Direct battery hookup vs bed utility package for air compressor

[cjanderson_13]

Please excuse my ignorance on this issue. Recently picked up the portable ARB compressor for various uses (off-road, inflatable paddle boards, tires, etc)
The compressor, like most, comes with battery clamps for power.
What is the benefit of using the battery directly vs the 12v plug I have from the bed utility package? Is there a way to convert the compressor to a 12v plug? Just seems like overkill to pop the hood every time I want to inflate the boards or fill an atv tire.

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[Grumpaw]

Don't know for sure, but I believe the ARB compressors draw too much power for the 12 volt plugs and their fuses.
I think thats why they come with the direct battery clamps. My Viair 400 series only comes with clamps also...draws too much for a plug.
I'm sure someone with an ARB will chime in shortly.

 

[Radioman]

Please excuse my ignorance on this issue. Recently picked up the portable ARB compressor for various uses (off-road, inflatable paddle boards, tires, etc)
The compressor, like most, comes with battery clamps for power.
What is the benefit of using the battery directly vs the 12v plug I have from the bed utility package? Is there a way to convert the compressor to a 12v plug? Just seems like overkill to pop the hood every time I want to inflate the boards or fill an atv tire.

You didn't say which model of compressor you purchased but generally speaking if the compressor comes with battery clamps it is because the unit draws too much current to use a dashboard type plug. As @Grumpaw stated, my Viair compressor will only operate using battery clamps.

 

[Fritz]

Good compressors draw too much power for regular 12v “cigarette lighter” outlets.

 

[slowmachine]

One easy way to make multiple plug-in spots for the compressor (or any other high-current device) is to run wires with Anderson power plugs to the desired locations, and put connectors on your devices too. This makes for quick connections that are shielded from inadvertent arcing, and ensures correct polarity, even in the dark.

 

[Frenchy]

Lol so chamces are you have the same kit I ended up buying(except mine said Ford Performance). I wasnt a fan of opening the hood just to get an air compressor moving so I thought of doing a onboard system using the portable kit. What I did was run the wires from the compressor all the way to the battery and it works well. If you look at the pictures you will see how it is. Now it may not be how you want to do it but that is totally fine.

 

[trpb]

Lol so chamces are you have the same kit I ended up buying(except mine said Ford Performance). I wasnt a fan of opening the hood just to get an air compressor moving so I thought of doing a onboard system using the portable kit. What I did was run the wires from the compressor all the way to the battery and it works well. If you look at the pictures you will see how it is. Now it may not be how you want to do it but that is totally fine.

Did the kit come with a harness to wire like this? This looks exactly like the kind of set up i want to install

 

[Frenchy]

Did the kit come with a harness to wire like this? This looks exactly like the kind of set up i want to install

Nope. The harness it came with being a portable kit was the basic leads(maybe 5 ft long) with heafty alagator clips. I had to buy my own wire. It work well to say the least

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