Off-road air compressors are one of those tools that you never know when you’ll need them. You might not use an off-road air compressor very often, but it’s nice to have one around for the rare time they come in handy. When shopping for an off-road air compressor, there are a few factors to take into account before making your purchase. Read on below to learn more about what features make up the best off-road air compressor and how we picked our top picks!
Off-road air compressors are designed to work in extreme environments and conditions, making them perfect for off-road use. They are typically more durable than regular air compressors, with a longer lifespan. The key difference between an off-road air compressor and a regular one is that the former can handle harsh weather conditions and debris without issue. Off-road air compressors also have a higher CFM rating, which allows them to operate better in low pressure situations.
There are several reasons why you would need an off-road air compressor:
- You might be someone who frequently goes camping and needs a source of power. Camping can often take place in remote areas, so sometimes there is not enough electricity to run your regular electrical appliances such as hair dryers or coffee makers. An off-road air compressor will get the job done without needing access to any other sources of energy besides 12V battery which can easily be recharged by running vehicle engine for few minutes every day.
- You might be someone who frequently goes off-roading. When you’re out in the middle of nowhere and need to fix a flat tire, an air compressor can come in very handy.
- You might be someone who works on construction sites. Air compressors are often used for powering nail guns and other tools. If you’re working on a construction site that’s far from any electrical outlets, an off-road air compressor is the perfect solution.
Best Off Road Air Compressor Reviews
When it comes time to fill up your tires with air, you don’t want to waste any time. That’s where Viair’s 300 Series Off Road Portable Compressor comes in. This compressor is designed for simplicity, allowing you to quickly and easily inflate your tires without having to worry about turning the machine off in between fills. And for those in the off-road segment, airing down tires allows for better traction while exploring the great outdoors.
The compressor is designed for portability and ease of use. You can easily store it in your trunk, tote it with you on a hike/camping trip, or mount it to your truck bed. The Viair 300 Series Off Road Portable Compressor only weighs 15 pounds, making this extremely easy to do either way. It has all the power you need when airing up tires because its 150 PSI will fill an off-road tire from 0-30 psi in just one minute! For safety purposes (and convenience) the Viair also comes with quick connect fittings that make hooking this unit up much easier than other models out there.
- Extremely portable
- Quick connect fittings
- 150 PSI for quicker fills
- None found!
The Viair Onboard Air System is perfect for those who need an air compressor with a little more oomph. This model can fill up to-size tires in as little as three minutes, making it the perfect choice for larger vehicles or when time is of the essence. The Viair also offers a continuous duty cycle at 100 PSI, meaning you don’t have to worry about it shutting off while you’re airing down your tires or filling them back up again.
This compressor is designed to be mounted in your vehicle and comes with all the fittings and accessories required for a quick installation. The Viair is perfect for those who need to inflate tires or run air tools on the road, but don’t want to take up too much space.
This model features a convenient low-profile design that won’t get in your way when you’re trying to haul gear into the back of your truck bed. It also comes with an extension cord that makes it easier than ever before to access all four corners of any vehicle without having cables trailing everywhere. And since this compressor works off 12V power from your car’s battery, there are no bulky gas cans required–just plug it in and start inflating!
- Fills up to-size tires in as little as three minutes
- Continuous duty cycle at 100 PSI
- Low profile design won’t get in your way
- None
The Wolo Air Rage is a great choice for anyone looking for an affordable and portable air compressor. This model is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, but don’t let its size fool you–the Air Rage can still handle tires up to 33 inches in diameter. It also comes with adapters that make it compatible with all types of valves, making it perfect for any off-road application.
This compressor runs on 12V power from your car’s battery, so there’s no need for cumbersome cords or gas cans. And since it only draws 0.85 amps of current, it won’t drain your battery when you’re not using it. The Air Rage also includes a built-in pressure gauge and LED work light, making it easy to see what you’re doing in low-light conditions.
Overall, the Wolo Air Rage is a great option for anyone looking for an affordable and portable air compressor.
- Inexpensive
- Portable
- Lightweight design with a small footprint makes it great for RVs and campers
- Not as powerful as larger compressors, this may not be able to air up tires bigger than 33 inches in diameter.
Introducing the VIAIR 400 Series Off Road Air Compressor Kit – perfect for those who like to take their adventures off the beaten path! This 12-volt operated compressor can handle up to 150 PSI, and comes with a host of features that make it perfect for inflating tires on the go. The included air hose is 25 feet long, and direct heavy-duty dual battery clamps keep power moving to the compressor without any glitches. Additionally, an inline fuse protects your equipment while you’re on the move. Whether you’re hitting the trails or doing some weekend camping, this VIAIR 400 Series Off Road Air Compressor Kit has everything you need to get your tires inflated fast.
The Viair 400 Series Off Road Air Compressor Kit is a great choice for those looking for an offroad-specific compressor. It offers a longer air hose and durable construction that can handle the rigors of offroad use, making it perfect for tackling tough terrain. Additionally, the inline fuse protects your equipment while you’re on the go, so you can rest easy knowing your compressor is well-protected. If you’re looking for an offroad-ready air compressor kit, be sure to check out the VIAIR 400 Series!
- Durable construction
- Long air hose
- Inline fuse for protection
- May be too large for some users
IAIR Air Source Kits (ASK) provide an all-in-one air source solution that is perfect for air horns and other moderate pneumatic needs. Available in four different part numbers, ASK’s are available with either a 1.5 gallon or 2.0 gallon air tank, each rated to either 150 PSI or 200 PSI. Mounted atop the air tank, the included compressor is rated at 150 PSI or 200 PSI and features a drain valve, safety valve, pressure switch, and 1/2-inch NPT outlet port with compression fitting that is 3/8-inch (I.D.) and includes a plug.
The Viair (Via-Air) Auto Compressor is designed to be an all purpose Air Source Kit. The ASK includes a 150 PSI – 100% duty cycle, 0.75 HP compressor and either a 150 lb or 200 lb tank with pressure switch and safety relief valve for maximum performance and accessory readiness right out of the box! With features like auto shutoff when oil reaches required operating temperature and up to 20 hours on one fill this unit will save you time money while providing years of reliable service in your off road adventures! All Viairs are rated at 12 Volts DC so they can run directly from any vehicle’s power system using their included wiring harnesses that plug into any standard trailer light connector .
- Air Source Kit – all-in-one compressor, tank and wiring kit.
- 150 PSI maximum pressure is perfect for air horns or other moderate pneumatic needs.
- Requires a power source to operate.
This incredible air compressor kit from ARB is perfect for off-road enthusiasts who need to quickly and easily inflate their tires. The twin air compressor is powerful and can rapidly inflate small, medium, and large tires. It’s also suitable for use with air tools, providing a continuous supply of air at up to 6Bar/90PSI. So if you’re looking for a top-quality air compressor kit that will help you get the most out of your off-road adventures, look no further than the ARB Portable Twin Off Road 12V Air Compressor.
The ARB air compressor kit also comes with a range of handy accessories, including an inflation hose, pressure gauge, and storage bag. And it’s easy to use; just plug it into your vehicle’s 12V power outlet and you’re ready to go. So if you’re looking for a reliable, high-performance air compressor for off-road adventures, the ARB Portable Twin Off Road 12V Air Compressor is definitely worth considering.
- Powerful air compressor
- Includes a range of accessories
- Easy to use
- None worth mentioning.
This powerful Viair 400P Series Portable Compressor Kit is perfect for off-road enthusiasts. The kit comes with all the accessories you’ll need to inflate tires, and it’s easy to use; just plug it into your vehicle’s 12V power outlet. So if you’re looking for a reliable air compressor that will help you get the most out of your off-roading adventures, look no further than this Viair 400P Series Portable Compressor Kit .
The Viair portable compressor also includes an inflation hose, pressure gauge, storage bag, DC adapter cable for cigarette lighter sockets in cars , and AC adapter cable so it can be used as a household pump too. And being lightweight means you don’t have to worry about adding extra weight to your vehicle when you’re venturing off-road.
The Viair 400P can deliver a maximum pressure of 65 PSI and it operates at 120 psi, which is the most common range for car tires . It also comes with two nozzles that fit both Schrader valves (the standard one on cars) and Presta bicycle valves . For peace of mind, the kit includes a midget spare tire sealant in case something goes wrong out in the wild. The compressor runs smoothly even under high temperatures – so using this while camping won’t be an issue since overheating is unlikely.
- Lightweight and easy to transport
- Comes with all the necessary accessories
- Operates smoothly even under high temperatures
- May be too powerful for some users
The Wolo Sherman Tank & Compressor is a great option for those looking for an air compressor that can do it all. This tank has a capacity of 30 gallons and comes with a built-in compressor, making it perfect for both airing up tires and running tools. The tank also includes (12) ports: (11) quick connectors and (one) Schrader valve. With this many ports, you’ll be able to quickly inflate almost anything you need to. It features a 15-minute automatic shut off, which makes it perfect for those who will need to use the tank as a portable compressor as well. The Sherman also comes with an impressive 200 max PSI and 150 psi continuous output at 90-degree Fahrenheit ambient temperature – more than enough power to run most air tools without overheating them or having any issues going up hills.
The Wolo Sherman Tank & Compressor is a great option for those looking for an air compressor that can do it all. This tank has a capacity of 30 gallons and comes with a built-in compressor, making it perfect for both airing up tires and running tools.
- 30 gallon capacity
- 15 minute automatic shut off
- 200 max PSI and 150 psi continuous output at 90 degree Fahrenheit ambient temperature
- None.
The ARB On-Board Compressor is a great option for those who are looking for an air compressor that can be easily installed in their vehicle. This compressor comes with all of the hardware you’ll need to install it, and it’s very easy to do. It plugs right into your car’s cigarette lighter, making it perfect for those who want a portable compressor they can take with them on the go. The ARB On-Board Compressor has a capacity of 26 gallons and features both (12V) and (24V) inputs, making it perfect for use in almost any situation.
It also includes two built-in pressure gauges so that you can keep track of your tank’s pressure level at all times. With its air flow of up to 31 liters per minute, the ARB On-Board Compressor is perfect for those who want an air compressor that can quickly inflate their tires. It is also very durable, so you can use it without having to worry about whether or not it will break.
The ARB On-Board Compressor is one of the most popular air compressors on the market right now because of its reliability and durability. At 24V/12V DC output, 31L/min max airflow, 26gal tank capacity & 125PSI Max pressure this unit has everything needed for an off road vehicle application. The compressor comes with a standard tire inflation adaptor kit that fits directly into your spare tyre’s valve stem but there are also others available depending on what type of car you have (we recommend buying these accessories separately).
- Very easy to install
- Comes with all of the hardware you’ll need
- Features both (12V) and (24V) inputs
- Includes two built-in pressure gauges
- Air flow of up to 31 liters per minute
- None that we could find!
Types of Off-Road Air Compressors
- On-board Air Compressors
This is the type of compressor that will turn on automatically every time you start your car. It’s a compact unit that sits right under where your spare tire would be, and it has its own power cord. The only real downside to this type of air compressor is that it isn’t meant for heavy-duty usage – so if you’re going off-roading or using tools regularly, look for another solution.
Onboard Air Compressors are typically used by people who have regular cars with 12V batteries, not those who use them in their trucks due to low CFM rating. This means the overall lifespan can decrease as owners often drain battery completely before recharging which can lead into irreparable damage through out electrical system components such as alternators, starters and voltage regulators.
- Portable Air Compressors
This is the most common type of air compressor, and it’s also the most versatile. It comes in a variety of sizes, so you can choose one that’s perfect for your needs. And since it runs on AC power or DC power, you can use it pretty much anywhere.
The downside to portable air compressors is that they’re not always as powerful as you might need them to be. So if you’re going off-roading or using tools regularly, you might want to consider a more heavy-duty option.
Portable Air Compressors are easy to move around due to their size and shape but don’t offer enough CFM for trucks when used with onboard 12V electrical systems without damaging alternators starters and voltage regulators.
- Portable CO2 and Nitrogen Tanks
These tanks are a great option if you need to inflate a lot of tires at once, or if you need to fill up a large tire quickly. And since they’re small and lightweight, they’re perfect for taking with you on camping trips or road trips.
There are a few things you need to look for when choosing a portable CO₂ or nitrogen tank. Make sure the tank is made from durable materials, so it can withstand being thrown around in the back of your truck. And make sure the valve system is easy to use, so you can fill up your tires quickly and easily.
How To Choose The Best Air Compressor for Offroad
One of the most important things to consider when buying an off-road air compressor is whether it comes with a manometer. A readout gauge tells you how much pressure has been built up and lets you know what surface area your tire will be able to support safely. Some gauges also come with adjustable knobs that let you change between four different types of surfaces including sand, grass, gravel and hard ground so that those who intend on riding in more than one type of terrain can quickly switch as needed without having to buy multiple units or making adjustments by hand each time they encounter a new surface.
It’s important to know the size of your tire before you purchase an off-road air compressor. This is because there are different types of compressors that work better with different sizes and makes of tires. For example, a small 12-volt compressor might be good for cars or ATVs but it wouldn’t be able to handle the larger demands of a truck or SUV. That’s why it’s usually best to consult with either the manufacturer or retailer of the product in order to get a machine that will fit both your needs and the specific requirements of your vehicle as well.
The type of air hose that the off-road air compressor comes with is also important for those who intend on using it as a regular part of their vehicle’s maintenance. Some hoses are only ten feet long which might not be ideal for people who want to keep an eye on how much pressure they’ve got going while simultaneously being able to move around and work from different angles without any distractions or hassle.
Another thing that some of the best off-road air compressors come with is built in lights. These can be either LED or halogen and they let you see what kind of work you’re doing even if it’s dark outside. This might not seem like a big deal but tire gauges and other devices tend to blend into the car so having an extra light on hand means more visibility and less worry about whether everything looks right before driving away from your local mechanic shop after getting minor repairs done.
How quickly the compressor can fill up is another consideration that needs to be made when looking for the best off-road air compressor. This is especially important if you’re the type of person who likes to get out on weekends and spend a few hours driving around in nature as opposed to sitting at home. It’s also something to think about if you’re someone who likes doing things DIY-style since most compressors take between two and four minutes to achieve max pressure.
Who makes the product is another thing to consider. Some companies have been around for years and know how to make things that are long-lasting as well as safe so it’s a good idea to look up any reviews or feedback from previous customers before making a final purchase decision.
Some of the best off-road air compressors come with a deflation mechanism that lets you release all of the pressure at once. This is good for those who use their compressor frequently to maintain tires since it means less time spent waiting on each tire to go down after filling them up and more time doing what they enjoy most about having an off road vehicle in general.
The noise level of the compressor is another thing that people take into account when making a purchase. This is because some machines are louder than others and depending on where you live, the sound might carry for longer distances or be more noticeable at certain times of day. It’s usually best to consult with friends or family members who have already made this type of purchase in order to get an idea about what kind of noise level they can expect from the product.
How heavy the compressor is can be a make or break factor for some people. This is because some machines are bulky and difficult to move around when they’re not in use which might be a problem if you don’t have a lot of storage space or if you need to take the compressor with you on long road trips.
More Tips
- Incorrect tire pressure can dramatically reduce the efficiency of your car, which is why it’s crucial to have an off-road air compressor with you.
- A lot of people are wondering what size compressor they should choose when trying to purchase one for their vehicle.
- The best way to find out how much PSI you need in order to inflate all four tires simultaneously is by looking at your manual. It will give you the required psi needed based on your type and make of tire(s). If no information regarding this matter can be found then think about 50% more than usual inflation level that fits most cars.
- If you are looking for an off-road air compressor that is portable as well, then it’s best to find one with a built-in tank. This will allow you to store more compressed air and not have to worry about running out of power while in the middle of nowhere.
- Another factor you need to consider when choosing an off-road air compressor is its voltage. Make sure that the model you choose can be powered by your car battery or comes with its own AC adapter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
There are a number of things to consider before purchasing an offroad air compressor. Do you need one that is portable or stationary? Is it for home use only, commercial use, or both? What type of power source do you have access to – electricity, gas, diesel fuel? If your needs don’t match any particular product on this list, visit our FAQ page for more information about what’s available in the marketplace and how these products work. We hope this article has helped with understanding the different types of offroad air compressors out there!