ARB Twin Compressors: On-Board vs Portable

The ARB CKMTA12 ’12V’ On-Board Twin High Performance Air Compressor is the long-running on-board twin that many overland builds are based on. It uses a twin motor, dual cylinder design that ARB lists at 174 LPM, or 6.16 CFM, which it calls the highest flow of any 12V compressor of its size. Maximum pressure is 150 psi, with a 68.6 amp maximum draw.

Durability is the focus. The motors are water sealed and fully ball-bearing equipped with no bushings, and a linear brush pre-load system aims for long life, low heat and quiet running. Pistons ride on a heavy-duty European cylindrical roller bearing with hard-anodized bores and PTFE-impregnated carbon fiber seals. Thermal protection, an over-pressure safety valve and dual Maxi-Fuses cover the electrical side.

• 6.16 CFM, 150 psi maximum
• Full wiring loom for Air Locker solenoids
• Water-sealed, ball-bearing motors
• Dual Maxi-Fuses for circuit protection

The wiring loom plugs directly into Air Locker control solenoids, but the Air Locker Manifold Kit #171503 is required to mount them. The listed item weight of 1.6 ounces is clearly an error. Choose it for a locker-equipped rig that needs dependable air. For faster inflation, the brushless CKBLTA12 is the step up.

Best for
Fastest on-board tire inflation

The ARB CKBLTA12 12V Brushless Air Compressor is ARB’s newer on-board twin, launched in 2025. Brushless motors have fewer wearing parts and rev faster, and ARB says this model delivers 50% more output than its brushed compressor. The technical figures back that up: 9.18 CFM at 0 psi and 6.20 CFM at 29 psi, with 150 psi maximum.

It adds features the older units lack. Each motor assembly has an active cooling fan that keeps running after the compressor stops, and electronic speed control adjusts for pressure, ambient temperature and vehicle charging variations. It has a 100% duty cycle, IP67 water resistance and live diagnostics through audio and visual alerts. Relays are eliminated, and cam-lock quick-release mounts make removal simple.

• 9.18 CFM at 0 psi, 6.20 CFM at 29 psi
• 100% duty cycle with active cooling
• IP67 water resistance
• 15.8 lb, 14.49 x 13.31 x 6.69 inches

The trade-off is power draw: up to 90 amps, so your alternator, battery and wiring must be up to it. The spec sheet also lists “alternating current” and a 12 dB noise figure, which look like listing errors. This is the pick for serious off-roaders who air down often. The listing does not mention a locker wiring loom, so confirm locker integration before buying.

Best for
CKMTA12 buyers wanting install hardware

The ARB INFLATION3 Twin High Performance Air Compressor kit packages the CKMTA12 with extension hardware for installation and connection. Its feature bullets match the CKMTA12 word for word: water-sealed ball-bearing motors, 6.16 CFM from the twin cylinders, a locker wiring loom, thermal protection, an over-pressure valve and dual Maxi-Fuses.

The specification block conflicts with those features. It lists 3 CFM, 90 psi maximum and 0.17 hp, which do not match the CKMTA12 figures in the same listing, plus a 6-meter hose and a weight of 23.5 pounds. The listing also does not itemize what the extension hardware includes. Because the kit is built around the CKMTA12, trust the feature figures, but ask the seller to confirm contents.

• CKMTA12 twin compressor with extension hardware
• Locker-ready wiring loom
• Recommended for lockers, horns, tire inflation and air tools

This suits someone who wants the CKMTA12 plus extra hardware in one box. If you already have the fittings, the standalone CKMTA12 is the simpler buy.

Best for
Multiple vehicles needing brushless speed

The ARB CKBLTP12 12V Brushless Portable Air Compressor brings brushless technology to a portable twin. It shares the CKBLTA12’s feature list: 50% more output than the brushed compressor, active cooling fans, electronic speed control, overload protection, live audio and visual diagnostics, and a 100% duty cycle.

The listing is inconsistent, though. The feature bullets repeat the on-board figures (9.18 CFM at 0 psi, 15.8 lb and on-board mount language), while the spec sheet lists 3.4 CFM, 260 liters per minute, 13.3 kg and 18.82 x 13.98 x 7.32 inches. The larger dimensions and weight make sense for a portable case, but the listing does not clearly state the portable unit’s flow or included accessories beyond one CKBLTP12 and a 6-meter hose.

• Brushless twin motor, active cooling
• Electronic speed control and overload protection
• Live diagnostics via audio and visual alerts

Choose it if you want brushless speed across multiple vehicles. If you only have one rig and run lockers, the on-board CKBLTA12 is the cleaner solution. For lighter-duty trips, our heavy-duty tire inflator review covers a smaller alternative.

The ARB CKMTP12 twin motor portable compressor is the established portable kit. It delivers 6.16 CFM at no load and 4.65 CFM at 29 psi, and an integrated aluminum air tank with a pressure switch holds pressure between 135 and 150 psi, which suits most air tools.

Everything sits in a waterproof, impact-resistant polymer carry case with compartments for the hose and accessories. A ducted, IP55-sealed cooling fan and anodized aluminum motor brackets dissipate heat, allowing a 100% duty cycle at room temperature. The kit includes the case, twin compressor, air tank, canvas organizer, 20-foot air hose and blow gun.

• 6.16 CFM no load, 4.65 CFM at 29 psi
• Integrated aluminum tank, 135 to 150 psi switch
• Waterproof carry case
• 20 ft hose and blow gun included

This fits anyone who wants portable air for tires and tools without permanent install. For maximum flow in a portable format, the brushless CKBLTP12 is the upgrade, though its specifications need confirming.