Thread: Please recommend me a 100% duty cycle 12v air compressor

I installed an ARB Twin....which I’m pretty sure are still 100% duty cycle. Mine was out of warranty, relay failed and they fixed at no charge thought that was pretty good.

I run rear locker and have bagged the rear.....although once I set the suspension height the compressor is generally off.

Be interesting to see what other 100% duty cycle compressors other recommended.

I’ll probably go back to single for our trip.

I too had an ARB twin and one of the motors failed, it was about 8 years old at the time and ARB repaired it free of charge, the invoice called it "good will".
Certainly was.

A mate of mine has recently purchased a Sherpa Big Air, it is BIG and pumps a lot of air, it has a cut off at 80psi bit I am sure it is continuously rated, however if you look up Sherpa Big Air on the net that should give you some info.

regards
Geoff

here is a Youtube clip he put up, he does like to do things on a larger scale and a warning, his vehicle is 200 series..
Toyota Landcruiser 200 Sherpa Big Air Compressor install - YouTube

I'd look at getting your ARB one repaired, all the parts are available. I've got a high capacity single cylinder one that is starting to get a bit tired and blowing fuses after pumping up a tractor tyre and I think that's the way I'll go. The motors are available as a complete unit at significantly less than a new compressor.


Regards,
Tote

Have a read of this.

Anyone else had ARB compressor failures? | 4x4Earth\

I had the same problem with my twin cyl ARB. On the brushes end plate there is an underrated thermal switch that goes open circuit. If you're into pulling things to bits replacements are just a couple of dollars on eBay or complete brushes end caps were around $80 last time I looked. In the end I just shorted the thermal relay (the brushes were hardly worn) and all works OK. It struck me as a bit odd needing a (underrated) thermal relay in line with a 100 % duty cycle device.

As tote says fix the ARB, it's still a good compressor and IMO better the devil you know.

Deano

If you have the know how to fabricate then what about an old AC compressor and run endless air? A bit of a faff to put in but worth it IMO. Did it to the 101 and the system just starts and pumps up when I start the vehicle and I have 110PSI in the tank all the time then, for tyres, etc - mine will run a 3/8” rattle gun easily as well not that anyone has air powered rattle guns any more, but it keeps up no dramas. Haven’t touched it in years, it just does it’s thing.

Yes, a lot of work compared to bunging in another 12 volt unit, but thought I’d mention it as they are extremely reliable.

Originally Posted by Homestar

If you have the know how to fabricate then what about an old AC compressor and run endless air? A bit of a faff to put in but worth it IMO. Did it to the 101 and the system just starts and pumps up when I start the vehicle and I have 110PSI in the tank all the time then, for tyres, etc - mine will run a 3/8” rattle gun easily as well not that anyone has air powered rattle guns any more, but it keeps up no dramas. Haven’t touched it in years, it just does it’s thing.

Yes, a lot of work compared to bunging in another 12 volt unit, but thought I’d mention it as they are extremely reliable.

Agree 100% I have had a couple in past vehicles and they are the bees' knees. I used to just drop a bit of oil in every now and then and also ran a small lawn mower air filter on the inlet. If there was any way of doing it I would have on on the D4 for sure

Regards
Geoff

This sounds interesting!

Can either of you guys talk a bit more about your AC compressor setup?
whats needed ect.

The one I currently have is on our Prado, I had it set up to be our touring vehicle but in my view it was just not up to the task when towing. I sourced an air compressor from an early model Discovery as it had the drive belt configuration I needed for the serpentine belt on the Prado, it is what I call a wobble plate type where as the original Endless Air type and generally used is the 5 piston Sanden (I think that is what they are) it has the standard V belt. If you use the Sanden compressor it is recommended to drill and tap a grease nipple on the inlet side and give it a couple of pumps every 12 months or so.

I used 6mm plate and did my own cutting, bending and welding to fit where it is, I originally used 3mm plate but it cracked with the vibration. I don't have one on the Prado but on a previous patrol I installed a 5 Litre air tank I fabricated from a primas gas bottle, it was mounted under the tray outside of the vehicle cabin so I was not too stressed if I had a catastrophic failure.

Here are a couple of photos of the Prado setup so I hope it gives you some idea.

IMG_20201103_120301.jpg IMG_20201103_120319.jpg IMG_20201103_120334.jpg


Regards
Geoff

Forgot to mention I then just did a rough measure and bought a longer belt and a spare, from Autobarn