LRNAD90
Well-known member
So I don't think I've seen this discussed in the recent past. If so my apologies. Like everything, technology marches forward, performance increases and size decreases. I have an old (25+ yo) Ready Air 12v compressor. It wasn't cheap (looks like it was about $550 back then), and was pretty impressive in it’s day (or at least I thought so).
It has been sitting in the corner of the garage for like a decade now, removed during another project and never re-installed as life took other directions.
As I consider reinstalling it, I wonder if it is worth it, or if I should look at another option. It is paid for, which is a definite plus when you look at the prices of anything quality these days, but it is pretty heavy and large for its specifications. It weighs in at 35 lbs, and is rated at 1.1 cfm @ 75psi, and just under 30A draw, maxing out at 120 psi with a continuous (100%) duty cycle.
Part of me says that it’s size/weight should translate to a robust/reliable piece of equipment, probably designed more for longevity than the majority of available replacements?
Anyone remember these? The compressor was made by Thomas and was also used in the original Hummer H1 for its CTIS system. I can’t seem to find it online anywhere anymore, but Grainer does list the Thomas Compressor for $1,500 ?!?! A sign of quality, or availability I’m not sure.
SIDE NOTE: Back in the day the idea of running air tools on the trail was appealing, but would require much more CFM and large air storage tanks, but battery powered tools are probably a much better option than air tools for field use in 2024 and beyond. So realistically, airing up tires is probably it’s only purpose going forward..
I know the ARB Dual is the ‘defacto standard’ these days for onboard air systems, and its specs put the old Ready Air to shame. Based on the information I find on ARB’s web site, it appears to be about 15 lbs lighter, and puts out about 3 times the cfm @ 75 psi, but at a higher amp draw (roughly double - Not sure the amp draw is really an issue, as it will likely only be used with the engine running, but..). Not too shabby, and I guess why this is such a popular choice.
Viair always seemed a light duty option in comparison to the Ready Air (to me), but they seem to have a great following, and have what they bill as heavier duty options these days, such as the 485C. the 485C is slightly better in performance than the old Ready Air, putting out 1.4 (ish) CFM at 75 psi, but drawing about 10A less current and weighing less than a third of the Read Air, and with a 100% duty cycle and much higher max pressure (not that this is really relevant). So slightly better performance, smaller foot print, 1/3 the weight and lower amp draw. But there never seems like a free lunch, so is durability lost (comparatively speaking) in the process?
The Extreme Air Endura is a similar option, again a smaller footprint, about a 1/3 the weight and slightly better specs..
All of the above options could probably be installed in the same location as the Ready Air once was, which is also a plus..
The Puma ¾ hp also seems to be popular. It puts out 1.36 CFM at 90 psi, so likely around 1.5 CFM at 75 psi, and is about half the weight, but draws more current and has a larger footprint, and would probably need to find a different home..
And of course the 12V top dog still seems to be the Oasis, putting out 9 CFM at 100 PSI, but drawing 170 A and weighing 65 lbs in the process (not to mention its humungous footprint), and way out of the reality of what I’m willing to invest in an onboard air system, particularly since (as mentioned) battery powered tools are probably a much better option than air tools these days..
This of course leaves out the engine driven option, but not willing to give up the AC compressor, and with no kits currently available that I am aware of, seem like a moot point..
So thoughts/ experience with current offerings vs the old Ready Air?
It has been sitting in the corner of the garage for like a decade now, removed during another project and never re-installed as life took other directions.
As I consider reinstalling it, I wonder if it is worth it, or if I should look at another option. It is paid for, which is a definite plus when you look at the prices of anything quality these days, but it is pretty heavy and large for its specifications. It weighs in at 35 lbs, and is rated at 1.1 cfm @ 75psi, and just under 30A draw, maxing out at 120 psi with a continuous (100%) duty cycle.
Part of me says that it’s size/weight should translate to a robust/reliable piece of equipment, probably designed more for longevity than the majority of available replacements?
Anyone remember these? The compressor was made by Thomas and was also used in the original Hummer H1 for its CTIS system. I can’t seem to find it online anywhere anymore, but Grainer does list the Thomas Compressor for $1,500 ?!?! A sign of quality, or availability I’m not sure.
SIDE NOTE: Back in the day the idea of running air tools on the trail was appealing, but would require much more CFM and large air storage tanks, but battery powered tools are probably a much better option than air tools for field use in 2024 and beyond. So realistically, airing up tires is probably it’s only purpose going forward..
I know the ARB Dual is the ‘defacto standard’ these days for onboard air systems, and its specs put the old Ready Air to shame. Based on the information I find on ARB’s web site, it appears to be about 15 lbs lighter, and puts out about 3 times the cfm @ 75 psi, but at a higher amp draw (roughly double - Not sure the amp draw is really an issue, as it will likely only be used with the engine running, but..). Not too shabby, and I guess why this is such a popular choice.
Viair always seemed a light duty option in comparison to the Ready Air (to me), but they seem to have a great following, and have what they bill as heavier duty options these days, such as the 485C. the 485C is slightly better in performance than the old Ready Air, putting out 1.4 (ish) CFM at 75 psi, but drawing about 10A less current and weighing less than a third of the Read Air, and with a 100% duty cycle and much higher max pressure (not that this is really relevant). So slightly better performance, smaller foot print, 1/3 the weight and lower amp draw. But there never seems like a free lunch, so is durability lost (comparatively speaking) in the process?
The Extreme Air Endura is a similar option, again a smaller footprint, about a 1/3 the weight and slightly better specs..
All of the above options could probably be installed in the same location as the Ready Air once was, which is also a plus..
The Puma ¾ hp also seems to be popular. It puts out 1.36 CFM at 90 psi, so likely around 1.5 CFM at 75 psi, and is about half the weight, but draws more current and has a larger footprint, and would probably need to find a different home..
And of course the 12V top dog still seems to be the Oasis, putting out 9 CFM at 100 PSI, but drawing 170 A and weighing 65 lbs in the process (not to mention its humungous footprint), and way out of the reality of what I’m willing to invest in an onboard air system, particularly since (as mentioned) battery powered tools are probably a much better option than air tools these days..
This of course leaves out the engine driven option, but not willing to give up the AC compressor, and with no kits currently available that I am aware of, seem like a moot point..
So thoughts/ experience with current offerings vs the old Ready Air?
all the other options are cool to consider, but when I’m airing up 4 tires I want fast n easy with acceptable v draw.
