After you've had your offroad fun, it's time to inflate your tires and return to street driving. You can achieve this by using an air compressor.

In this article, we will cover:

• What is an air compressor?
• Different Kinds and Classifications of Air Compressors
• What compressor should I get for my vehicle?
  • ARB On-Board (CKMA12) & Portable (CKMP12) High Performance Air Compressors
  • ARB On-Board (CKMTA12) & Portable (CKMTP12) High Performance Twin Air Compressors
• Where Do I Mount my On-Board Air Compressor?

What is an Air Compressor?

An air compressor is a mechanical device that increases the pressure of a gas by decreasing its volume. The potential energy of the compressed air is stored by being forced into a storage tank. In the case of inflating your tires, your tires act as the storage tank.

Different Kinds and Classifications of Air Compressors

There two main kinds of compressors: dynamic displacement and positive displacement.

Dynamic displacement compressors, such as centrifugal and axial compressors, work by using the kinetic energy imparted by a rotational mechanism to pressurize air. Dynamic displacement compressors are suited for large applications and you will not see these kinds of compressors used on vehicles.

Positive displacement compressors will be the kind that you'll use on your vehicle because they are more suited for smaller and portable applications. They work by forcing air into a chamber whose volume is decreased to compress air. The size of the chamber can be decreased through a reciprocating piston mechanism, rotary screw, or rotatory vane.

In addition to the mechanism used to pressurize air, compressors are also classified by their total discharge pressure or pressure delivered. Compressors are classified in three ways:

• Low Pressure Air Compressors (LPAC), which have a discharge pressure of 150 psi or less
• Medium Pressure Air Compressors, which have a discharge of 150 psi - 1000 psi
• High Pressure Air Compressor (HPAC), which have a discharge greater than 1000 psi

What compressor should I get for my vehicle?

We highly recommend ARB's line of air solutions. They are the gold standard of on-board air needs. Whether you are inflating tires, operating pneumatic tools, or simply providing air to an Air Locker, the complete line of ARB compressors has a model to fit every need.

ARB offers a High Output Air Compressor and a High Output Twin Air Compressor, which are both available in portable and vehicle mounted configurations.

ARB On-Board (CKMA12) & Portable (CKMP12) High Performance Air Compressors

The most popular in ARB's range, the ARB High Output Air Compressor has been constructed entirely of lightweight, high-grade materials and is available in both portable and vehicle mounted configurations. With a class-leading flow rate, this compressor has been designed for Air Locker® activation (on-board model), fast tire inflation and a range of other functions whether they be for work or play. The vehicle mounted kit comes with a full wiring loom and mounting hardware for easy installation, while the portable kit includes a 6 meter air hose, battery clamps, inflation kit, and a durable carry case.

ARB On-Board (CKMTA12) & Portable (CKMTP12) High Performance Twin Air Compressors

Providing optimum power, the ARB twin motor design delivers class-leading air flow for fast inflation purposes. Constructed of lightweight, high-strength engineering grade materials, it incorporates quality components for quiet operation and extended durability. The twin motors incorporate internal thermal protection against extreme temperature damage while a heavy duty in-line maxi fuse for each motor provides professional circuit protection. Available as either a portable kit with a 4L air tank, inflation accessories and a durable carry case or a vehicle mounted kit with associated wiring loom and mounting hardware.

Where Do I Mount my On-Board Air Compressor?

This is the fun part! You can find a place for your air compressor wherever it fits. Get creative. We have installed compressors in wheel wells, under seats, in engine bays, as well as the undercarriage of vehicles.

ARB On-Board Twin Air Compressor (CKMTA12) secured drvier's side the wheel well on a 2018 Jeep JL:

On-Board High Performance 12 Volt Air Compressor (CKMA12) setup underneath the rear driverside seat in a 2017 Toyota Tundra:

On-Board Twin Air Compressor (CKMTA12) installed near the rear driverside wheel on the undercarriage of 2018 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van:

We'd love to hear from you!

What is your compressor of choice? Learn, comment, and get answers from the experts!