Are you looking for the best onboard air compressor? Look no further because we have already found and reviewed the four best options for you.
If you spend a lot of time off-road in your truck, you may want to consider getting an onboard air system.
Onboard air compressors can operate air lockers, refill tires after you have aired them down, reseat tire beads, inflate air suspension, and run air horns.
Airing down is one of the best things you can do to increase your truck’s performance and tires off-road.
Having the ability to re-inflate your tires after you return to the pavement can be extremely convenient. Below we’ve compiled a list of the four best onboard air compressor kits. Take a look at our selections:
Top 4 Best Onboard Air Compressor Kits:
Air Lift 25592 Onboard Air Compressor System (Editor’s Choice)
Airlift has been making air compressors and air ride systems since 1949. Air Lift is the most popular compressor and air control system for trucks, vans, and SUVs in this compressor.
The Airlift 25592 is perfect for light or medium-duty air applications, including air-spring leveling and tire inflation. It even has a low-pressure sensor that can automatically start the compressor if the air springs’ pressure falls below a set level.
This compressor only weighs 4.6 pounds and measures 14 inches long by 9 inches wide by 6 inches high. Its small size and weight make it easy to mount inconspicuously on your truck. It includes all mounting hardware, airlines, and wiring necessary for installation.
One of the best things about Air Lift 25592 is its price. You get a capable compressor that can level air springs and air-up tires from a brand with over 69 years’ experience in the air ride industry. Like many Air Lifts Products, this compressor comes with a two-year warranty. This kit is perfect for anyone looking to make the jump to onboard air without breaking the bank.
ARB CKMA12 Air Compressor High Output Onboard 12V Air Compressor
One of the biggest names in off-road components and air lockers is ARB. Since 1979 ARB has been manufacturing quality, tested off-road components. They are known for their robust designs and reliability off the pavement. This CKMA12 High Output Air Compressor is no exception.
Designed to run off 12 volts, this high output compressor can fill a 35-inch tire in just two minutes. This compressor is also powerful enough to run your air lockers, air springs, and air horns.
It measures 9 inches long by 4.5 inches wide by 9 inches high and features super-quiet operation, allowing you to mount it in the cab if you like. It includes all mounting hardware, airlines, wiring necessary for installation. This compressor also comes with ARB’s two-year warranty.
ARB CKMTA12 ’12V’ Onboard Twin High-Performance Air Compressor
Here we have another great compressor from ARB, the CKMTA12. This compressor unit is similar to the other ARB compressor we featured on our list but features twin compressors built into one package.
Like the other ARB compressor on our list, the CKMTA12 is designed to run off 12 volts. It also features the highest flow rate of any 12V compressor of its size on the market at a whopping 6.16CFM.
This high flow rate will allow you to fill tires quickly, level air suspension, operate air lockers, run air horns, and fill up camping equipment with ease. It packs the extra punch even to run light air tools.
It measures 20 inches in length by 10 inches wide by 5 inches high. Though it is twice as powerful as the other ARB compressor on our list, the CKMTA12 is not much more extensive. It can be easily mounted to various locations on your truck: under the hood or on the frame rails under the bed.
It also features quiet operation, meaning you could mount it in the cab under the rear seats if you wanted to. It includes all mounting hardware, airlines, wiring necessary for installation. This compressor also comes with ARB’s two-year warranty like the other ARB on our list.
VIAIR 200 PSI Ultra Duty Onboard Air System
This kit from VIAIR includes all the bells and whistles. It features high-end working pressure of 200 PSI and can quickly inflate tires as big as 37 inches in just over 7 minutes. Since it features a tank, it can provide continuous air pressure without running the compressor. It can run light-duty compressed air tools since it has the tank to hold a reserve of air.
Since this kit includes a tank, it’s slightly bigger than the other kits on our list and measures 26 inches in length by 13 inches wide by 10 inches high. The tank and compressor can be mounted away from each other if needed.
It includes all mounting hardware, airlines, wiring necessary for installation. It also includes an air hose and a tire inflation gun with a gauge.
This kit also features a one-year warranty from VIAIR.
How to Pick the Best Onboard Air Compressor System
If you’ve decided it’s time to order a new air compressor for your car, you’re going to want to make sure this compressor fits your needs and goals. Here are a few things you’ll want to consider before pulling the trigger on a new air compressor kit:
Intended Usage
Consider what you will be using your onboard air system for before buying. If you’re looking for a system that can inflate a flat or occasionally top off your tires, you can save some money by opting for a system that flows less CFM.
However, if you intend to run air lockers, air suspension, and inflate and deflate your tires often, you’ll want a unit that is up to the task.
Keep in mind that these onboard air systems are not intended for running air tools.
Size and Mounting Location
When shopping for an onboard air system for your truck, size should be a significant factor.
Depending on where you want to mount your compressor system, you’ll want to take measurements of the potential mounting location and consider it when shopping for an onboard air system.
Common mounting locations include: under the hood, under the bed, under the rear seats, and inside bed-mounted toolboxes.
Good Reviews
Always read up on the onboard air system you intend to purchase.
You would hate to find yourself in a situation where you need your air lockers to get your truck unstuck, or you need to air up your tires and find that your compressor has called it quits.
Detailed Installation Instructions
An onboard air system that comes with detailed installation instructions can make mounting, wiring, and plumbing your system a breeze. Good kits should come with detailed instructions and maybe even a video to guide you through the install.
Hoses, Wiring, and Mounting Hardware
The onboard air system you purchase should include all the necessary hoses and fittings, wiring, and mounting hardware needed to complete the install.
Some kits will even come with accessories such as tire inflators. Buying a kit that includes these items and possible extras can save you money and make the install easier.
Conclusion: the Best Onboard Air Compressor Kit
Onboard air can increase your truck’s capabilities both on and off the pavement. If you run air suspension, air down your tires often, operate air lockers, or need to inflate camping gear, an onboard air system can cover your needs.
Any of the kits we listed above would be an excellent choice. However, if we had to pick a winner, we would choose the Air Lift 25592 Load Controller II Onboard Air Compressor System. We chose this kit as our winner because it has excellent reviews, comes with a two-year warranty, and is sold at a low price.
Though it isn’t as powerful as some of the other compressors on our list, it will get you by if you need to fill up air suspension or re-inflate your tires after airing down. Its compact size makes it easy to mount anywhere, and it includes all the necessary components for installation.
The price of the Air Lift 25592 makes it accessible to any off-road enthusiast looking to add air to their rig. So, in our opinion, it’s the best onboard air compressor kit available on the market right now.