A portable air compressor is one of the most important accessories to bring on on your off-road excursions. Simply put, it gives you the ability to air up your tires off grid where you may be quite a ways out from a gas station with access to air.
A portable version (for off-roading) is typically a compact unit that is easy to store, transport and use. There are a bunch of options on the market, but I currently run a MORRFlate TenSix, paired with their Quad Hose kit.
The MORRFlate compressors are made specifically for airing up large tires quickly. The intention is primarily for rapid and efficient inflation after a day out on the trail. If you’re a serious enthusiast looking for an option focused to off-roading, MORRFlate is the answer.
In this post, I’ll cover the 5 main reasons to add one to your gear setup.
Find It Online
- MORRFlate TenSix Compressor: Check Price
- Quad 4-Tire Hose Kit: Check Price
Table Of Contents
My Setup
There are a ton of options on the market in the way of portable air compressors. I’m using the MORRFlate TenSix, a robust and powerful dual-cylinder compressor created by and for off-road enthusiasts. It features a 6-foot power cable and with a rating of 150 PSI, can easily air up all four of your oversized tires in no time.
Specifications
- 10.6 CFM Dual Cylinder @ 0 PSI
- 6.5 CFM @ 30 psi
- 150 PSI Rated
- PSI Cutoff Switch (80 PSI On, 120 PSI Off)
- Thermal Cutoff Switch & Purge Valve
- 80% Duty Cycle @ 0 PSI (45 Min On, 10 Min Off)
- 12v, 90 Amps Peak
- 70-75 dB Noise Level (from a 1 foot distance)
Disclaimer
In this article, I mention how these can come in handy for roadside emergencies and airing up a single tire. However, MORRFlate did not design the TenSix to be used on one tire at a time and repeated use in this way will damage the TenSix. For optimal results, it is recommended to use their multi-tire air hose kits.
1. Fast Airing Up After Trails
For optimal traction and comfort, you should be airing down your tires when off-roading. This is usually down to around 10 PSI (for beadlocked wheels on gnarly trails) or about 20 PSI (OEM or aftermarket wheels without beadlocks).
After you’re done wheeling, it’s recommended that you don’t drive with the mentioned PSIs while on the road. While you can get away with it for short distances, low PSI impacts safety and performance. Under inflated tires wear faster, have decreased stopping distance, and poor handling. Overall, they are less safe on the road – a given, but worth noting.
Ultimately, a compressor will save your tires, save you time, and make your experience more efficient. Not having to plan around searching for gas station is super clutch. Plus, you can share with your group if not travelling solo.
The MORRFlate one I’m using is rated to fill up four 35″ tires in about 5 minutes. Much faster than traditional options.
2. Emergency Tire Repairs
Emergency repairs are a reality that you will eventually face when using your truck off-road. Naturally, the harder you wheel, the greater the chance of a tear or a tire debeading. With the right compressor and tools, you can reseat your tire should it come off your wheel.
Paired with a tire repair kit you’re better prepared to face trail damage. This is especially important for solo travelers and those who travel to remote areas.
3. Made For High Volume, High Performance
The dual cylinder design is made to put out large volumes of air without overheating as quickly. This is important since many of us run oversized tires that can strain units not made for off pavement applications
The duty cycle on the MORRFlate units is impressive and means that you can use it longer without impacting performance from overheating. If you’ve tried to use a cheap version, or one not made for high volumes, you’ve probably seen how quickly they required a cool off period. This is great for hitting multiple trails in a day, or helping a larger group to air up.
4. Compact, Portable & Efficient
MORRFlate compressors come in a dialed package. You get everything you need in a relatively compact size that’s easy to transport. They have several adapters to use with various hose kits, alongside a robust accessory lineup for a one stop shop for your air needs.
While these can be hard mounted, many of us like to keep our setups mobile for easier use.
The compressor uses heavy duty alligator clips that easily connect to your battery for quick setup and breakdown.
5. Reliability & Peace Of Mind
MORRFlate has been around for a while now. Their products have been heavily tested and proven to be reliable. It doesn’t hurt that their hose kits come with an unlimited, no charge lifetime warranty. Everything else has an unlimited, no charge, 3-year warranty with lifetime manufacturer warranty on everything else. Now that’s peace of mind! A robust warranty proves that they stand behind their products with fine print!
Customer support is really good. Tyler, the owner, still answers phone calls himself and answers any questions you might have.
At the end of the day, the kit keeps you reliably self reliant when you’re far from civilization.
6. Pairs Perfectly With Inflation Kits
With MORRFlate, you get a complete system designed for hard off-road use.
Sure, you can buy just the compressor, but they’ve got an entire ecosystem of products that work together seamlessly. That includes their hose kits, and things like the AirHub (automated inflation and deflation). They’ve also got premium Pro models that allow you to set your PSI and step away until the job is done.
I’ve got a Quad hose kit, and it’s the perfect complement to the compressor. Not only is it good for airing up, you can also use it for airing down.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for the most cost-effective and simplest ways to air up your tires, you should consider a portable compressor.
There’s no need to mess with wiring, buy special mounts, or need to find a specialty store to fill a tank. If you can use jumper cables, you can use these portable wonders!
