The Silver Fox LJ Build

The newer brushless single (CKBLA12) looks like a win. The specs are nice. It’s rather compact. Will do more than what my present compressor can do. Has a fan. Parts like solenoids and other small parts are transferable. I’m going to see if I can get this dumb bolt in and start it up. If so I’ll run it. If not I’m buying the newer version. About $600. 😒

https://store.arbusa.com/brushless-single-motor-onboard-12v-air-compressor-ckbla12/
 
I'll throw another vote in for running a minimal compressor for lockers and carrying the M18 inflator. I have one as my "OBA" supply and its very nice. Its light, versatile (can use it as a blow gun, use it to inflate tubes and rafts, sports balls, etc), and it uses the same batteries as all my other stuff (mainly my M18 Impact).
One of these days, I'll get a small inverter and install an M18 charger in the Jeep.
 
The newer brushless single (CKBLA12) looks like a win. The specs are nice. It’s rather compact. Will do more than what my present compressor can do. Has a fan. Parts like solenoids and other small parts are transferable. I’m going to see if I can get this dumb bolt in and start it up. If so I’ll run it. If not I’m buying the newer version. About $600. 😒

https://store.arbusa.com/brushless-single-motor-onboard-12v-air-compressor-ckbla12/

The locker only compressor, even though discontinued, may be able to be purchased from existing stock. I just ordered one from 4WP for a spare so I'll see if I get it.

https://www.4wheelparts.com/product/compressor-sml-air-locker-12v-cksa12/Default.aspx
 
They still have 2 single motor options available.

https://store.arbusa.com/single-motor-onboard-12v-air-compressor-ckma12/

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New brushless version

https://store.arbusa.com/brushless-single-motor-onboard-12v-air-compressor-ckbla12/

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The Twin is still fast enough that I can fill other people's tires. 😉

Overall, including setup and takedown time, I suspect the M18 is nearly as quick.

That’s what I should have done before buying the new brush cap. Then I could just use the old one for parts.

Double or single? I have a single and I fabbed up a mount since things are very tight due to the hilines. It might be trouble trying to figure out how to mount the double. Plus, the double is pretty expensive these days. If the single is fine, and it seemed to be working fine before, then that would be what I’d opt for.

I have and like the speed of the ARB twin. I got it for on board air when I had 2 e-lockers. My current rear now has an ARB only because Eaton has no Dana 44 e-locker compatible with 33 spline shafts. Though I have had zero issues with that ARB, it is an additional layer of complexity vs the e-locker.

One issue I didn’t anticipate with the twin is there is no built in reservoir (edit: manifold) like some (all?) of their smaller compressors have. So you need to buy and set up one to run lockers with the twin.
 
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One issue I didn’t anticipate with the twin is there is no built in reservoir like some (all?) of their smaller compressors have. So you need to buy and set up one to run lockers with the twin.
Is this only with the new brushless twin?
I have ARB lockers with the original twin...
 
The locker only compressor, even though discontinued, may be able to be purchased from existing stock. I just ordered one from 4WP for a spare so I'll see if I get it.

https://www.4wheelparts.com/product/compressor-sml-air-locker-12v-cksa12/Default.aspx
I learned a long time ago to buy spares when I find something I like. That rule doesn't just apply to vehicle parts, either. I have a spare of this compressor on the shelf, and this is exactly why I do that! It's sad that they discontinued it, but maybe they're working on a brushless version?
 
I learned a long time ago to buy spares when I find something I like. That rule doesn't just apply to vehicle parts, either. I have a spare of this compressor on the shelf, and this is exactly why I do that! It's sad that they discontinued it, but maybe they're working on a brushless version?

The brushless will probably nearly double the price if they make one and this one works so well that I see no reason to pay more.
 
The brushless will probably nearly double the price if they make one and this one works so well that I see no reason to pay more.

I would argue that while it might increase the price it'll also increase the performance and capabilities. Now maybe you don't need this to air up tires yourself but others might who don't want or need the twin motor compressor...

And they do still have a brushed version...
 
I would argue that while it might increase the price it'll also increase the performance and capabilities. Now maybe you don't need this to air up tires yourself but others might who don't want or need the twin motor compressor...

And they do still have a brushed version...

The one for lockers is not for tire filling and would be the wrong choice if that’s the desire.
 
The one for lockers is not for tire filling and would be the wrong choice if that’s the desire.

Show me where it says it can't be used for airing up tires??? By their wording it would seem to be suggesting it CAN be used to air up tires...

https://store.arbusa.com/brushless-single-motor-onboard-12v-air-compressor-ckbla12/

ARB has expanded its line of premium air compressors with the new Brushless series. Long known as a leader in onboard and portable air compressors, the new ARB Brushless lineup offers the ultimate air compressors, featuring brushless electric motors, built in fans for active cooling, cutting-edge smart technology, and an impressive 50% increase in air output compared to ARB’s current market-leading compressors. ARB Brushless Air Compressors are compatible with ARB’s existing range of air accessories and hose kits, and ARB Air Lockers, making upgrading your current air system super easy! ARB Brushless Air Compressors allow you to spend less time inflating, and more time having fun: Quick Air, More Adventures.
 
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Show me where it says it can't be used for airing up tires??? By their wording it would seem to be suggesting it CAN be used to air up tires...

https://store.arbusa.com/brushless-single-motor-onboard-12v-air-compressor-ckbla12/

ARB has expanded its line of premium air compressors with the new Brushless series. Long known as a leader in onboard and portable air compressors, the new ARB Brushless lineup offers the ultimate air compressors, featuring brushless electric motors, built in fans for active cooling, cutting-edge smart technology, and an impressive 50% increase in air output compared to ARB’s current market-leading compressors. ARB Brushless Air Compressors are compatible with ARB’s existing range of air accessories and hose kits, and ARB Air Lockers, making upgrading your current air system super easy! ARB Brushless Air Compressors allow you to spend less time inflating, and more time having fun: Quick Air, More Adventures.

That’s not the one I bought
 
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That’s not the one I bought

And I was referencing the NEW brushless version....

And in the Q&I section when asked about filling tires they don't say NOT to...

Chip
Verified User
Q: is this a all position, can I mount this vertical like the smaller CKMA12 that I had before? Can I use it as a off/on tire inflater only? I saw the answer to one question was that the fan continued to run after you turn off switch. So there is a hot wire going to it even turned off?
A: This compressor is powered by a brushless motor. The speed controller on the motor will run the fan after you finished pumping air, if it needs to. It does have constant 12 V power. The switch operates more like a signal to a solenoid.
 
And I was referencing the NEW brushless version....

And in the Q&I section when asked about filling tires they don't say NOT to...

Chip
Verified User
Q: is this a all position, can I mount this vertical like the smaller CKMA12 that I had before? Can I use it as a off/on tire inflater only? I saw the answer to one question was that the fan continued to run after you turn off switch. So there is a hot wire going to it even turned off?
A: This compressor is powered by a brushless motor. The speed controller on the motor will run the fan after you finished pumping air, if it needs to. It does have constant 12 V power. The switch operates more like a signal to a solenoid.

I’m talking about the compressor that’s $249.99 for running lockers only.
 
That’s not the one I bought

And even their new brushed compressor says it can be used to fill tires...

https://store.arbusa.com/single-motor-onboard-12v-air-compressor-ckma12/

Few 4x4 accessories offer as many advantages to off-roaders as readily available on-board air. Considered by 4x4 owners around the world to be a staple accessory for off road travel, an ARB 4x4 Air Compressor provides an immediate source of compressed air anywhere a 12 or 24 volt power source is available. Tires perform best when they are set at a pressure that is appropriate for the terrain. While highway use calls for a relatively high pressure rate, lowering your air pressure will dramatically improve your 4x4s traction in a range of off road environments. Compressed air allows you the freedom to adjust the tire inflation level of your truck to suit the conditions. An equally beneficial feature of on-board air is the ability to re-inflate tires that have been repaired - it is not unusual to get several punctures in one day when traveling in extreme off-road conditions. In this environment, the value of owning an air compressor is priceless. When coupled with good quality tire repair equipment, an ARB air compressor provides the off road traveler with independence and peace of mind. ARB 4x4 Air Compressors are individually leak tested, current draw tested and flow tested under load at the factory before packaging and come with a comprehensive 2 year warranty. And ARBs after-sales service is second to none with many of the compressor components readily available and easily sourced. Along with ARB Air Compressors, ARB also offers a range of tire accessories including tire deflators, tire inflators and tire repair kit. A perfect pairing with ARB Air Compressors. ;
 
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I’m talking about the compressor that’s $249.99 for running lockers only.

And ARB doesn't offer it anymore as YOU said....

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You said the brushless would increase the price and all I said was that there would be some GOOD things to this...
 
Looks like they just did away with the mini-compressor option...

The primary difference between the ARB CKSA12 and CKMA12 air compressors is their intended application: the CKSA12 is a mini unit built strictly for activating air lockers, while the CKMA12 is a larger high-output single-motor system designed to run air lockers and inflate vehicle tires.

Performance and Specifications
    • CKSA12 (Compact Mini): Delivers an air flow of 0.98 CFM at 0 PSI with a 35% duty cycle, making it too small for efficient tire inflation.
    • CKMA12 (Single High Output): Delivers a much stronger air flow of 3.08 CFM at 0 PSI with a 50% duty cycle, capable of pumping up tires up to 35 inches.

Size and Installation
    • CKSA12: More compact and lightweight, making it easy to tuck into tight spaces when you only need to power front and rear differential lockers.
    • CKMA12: Larger footprint and draws more maximum amperage (32 A vs lower on the mini), requiring a bit more engine bay or interior room to mount safely.
 
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