at this kit on a D4 ?

[CaverD3]

As I said won't fit the D4, it doesn't have a bung in the front of the tank. Have a look at yours but I can't see them changing it back.

[bruiser69]

Sound like the one I bought last year and it is crap... it overheats after 1 or 2 tyres.

I've learnt my lesson.

Same here. On my second one after first died on Straddie (replaced under warranty). I knew I was pushing my luck inflating both the Disco & then camper trailer back to road pressure after dropping all to 15psi on sand. Pump & motor were so hot that I couldn't touch it. I now only do two tyres & then let pump cool for 5 minutes. So far so good.
Cheers..B

[Bushwanderer]

SNIPthey are a chinese copy of the Bushwanderer one if memory serves correctly, SNIP

Oi! I don't make air compressors. :mad:

Perhaps you mean Bushranger, or even Bushwhacker. :angel:

I have the ARB compressor-in-a-box in mine. :BigThumb:

Best Wishes,
Peter

[DiscoSaffa]

Oi! I don't make air compressors. :mad:

Perhaps you mean Bushranger, or even Bushwhacker. :angel:

I have the ARB compressor-in-a-box in mine. :BigThumb:

Best Wishes,
Peter

Sorry...... new parent porridge brain....... (insert sleep deprived emoticon here) Bushranger is the one I meant..... :)

[Guss]

This kit is way overpriced, I'm sure you can get the parts cheaper


http://store.mitchellbros.com.au/discovery-3-tow-hitch/discovery-3-air-off-kit.html (http://store.mitchellbros.com.au/discovery-3-tow-hitch/discovery-3-air-off-kit.html)

Is there any installation guide around for installing this? Any success stories?

[CaverD3]

Of course it would be cheaper to buy the parts. :angel:

But you have know what to buy.

If you use air a lot then a decent compessor is the way to go. Occasional use it is fine. Fitting is easy.

[Guss]

Thought I would ask again just in case..

Is there any installation guide / parts list around for installing a connection to the D3 air tank?

Any success stories?

[discos_galore]

Thought I would ask again just in case..

Is there any installation guide / parts list around for installing a connection to the D3 air tank?

Any success stories?

I did the D3 Air off thing the other day which cost about $30 in parts (plus about another $15 for postage). I also have an ARB compressor which i had previously fitted. I'll leave them both on for a while until i make a decision as to which one i will keep. (photos in my Album)

I haven't had a chance to use the Air Off kit in anger, only a test run, airing down one of the road tyres on the D3 and pumping it back up. It was quicker than what the CMKA 12 could have done it.

Last time i was away and airing up 4 x 265/70-17 Cooper STT's from 25 psi back to about 38 psi the airline connection on the compressor got that hot that the hose burst near it and made a good pop an my 3rd tyre. Could be a **** hose that i have but the temperature the thing runs at is my concern if you are pumping up a few tyres.

I am interested in the fact that others claim to have pumped up 6 or 8 tyres in no time? To keep the temperature down mine needs regular resting as is recommended by the manufacturer.

[bbyer]

I assume the thread size re the bung in the front end of the D3 air tank is metric? Does anyone recall what the size and thread type it is?

Metric thread is a bit rare here yet in Canada so it takes a bit of time to find valves, fittings and the like. I will be more common however as GM gets to building Holdens as Police cars here in North America.

[TDV6]

I plan on using one of the spare compressor's from my 93RR to feed air to take-off points on the front and rear of my D3 for tyre inflation as well as supply emergency air to the LR suspension reservoir or if needed to each of the air springs. This is a project that I've had on the backburner for a while now, but am planning another trip out west and it's time for a permanent install rather than have all the bits under the middle seats.

Ryall

[3.9County]

Yes I agree with rmp,

the smaller ones to overheat due to the relatively smaller heads. The last thing you want after spending a great day off road is to spend another hour bringing your tyres back up to pressure.

With air compressors its definately size and quality.

[DiscoWeb]

As I recently purchased a Bushranger Pro I thought I would revive this thread as this is a topic that confused me for a while.

After i made the decision that a compressor was a sensible and necessary piece of equipment I looked at and considered a range of compressors, the cheap Chinese knockoff's, the bigger bushranger products and a read lots of reviews and posts about a number of other brands and styles before finally settling on the Pro Air.

I plan to do a bit of off road driving, mostly camping with the family type stuff and associated tracks and trails, so did not feel the need to blow a huge amount on a compressor, but wanted one that I felt was reliable for when I did use it and had enough capacity to not make re-inflating an hr long task. Think getting away for 1 weekend every month or two type of use.

I was seriously close to getting either the Bushranger Max Air (at about $330 -$350 from memory) or a replica Chinese knockoff for around $200 - $220, but went with the Pro Air. Cost me about $220 from Rays Outdoors at Carringbah and so far has proven to be excellent.

Did some driving over Easter in the Victorian High Country, re-inflated my 4 tyres 255/60/18 from around 26psi back to 38 psi in about 5 mins flat, kids just had enough time to chase some Roo's around Tom Groggin before the job was done.

Weekend after I did a trip to Abercrombie National Park with a mate and his family and again, no hassle re-inflating both cars from 26 - 38 psi in about 10 -12 mins. Managed to quickly make some lunch for the kids while he did his but had to hurry.

Again timing wise very impressed with how quickly this re-inflates tryes, gauge is accurate but unit needs to be switched off to get the proper reading, no worries at all doing 8 tyres and was showing no signs of overheating only just warm.

Fell more comfortable going with a reputable brand, $220 was not too big a price to pay and the unit is neat and tidy and fits neatly in the foot well for the rear seats.

Just my 2c worth on this topic, hope it helps.

Regards,

George

[rmp]

Good post George. I can only plead with people to follow your example and avoid the super-cheapies. $220 is not a lot for a useful bit of kit that can easily last you ten years or more.

I met a bloke over the weekend who sold an old ARB compressor on eBay for $290 (!) and bought a brand new, updated model for $280. I agreed he shouldn't have mentioned it to the buyer, if you can't be bothered to do your research and think everything on eBay is a bargain, well you know what they say about fools and money.

[Dorko]

So what can i expect paying for a ARB compressor? I'm keen on the sound of this.

Dorko

[discojames]

I purchased a Bushranger Power Air compressor - 6 years ago and has been great. Not the fastest compressor on the market but only takes around 3-5 minutes per tyre to get up to pressure after deflating to 18-20 psi even when I had oversized tyres on an old Disco 1.

The reason I liked it was that most of the cheaper compressors have a short duty cycle (i.e. you have to stop between tyres) - this thing can go for 5 hours without stopping - also the price was $99. I have never had any issues with mine and would buy again if it broke.

[oldsalt]

The ARB "on board" compressor - CKMA12 - costs $290:00.

[DiscoSaffa]

The ARB "on board" compressor - CKMA12 - costs $290:00.

Is that fitted?

Also how easy is it to fit this yourself?

[akovach]

I got sucked into buying a cheaper compressor. Steel casing, nice and heavy, all for $90!! It was quite quick, but after about 20 uses it died on me in Nora Creina, near Robe. Luckily there were other compressors around. The new ARB one is excellent. And there is good back up all over Australia.

[Dorko]

Is that fitted?

Also how easy is it to fit this yourself?

Thats pretty good value. Fitted?

Dorko