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Equipment Tests > 12-Volt Air Compressor Comparison
12-Volt Air Compressor Comparison
Could not test in lab due to high current draw.
Warn Air Power VTC
V twin compressor. Claimed continuous duty cycle for 3-hours at 90psi. Integrated intercooler. Claimed maximum 100psi with pressure switch, fan cooled motor, blow off (drain) valve. Must purchase Warn Air Accessory upgrade kit for hoses at $192.50. Very small air cleaner compared to most on test. Draws 120 amp. Built in 3.78-litre air tank makes it compatible with some air tools. Claimed 566L/min at 0psi. A bit large to really be called portable like most on test and a high chance of damaging your battery or alternator if used too long. Could not test in lab due to high current draw
ARB CKMP12
Made in Australia. Hard case provides great protection.
50 percent claimed duty cycle - 30-minutes on / 30-minutes off. 105 pound pressure cut off switch, which also allows unit to be left on when air line is removed from tyre. 40 amp inline fuse. ON/Off switch in case. Lid is designed to switch compressor off when closed - great safety feature. High quality heat resistant air line is easy to unravel. Large diameter sintered bronze air cleaner rated for fine bull dust is unique. Very fast to inflate tyres given the small physical build. One of the few compressors that is not a 'copy' of another unit. Test ended at 95psi due to pressure cut of switch activating.
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ARB SIDEWINDER
Twin cylinder with plastic heat shields over heads and body, soft carry bag, claimed max 150psi, large air filter is built in and well protected from damage, switch box with circuit breaker (eliminates fuse), deflation chuck, sand tray, handle folds down for storage. Shroud on motor prevented us measuring max temperatures.
OPPOSITE LOCK BLUE TONGUE
100 percent duty cycle to 50psi, No On/Off switch, soft bag, small diameter air filter, quality hose, fan cooled, made by Thomas in USA. Stopped lab test at 100psi as hose started to separate from brass fittings.
OPPOSITE LOCK TWIN TONGUE
Made by Thomas in USA. Hard case provides great protection. 160psi claimed max pressure, 7m high pressure, heat resistant hose, On/Off switch on box, fan cooled, thermal protection, small air filter.
TJM OX AIR
Made by Thomas in USA. Soft carry bag, claimed max pressure 150psi, claimed service life of 2000 hours, claimed 30 percent duty cycle, sand tray, high pressure hose with brass fittings, thermal protection, small 2-stage foam/felt air cleaner, inline fuse, fan cooled, 5 year warranty and 2000 hour service life. Stopped lab test at 70 psi as hose blew off brass fitting due to hose becoming soft from heat.
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Warn Air Power VTC
V twin compressor. Claimed continuous duty cycle for 3-hours at 90psi. Integrated intercooler. Claimed maximum 100psi with pressure switch, fan cooled motor, blow off (drain) valve. Must purchase Warn Air Accessory upgrade kit for hoses at $192.50. Very small air cleaner compared to most on test. Draws 120 amp. Built in 3.78-litre air tank makes it compatible with some air tools. Claimed 566L/min at 0psi. A bit large to really be called portable like most on test and a high chance of damaging your battery or alternator if used too long. Could not test in lab due to high current draw
ARB CKMP12
Made in Australia. Hard case provides great protection.
50 percent claimed duty cycle - 30-minutes on / 30-minutes off. 105 pound pressure cut off switch, which also allows unit to be left on when air line is removed from tyre. 40 amp inline fuse. ON/Off switch in case. Lid is designed to switch compressor off when closed - great safety feature. High quality heat resistant air line is easy to unravel. Large diameter sintered bronze air cleaner rated for fine bull dust is unique. Very fast to inflate tyres given the small physical build. One of the few compressors that is not a 'copy' of another unit. Test ended at 95psi due to pressure cut of switch activating.
read on below advertisement
ARB SIDEWINDER
Twin cylinder with plastic heat shields over heads and body, soft carry bag, claimed max 150psi, large air filter is built in and well protected from damage, switch box with circuit breaker (eliminates fuse), deflation chuck, sand tray, handle folds down for storage. Shroud on motor prevented us measuring max temperatures.
OPPOSITE LOCK BLUE TONGUE
100 percent duty cycle to 50psi, No On/Off switch, soft bag, small diameter air filter, quality hose, fan cooled, made by Thomas in USA. Stopped lab test at 100psi as hose started to separate from brass fittings.
OPPOSITE LOCK TWIN TONGUE
Made by Thomas in USA. Hard case provides great protection. 160psi claimed max pressure, 7m high pressure, heat resistant hose, On/Off switch on box, fan cooled, thermal protection, small air filter.
TJM OX AIR
Made by Thomas in USA. Soft carry bag, claimed max pressure 150psi, claimed service life of 2000 hours, claimed 30 percent duty cycle, sand tray, high pressure hose with brass fittings, thermal protection, small 2-stage foam/felt air cleaner, inline fuse, fan cooled, 5 year warranty and 2000 hour service life. Stopped lab test at 70 psi as hose blew off brass fitting due to hose becoming soft from heat.
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