Buyer’s Guide – Top 6 On-Board Air Compressor Mounts
Being able to inflate and deflate your tires makes a night and day difference on off-road adventures. Whether it’s for a smoother ride when zooming down fire roads or having better traction on obstacles, airing down tires is crucial.
However, what do you do once your adventure is over, and you have to inflate your tires? Do you limp to the nearest gas station or unpack your bulky compressor? Or, did have the misfortune of forgetting to pack it?
Well, you don’t have to worry about any of that with onboard air.
Even though choosing an air compressor mount seems like a simple decision, there are a few things to consider. For example, do you plan on running air lockers, a dual battery, or a switch system? Do you want to mount it on the driver or passenger side?
Let’s dive into the top six mounts and see what the best fit for you is.
This guide is focused to the 3rd Gen (2016-2023) but certain models work with the 2nd Gen (2005-2015).
1. R4T
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Pros
- Does not use up any valuable engine bay space
- Compatible with ARB Twin and Viair 425
- Includes mounting bracket for ARB manifold (necessary if running air lockers)
Cons
- Not a bolt-on installation, requires drilling and a rivet gun.
- Potentially restricts airflow to engine components (we haven’t heard of any issues)
If you want to keep your engine bay space free for other accessories but still want onboard air, the R4T mount is for you. As the name suggests, this mounts your compressor behind your grille. However, it requires drilling into your radiator core support’s sheet metal. That might sound a bit scary for someone with an unmolested truck, but if you’ve ever taken an angle grinder to your truck, you’ll feel right at home.
The placement of this mount does expose it to the elements more than the other mounts. If you’re a frequent water/mud crosser, all that backsplash is more likely to hit your compressor.
2. All-Pro Off-Road
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Pros
- Option to upgrade to a steel door with a locking latch
- Does not use up any valuable engine bay space
- Fits all ARB compressors and ARB manifold
Cons
- Modification is required if retaining the factory door bezel
- Requires an extended harness
- Limited options for newer models without the driver-side cubby
If saving space in your engine bay is a priority, then this one might be right for you. This is an aluminum box that replaces your driver-side or passenger-side inner bed storage box. All-Pro does provide various options like retaining your factory bezel or upgrading to a steel door and bezel with a locking or non-locking latch.
Although this is an enclosed box, it does have various mounting holes, two side slits, and a few drainage holes. It may not keep it completely out of the elements, which becomes a bigger issue once you run bigger tires or a high-clearance bumper since your bedsides are more exposed.
Another thing to consider is that you will need to extend your wiring harness to reach the back of your truck. They sell an extended harness that takes all the guesswork out and even allows you to have two compressor switches; one at the bedside and one inside the cab. However, once you package the mount and the extension harness, this option becomes the most expensive one on this list.
Lastly, Toyota did remove the driver-side bed storage box on the 2019+. If you have a newer 3rd Gen, that means you’re limited to using the passenger-side storage box that also houses your power outlet. Having both a compressor and power outlet in the same box gets a bit cramped.
If you’re a little more adventurous and willing to take a drill and jigsaw to your bed, you can always make the mounting hole on the driver’s side.
3. SLEE Offroad
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Pros
- Bolt-on installation
- Includes mounting bracket for ARB manifold (necessary if running air lockers)
Cons
- Only compatible with ARB compressors
- Uses up potential location for a secondary battery
- Tight fit with OEM intake box/possible interference with aftermarket intakes
If you have decided that you are going to go with an ARB and want a simple plug-and-play installation, the SLEE option checks off all those boxes. It uses preexisting holes and bolts as mounting points, making the installation straightforward.
The wire harness provided by ARB is also long enough to be run through the engine bay without any modifications. The bracket is big enough to house a twin, the ARB manifold kit, and a Wifey Air System manifold. SLEE recommends utilizing the manifold kit for both clearance and heat management and it will also be necessary if you decide to run an air locker in the future.
The biggest downside to this mount is that it utilizes the space where a potential secondary battery could be placed, limiting your options to a side-by-side battery system versus a separate battery system.
4. Mountain Off-Road Enterprise
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Pros
- Allows you to add a 1-gallon air tank for rapid tire inflation and running most air powdered tools
- Easy under-the-hood access
Cons
- Does not fit vehicles with California emissions package
- No mount for the ARB manifold
- Uses up potential location for a secondary battery
- Mount is compressor specific (single does not fit both ARB and Viair, but they do offer a different bracket for the latter)
Just like the SLEE mount, the M.O.R.E. mount uses preexisting holes and bolts as mounting points for a simple installation.
What sets the M.O.R.E. mount apart from its competitors is that it is the only mount that allows you to bolt on a 1-gallon air tank. Adding an air tank will give you an initial high-volume air output for faster inflation. The air tank also opens the possibility of running air-powered tools on the trail, something that can come in handy if you’re stuck with changing out a tire or making a repair on the trail.
There is some online debate on how efficient those tools would be or how much faster would you inflate your tires since the air tank capacity is only one gallon. The other thing to consider is that this mount does not have any space for additional manifolds, so if that’s something you want to add on, you would need custom fabrication.
5. Desert Does It
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- Desert Does It Under Seat Compressor Mount: Check Price
Pros
- Fits any ARB or Viair
- Keeps it out of the elements
- The mounting system fits various vehicles including the 2nd Gen Tacoma, 2003-2024 4Runner, and 2007-2014 FJ Cruiser
Cons
- Requires the DDI Seat Jackers
- Risk of potential damage to the seat weight sensor during installation
- The Twin ARB will not fit under driver’s side
Some people like to abuse their gear, while others like to protect their investments. If you are the latter, this might be the one for you. Tn conjunction with their Seat Jackers, is the only mount that allows you to safely secure your compressor underneath your driver or passenger seat, keeping it out of the elements.
Another neat thing about this mount is its versatility. This mount not only fits various Toyota vehicles, but it also fits the most ARB and Viair options, something no other mount on this list can claim.
A few things to consider; the ARB harness is not long enough to be run from the inside of your vehicle, so you would need to extend a minimum of (4) cables to power up the compressor and the switch. If you add an air locker into the mix, you will also have to extend the wires for that and run an air hose into the cab of the vehicle.
6. Rago Fabrications
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Pros
- Doubles as a Switch-Pros 9100 Mount
- Compatible with the Wife Air System
- Fits both Single and Twin ARB
Cons
- Not compatible with brake booster
- Will cover fuse block
- Does not fit manual Tacomas
- Modifications would be required to mount an ARB manifold
When I look at the Rago Fabrications compressor mount fully dressed with the ARB Twin, the Wifey Air System, and a Switch Pro 9100, the only word that comes to mind is – “Baller!” Honestly, this is a sweet mount that houses three popular accessories.
If you opt for this mount, it does sit where your switch system usually goes. So, you would essentially be forced to go with the Switch Pro 9100 or figure out a different mounting solution for a different switch.
Final Thoughts
All of these serve their primary purpose but also add value in their own way. Whether it is freeing up space for other accessories, keeping your compressor out of the elements, or serving as a dual mount for a switch system, there’s something for everyone’s needs.
Think about your long-term goal and any accessories you plan on adding. Once you have answered these questions, they will help guide you in the right direction.
