The use of a portable air compressor is an essential part of off-road life. There are many instances where deflating your 4×4’s tyres makes perfect sense, with the traction and ride quality gained enhancing both safety and performance when adventuring off the road.
In addition to helping you reduce the wear and tear sustained by your vehicle’s suspension, utilising an air compressor to deflate your tyres can unlock further benefits for the trail itself as The Good, the Bad and the RV details:
“Less wear and tear on the trail – Airing down a tire will reduce the amount of pressure a tire places on the ground (because the contact patch is larger, but the vehicle weight has not changed), reducing your impact on the trail.”
With surface contact increased, you can also harness improved grip and minimise the risk of tyre punctures with the help of an air compressor. When purchasing an air compressor that unlocks these benefits, there are two brands that will grab your attention – Sealey and ARB. Here we compare both so you can buy with confidence.
The Sealey Tyre Inflator
The Sealey Tyre Inflator and Mini Air Compressor is a popular product, and for good reason. With its fast inflation time (it takes tyres just 60 seconds to inflate from 0 to 30 PSI) and quick-release coupling, this product is billed as a handy, heavy-duty option that can be used to inflate the tyres of cars, vans and 4x4s.
Supplied in a storage bag, complete with power cord, clamps, high-pressure hose with screw-on connector and additional accessories including ball needles and adaptors for inflatables, the Sealey Tyre Inflator is often the first choice for those looking for a compact air compressor that can be transported everywhere and anywhere. But, unknown to most, there is an air compressor that outranks the Sealey Tyre Inflator in every category…
The ARB Compressor Bundle
For everything you need to inflate and deflate during off-roading, camping, fishing or hunting, the ARB High Output Air Compressor Inflation Kit Bundle 12v should be your go-to product.
This high-quality compressor kit contains all the accessories, air tools and air filters you need to enjoy ease and efficiency, whatever your surroundings. It can be used to complete a long list of tasks, including those that require specific models for air locker activation.
Its durable construction and finish mean this air compressor can be with you not just for the journey but every journey to come, giving you the freedom to set the appropriate tyre pressure for your specific adventure and increasing your traction across a wide range of off-road environments.
Sealey vs ARB – which is better?
Priced in a similar category, we understand that it could be difficult to choose between a Sealey Tyre Inflator and ARB Air Compressor, but, in our eyes, the decision is rather clear-cut.
Despite their ‘heavy duty’ label, Sealey portable compressors are largely plastic shelled with lower quality hosing and gauges. With this, they simply can’t provide the durability needed for continued use in rugged settings.
ARB on the other hand offers three different capacity compressors for use, so you’ll always have access to the compressor that best suits your needs. These compressors are highly portable thanks to the rigid storage/carry case that comes as standard as part of the ARB Compressor Bundle. Alternatively, they can be permanently fitted within the vehicle and activated via a switch on the dashboard.
ARB compressor units are sealed for optimum moisture and dust resistance. Their cylinder bores are hard-anodized for reduced friction, whilst the wider compressor is also equipped with an over-pressure safety valve. The motor is internally thermally protected against extreme temperature damage too. All these features mean the ARB compressor range is designed to last and ready for use, even in harsh conditions.
For further information about the ARB High Output Air Compressor Inflation Kit Bundle 12v, please click here.
