Off-road vehicles have a different type of tires and this requires a different type of air compressor for inflation. But there are a lot of different models and brands of air compressors in the market. That’s why it is quite hard to find the right air compressor for your off-road vehicle.
In order to make it easier for you, I have gathered the best air compressor for off roading. Read through this article and you will surely find your desired air compressor here.
Table of Contents
Comparison of Top Air Compressor for Off Roading
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Best Air Compressor for Off Roading
EPAuto 12V DC Portable Air Compressor Pump
Specifications
- Working Voltage: 12 Volts (DC)
- Inflating Speed: 1.06 CFM
- Maximum Working Pressure: 70 PSI
- Power Rating: 120 Watts
- Maximum Ampere: 15 Amps
- Minimum Ampere: 10 Amps
- Display Units: PSI, KPA, kg/cm, BAR
- Temperature Limit: 167°F
Review
It is very easy and convenient to use the EPAuto 12V DC Portable Air Compressor Pump. You can directly plug it into the cigarette lighter socket of your vehicle and run it. It can develop 180 watts of working power. This is one of the reasons I think it’s the best on board air compressor for jeep wrangler.
This 12 volt on board air compressor for tires is suitable for inflating, cars, bikes, sedans, SUVs but most importantly off-road vehicles. But the off-road vehicle must have an engine size under 3.5 liters.
You will get a universal valve connector with this compressor. You can use it for a Schrader valve. Aside from that, there are other additional adapters too. These include needles valve for balls or basketball and long/short cone adapters for swimming pool accessories and for inflatable kayaks.
You cannot use it for any kind of truck tires. Whether the truck tires are heavy-duty or light, this air compressor is not suitable for these. So, if you want an air compressor for truck tires, this is not recommended.
What We Like
- Auto-shut-off to protect from overheating.
- Easy to read digital display.
- Includes a carrying bag to keep things organized.
- Lightweight and easy to carry.
- Quiet operation.
- It can quickly raise the pressure level.
What We Don’t Like
- Low-quality flashlight.
- Not for trucks.
You can also get the Skey Air Compressor Tire Inflator with less cost than EPAuto. It includes the exact same features but it has a maximum pressure level of 150 PSI. It costs less because of its overall quality.
Smittybilt 2781 5.65 CFM Universal Air Compressor
Specifications
- Max. Working Pressure: 150 PSI
- CFM Rating: 5.65 CFM
- Hose Length: 24 Feet
- Duty Cycle: 40 Minutes (75ºF, 40PSI)
- Weight: 20.3 lbs.
Review
When the temperature is too high for operation, the Smittybilt 2781 Air Compressor has the ability to automatically shut down. There is an auto-thermal cutoff switch to do that. This feature protects the motor of the compressor against damage.
It is the best portable air compressor for off roading because of the maximum air flow you get from it. It can flow 72 liters of air per minute which is more than enough to quickly fill the tire of any off-road vehicle.
Also, the air hose is really long and it is a quick-release air hose that makes airflow faster. Not only this compressor has the highest pressure rating you need for an off-road vehicle but also there is a pressure gauge included.
You can use this gauge to easily keep track of your pressure level. Overall, it is the best 12v portable air compressor for 4×4 off-road vehicles because of its unique features and having the highest CFM rating.
What We Like
- It comes with a storage bag.
- The pressure gauge is easy to read.
- Automatically shuts down if overheated.
- Compact design (easily fits anywhere).
- Sturdy and long-lasting.
- Rubber feet reduce vibration and keep it stable.
- Connecting the hose is quick and easy.
What We Don’t Like
- Not for heavy-duty works.
- The operation is loud.
- It’s comparatively heavy.
The Smittybilt 2780 2.54 CFM Universal Air Compressor is another air compressor from the same brand. This is exactly similar to the one I have talked about above. The only difference is that its CFM rating is 2.54 CFM. If you want, you can get this one with a lower CFM rating and hence lower price.
Viair 40047 400P-RV Automatic Portable Compressor Kit
Specifications
- Working Voltage: 12 Volts
- Working Ampere: 30 Amps.
- Max. Working Pressure: 150 PSI
- Weight: 18 lbs.
- CFM Rating: 2.3 CFM at 0 PSI
- Air Hose Length: 60 Feet (Total)
- Power Cord Length: 8 Feet
Review
You can run the Viair 40047 400P-RV Compressor by connecting it to the car battery directly with the help of the included alligator clamps. With only 30 amps. current it can reach up to 150 PSI pressure. This is why I consider it the best 12 volt air compressor for off road.
This air compressor kit includes a tire inflation gun that you can use for inflating your vehicle’s tires. There is a gauge included so that you can keep track of the pressure level. This compressor is great for off-road vehicles like trailers and RVs.
It is very simple and easy to use this compressor to fill tires. There is no need to turn on and off the compressor every time you change a tire. You can simply pull the trigger of the inflator each time you change a tire.
This is a simpler process that saves a lot of your time. As it makes the process of filling your vehicle’s tires quite effortless so I put it in my list of the best air compressor for off road tires.
What We Like
- Built-in pressure switch.
- Long length air hose.
- Durable carrying case (keep things organized).
- Will shut off automatically if needed.
- Special tire attachments (tire chuck, inflation gun) included.
- Cooldowns quickly.
- It’s portable and sturdy.
What We Don’t Like
- It’s heavy.
- Not for beginners.
The Viair 40047 400P has a similar compressor, the VIAIR 45053 Silver Automatic Portable Compressor Kit. These two have some small differences like the 40047 has a 33% duty cycle but the 45053 has a 100% duty cycle.
Also, the CFM rating of the 45053 is 1.8 CFM (lower than 40047). Other than that, there are absolutely no differences between the two.
VIAIR 300P Portable Compressor – 30033
Specifications
- Motor Type: Permanent Magnetic
- Motor Voltage: 12 Volts
- Maximum Working Pressure: 150 PSI
- Maximum Duty Cycle: 33% at 100 PSI
- Maximum Working Ampere: 28 Amps.
- Temperature Range: -40°F to 158°F
- CFM Rating: 2.40 CFM at 0 PSI
- Inline Pressure Gauge: 100 PSI
- Weight: 8.60 lbs.
Review
If you want the largest and best portable air compressor for off road truck tires you can get the VIAIR 300P Portable Compressor. It has a higher pressure rating and it is capable of inflating up to 33 inches’ tires.
To run this compressor, you have to clamp it to the car battery. There is an inflator/deflator pressure gauge that you can use to keep track of the pressure level of the tires.
You will get an air hose with this set. The hose allows up to 100 PSI pressure which is more than enough for truck tires. This set also battery clamps so you don’t have to purchase it separately if you get this air compressor set.
And finally, you will get a durable carrying bag with this kit. You can use this bag to keep all your necessary equipment organized. These are the reasons I chose it as the best on board air compressor for truck.
What We Like
- Electric motor (less maintenance).
- It can be used for deflation too.
- Least possible vibration.
- Very stable for the rubber feet.
- Sturdy and long-lasting.
- Lightweight (easy to carry).
What We Don’t Like
- Short power cord.
You can have the VIAIR 400P Portable Compressor if you want a higher CFM rating. It delivers 2.54 CFM at 0 PSI pressure. This is why it costs less. But there are no other differences between VIAIR 300P and 400P compressor.
Best Air Compressor for Off Roading – Buying Guide
Here I am going to give you some tips that will help you to purchase the best portable compressor for off road. There are some key features that make a compressor the best for off roading. These features are:
The Pressure & CFM Rating
The best portable air compressor for off road tires must have a pressure rating of 100 PSI or more. If the pressure rating is less than that, it will still for some vehicles but it won’t work on high-end vehicles like trucks.
The CFM rating must be above 2 in order to properly and quickly inflate off road car tires. A lower CFM rating will take more time and you don’t want that.
How It Runs
Of course, an off road/onboard air compressor will run on electricity. But the source matters. Is it run by the cigarette lighter socket or by the battery?
It is easier for you if the air compressor gets the power from the cigarette lighter socket. Because you have to open the trunk and then connect the compressor to the battery and that’s a lot of work.
I like to keep it simple and I am sure you do too. I still have a few compressors in this list that do not support the cigarette lighter socket. But I added these because I found some other cool features in those air compressors.
Equipment Added in the Kit
The air compressor kit you choose for off road must include some important equipment. For example, air hose, clamps, flashlight, pressure gauge, carrying bag, etc. The more equipment included in the kit the better it will be to choose.
But always make sure that the extra accessories are well made. Having a piece of poor quality equipment is as same as having none at all.
So if you find the above-given features in a compressor, you can choose it for your off-road vehicle.
There is one more thing you have to keep in mind, your budget. Here, I have added multiple air compressors because there are different prices for these compressors and I want you to have the best one within your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best 12 volt air compressor?
If you want the best 12 volts air compressor, all you got to do is get the best onboard air compressor for trucks or off-road vehicles. Above I have given a list and all the details about these air compressors. You can choose any one from the reviews above.
What size air compressor Do I need to fill truck tires?
To fill truck tires, the size of the compressor doesn’t matter that much. What actually matters are the CFM rating and the pressure rating of the compressor. There is no statistically proven perfect value for these.
But my research shows that the pressure rating of your compressor should be 100 PSI or more in case you want to use it for truck tires. Also, the CFM rating should be higher than 2.
What is the best on board air compressor?
Any compressors that are the best for off road vehicles are the best on board compressors. So, the compressors you find on my list are the ones you are looking for. If you want to know which features make an on-board compressor the best, check out the buying guide I have added above.
Where does the air compressor go on a truck?
Generally, people put the air compressor at the back of the truck where there is a lot of space. You must keep the air compressor at an open place on the back of the truck.
If you keep the air compressor isolated it is harmful to the compressor. Because while operating, compressors get really hot. In this case, if it is isolated it will take longer for the compressor to cool down hence it will get damaged.
In short, you have to keep the air compressor on the back of your truck and also in a place where it is exposed to ambient temperature.
My Final Tips
I hope my best 4×4 air compressor reviews helped you to find your desired air compressor. If you have any trouble or confusion in finding your desired compressor, you can always check out the buying guide I added here.
I have also added some FAQs regarding the best air compressor for off roading to help you. Still, if you have some other questions, feel free to ask me in the comment section below. I will solve it for you.