by Matt Konkle
Managing Editor
The loud hiss erupted just after a jagged rock obstacle on the Top of the World trail in Moab, Utah, sheared off our rear driver side tire valve stem during the recent Easter Jeep Safari week. Within mere seconds, the tire was totally flat, causing us to back off the obstacle, pull to the trail edge and get to work on a fix.
Sure, one solution involved pulling off the Jeep’s spare and replacing the flat tire. However, with the uneven ground and beefy 37-inch tires, we decided to go in a different direction.
A direction that actually makes sense for virtually everyone who encounters a flat tire, or simply needs to air up their tires when that pressure is low.
A Jeep air compressor.
Luckily for us, we brought along the new ARB Brushless On Board Twin Air Compressor Kit, as well as a few emergency valve stem replacements.
Within a few minutes, we had a new valve stem in place, and the ARB Brushless Compressor deftly filled that flat tire to our desired pressure. Not long after, we were back on the trail and completed the ride.
Now, for most, you’ll likely never shear off a valve stem, but those tires on your Jeep will certainly require more air over time thanks to temperature fluctuations. And if your plans involve off-roading, you will absolutely want a compressor at the end of a trail day to get those tires back up to road pressure.
These days, there are plenty of compressor options on the market — some faster at inflating tires than others. You may, like we do, love the top end ARB Brushless Compressor, or are looking at a PowerTank system. Maybe you just want a simple portable setup so you can refill those tires from time to time and avoid using gas station air machines.
So, after returning from EJS, we sat down and compiled a list of air compressors that fit into a good, better, and best category — all so you can determine what best fits your needs.
Good:
Quadratec RES-Q 30 Amp Portable Air Compressor
Why It's Good:
The RES-Q 30 Amp Portable Air Compressor provides users with a solid balance between performance and affordability, and has been extremely popular since it first hit the market about two years ago.
It utilizes a quick-release hose, as well as positive and negative clamps that attach to your Jeep’s battery, and features a 12-volt permanent magnetic motor with a 33 percent duty cycle at 100 psi — meaning it can efficiently maintain a 30 psi flow rate for up to 60 minutes per session.
The kit also includes an analog gauge so you can measure a tire’s current psi, and a carry bag designed to fit everything in one location, so it is super portable.
Key Features:
- 2.50 cubic feet of air per minute (CFM) @ 0 PSI
- Max continuous use of 1 hour at 30 PSI
- Analog gauge to measure tire pressure
- Protective switch cover to prevent dirt ingress
- Includes carrying bag for easy transport
Ideal For:
Jeep owners seeking a reliable, budget-friendly compressor for occasional off-road use.
Smittybilt Heavy Duty Air Compressor Kit
Why It's Good:
Portable and compact, the Smittybilt Heavy Duty Air Compressor Kit is certainly a strong alternative at this entry level, thanks to a powerful 12-volt motor and 72 liters per minute of airflow.
It includes allegator battery clamps, anti-vibration rubber feet for stability, a 24-foot coiled air hose, pressure gauge, and a storage bag, making it a solid all-in-one kit for airing up to 37-inch tires in around four minutes, or handling emergency inflation tasks on the trail. It’s also thermally protected to prevent overheating.
Key Features:
- 5.65 CFM @ 0 PSI
- Maximum pressure: 150 PSI
- Integrated 150 PSI pressure gauge
- Quick-release 24-foot coil hose
- Auto-thermal cutoff switch
- Rubberized feet for excellent stability
Ideal For:
Jeep owners who want high performance at a budget price, and a compressor powerful enough for larger tires and quick inflation needs.
VIAIR 400P Portable Air Compressor
Why It's Good:
Over the years, we’ve used this VIAIR system plenty of times during local trips to Rausch Creek and Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area, and it never let us down after a long day on the trails.
This unit features a high-output, 12V compressor that’s fast, reliable, and extremely durable thanks to an oil-less design, permanent magnetic motor, stainless steel valves and dual-stage metal air filter. Under most conditions, it can inflate a tire from trail to road pressure in around four to five minutes.
It also includes a three-piece inflator tip kit, PSI gauge, dual 40 amp battery clamps, and everything can be packed in a rugged carry bag. With a 33% duty cycle and a 150 PSI max, it’s one of the most trusted compressors at this level.
Key Features:
- 2.3 CFM @ 0 PSI (working pressure up to 150 PSI)
- 33% duty cycle at 100 PSI
- Heavy-duty carry bag, hose, and battery clamps included
- Inflates 35-inch tires in minutes
- Stainless steel valves and dual-stage metal air filter
Ideal For:
Off-roaders who want portable performance from a long-standing brand, especially those with mid- to large-size tires.
Better:
ARB Portable Air Compressor
Why It's Better:
ARB’s Portable Air Compressor is a step up in both performance and build quality, and features a 12-volt motor that pushes 3.08 CFM at 0 PSI with a 50 percent 30/30 duty cycle.
Designed for durability, it comes in a robust polypropylene carry case, has Teflon impregnated carbon fiber piston seals, and includes a nine-foot air hose, making it versatile for various inflation needs. Additionally, its stainless steel heat shield covers hot touch areas of the compressor, which makes it safer to operate. Inside, that motor is thermally protected against extreme temperatures, and components are IP55 rated for weather resistance.
Key Features:
- 12-volt, thermally protected motor for enhanced durability
- Durable carry case for protection and portability
- 3.08 CFM at 0 PSI
- Nine-foot air hose included
- IP55 Weatherproof rating
- Quiet operation with quality components
Ideal For:
Jeep enthusiasts who require a dependable, portable compressor with enhanced durability and versatility.
VIAIR 450P Portable Compressor
Why It's Better:
The VIAIR 450P Automatic Portable Compressor stands out for its 100 percent duty cycle at 100 PSI, which means it can run far longer than other compressors in this range, making multi-tire inflation quicker and easier. It is also especially useful for those Jeepers who air up multiple vehicles when the trail day is over, and want something that will not overheat.
This unit also includes an auto-shutoff feature and will only run when the trigger is pressed. It features a 12-volt permanent magnetic motor, allegator battery clips with 40-amp inline fuse holder, analog pressure gauge, stainless steel valves, oil-less design, dual-stage metal air filter, and includes a three piece inflation tip kit.
When the compressor is not in use, you can store everything away in a dual-compartment carry bag for easy portability.
Key Features:
- 100% duty cycle @ 100 PSI
- Automatic shutoff to conserve power and reduce hassle
- Inflates up to 37-inch tires within minutes
- 12-volt permanent magnetic motor
- Stainless steel valves and dual-stage metal air filter
- Includes carry bag, gauge, and air hose
Ideal For:
Jeep owners who value convenience, safety, and the ability to inflate multiple tires, as well as vehicles, back-to-back without waiting for the unit to cool.
Thor’s Lightning 12V True Dual Portable Air Compressor
Why It's Better:
Designed specifically for Jeep Wrangler JL owners, the Thor’s Lightning 12V True Dual Air Compressor brings serious output in a highly portable package. It uses dual motors for rapid inflation—capable of filling four 35-inch tires in minutes—and comes bundled with everything you need: dual air lines, quick-connect couplers, a digital tire inflator and a rugged carrying case.
Unlike many other portable compressors, the Thor’s Lightning Dual Portable Air Compressor is designed specifically with trail use in mind, offering high airflow (over 10 CFM total), a clean dual-hose setup, and compatibility with JL factory battery terminals. It’s about as plug-and-play as a high-performance portable compressor gets.
Key Features:
- Dual motor compressor with over 10 CFM airflow
- Includes dual air lines and digital tire inflator
- Quick-connect couplers and JL battery terminal adapters
- Comes in a heavy-duty carry case
- Inflates four 35-inch tires fast and evenly
Ideal For:
Wrangler JL drivers who want the speed of an onboard system with the flexibility and convenience of a premium portable setup—all without permanent installation.
Best:
ARB Brushless On Board Twin Air Compressor Kit
Why It's the Best:
ARB’s newest innovation, the Brushless On Board Twin Air Compressor, improves everything from the original twin compressor design. With a new brushless motor, this compressor has a 100 percent duty cycle for continuous use, runs cooler, lasts longer, and is 50 percent more efficient. It maintains high airflow (6.1 CFM), includes integrated Bluetooth connectivity for diagnostics and control via ARB’s app, and is built for extreme duty use—whether you're inflating 40-inch tires or powering air tools deep in the wilderness.
Additionally, its IP67 Water Resistant rating means it can be mounted almost anywhere, while voltage and overload protection guards against power spikes or drops, as well as motor stalls. And its Smart Start system has a staggered power-on that reduces the power spike at start up, which helps out vehicles with smaller charging systems.
Key Features:
- Brushless motor: longer life, lower maintenance
- 6.1 CFM high-output airflow
- Bluetooth-enabled for remote diagnostics and app control
- 100% duty cycle for continuous use
- Reinforced design and IP67-rated for rugged off-road conditions
Ideal For:
Hardcore Jeepers, overlanders, and pros who want maximum performance, durability, and smart tech integration in their air system.
Kleinn Onboard Air System with Air Compressor And Tire Inflation Kit
Why It's the Best:
The Kleinn Onboard Air System is a high-capacity, vehicle-specific solution designed to handle not only tire inflation but also air horn support and air tool use. It features a 150 PSI-rated waterproof compressor and a 2.8-gallon air tank, mounted in a vehicle-specific (JK or JL) bracket system that tucks under the chassis. This makes it an ideal choice for those who want maximum airflow with factory-level integration.
With a 100 percent duty cycle at 100 PSI and 2.0 CFM, the Kleinn system quickly inflates 37-inch tires so you can get off the trail and on the road faster, while its 30-foot hose and digital pressure gauge ensure proper reading and ease of use for all tires.
Key Features:
- 150 PSI waterproof air compressor
- 2.8-gallon air tank with custom mounting brackets
- Designed for seamless fit on 4-door JK/JL models
- Ideal for tire inflation, lockers, air horns and tools
- 100 percent duty cycle at 100 PSI and 2.0 CFM ensures continuous use without overheating
Ideal For:
Wrangler JK/JK Unlimited owners who want a professionally integrated onboard air system with serious capacity, power, and multi-use functionality—without compromising space or aesthetics.
Power Tank 10 lb. Portable CO₂ Air System
Why It's the Best:
From east coast trails at Windrock, Burning Rock, Rausch and AOAA, to Johnson Valley, California, as well as during numerous Tread Lightly! trail improvement projects, many of us have used this Power Tank system for years.
It is perfect for Jeepers who prioritize speed and portability, and the Power Tank 10 lb. kit always delivers. This system utilizes compressed CO₂ to deliver rapid inflation—airing up a 35-inch tire in under 30 seconds. And since it doesn’t have to attach to the vehicle’s battery, you can move the tank next to each tire for ease of operation.
The tank features a powder-coated aluminum finish for durability, and utilizes a SuperFlow HP250i Regulator that delivers 250 PSI with a flow rating of 45 CFM—helping you get off the trail and on the road that much faster.
Key Features:
- 10 lb. aluminum powder-coated CO₂ tank
- SuperFlow HPX regulator with 250 PSI output
- 25-foot coiled hose with Super Coupler
- Includes HD Tire Inflator and PSI Gauge
- Mounting bracket and tank boot for secure storage
Ideal For:
Off-road enthusiasts seeking a high-performance, portable air system that delivers rapid tire inflation and can power air tools, all without the need for electrical connections.
