Best Off Road Air Compressor (Review & Buyers Guide)

Best Off Road Air Compressor (Review & Buyers Guide)

Fill up your ATV with one of the best off road air compressor products.
Fill up your ATV or Truck with one of the best off road air compressor products.

A Guide to the Best Off Road Air Compressor Products

Off-road driving is incredibly popular across the United States of America, and it’s only growing more popular with drivers as time goes on. For many people in rural areas, they find it’s the best way to spend their free time. However, while off-road driving is fun, it can take a toll on a vehicle. Air leaks in tires are quite common, and it’s something you don’t want to let pass by without fixing. Your tires are incredibly important when it comes to safety and performance, and you will always want to make sure they’re fully filled with air. As a result, it is wise to invest money in one of the best air compressor products. Now, this is easier than it sounds because there are plenty of portable air compressor options available. However, there is some difficulty involved, because not all air compressors were created equally. While shopping around, you’ll undoubtedly find some quality air compressors, and some that don’t quite live up to our standards. For that reason, we have put together information on how to find a great air compressor for trail driving.

To find the best air compressor, it is wise to focus on three key areas: capacity, budget, and utilization. That way, drivers will know that they can get a good, reliable off-road air compressor for their vehicle. Now, keep in mind that this is not the best compressor for your shop. Rather, this is something that you will be able to take on the go for portable off-road air. Now, without any further ado, let us get right into our list and information:


VIAIR 20007 Air Source Tank 

As previously mentioned, capacity is really important when buying an air compressor. The right off-road air compressor will have enough power to fill up your tires with ease. This is measured through pounds per square inch. According to Lowes, anyone that wants a heavy-duty compressor wants one that can deliver a greater volume of air at higher pounds per square inch levels. The higher this number is, the faster and more reliably the compressor will be able to fill your tires with air. Well, this option has 200 PSI and has a relay-pressure switch to stop running when the pressure fills up (see specs). That should be more than enough to capably handle the tires on an off-roader, whether it’s an ATV or a truck.

The 4-pound size is very easy to transport and move around. So you can toss it in the back of your truck before you hit the dirt road, keeping in handy for whenever you need some extra air. However, the best part of this compressor involves the weather proof design. Drivers can rely on this compressor no matter what mother nature throws their way. Whether you find yourself in rain, snow, sleet, or any other inclement weather, you’ll be able to count on this air compressor to get the job done. As a result, this is one of the best air compressor options. Take a close look at the air compressor kit and decide if it’s the one for you.

VIAIR (20007 Air Source Tank


VIAIR 400P Portable Compressor 

Keeping an air compressor ready for action is not an easy task. Many air compressors aren’t designed to be used on the trail, so you must shop carefully for a reliable source of air for your tires. As a result, one of the best options for anyone on the go is a 12-volt operated compressor. This product low voltage rate allows for drivers to plug it right into their cigarette lighter (see specs). These air compressors are also pretty small, making them easy to haul around in a truck or even in a backpack or storage bag. Therefore, if you are looking for a very portable and convenient option then you will love this compressor. 

While this is a smaller-sized compressor, there is no sacrificing power with this product. The power of this kit can inflate a 35-inch tire from nearly 0 PSI to 30 PSI in less than 5 minutes. Because of that, this option is great for anyone that wants convenience and a quick fill up for the air in their tires. You will not have to wait around trying to fill up your tire after a fun drive off-road. Due to this, we believe this product is amongst the best off-road air compressors. 

VIAIR 400P Portable Compressor


California Air Tools CAT-1P1060s Light & Quiet Portable Air Compressor

If you are looking for a reliable and quiet option, then you will love this offroad air compressor. First of all, the Amazon reviews are absolutely stellar for this compressor. Also, buyers can get it for less than $100 which is an absolute steal, as most air compressors cost quite a bit more. Now, this is a product that is best for drivers that do not care about size. After all, it weighs nearly 30 pounds. That can make it a little more difficult to haul around compared to other air compressors on our list. So while it is not the heaviest compressor, make sure you can move this type of weight around often.

Whatever this option loses in size, it makes up for with convenience. This product emits sounds of up to 58 decibels which is very quiet. According to Quincy Compressor, average compressor emits a sound of up to 85 decibels. An oil-free design requires less maintenance, clean air, and can work in cold temperatures (see specs). So if you drive late into the night when it is chilly this compressor will have no issues. Therefore, this is truly amongst the best air compressor products!

California Air Tools CAT-1P1060S Light & Quiet Portable Air Compressor, Silver


Smittybilt 2781 5.65 CFM Universal Air Compressor (B004K25GMG)

This highly-recommended universal compressor is an affordable and impressive option for drivers looking for a way to keep their tires filled with air while off-roading. The maximum pressure of the compressor is 150 PSI, with a working PSI of 120. It uses a maximum of 45 amps, and uses a 12V motor powered directly from the vehicle’s battery. There is a 24 ft. quick release coil hose included, as well as a 10 ft. power cord, an E-Z twist brass inflator, and a nylon carrying case. It weights in at about 20 lbs., making it a pretty light choice for drivers. Not everyone wants to haul around a huge air compressor, so this is definitely something worth thinking about for any driver out there.

The compressor also includes an auto-thermal cutoff switch, protecting you and your motor against irreversible damage. Safety is an important but often overlooked aspect of air compressors, but you won’t have to worry here. It has a maximum continuous cycle time of 40 minutes at 40 PSI at 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Some customers even say there are some ways to easily customize this rig to make it even more efficient and effective. Finally, it has a maximum airflow of 72 liters a minute. We think this is truly an excellent choice for your next off-road air compressor. It even features quick and easy shipping with Prime so you can hit the trail even sooner than you thought.

Smittybilt 2781 5.65 CFM Universal Air Compressor


VIAIR 300P Portable Compressor (B000X90YUO)

Another choice for VIAIR, one of the best companies for air compressors, this is just a step under the 400P if you’re looking for a more budget-oriented option. This compressor has a maximum working pressure of 150 PSI, a 33% duty cycle, and dual heavy-duty direct battery clamps featuring a 40-amp inline fuse. That means it will offer plenty of air for your off-roading tires, and fast. If you want a portable compressor that you know you can rely on, this is another great choice.

We all know how much going off-road can affect your tires, and with this compressor it won’t have to cause any issues. Within just minutes your tires will be back to normal and you can head on home after a fun day in your truck or SUV. It’s not the most heavy-duty option out there, but it is extremely portable and easy to use, and gets the job done in a pinch. Customers have a lot of good things to say about this compressor, and that makes sense to us because we totally trust VIAIR based on their other quality products. Give this option some strong consideration among our list of off-road air compressors.

VIAIR 300P Portable Compressor


What Is The Top Air Compressor Option Off Road?

Having trouble deciding if any of these air compressors are the right fit for you and your tires? This is going to be a personal choice because everyone will use their air compressor for different uses. For instance, some people will want a compressor for an ATV off-road vehicle. Other customers may want something stronger to help fill up tire trucks after off-road driving. So it is imperative that you take time to figure out what types of features you want with an air compressor. If you choose the wrong air compressor, you’ll find yourself wasting a whole lot of time and money, and you could even be placing your safety at risk.

According to Four Wheeler Magazine, the 12-volt option is the best for anyone on the go. However, this may not be the best choice for someone that is driving a big pickup truck. You may need a more powerful air compressor for reliable results. As a result, we have listed some of the factors to consider when trying to buy one of the best options. Take a look at all the air compressors listed above, cross-check with the factors shared below, and you should have a much easier time figuring out the air compressor for you.

What To Consider When Buying Off Road Air Compressor:

1.) Capacity

As previously mentioned, it is always important to focus on the PSI capacity of an air compressor. The value of PSI capacity will be discussed later in the article but should be a huge deal for customers if you want an air compressor that you can trust. That way, you will have access to any of the power you need at any given moment. This will come in handy for anyone that loves off-road driving.

2.) Budget

This is the most obvious factor to consider when trying to buy a nice air compressor. Customers should not feel forced to reach beyond their comfort zone for a compressor. So formulate your budget then take a look at the off-road air compressors we have provided you with. The aforementioned Mbrain DC is less than $40 is a tremendous option. As a result, you do not have to empty out your bank account for a nice off-road air compressor. 

3.) Use

The utilization of your air compressor will be discussed in detail in the following section. However, customers should surely keep in mind what kind of tires they are filling up. A less powerful compressor is best for four wheelers like ATVs, Bikes, and more. If you want something for a big SUV or truck then focus on a robust compressor option.


Why You Want To Use The Best Air Compressor

The biggest misconception with off-road driving is that you will want to have fully filled tires. However, this not true at all. While the choice of tire and wheel matters, the air pressure measurement matters as well. As a matter of fact, the manufacturer recommended air pressure for tires is too high for going off-roading.  Off road driving tires should feature lower air pressure for an important reason.

Lower pressure tires have better traction on sand surfaces, muddy areas, and rocky terrains. For instance, it is recommended to run as little as 10 pounds of air pressure when driving on sand. This creates a flotation-like quality that lets the off-roading vehicle easily handle the sandy terrain. Now, after you have reduced the air pressure, the best air compressor really comes into play.

Buying the best off road air compressors matters more for when you finish off-roading. If you are someone looking for ATV tires and more then this is not going to necessarily apply to you. However, anyone with an off road truck will want a strong compressor that can fill tires quickly. Consequently, drivers can spend less time filling tires and more time driving!

Get one of the best off road air compressor products for your needs.
Get one of the best air compressor products for your needs.

How Do Air Compressors Work?

Air compressors work by creating pressure in a tank filled with air. This pressure allows the tank, when activated, to quickly force the air out through a tube, usually into tires or something similar. The amount of pressure an air compressor offers is measured in PSI, as we discussed earlier. The higher the PSI, the more pressure in the tank, and the quicker the air will be expelled.

Last Advice On Buying Off Road Air Compressors

Hopefully, our information is going to give customers enough help to get a great air compressor for off road driving. Customers that focus in on our recommended factors will definitely get a good product. That way, you can spend money without worrying about getting something that will run poorly. Anyone that wants to try and find one of the best off air compressor products will have an easier time now. After all, who does not love an easy buying process? Look back over our list for any extra information and more!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What Does PSI Stand For & Represent?

A: PSI stands for Pounds Per Square Inch. Basically, this is the unit representation of stress based on avoirdupois units. Simply put, PSI represents air pressure. Why does air pressure matter? Because tires are responsible for many aspects of your vehicle’s functionality. This includes the fuel economy, the handling, and obviously safety. A flat tire is a disaster when it comes to safety and your daily schedule. So you need an off-road compressor to help you out.

We encourage you to find the manufacturers recommended PSI levels for your tires. Especially when it comes to off-road vehicles like an ATV or a dirt bike. After all, these levels are a bit different for many reasons. Again, this deals with handling and traction. So you need to make sure you inflate the tires to the proper level. That way, you do not deal with a bad situation on your off-road toy!

Q: Are The Digital Options Better Than The Older Options?

A: It all depends on what you want. Simply put, digital options allow a more informative process for you. That way, you see the current air pressure and know when to stop. Nothing is more helpful than a detailed screen with accurate readings. This allows you to properly cap off the tire pressure without excessive air. Meanwhile, you can even see the compressor late at night for more convenience than usual.

Q: Does Size Matter?

A: Size matters, to a degree. Simply put, size matters mostly for convenience. Do not be fooled by size when it comes to air compressors. The bigger compressors are not always the best options. Sometimes, bigger compressors may deliver more power and PSI than the smaller options. But, they may not be easy to transport with you. Especially if they are much heavier in design. You need something smaller for your off-road needs. After all, you generally travel to an off-road area for your outdoor fun. Find something that weighs at least less than 10 or 15 pounds.

Q: Are There Superior Brands On The Market?

A: In our opinion, VIAIR and California Air Tools are two of the most reliable brands out there. That’s not to say that there aren’t products made by other brands that aren’t worth your time or money, because there certainly are. Based upon our experience and customer reviews, however, those two are the primary brands that we trust.

Q: Is Shopping On A Budget Easy Looking For Off Road Compressors?

A: Using our buying guide, we think you’ll be able to find quality off road compressors even when you are on a budget. The key is to find the balance between cost and what you get out of it. With the products we’ve recommended today, you should have access to great value, allowing you to drive off road with confidence and control.