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Harbor Freight compressors; alternative to ARB twin?

Discussion in 'Off-Roading & Trails' started by SendInTheCavalry, May 29, 2021.

  1. May 29, 2021 at 5:56 PM
    #1
    SendInTheCavalry

    SendInTheCavalry [OP] New Member

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    I was at my favorite odds and ends store, Harbor Freight.
    I noticed these relatively small air compressors. 2-3gal..

    They are really compact and could probably be taken off of the “frame” and made even smaller. They would need to be run off of AC power. I think most guys have some kind of inverter..

    Anyhow what are your thoughts?

     
    Badbob76087 likes this.
  2. May 30, 2021 at 6:35 AM
    #2
    ruiz4251

    ruiz4251 "but it was funny huh?"

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    Personally I use ryobi 1gl w/6Ah also have a spare 4Ah
    ^HF compressor looks good too
     
  3. May 30, 2021 at 6:41 AM
    #3
    SendInTheCavalry

    SendInTheCavalry [OP] New Member

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    This one also caught my eye, but $60...!! To good to be true!!??
     
  4. May 30, 2021 at 6:59 AM
    #4
    kbp810

    kbp810 rebmem wen

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    As a comparison to the ARB twin, the ARB twin puts out 6cfm, where as it looks like this Harbor freight only puts out 2.

    The twin would still be way faster, and enough to run many air tools.

    Not saying for sure to buy a twin over this; just highlighting one big initial difference that I see.
     
  5. May 30, 2021 at 7:05 AM
    #5
    ruiz4251

    ruiz4251 "but it was funny huh?"

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    ^ good observation how many air tools will you run on this set up if any

    Also $500+ vs $160 vs $60 vs $120 just sayin
     
    kbp810 and SlvrSlug like this.
  6. May 30, 2021 at 9:51 AM
    #6
    ElectroBoy

    ElectroBoy Ad astra

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    The 4Runner inverter is specified at 400W. That’s about 3.3 Amps. These AC compressors will probably exceed that, plus consider the surge current when powering them on.
     
    jetmechG550 and Jynarik like this.
  7. Jun 7, 2021 at 4:43 PM
    #7
    spencermarkd

    spencermarkd New Member

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    If it's the same inverter that was in the 2nd gen tacoma it will trip the 400w stock inverter if the pressure is already built up. At least it would with the 1 gallon one I have and my old taco. It'll build pressure initially, then trip when it goes to pump again against the 80 or 90 PSI already in the tank. It's amazingly quiet though. If you had a larger inverter/battery setup already it'd be a solid option.
     
  8. Jun 7, 2021 at 4:56 PM
    #8
    Dillusion

    Dillusion New Member

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    HF compressor is 7.1A.

    Good luck running that from the 4R outlet.
     
  9. Jun 7, 2021 at 5:41 PM
    #9
    spencermarkd

    spencermarkd New Member

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    You're right for the one he linked. For the 1 gallon it's only 2.8a, that was the one I had and was referencing working. My bad for making it confusing.
     
    Dillusion[QUOTED] likes this.
  10. Jun 10, 2021 at 1:23 PM
    #10
    jetmechG550

    jetmechG550 New Member

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    How long would it take to go from about 18psi to 35psi? The flow rate is horrible
     
  11. Aug 18, 2021 at 3:53 PM
    #11
    Kwikvette

    Kwikvette Kwik Fab

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    Viair has been in the game for a long time.

    Some people run a 300P for up to 33's with ease, so for that reason I run a 400P for my 33's.

    $200 on Amazon, can't go wrong as it's a quality air compressor.
     

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