ARB Twin Motor Portable 12V Air Compressor Kit - 6.16 CFM, CKMTP12
CKMTP12
The ARB CKMTP12 Twin Motor Portable 12V Air Compressor Kit delivers high-output compressed air for rapid inflation of large off-road tires, trail repairs, and compatible air tools. Featuring a twin-motor, dual-cylinder design producing up to 6.16 CFM (174.4 L/min) at 0 PSI and 4.68 CFM (131.8 L/min) at 29 PSI, this portable air compressor provides serious inflation performance for Jeeps, trucks, rock crawlers, off-road buggies, and overland vehicles. Its 100% duty cycle at 72°F (22°C) makes it especially useful for airing up multiple oversized tires after a day on the trail.
The CKMTP12 combines an integrated aluminum air tank, automatic pressure regulation, heavy-duty electrical connections, and a complete tire inflation accessory package inside a protective carry case. The compressor connects directly to a 12V vehicle battery using automotive-grade clamps, eliminating the need for permanent onboard installation. With a 20-foot air hose, high-flow tire chuck, air blow gun, and support for compatible pneumatic tools requiring up to 3 CFM at 90 PSI, this portable system delivers versatile compressed air performance wherever your build takes you.
Includes:
- (1) ARB CKMTP12 Twin Motor 12V Portable Air Compressor
- (1) Integrated Aluminum Air Tank
- (1) Heavy-Duty Impact-Resistant Carry Case
- Integrated Canvas Hose & Accessory Storage Compartment
- (1) Illuminated Compressor Isolating Switch
- Complete Wiring Loom with Automotive-Grade Battery Clamps
- Integrated Pressure Switch & Relay Control System
- (2) Splash-Resistant Air Filters with Washable Sintered Bronze Elements
- (1) 20' (6m) Abrasion & Heat-Resistant Air Hose
- US Industrial Standard Push-Lock Quick Connect Couplings
- (1) Air Blow Gun
- (1) High-Flow Tire Chuck with Integrated Stop Valve
- (1) Schrader Valve Adapter
- Accessory Inflation Nozzles for Sports Balls, Air Mattresses & Other Inflatable Equipment
- Operation Guide
Important: The CKMTP12 requires a direct connection to a compatible 12V vehicle battery. Maximum current draw is 68.6 amps, making it unsuitable for standard low-amperage 12V accessory sockets. ARB recommends operating the vehicle engine at idle during tire inflation to maintain battery charge and maximize performance.
Specifications
| Manufacturer | ARB |
|---|---|
| Part Number | CKMTP12 |
| Product Type | Portable Twin Motor Air Compressor Kit |
| Compressor Design | Twin Motor / Dual Cylinder |
| Supply Voltage | 12V DC |
| Duty Cycle | 100% at 72°F (22°C) |
| Maximum Current Draw | 68.6 Amps Total at 150 PSI |
| Maximum Current Per Motor | 34.3 Amps at 150 PSI |
| Current Draw at 0 PSI | 28.4 Amps |
| Current Draw at 29 PSI | 50.4 Amps |
| Fuse Rating | (2) 40 Amp Maxi-Fuses |
| Relay Rating | (2) 40 Amp Relays |
| Power Connection | Direct 12V Battery Connection with Automotive-Grade Clamps |
| Airflow at 0 PSI | 6.16 CFM (174.4 L/min) |
| Airflow at 29 PSI | 4.68 CFM (131.8 L/min) |
| Air Tool Capability | Continuous Operation of Compatible Tools Requiring Up to 3 CFM at 90 PSI |
| Air Tank | Integrated Aluminum Air Tank |
| Pressure Switch ON | 135 PSI (930 kPa) |
| Pressure Switch OFF | 150 PSI (1030 kPa) |
| Over-Pressure Protection | Mechanical Safety Relief Valve |
| Thermal Cut-Out | 239°F (115°C) |
| Cooling System | Ducted IP55-Sealed Brushed DC Cooling Fan |
| Motor Bearings | Ball Bearing Equipped |
| Cylinder Bores | Hard-Anodized |
| Piston Seals | PTFE-Impregnated Carbon Fiber |
| Air Filters | (2) Splash-Resistant, Washable Sintered Bronze Filters |
| Air Hose Length | 20' (6m) |
| Air Hose Construction | Abrasion & Heat-Resistant |
| Air Coupling Standard | US Industrial Standard / ISO 6150 B |
| Manifold Outlet Thread | 1/4"-18 NPT |
| Air Intake Thread | 1/4"-18 NPSC |
| Stainless Braided Hose Fittings | JIC-4 / AN-4 |
| Overall Length | 18.8" (478mm) |
| Overall Width | 14.0" (355mm) |
| Overall Height | 7.3" (186mm) |
| Total Kit Weight | 33 lbs (15kg) |
| Carry Case | Impact-Resistant Polymer with Integrated Accessory Storage |
| Installation Type | Portable / No Permanent Mounting Required |
| Manufacturing | Engineered, Built & Tested in Australia |
| Warranty | 2-Year Manufacturer Warranty |
| Primary Application | Large Off-Road Tire Inflation, Portable Compressed Air, Trail Support & Compatible Pneumatic Tools |
Performance & Operating Notes:
- Airflow and electrical performance specifications are measured under laboratory conditions at 72°F (22°C).
- The 100% duty cycle applies at 72°F ambient temperature. High operating temperatures may activate the automatic thermal protection system.
- The compressor automatically starts when system pressure drops below approximately 135 PSI and stops when pressure reaches approximately 150 PSI.
- The maximum current draw of 68.6 amps requires a direct battery connection using the supplied wiring loom and battery clamps.
- ARB recommends keeping the vehicle engine running at idle during tire inflation to reduce battery discharge.
- Compatible air tools must operate within the compressor's available airflow and pressure capacity.
Fitment
The ARB CKMTP12 is a universal portable 12V air compressor designed for vehicles with compatible 12V battery systems. Unlike permanently mounted onboard compressors, it can be moved between vehicles without dedicated mounting brackets or permanent wiring.
Best Suited For:
- Large Off-Road Tire Inflation & Airing Up After Trail Rides
- Jeeps, Trucks, SUVs & Heavy-Duty Tow Vehicles
- Rock Crawlers, Rock Bouncers & Custom Tube-Chassis Buggies
- Overland & Expedition Vehicles
- Trail, Race & Recovery Support Trucks
- Fleet & Work Vehicles Requiring Portable Compressed Air
- Compatible Pneumatic Tools & Air Accessories
- Vehicles Without Permanent Onboard Air Systems
Fitment & Compatibility Notes:
- Universal portable compressor for compatible 12V DC vehicle electrical systems.
- Connects directly to the vehicle battery using the included heavy-duty battery clamps.
- Not designed to operate from a standard 12V cigarette lighter or low-amperage accessory outlet.
- No permanent vehicle mounting or compressor wiring installation is required.
- Includes a 20-foot air hose with US Industrial Standard quick-connect fittings.
- Can continuously operate compatible pneumatic tools requiring up to 3 CFM at 90 PSI.
- Tools with greater air consumption may require intermittent operation while the air tank recovers pressure.
- ARB Air Locker operation may be possible with appropriate additional air-control components and compatible plumbing; verify the required configuration before use.
- Place the compressor on a stable, level surface during operation.
- Keep the compressor ventilated and avoid exposing electrical connections to excessive moisture.
Builder Note: For off-road vehicles running large tires, a portable twin compressor offers the flexibility to air up multiple vehicles without installing separate onboard air systems. Its integrated tank and high-output twin motors make it useful for trail groups, support trucks, and builders who want one compressor system that can serve several vehicles.
FAQ
What is the difference between the ARB CKMTP12 and CKMTA12?
The CKMTP12 is the portable version of ARB's twin-motor compressor system, packaged in a protective carry case with an integrated air tank, 20-foot hose, battery connections, and tire inflation accessories. The CKMTA12 is designed for permanent onboard installation and requires separate mounting and air-system components.
How much airflow does the ARB CKMTP12 produce?
The CKMTP12 produces up to 6.16 CFM (174.4 L/min) at 0 PSI and 4.68 CFM (131.8 L/min) at 29 PSI. These manufacturer-rated airflow figures make it well suited for rapidly inflating large off-road tires and supplying compressed air to compatible pneumatic accessories.
Is the ARB CKMTP12 good for large off-road tires?
Yes. The twin-motor, dual-cylinder compressor is designed for rapid inflation of large off-road tires. Its high airflow output and 100% duty cycle at 72°F make it especially useful for airing up multiple tires after rock crawling, trail riding, or overlanding.
What does a 100% duty cycle mean on the ARB twin compressor?
A 100% duty cycle means the compressor is rated for continuous operation under the specified test conditions of 72°F (22°C). In hotter environments or under demanding operating conditions, the compressor's thermal protection system may temporarily shut it down until the motors cool to a safe temperature.
How many amps does the ARB CKMTP12 draw?
The compressor draws up to 68.6 amps total at 150 PSI, with each motor rated at a maximum of 34.3 amps. Current draw varies with operating pressure. Because of these electrical requirements, the CKMTP12 connects directly to a compatible 12V vehicle battery using the included heavy-duty clamps.
Can I run the CKMTP12 from a cigarette lighter or 12V accessory outlet?
No. Standard 12V accessory outlets are not designed to supply the current required by this compressor. The CKMTP12 must be connected directly to a compatible 12V vehicle battery using its supplied wiring loom and battery clamps.
Should my vehicle be running when using the ARB CKMTP12?
ARB recommends leaving the vehicle engine running at idle during tire inflation. This helps maintain battery charge and allows the compressor to deliver consistent performance without unnecessarily depleting the vehicle battery.
Does the ARB portable twin compressor include an air tank?
Yes. The CKMTP12 includes an integrated aluminum air tank that stores compressed air and works with the automatic pressure switch. The compressor cycles between approximately 135 PSI and 150 PSI to maintain available system pressure.
What is the maximum operating pressure of the ARB CKMTP12?
The compressor's automatic pressure switch shuts off the motors at approximately 150 PSI and restarts them when pressure falls below approximately 135 PSI. A separate mechanical safety relief valve provides over-pressure protection.
Can the ARB CKMTP12 operate air tools?
Yes. According to ARB, the CKMTP12 can continuously operate compatible pneumatic tools requiring up to 3 CFM at 90 PSI. Higher-demand tools may require intermittent use while the integrated air tank recovers pressure. Always verify the tool's airflow and pressure requirements before operation.
Can I use the CKMTP12 to operate ARB Air Lockers?
The compressor can provide compressed air for compatible ARB Air Locker systems when configured with the necessary additional air-control components and plumbing. The portable inflation kit is not supplied as a complete Air Locker activation system, so verify compatibility and required accessories before connecting a locker.
