What compressor?

[Steele]

So it seems my compressor has died after about 10 years, and time for replacement. So here's the question- what compressor do you use (make, flow rate, etc) and what size tyres are you running? Happy with the performance?

[Pieter B]

I'm currently using a 70l T-Max compressor. It's a nice size physically and does a decent job on the 33's. But if it ever konks in I'll have a look at the 160l compressor at Adendorfs. At R1600 they're a real steal.

[Tinus lotz]

Compressor quality is going for a ball of stink stuff .... getting prices on TRE stuff will update soonest

[izakjbrt]

I use my ol cheap moto quip 160L that I bought at checkers a long time ago and so far I've never had an issue

[SCUBA Patrol]

Het hierdie een 'n jaar terug by 4x4direct.co.za gekoop, totdusver nie 'n beat gemis nie...

https://4x4direct.co.za/tyre-care/9234- ... 61683.html

[Peter Connan]

I have an opinion (as usual):

I think the ones you buy from any of the major 4x4 and camping outlets, as well as places like Adendorf's are all of similar quality.
I also believe how long it lasts has far more to do with how you treat it than with which one you bought.
Keep it dry and dust-free and don't let it get too hot, and it will probably last decades.
Anything over 70L/min will mean you will be the one waiting for your buddies, rather than the other way round.

Keep it inside the car, don't let it stand on the ground (IE keep it in the box or bag it came in while using it or mount it inside your vehicle) and don't pump more than 4 tyres at a time (unless it's an emergency).

The above does NOT apply to the specialised (and generally far more expensive) compressors that are specifically designed to be mounted in a car's engine bay. IE, stuff like ARB or the other air locker compressors. On those, the seals and valves are made from very different materials and they can last in the substantially higher temperatures of an engine bay. Even on those though, if mounted in the engine bay or in a bull-bar or elsewhere outside the cab, I would fit a commercial 5-micron water trap/filter combo. Those are pretty cheap (R2-300 max), and worth their price in my opinion.
If your buddies don't bring and use their own compressors, get one of these...

[Steele]

Thanks for the feedback gents.

Peter - I think you are right about the generic compressors, they all look identical. Like they come out the same factory and just have different stickers slapped on. That being said, this is probably the route I will go as budget doesn't allow for the onboard type like ARB etc. I will probably mount it in an old battery box I have and mount that next to the dual battery in the boot.

Het hierdie een 'n jaar terug by 4x4direct.co.za gekoop, totdusver nie 'n beat gemis nie...

https://4x4direct.co.za/tyre-care/9234- ... 61683.html

I saw that one and liked the look of it. Do you have any issues with it getting hot being mounted in the box? Also they are currently out of stock

Was looking at possibly this one from 4x4direct. Good price, not sure on quality though....

https://4x4direct.co.za/recovery-gear/5 ... 58727.html

[SCUBA Patrol]

Gareth,
I have no issues with the unit getting hot, the coupling between the compressor and the hose is getting piping hot, but the compressor head not that high. One needs to remember this unit pumps air at a rate and that the compressing of air creates heat and moisture so you will never get away from heat. But using it within limits will prolong the life of the unit. I used a small 30l/min unit previously that lasted 15 years thou I usually used diving cylinder to fill tires after traveling on the beach of Moz or, in the good old days, Natal so spared the 30l/min unit for this time.