• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

VIAIR

Your Vital Air Source

  • COMPANY
    • ABOUT
    • Viair’s Global Distribution Network
    • CONTACT
    • BECOME A DEALER
    • PRODUCT REGISTRATION
    • WARRANTY INFORMATION
    • Sponsorship
  • COMPRESSORS
    • AUTOMATIC DEPLOYMENT AIR SYSTEMS
    • ADVENTURE SERIES OBA SYSTEMS NEW!
    • AIR SOURCE KITS
    • C-MODELS
    • DUAL PACKS
    • HARD MOUNT
    • HYPER GRADE  NEW!
    • INDUSTRIAL GRADE (IG)
    • ONBOARD AIR SYSTEMS
    • PORTABLES
    • RVS PORTABLES
    • STEALTH SERIES NEW!
    • TLC Bike Series NEW!
    • 2on2 BOLT-ON PLATFORMS
  • ACCESSORIES
    • AIR ACCESSORIES
    • AIR FILTERS
    • AIR GAUGES
    • AIR HOSES
    • AIR TANKS
    • ELECTRICAL
    • FITTINGS
    • LEADER HOSES
    • TIRE INFLATION GUNS & KITS
  • TECH
    • CHOOSING THE RIGHT SYSTEM
    • COMPRESSOR COMPARISON CHART
    • USER MANUALS
    • DIMENSIONAL DRAWINGS
    • WIRING & PLUMBING DIAGRAMS
    • FAQ
  • NEWS
Home / 4x4 & Off-Road / When to use an Onboard Air System vs. Portable Compressor

When to use an Onboard Air System vs. Portable Compressor

March 19, 2020 by Shop Editor

VIAIR is known for our extensive line of onboard air systems and portable compressors. These components are reliable, power a variety of applications and make tough jobs easy. Below, we break down the top 3 reasons when to use an OBA vs. a Portable compressor.

OBA v. Portable infographic

When to use an OBA vs. Portable

  • Power multiple applications: Utilize one easy system with VIAIR’s onboard air kit to operate numerous devices instantly. Rapidly air up large off road tires to the proper PSI after a long day out on the trail. Easily signal warnings to other riders with the use of air horns, or power air lockers or air tools for the casual home mechanic.
  • You Need Higher CFM to Run Air Tools: OBA’s are well suited for applications needing higher “Cubic Feet per Minute” (CFM), which is a measure of airflow used to describe the rate at which a certain volume of air is needed to operate specific applications. Too little CFM and you won’t be able to run your tools continuously, or at all! Dual VIAIR compressors located in each of our dual onboard air systems meet the requirements to run most air tools that require higher air flow (CFM) for your next project.
  • Proper tire pressure: Both an OBA or portable compressor can be used to maintain your tire pressure, or air up/down after off-roading. Things to consider while maintaining proper tire pressure include:
    • Adequate PSI: Suitable tire pressure is critical for drivers since increased air pressure helps with traction while on the road, but lower tire pressure helps with traction off road.
    • Surface Area: While out on the trail, you want as much surface area to touch the ground as possible to increase your vehicles stability.
    • Proper Inflation: A large safety concern is making sure that you always properly inflate your tires before getting back on the road. Underinflated tires can cause unsafe increases in heat from friction and also lead to rapid wearing. Both of these issues can lead to premature tire failure.

Quickly inflate large tires with a VIAIR OBA if you are looking for tire inflation and to power additional applications. Use a VIAIR Portable Tire Inflator if you are looking for tire inflation only and the higher PSI increases fill times getting you back on the road faster!

On Board Air Systems

VIAIR’s Onboard Air Systems (OBA) are complete pneumatic systems intended to accomplish various tasks, depending on the kit selected. VIAIR offers OBA systems for smaller compressed air requirements that have a shorter duty cycle need, as well as other systems that provide up to 100% duty cycle and increased air volume by providing a larger tank for compressed air storage. Each Onboard Air System comes complete with compressor(s), air tank, fittings, pressure switch, relay(s), electrical connectors and all applicable accessories.

Our on board air systems are permanently installed in the vehicle for use with multiple applications. These applications include tire inflation, air tools, air lockers, load leveling, air horns and air suspension. Models are capable of airing up to 200 PSI. Depending on your tire size and application, we’ve created a flow chart to best direct your selection seen here.

Portables

Portable compressors are best used for “portability,” the ability to be easily carried or moved. These units are not permanently installed; therefore they are easily moved or transported from the vehicle to storage or another vehicle. The single application easily airs up/down tires for proper tire inflation. Portable compressors feature a single compressor with all applicable accessories needed. Models are capable of airing tires up to 150 PSI. Depending on your tire size and application, we’ve created a flow chart to best direct your selection seen here.

 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Take a look at the differences between the VIAIR 400P vs. VIAIR 400P-Automatic Portable Tire Inflator https://www.viaircorp.com/portables/400p https://www.viaircorp.com/portables/400p-auto Still need help choosing the Right Portable Tire Inflator? Check out our guide here: https://www.viaircorp.com/4×4-off-road/choosing-the-right-viair-model-portables #viair #poweredbyviair #onboardair #tireinflator #offroad #4×4 #portable #gotair #psi #tirepressure #adventure #airup #airdown #explore #compressor #airtank #tank #instagram #IGTV #video #techseries #tech #techvideo #questions #FAQ #series

A post shared by VIAIR (@viaircorp) on Jun 23, 2020 at 9:36am PDT

 

Whether you are out on the road, or on a wheeling adventure, make sure VIAIR is your vital air source for all your pneumatic needs!

If you have any further questions, you can always contact us:

  • Call us at 949-585-0011 from 8AM-5PM PT, Monday-Friday
  • Chat us with our website’s Live Chat feature from 8AM-5PM PT, Monday-Friday

Email us at Customer Service to reach us after-hours, and we will reply to you the following business day.

Filed Under: 4x4 & Off-Road, VIAIR Products

CATEGORIES

  • 4×4 & Off-Road
  • Air Suspension
  • Announcements
  • Bike
  • Employee Spotlights
  • RV & Trailers
  • Shows & Events
  • VIAIR Equipped
  • VIAIR Products

Product tags

1 gallon 1 gallon air tank 4x4 12V 100% duty cycle agricultural agriculture air air brakes Air horns Air lockers air seat Air source Air supply air suspension air tank air tools bagger CFM chrome compressor construction DC dual compressors dual pack duty farming hard mount hardwire Heavy Duty high duty cycle high pressure light light duty motorcycle off road on board air system performance pneumatic series suspension thermal overload tire fill trainhorns universal

QUICK LINKS

  • USER MANUALS
  • COMPRESSOR COMPARISON
  • BECOME A DEALER
  • PRODUCT REGISTRATION
  • WARRANTY INFO

 

JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER

    Sema Member

    ISO 90001 Certified

    Warranty Information · Product Registration · Terms & Conditions · Privacy Policy
    Copyright © 1998 - 2022 VIAIR Corporation, All Rights Reserved · 15 Edelman, Irvine, CA 92618 · 949-585-0011
    Manage consent


    Cookie Notice
    We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
    Do not sell my personal information.
    Cookie Settings Accept
    Manage consent

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. For more information please visit, Cookie Policy, page.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
    CookieDurationDescription
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-advertisement1 yearSet by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin, this cookie is used to record the user consent for the cookies in the "Advertisement" category .
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
    CookieLawInfoConsent1 yearRecords the default button state of the corresponding category & the status of CCPA. It works only in coordination with the primary cookie.
    viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
    Functional
    Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
    CookieDurationDescription
    __lc_cid2 yearsThis is an essential cookie for the website live chat box to function properly.
    __lc_cst2 yearsThis cookie is used for the website live chat box to function properly.
    __oauth_redirect_detectorpastThis cookie is used to recognize the visitors using live chat at different times inorder to optimize the chat-box functionality.
    bcookie2 yearsLinkedIn sets this cookie from LinkedIn share buttons and ad tags to recognize browser ID.
    bscookie2 yearsLinkedIn sets this cookie to store performed actions on the website.
    langsessionLinkedIn sets this cookie to remember a user's language setting.
    lidc1 dayLinkedIn sets the lidc cookie to facilitate data center selection.
    UserMatchHistory1 monthLinkedIn sets this cookie for LinkedIn Ads ID syncing.
    Performance
    Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
    Analytics
    Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
    CookieDurationDescription
    _ga2 yearsThe _ga cookie, installed by Google Analytics, calculates visitor, session and campaign data and also keeps track of site usage for the site's analytics report. The cookie stores information anonymously and assigns a randomly generated number to recognize unique visitors.
    _gat_gtag_UA_38055745_11 minuteSet by Google to distinguish users.
    _gcl_au3 monthsProvided by Google Tag Manager to experiment advertisement efficiency of websites using their services.
    _gid1 dayInstalled by Google Analytics, _gid cookie stores information on how visitors use a website, while also creating an analytics report of the website's performance. Some of the data that are collected include the number of visitors, their source, and the pages they visit anonymously.
    CONSENT2 yearsYouTube sets this cookie via embedded youtube-videos and registers anonymous statistical data.
    Advertisement
    Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
    CookieDurationDescription
    test_cookie15 minutesThe test_cookie is set by doubleclick.net and is used to determine if the user's browser supports cookies.
    VISITOR_INFO1_LIVE5 months 27 daysA cookie set by YouTube to measure bandwidth that determines whether the user gets the new or old player interface.
    YSCsessionYSC cookie is set by Youtube and is used to track the views of embedded videos on Youtube pages.
    yt-remote-connected-devicesneverYouTube sets this cookie to store the video preferences of the user using embedded YouTube video.
    yt-remote-device-idneverYouTube sets this cookie to store the video preferences of the user using embedded YouTube video.
    yt.innertube::nextIdneverThis cookie, set by YouTube, registers a unique ID to store data on what videos from YouTube the user has seen.
    yt.innertube::requestsneverThis cookie, set by YouTube, registers a unique ID to store data on what videos from YouTube the user has seen.
    Others
    Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
    CookieDurationDescription
    AnalyticsSyncHistory1 monthNo description
    FASIDsessionNo description
    li_gc2 yearsNo description
    Save & Accept