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Onboard Air Compressor For Off Road Comparison - September 2025

Overview:
1
Best Choice
9.6Exceptional
2
9.5Excellent
3
Best Value
9.4Excellent
4
9.2Excellent
5
9.1Excellent
6
8.8Very Good
7
8.6Very Good
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Model

VIAIR Constant Duty OBA Onboard Air System with 450C Air Compressor & 2.5 Gallon Tank, 12V Offroad Compressor, 150 PSI, up to 37" Tires
Model
ARB CKMA12 On-Board Air Compressor High Performance 12 Volt for Air Locker Differentials and Tire Inflation
Model
VIAIR (10000) Ultra Light Air System
Model
GELUOXI 12V Twin Air Compressor Replacement for CKMTA12 Universal High Output On-Board Air Compressor
Model
Medium Duty Onboard Air System/Kit 150 PSI Compressor 12V With 2.5 Gallon (9.5 Liter) Train/Air Horn Tank
Model
VEVOR Onboard Air Compressor Kit 150PSI Offroad Air Compressor Portable Tire Inflator Heavy Duty 3.5CFM Air Pump for Jeep SUV 4x4 Vehicle Compatibility with Air tools, Air horns, Lockers
Model
VEVOR 12V Heavy Duty Air Compressor with 6L Tank Kit, 6.35 CFM Portable Tire Inflator, 150PSI Offroad Air Compressor with Digital Pressure Gauge Tire Inflator for Trucks Car SUV 4 x 4 Vehicle RV

Brand

VIAIR
Brand
ARB
Brand
VIAIR
Brand
GELUOXI
Brand
LLNSEAUTO
Brand
VEVOR
Brand
VEVOR

Reviews

694 reviews
Reviews
2,184 reviews
Reviews
668 reviews
Reviews
72 reviews
Reviews
18 reviews
Reviews
16 reviews
Reviews
-

Features

Easy installation

8.9
Easy installation
8.6
Easy installation
8.4
Easy installation
8.9
Easy installation
8.4
Easy installation
8.1
Easy installation
7.9

Worth the money

9.1
Worth the money
8.6
Worth the money
7.9
Worth the money
8.6
Worth the money
7.9
Worth the money
7.7
Worth the money
7.6

Simple to use

8.9
Simple to use
9.3
Simple to use
8.6
Simple to use
7.4
Simple to use
7.0
Simple to use
7.0
Simple to use
7.0

Tech Specs

item weight

0.16 ounces
item weight
7.7 pounds
item weight
8.12 pounds
item weight
20 pounds
item weight
22.4 pounds
item weight
10 pounds
item weight
28.1 pounds

recommended uses for product

Tire Inflation, Air Brushing, Spraying, Nailing, Blow Cleaning
recommended uses for product
Tire Inflation
recommended uses for product
Tire Inflation, Air Brushing, Air Lockers
recommended uses for product
Drilling, Air Brushing, Spraying, Nailing
recommended uses for product
Nailing
recommended uses for product
Tire Inflation
recommended uses for product
-

customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars 347 4.6 out of 5 stars
customer reviews
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 1, 092 ratings 4.6 out of 5 stars
customer reviews
4.5 out of 5 stars 334 4.5 out of 5 stars
customer reviews
4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars 36 ratings 4.1 out of 5 stars
customer reviews
4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 9 ratings 4.2 out of 5 stars
customer reviews
2.3 2.3 out of 5 stars 8 ratings 2.3 out of 5 stars
customer reviews
-

product dimensions

26.5L x 14.5W x 10H
product dimensions
12.73L x 9.16W x 5.88H
product dimensions
10.25L x 7.5W x 6H
product dimensions
13.19L x 11.02W x 10.83H
product dimensions
-
product dimensions
7.1L x 5W x 7.7H
product dimensions
19.29 x 5.91 x 15.75 inches

voltage

12 Volts
voltage
12 Volts
voltage
12 Volts
voltage
12 Volts
voltage
12 Volts
voltage
12 Volts
voltage
-

power source

12v DC
power source
Corded Electric
power source
12v DC
power source
Corded Electric
power source
Corded Electric
power source
Corded Electric
power source
-

style

System
style
Portable
style
Portable
style
Fashion
style
Portable
style
3CFM
style
-

color

Silver Compressor/Black Tank
color
Multicolor
color
Black
color
Ckmta12
color
Silver
color
-
color
-

special feature

Thermal Overload Protector
special feature
PRESSURE DETECTION
special feature
Lightweight, Automatic Shut-Off
special feature
Heavy Duty
special feature
-
special feature
Portable, Heavy Duty
special feature
-

included components

35ft. Coil Hose with Tire Chuck, 20ft. 12-Gauge Wire with Inline Fuse Holder, Reducer: 1/8 F to 1/4 M , Pressure Switch with Relay 110 PSI on, 145 PSI off , 1/4 Quick Connect Stud F , Electrical Connections, 4 Strip of Continuous Grommet Material, 1/4 Quick Connect Coupler F , 1/4 175 PSI Safety Valve, Dash Panel Gauge with ON/OFF Switch, 3 1/4 Compression Fittings, Accessory Airline, 1/4 Drain Cock
included components
Manufactuered Brand Product
included components
98C VIAIR Air Compressor, Omega Bracket with Mounting Hardware, Pressure Switch 85 PSI on, 105 PSI off , 1.0 Gallon VIAIR Air Tank, 40-Amp Relay
included components
-
included components
Air Hose
included components
18 Ft Inflation Hose, Nozzle Adapter, Power Cord, Fixing Screw, Quick Connector, Muffler, Ground Terminal, 1 x 12V Air Compressor, Air Needle, Pressure Switch, Inflatable Connector, Mounting Plate, Plastic Buckle
included components
-

capacity

2.5 Gallons
capacity
60 Gallons
capacity
1 Gallons
capacity
-
capacity
2.5 Gallons
capacity
1 Gallons
capacity
-

special features

Thermal Overload Protector
special features
PRESSURE DETECTION
special features
Lightweight, Automatic Shut-Off
special features
Heavy Duty
special features
-
special features
Portable, Heavy Duty
special features
-

noise level

68 dB
noise level
5 dB
noise level
78 dB
noise level
-
noise level
69 dB
noise level
-
noise level
-

manufacturer part number

-
manufacturer part number
-
manufacturer part number
10000
manufacturer part number
CKMTA12
manufacturer part number
-
manufacturer part number
3.5CFM Onboard Air Compressor
manufacturer part number
150PSI Heavy Duty Air Compressor

batteries included

No
batteries included
No
batteries included
-
batteries included
-
batteries included
No
batteries included
-
batteries included
-

item package quantity

1
item package quantity
1
item package quantity
-
item package quantity
-
item package quantity
1
item package quantity
-
item package quantity
-

batteries required

No
batteries required
No
batteries required
-
batteries required
-
batteries required
No
batteries required
-
batteries required
-

maximum power

-
maximum power
-
maximum power
-
maximum power
0.13 Horsepower
maximum power
2.5 Horsepower
maximum power
3.5 Horsepower
maximum power
-

Review

Review
-
Review Review
-
Review
-
Review
-
Review
-

Available On

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Our Top 3 Picks

Here are the top 3 recommended products with more information to help you find the right product for you
  • 9.6
    1
    VIAIR
    13% Off

    VIAIR Constant Duty OBA Onboard Air System with 450C Air Compressor & 2.5 Gallon Tank, 12V Offroad Compressor, 150 PSI, up to 37" Tires

    9.1 worth the money
    8.9 Easy installation
    8.9 Simple to use

    Why we love it

    37 tire inflation
    Easy installation
    150 PSI max pressure
  • 9.5
    2
    ARB

    ARB CKMA12 On-Board Air Compressor High Performance 12 Volt for Air Locker Differentials and Tire Inflation

    9.3 Simple to use
    8.6 Easy installation
    8.6 worth the money

    Why we love it

    Lightweight, high strength engineering-grade materials.
    Quiet operation and long-lasting quality components.
    Reduced friction with hard-anodized cylinder bore.
  • 9.4
    3
    VIAIR

    VIAIR (10000) Ultra Light Air System

    8.6 Simple to use
    8.4 Easy installation
    7.9 worth the money

    Why we love it

    Compact and easy to install.
    Comes with essential accessories included.
    Efficient for on-road and off-road tasks.

Onboard Air Compressor For Off Road Buyer's Guide

Written by Leanna Gil

Introduction

Onboard air compressor for off road is an essential tool for any off-roader. It is used for a variety of air-related tasks such as inflating tires, powering air tools, and even as an emergency brake system. When looking for an onboard air compressor, there are several key features to consider such as power, portability, and pressure capacity. This buying guide will provide an overview of the different types of onboard air compressors, explain their features, and highlight the important factors to consider when selecting the right air compressor for off-roading.

Types of Onboard Air Compressors

Onboard air compressors come in both electric and engine-powered varieties. Electric models are typically used in cars, trucks, and SUVs, while engine-powered models are often found in heavy-duty off-roading vehicles. Both types of compressors offer a variety of benefits and features, including portability, power, and pressure. Electric models are often more compact, lightweight, and powerful than engine-powered models. However, engine-powered models can generate more pressure and are more durable.

Power

The power output of the compressor is an important factor to consider. Many electric models offer portable and powerful compressors with a power output of up to 15 amps. On the other hand, engine-powered models can provide up to 30 amps of power. It is important to determine the power output required for the intended tasks, as this will help to determine the right compressor for the job.

Portability

The size and weight of the air compressor are also important factors to consider. Electric models tend to be smaller and lighter than engine-powered models, which makes them more portable and easier to transport. Additionally, many electric models come with a carrying case or bag, making them even easier to transport. On the other hand, engine-powered models are typically larger and heavier, but they are also more durable and can generate more pressure.

Pressure Capacity

The pressure capacity of the compressor is another important consideration. Most electric models can generate a maximum pressure of up to 150 PSI, while engine-powered models can generate up to 200 PSI. It is important to determine the maximum pressure needed for the intended task, as this will help to determine the right compressor for the job.

Conclusion

When choosing an onboard air compressor for off-roading, it is important to consider the power output, portability, and pressure capacity. Electric models are typically more compact, lightweight, and powerful than engine-powered models. However, engine-powered models are more durable and can generate more pressure. It is important to determine the power output, portability, and pressure capacity required for the intended tasks, as this will help to determine the right compressor for the job.

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