Air On Demand: ARB Compressor Upgrade by Agile Offroad
First off, I want to give a huge thanks to you, the reader, for continuing to follow along on this journey. Whether you’ve been with me from the start or you’re new to the blog, your support means everything. And for those keeping up with my YouTube channel, you’ll know we just dropped Vlog 003, where we tackled the installation of the ARB Twin Onboard Air Compressor, purchased from none other than Agile Offroad. If you haven’t checked it out yet, you can watch it below.
But before we dive into the details of this install, I also want to give a quick shout-out to Vlog 002, where I covered the highlights from the Adventure Van Expo in Tahoe. That was a trip filled with van life inspiration, and I’ve got even more coming up on the channel, so stay tuned!
Why an Air Compressor is a Must-Have for Your rig
So, let’s get into it: Why would you want to install an air compressor like the ARB Onboard Air Kit in your van? If you’re already out there exploring off-road trails, heading into remote areas, or even just enjoying the flexibility of your van, an onboard air compressor can be a game-changer.
One of the key reasons to have one is airing down your tires. When you’re driving on sand, snow, or rocky terrain, reducing the air pressure in your tires can give you better traction, a smoother ride, and help protect your tires from punctures. But once you’re back on pavement or need more stability, you’ll want to air back up—and that’s where the ARB Onboard Air Kit comes in.
No more searching for a gas station air pump, no waiting around—you can handle it all from the comfort of your van. Plus, the ARB Twin packs enough power to handle all kinds of tires, big or small.
What’s in the Box
The ARB Twin Onboard Air Compressor is compact but powerful. When you purchase it, you’ll find:
(1) ARB 12v Twin Compressor (MPN: CKMTA12)
(1) Agile ARB Compressor Mounting Plate
(1) Air Source Hardware kit (includes stainless steel air lines, coiled air hose, air source brackets & ARB air couplers)
(1) Agile ARB Sprinter wiring harness & dash switch
You can see how the installed unit looks below - including the cool air breather kit that allows for cooler air into the compressor vs. hot engine air.
It’s everything you need to get started with installation, and trust me, having all of this pre-packaged takes the guesswork out of what’s required. One thing to note on my install was I didn’t wire into the switch that Agile provided. I already have a switch controller for my lights so I was able to simply wire in the purple wire into my AuxBeam (along with power and ground) and the unit was ready to rock.
Why Agile Offroad?
I also want to take a moment to highlight Agile Offroad, the fantastic team behind the ARB kit that I installed. Agile Offroad is known for their dedication to producing top-quality gear and modifications for Sprinters and other adventure vehicles. Their customer service and passion for the van life community make them a standout brand, and I’ve been nothing but impressed with their attention to detail and willingness to help their customers succeed out on the trails.
If you’re in the market for upgrades or looking for gear that’s going to hold up to your most rugged adventures, I highly recommend checking them out. I know I’ll be keeping an eye on their future offerings, and hopefully, I’ll be working with them more closely down the road.