Sean P. Holman
Contributor
Love your ARB air compressor, but wish it had more output for those big tires or your air tools? If so, you are really going to like the new CKMTA12 double compressor from ARB. This unit merges two of ARB’s well-regarded compressors in to one package for maximum output and performance.
ARB designed this new twin compressor to fill a hole where high-output and compact size were critical. For people who need more than just a compressor to actuate air lockers, the CKMTA12 is designed to fill up tires faster, operate air tools, and has been designed from the beginning to live and operate in the harsh environments often found when mounted to an off-highway vehicle.
The CKMTA12 compressor has a pressure switch-controlled manifold system that regulates pressure between 135 and 150 psi. With 6.16 cfm of airflow, ARB claims this compressor has the highest output of any 12V compressor of this size on the market. ARB was also careful to manage electrical flow and came up with an efficient system that draws 56 amps at maximum airflow and with a 100-percent duty cycle, this compressor will run as long as you need it to.
Anticipating a rough life, ARB sealed the CKMTA12 from moisture and dust. The sintered bronze filters are high-density and high-flowing, but can be washed and reused. The filters also mount to a standard ¼-inch NPT fitting, meaning they can be mounted remotely, away from the dust, hot air, and even water.
Here is the finished installation. Clearance is tight, but the compressor fits perfectly in this area under the hood.
With the filters mounted remotely, the compressor can be submerged without damage. Inside, ball bearings, instead of cheaper bushings, are used. The cylinder bores are hard anodized and the piston seals feature Teflon-impregnated carbon fiber for reduced friction and long life. The motors are thermally protected from the inside and have an over-pressure safety valve. They have also been EMF suppressed to ensure they don’t interfere with sensitive electronic equipment that might be mounted nearby. Best of all, the compressor is fully serviceable by the user with all wearable and replacement parts stocked and available from ARB.
We decided that this unit would be a perfect replacement for our existing and troublesome engine-driven air compressor unit on our ’07 Wrangler. ARB sent us a preproduction unit to install, but production units are shipping now. We headed down to Off Road Evolution in Fullerton, California to swap compressors out and now our Wrangler has a reliable source of compressed air for whatever need arises.
We inflated this 37-inch tire from 10 psi to 30 psi in less than two minutes with an empty tank. Filling our 2.5-gallon tank from 0 to 150 psi takes less than one minute.
How It Works
So far we are very impressed with ARB’s twin compressor kit. Despite running two compressors simultaneously, the additional noise coming from under the hood is negligible. We also tested the compressor with a full tank and a typical ½-inch impact air gun. We were able to easily remove and tighten the wheel lug nuts at our own pace with no lag thanks in part to our preexisting 2.5-gallon air tank and the pumps output of nearly 3 cfm at 100 psi. One change we do plan on making to the compressor is to remotely mount both of the air filters to keep them out of the dust that could come off the radiator fans. For those looking for a powerful compressor, but don’t want to hard mount it to the vehicle, ARB now offers a portable version in a hardened plastic case. A 24-volt version is also offered. With this modification, we are enjoying having trouble-free air once again.
The Details
Model: ARB CKMTA12
Supply voltage: 12
Current draw: 28 amps
No load performance: 6.16 cfm @ 0 psi
Performance under load: 4.65 cfm @ 29 psi
Duty cycle (% @ 72F): 100
Weight (lb): 19.4
Size (in): 4.0x7.5x10.8
