Onboard Air Compressor Guide: CO2 vs Compressor, Sizing and Recovery Backup
Airing down is one of the cheapest traction upgrades there is. Airing back up is where most rigs come up short. Once you run bigger tires, a plug-in compressor from the parts store takes a long time and overheats before the fourth tire.
The short answer: pick one air source that is mounted and wired to the truck, size it by flow (CFM at a stated pressure, not peak PSI), add a gauge and a long hose, and pack recovery boards for the days when lower pressure still is not enough. Below we compare onboard compressors with CO2 tanks and portable units, walk through the ARB CKMA12 we sell, and list the recovery gear that pairs with it. We use only published specs. Where a maker does not publish a number, we say "not published" instead of guessing.
Quick pick: onboard air gear by job
| Job | Pick | Why | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air up after the trail | ARB CKMA12 onboard compressor | 100 PSI max, 2.34 CFM at 29 PSI, 50% duty cycle (ARB) | View compressor |
| Get unstuck in sand or mud | ActionTrax recovery boards | Sawtooth ends, quick link system, made in the USA (ActionTrax) | View boards |
| Heavy use recovery boards | ActionTrax Metal Tooth | 72 pre-installed metal teeth (ActionTrax) | View Metal Tooth |
| Self recovery with a winch | DV8 12,000 lb recovery winch | 6 hp 12V series motor, 256:1 gear reduction (DV8) | View winch |
| Roadside flat at night | LED road flare | Battery LED flare for a disabled vehicle (Body Armor) | View flare |
Why onboard air beats the gas station
Lower tire pressure lengthens the contact patch. That adds grip on rock, sand and washboard and smooths out the ride. The catch is that you have to air back up before pavement. With your own air source you set pressure where you are, when you need to, instead of crawling to the nearest town on soft tires or borrowing a friend's compressor.
Compressed air also covers camp jobs: topping up sleeping pads and air mattresses, blowing dust out of filters, and running light air tools if you add a tank.
Pressure first
How low to go depends on tire, load and terrain. Our airing down guide covers pressures and technique.
CO2 vs onboard compressor vs portable
| Type | Strength | Trade off | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| CO2 tank | Fast and quiet | Finite supply; tank must be mounted upright and refilled; cheap regulators can freeze in heavy use | Occasional fills and quick top ups |
| Onboard compressor | Always mounted and wired, never runs out | Install time and a dedicated circuit | Anyone airing down most trips |
| Portable 12V | No install, moves between vehicles | Small units are slow on big tires and run hot | Light use and smaller tires |
What to look for in a compressor
- Flow at pressure. CFM fills tires. Compare CFM at a stated pressure, not just the maximum PSI on the box.
- Duty cycle. This tells you how long it can run before it needs to rest.
- Current draw. Higher draw needs proper wiring, a fuse and a healthy battery.
- Sealing. A sealed unit handles dust and water in an engine bay or under a seat.
Our pick: ARB CKMA12 single motor compressor
-
For 33 to 35 inch tires and ARB Air Lockers.
- 100 PSI max; 3.08 CFM at 0 PSI, 2.34 CFM at 29 PSI (ARB)
- 50% duty cycle, 30 min on and 30 min off (ARB)
- Draws up to 32 amps under load (ARB)
ARB sizes the CKMA12 for airing up 33 to 35 inch tires, running ARB Air Lockers, and light air tool use when paired with an optional tank. The sealed housing resists moisture and dust, the cylinder bore is hard anodized, and the piston seal is Teflon impregnated carbon fiber for long service life. Internal thermal protection guards the motor and a heavy duty maxi fuse protects the circuit.
Where to mount it
ARB's anodized bracket sheds motor heat and can be repositioned 180 degrees, so the unit fits in an engine bay, behind a seat or in another protected spot. Pick a location that stays dry, gets some airflow and keeps the cable run to the battery short.
Wiring
At up to 32 amps, the CKMA12 needs to be wired direct to the battery through its supplied fuse. If your rig already runs a fridge and lights, check that your battery and charging setup can keep up.
Recovery boards: the backup when air is not enough
Airing down solves most soft ground problems. When it does not, a pair of recovery boards is the next tool to reach for, well before a winch.
-
For sand, mud and snow self recovery.
- Sawtooth ends built to clear material (ActionTrax)
- Quick link system to join boards (ActionTrax)
- Field repairable teeth; UV stabilized material (ActionTrax)
-
Metal Tooth ActionTrax | Extreme Recovery Boards
For heavy use and rocky ground.
- 72 pre-installed metal teeth (ActionTrax)
- Made in the USA (ActionTrax)
Winch and roadside safety
-
12,000 lb Recovery Winch with Steel Cable - Wired & Wireless Remotes
For solo trips and heavier rigs.
- 12,000 lb rated line pull (DV8)
- 6 hp 12V DC series motor (DV8)
- 3-stage planetary gear train, 256:1 (DV8)
-
For a flat on the shoulder after dark.
- LED emergency road flare (Body Armor)
- Deploys in a snap (Body Armor)
Onboard air build order by budget
| Stage | Buy | What it adds |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tire gauge, deflator and a long air hose you already trust | Lets you air down and check pressure |
| 2 | ARB CKMA12 onboard compressor | Airs you back up before pavement |
| 3 | ActionTrax recovery boards | Self-recovery in sand, mud and snow |
| 4 | DV8 12,000 lb winch (needs a winch bumper) | Pulls you out when boards are not enough |
What to skip
- A compressor sold only on peak PSI with no CFM figure.
- Running a high draw compressor off a cigarette lighter socket.
- Airing down without a way to air up before pavement.
- A winch before you own recovery boards and know how to use them.
Onboard air FAQ
What size compressor do I need for 35 inch tires?
ARB rates the CKMA12 for airing up 33 to 35 inch tires. It flows 2.34 CFM at 29 PSI and runs on a 50% duty cycle.
Is CO2 better than a compressor?
CO2 is fast and quiet but runs out and needs refills. A mounted compressor is always there and never runs dry. Many people pick a compressor for that reason.
How much power does the ARB CKMA12 draw?
ARB lists up to 32 amps under load, so wire it direct to the battery with the supplied maxi fuse.
Can I run air tools with it?
ARB says the CKMA12 handles light air tool use when paired with an optional air tank.
Can the CKMA12 run ARB Air Lockers?
Yes. ARB lists activating ARB Air Lockers as one of its jobs.
Do I still need recovery boards if I air down?
Airing down handles most soft ground. Recovery boards are the backup when it is not enough, and they are a lot cheaper than a winch setup.
Sources
Specs come from each maker's own product information:
- ARB Onboard Air Compressor (store.arbusa.com)
- ActionTrax Recovery Boards (usactiontrax.com)
- Metal Tooth ActionTrax | Extreme Recovery Boards (usactiontrax.com)
- 12,000 lb Recovery Winch with Steel Cable - Wired & Wireless Remotes (dv8offroad.com)
- Emergency LED Road Flare (bodyarmor4x4.com)
Related guides
Shop all recovery gear. Questions about fit or wiring? See our FAQ or contact us.