ARB high output on board vs VIAIR 400p

starkey480

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Trying to decide between getting the ARB high output on board compressor that runs for $287 or the VIAIR 400p automatic portable compressor for $247. I will only be filling up tires no lockers or tools. Pros and cons? Would On-Board do anything for me if all I’m doing is filling tires? Arb is 3 cfm and VIAIR is 2.3 at 0 psi.
 
I don't have an answer to your question, but I have been looking at the Zenith OB2. It's a bit more expensive at $360, but pushes out 4.25 CFM, and has some good reviews. Just another option.
 
Upon further investigation I would need to get a mount and tire filling kit so the arb would be over $100 more. Probably gonna go VIAIR (especially since I already ordered it haha)
 
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ARB hands down. It is designed for this stuff while the Viair is really designed for high pressure applications like air suspension. Those low CFM numbers really matter.

Edit: you can certainly hard mount the compressor for on-board if that's what you mean, if you mean a belt driven compressor that's a whole different ballpark

And to edit again since you already got the Viair, it's great too! It'll get you back on the road.
 
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This is the kit I run. (linked below) But, I modified it so I can plug my air hose in next to the bumper instead of having to open the hood. It fills up a 35" tire from 10psi to 25psi in roughly 2 min each.

I have no experience with the viair system so I can't speak for it.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TXRM272/?tag=wranglerorg-20
 
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I have (embarrassed to say) the Ryobi 18v air compressor that I use for filling tires. Even wagon and tractor tires. It is small and portable and it seems I only need tire air when away from the shop compressor. It isn't as fast as an onboarding air is, but I can take it anywhere and with any vehicle I want. If the rest of your group is getting annoyed waiting for you to air up, then I would go elsewhere, otherwise it is a great little item. I use their impact, driver, and other items almost daily and they don't let me down.
 
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I have the Viair 400p and really like it. I’ve never used the ARB so I can’t comment on it. The Viair comes with a nice carrying bag and plenty of line to reach the back corners of the Jeep. I transfer mine between vehicles so it’s not permanently mounted. Picked it up on eBay for $210 a few months back

Just checked, they have it for $170!
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/352001153699
 
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I have the Viair 400p and really like it. I’ve never used the ARB so I can’t comment on it. The Viair comes with a nice carrying bag and plenty of line to reach the back corners of the Jeep. I transfer mine between vehicles so it’s not permanently mounted. Picked it up on eBay for $210 a few months back

Just checked, they have it for $170!
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/352001153699

I would suggest one with a 100% duty cycle. like the 450.
 
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I have the Viair 400p and really like it. I’ve never used the ARB so I can’t comment on it. The Viair comes with a nice carrying bag and plenty of line to reach the back corners of the Jeep. I transfer mine between vehicles so it’s not permanently mounted. Picked it up on eBay for $210 a few months back

Just checked, they have it for $170!
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/352001153699
Awesome glad to hear it serves you well! I already ordered the 400p automatic off amazon yesterday for $247. The automatic model sounds cool because it shuts off between each tire so I don’t have to go back to the unit. I started having a little buyers remorse at first when I discovered the ARB on board because “it’s just $100 more” but there’s always another better one for $100 more with a higher CFM and this isn’t necessarily where I want to put all my Jeep money.
 
This site contains affiliate links for which Jeep Wrangler TJ Forum may be compensated.
Awesome glad to hear it serves you well! I already ordered the 400p automatic off amazon yesterday for $247. The automatic model sounds cool because it shuts off between each tire so I don’t have to go back to the unit. I started having a little buyers remorse at first when I discovered the ARB on board because “it’s just $100 more” but there’s always another better one for $100 more with a higher CFM and this isn’t necessarily where I want to put all my Jeep money.

I aired up all 4 tires from 15 to 25psi last week and never shut mine off. The motor was a bit hot but nothing that really concerned me. I went with something that I knew had good reviews and was in my price range. For the handful of times I’ll use it each year, I think it’ll serve me well. If not, time to upgrade!
 
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I aired up all 4 tires from 15 to 25psi last week and never shut mine off. The motor was a bit hot but nothing that really concerned me. I went with something that I knew had good reviews and was in my price range. For the handful of times I’ll use it each year, I think it’ll serve me well. If not, time to upgrade!
Dang I didn’t know I could do that. I thought I would have had to turn it off each tire. Could have saved some money there. Oh well 🤷🏼‍♂️
 
Dang I didn’t know I could do that. I thought I would have had to turn it off each tire. Could have saved some money there. Oh well 🤷🏼‍♂️

Maybe it’s not advised? Lol I’ll do a little research. I also didn’t waste any time between tires. While ones filling, I go back and install the previous valve stem cap.
 
I hard mounted a Viair 400H. I have 31.5 inch tires and it airs those up reasonably fast.

IMG_1237.jpg
 
I would suggest one with a 100% duty cycle. like the 450.

I own a 400P portable kit, now a backup and used in other vehicles after I installed a Viair 400H hardmount compressor in my jeep.

compressor-installation-jpg.jpg


See: https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/how-to-simple-onboard-air-for-your-tj-lj-viair-400h.10235/

Two thoughts:

1. The 400 series is a very good value when on sale on Amazon. I purchased mine for about $160. Subscribe to an alert on this website and you will be notified when the item reaches your target price:

www.camelcamelcamel.com

2. The Viair 400 series compressors have a 20% greater output than the 450 series compressors, i.e. they are faster. The 400H puts out 2.30 cfm @ 0 psi and 1.75 cfm @ 40 psi whereas the 450 puts out only 1.80 cfm @ 0 psi and 1.39 cfm @ 40 psi. A 400 series compressor has a 33% duty cycle which means that it is rated by Viair to run for 20 minutes at 100 psi at 72*F ambient temperature before being allowed to cool for 40 minutes. This means that a compressor pushing against only 30-35 psi can run longer than 20 minutes although how much longer is not measured by Viair. Since jeepers seldom inflate a tire to more than 30-35 psi and the 400 series compressor can fill a 35" tire from 15 to 30 psi in 2:40 (+/- 5 sec.) and from 0-30 in 5:05 (+/- 15 sec.) this means that one can fill a set of four completely flat 35" tires before the duty cycle becomes a concern or two sets of aired down 35's. In the 6-7 years I've owned a Viair 400 series compressor I have aired up my own 35's and frequently someone else's 33 or 35" tires in the same session and I have never experienced any issues relating to duty cycle or overheating.

Given the choice between the 400 and 450 series compressors I picked the 400 for its 20% greater cfm rating and after using two of them over 6-7 years I still recommend the 400 over the 450.
 
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