Best Tools For Airing Up Off Road Tires: CO2 vs Compressor (Forget Onboard Air!)
Updated: Aug 28
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By Muddy Ruttzz
TL;DR / Quick Summary
Speed vs. Unlimited Air: A CO2 tank inflates a 35" tire from 18 to 37 PSI in just 40 seconds, while a 12V portable compressor (Viair 400P) takes about 2 minutes and 8 seconds.
Trip Duration Dictates the Tool: CO2 is ideal for quick day runs, trail blast-ups, and seating beads in the garage, but portable electric compressors are essential for multi-day expeditions where running out of gas isn't an option.
Skip the Onboard Air (OBA) Complexity: Heavy, permanent onboard systems crowd tight engine bays, cost significantly more, and lock the air source to one vehicle instead of sharing between rigs and trailers.
Smart Setup Matters: Portable 12V compressors draw up to 30 amps and require the vehicle engine running at ~13.8V to prevent battery drain.
What You Will Learn In This Post
Airing down is the single most effective way to gain traction, smooth out washboard trails, and protect tires from punctures off-road. However, getting large 35-inch tires back up to highway pressures at the end of the trail requires a reliable, efficient setup. In this breakdown, we compare real-world trail performance, setup costs, and long-term practicality across portable compressors, CO2 tanks, and hard-mounted onboard air systems.
You will see direct side-by-side timing data comparing the Viair 400P portable compressor against a 20 lb CO2 tank setup on Toyo Open Country M/T tires. We break down the complete anatomy of a portable kit, key electrical requirements to avoid stranded batteries, and the practical pros and cons of refilling CO2 versus running on 12V vehicle power.
Finally, we address why expensive onboard air systems often cause more headaches than they solve—especially in crowded modern engine bays—and how to choose the right combination of portable gear to keep your rig and trailer rolling without overcomplicating your build.
Choosing Best Tool for Re-inflating Tires After Off-Road Adventures
Several of my adventure videos start off with me at a off road trailhead airing down my tires. But getting those tires back to road pressures is key, especially on multi-day adventures. What tool and method is best? That depends.
Compressor vs CO2 for Off-Road Adventures
This video addresses a topic that is essential for any off-road enthusiast; airing up your tires after a day on the trails. Compressor vs CO2 for off road portable tire inflation. In the video I show how long they both take to inflate my Toyo Open Country M/Ts. I also show what you get with the Viair 400p and how to build your own CO2 tank setup.
Quick Comparison Table
Feature | Portable Compressor (Viair 400P) | CO2 Tank (e.g., Power Tank / DIY) | Onboard Air (OBA) |
Speed (35" Tire, 18 to 37 PSI) | ~2 min 8 sec | ~40 sec | ~1.5 – 3 min |
Air Supply | Unlimited (runs on 12V battery) | Limited by tank capacity | Unlimited (engine/battery) |
Portability | High (moves between rigs/trailers) | High (usable in garage or rig) | Zero (hard-mounted) |
Maintenance / Refills | Occasional air filter swap | Requires regular gas refills | Complex wiring, fittings & lines |
Best For | Multi-day overland trips & expeditions | Fast day trips, seating beads, garage tools | Dedicated single-rig permanent builds |
Why Lower Tire Pressure Off-Road? (Toyo Open Country M/T Example)
Lowering tire pressure gets you better traction, smoother ride and less chance of punctures. The tires footprint lengthens creating a larger contact patch. In addition all terrain and mud terrain tires have lugs on the side that are enabled when tire pressure is lowered. How do off road tires work?
Tire & Rig Updates
Since writing this post, the tire setups on both Jeeps have evolved. Check out these related video builds on the Muddy Ruttzz YouTube channel:
2020 Jeep Wrangler: Hidden Jeep Transformation: 35s, Steel Wheels & Secret Setup - Upgrading to 35-inch Kenda Klever R/Ts on steel wheels.
2022 Jeep Gladiator: Pizza Cutters: Why Narrow Tires Are The Best For Overlanding - Testing Mickey Thompson Baja Boss narrow tires on the trail.
Is This The Best Portable Compressor For Overlanding?
My go-to solution for airing up on longer trips, is this trusty VIAIR 400p portable compressor. It's compact, powerful enough to handle my 35s, and runs right off my vehicle's battery. I've had this thing for years, and it's never let me down. Plus, it's way more versatile than some of the other options out there. I also have a CO2 tank. I’ll talk more about that later.
The Viair 400p Auto Shut Off Portable Compressor: Comes With Everything You Need For Off Road Tire Inflation
Here is a list of what is included when you purchase the Viair 400p.
Great carry bag with compartments for everything you need to fill tires.
The Viair 400p with battery leads and simple alligator clips that attach to vehicle battery. It is mounted to an anti vibration base with rubber isolators.
30' long 1/4 inch durable coil hose with female quick release pneumatic fittings on each end. It reaches all the tires on my Jeep and trailer.
Inflation gun with gauge. This is a high quality tool all by itself.
Accessories and spare air filters. 3 inflation tips and a Presta valve adapters included.
The Viair is an auto shut off unit but also has a on off switch.
The bag included in with the Viair 400p has compartments for the compressor, coiled air line and tire inflator with gauge and all the parts you will need for inflating tires on the trail. There are pockets for small parts that can come in handy like fittings and teflon tape for repairing airlines.
The 400p has a solid metal base with rubber isolators that soak up the vibration when it is running. Compressor itself is solid all metal construction. Included is a male pneumatic connector and electrical leads that connect it to your vehicles battery.
30-Foot Heavy-Duty Coiled Airline
I can reach all 4 tires on my rig and the 2 tires on my Exventure XV-3 Off Road Trailer with the included 30' long coil hose. Durable and fitted with standard pneumatic fittings. Fittings and hose are very durable.
Viair include a high quality inflation gun with a accurate gauge with the 400p compressor kit. The attached valve locks onto the tires Schrader valve. No having to hold it in place while airing up.
An air filter on the 400p adds to the longevity of this model. It is easily changed and a couple extras are included. There is also a small bag tips for blowing up air mattresses and footballs.
It is rarely needed to touch this switch. The Viair has Auto Shut Off. As soon as it pressurizes it shuts off. When you pull the trigger on the inflation gun it turns on. That is a very handy feature that prevents overheating of the unit.
Powering up the Viair 400p is easy. Open your hood and attach the alligator clips to you vehicles battery and the compressor is ready. Make sure your engine is running so the battery does not get drained and leave you stranded. There is a 40 amp fuse that protects your Viair from overloads and a 1 hour duty cycle.
Pro Tip:
When You Connect the Viair Compressor to the battery to inflate tires your engine must be running. The compressor draws up to 30 amps and requires your vehicle's alternator running (at ~13.8V) so it doesn't drain your battery.
How Long Does It Take The Viair To Fill Up A Large Off Road Tire Compared To Using A CO2 Tank?
This is a 35” Toyo Open Country M/T that I have aired down from 37 psi to 18psi. In my test it took 2 minutes 8 seconds to inflate it with the Viair 400p. CO2 Tank took 40 seconds. CO2 is fast but on a multi day trip I take the compressor. It offers the advantage of unlimited filling. CO2 can run out on you especially if you did not have the tank refilled.
Related Content
Onboard Air Systems - Are They Worth The Trouble, Expense And Limitations?
Now, I know what some of you are thinking: Why not just get an onboard air system?Well they're expensive, a pain to install, and not easily switched between vehicles. And look at this Ecodiesel motor. Not much room under here and I don’t like the idea of a installing a compressor in the cab of my Jeep. This portable unit gives me the flexibility to use it with any vehicle I own, and it's way easier on the wallet.
Sometimes You Want To Air Up Quickly
But let's be real, sometimes you just want to get aired up quickly, especially after a short day trip to the OHV park. That's where this CO2 tank comes in handy. It inflates my tires in a flash, and it's perfect for those quick trips. You can get a awesome mount like this power tank bracket. Solidly mounting prevents the tank from turning into a missile in a collision.
Why a CO2 Tank Is Handy in the Garage and Shop
A day in the desert or at a OHV park the CO2 Tank is my go-to. For longer trips where I might air down and air back up multiple times I carry my VIAR Portable. I never want to be left flat by running out of CO2.
Here are some CO2 facts:
$25.00 to fill my 20 lbs CO2 tank at the local welding supply here in New Mexico. Living in the Bay Area I could get it filled on demand at a beverage supply.
CO2 Tanks have to be certified every 5 years by being pressure tested at a Scuba or Fire Extiquisher shop. If you buy one check the date it expires.
I can run power tools using my CO2 tank.
Seating tubeless tires. Be careful, you could end up with a big mess like I did, see my video: A Loud Wake-Up Call: My Tubeless Tire Disaster
Dusting off and drying parts.
All great reasons for having a CO2 tank setup. You can purchase a really cool premade setup like a Powertank. Also it is easy to DIY your own by purchasing the tank, regulator, hose and inflator. I have links in the Merch Section below for parts.
Multiple Hose Inflators - Do They Save Time?
I have seen the hose systems guys use to inflate all the tires at once. Those could be used with the Viair 400p. I’m just not convinced they save that much time. Let me know in the comments what you think.
Trail Lessons: Airing Down in Deep Sand
I was probably at my usual 18psi here. In sand like this it should probably have been 8 -12 psi.
Conclusion:
Avoid Onboard Air, Invest In A Solid Compressor and a CO2 Tank
Ultimately, the best way to air up your tires depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you're heading out on a multi-day adventure, a portable compressor like my VIAIR is a reliable and versatile option. For quick trips or garage use, a CO2 tank is a great choice. Just remember, don't get caught up in the hype and overspend on gear you don't need. Keep it simple, keep it practical, and keep exploring!
About the Author
Muddy Ruttzz is a digital creator, overlander, and DIY builder documenting rugged vehicle builds and outdoor adventures. Backed by a career in industrial sheet metal fabrication, heavy infrastructure construction, and mechanical maintenance, he provides practical, trade-tested technical guides for real-world off-road performance.
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