Accessory Air Compressor

What Are Accessory Air Compressors?

An onboard air compressor is one of the most versatile tools a truck, Jeep, or overland rig can carry — but the compressor itself is only part of the picture. Accessory air compressor products are the brackets, manifolds, mounting kits, hoses, switches, and supplemental components that transform a standalone compressor into a fully integrated, purpose-built air system. Whether you're airing down for the trail and need to re-inflate before hitting the highway, running pneumatic air lockers, or powering air tools in the field, the right accessories determine how reliable and convenient that system actually is in real-world conditions.

Why Proper Mounting and Accessories Matter

A compressor that vibrates loose, sits in a water-prone location, or lacks a proper manifold for managing multiple air outputs is a compressor that will let you down. Quality mounting hardware secures the unit to the engine bay, cargo area, or frame in a way that survives washboard roads and water crossings. Manifold kits allow a single compressor to feed tire inflation, air locker activation, and external tool ports simultaneously — without the hassle of swapping connections. Electrical accessories like wiring harnesses, pressure switches, and relays make the system safe, automatic, and easy to control. Together, these components are what turn a compressor purchase into a complete air system.

What to Look for When Shopping

• Fitment: Many mounting brackets are vehicle-specific. Always verify compatibility with your make, model, and year before purchasing.
• Material and finish: Look for heavy-gauge steel construction with a powder-coated finish for corrosion and wear resistance, especially for underhood or undercarriage installations.
• Compressor compatibility: Mounting brackets and manifolds are often designed for specific compressor models. Confirm your compressor's part number before choosing accessories.
• Installation method: Bolt-on designs that require no drilling are preferable for clean installs and to preserve factory sheet metal.
• Duty cycle and airflow needs: If you plan to run air lockers, tools, and inflate tires from one system, ensure your manifold and plumbing can handle the combined demand.

Top Brands in Accessory Air Compressors

ZROADZ is a California-based off-road products manufacturer known for precision-engineered mounting solutions. Their air compressor mounting brackets are laser-cut from heavy-gauge HRSO steel, feature a triangulated design that mounts to the firewall and inner fender panel for maximum rigidity, and install with a bolt-on, no-drill process — all backed by a lifetime warranty.

Viair is widely recognized as a leading manufacturer of high-performance DC air compressors for mobile pneumatic applications, and their accessory lineup is equally robust. From heavy-duty universal mounting brackets with stiffening gussets to billet aluminum manifold kits, pressure switches, and wiring harnesses, Viair offers everything needed to complete and optimize a 12V air system.

Up Down Air focuses on making tire inflation and deflation as fast and hassle-free as possible for off-road enthusiasts, with accessory solutions that complement onboard air setups and streamline the airing-up process after a trail run.

ARB is Australia's largest manufacturer and distributor of 4x4 accessories, with a heritage rooted in serious off-road use since 1975. Their air system accessories — including filter assemblies, replacement internals, electrical components for Air Locker activation, and purpose-built mounting hardware — are engineered specifically to work within the ARB air system ecosystem, ensuring seamless integration and long service life.