Real ARB On-Board Twin Air Compressor Vs. Knock Off - Comparison (CKMTA12) 

Thank you for taking the time to put this together and for spending the money on the cheap knock off.

Thx! Appreciate your effort checking out the knockoff. You’ve saved us all a lot of money!

The Arb is over priced at $600,the knockoff is about $330,after seeing your video I think I'm gonna try the knock off

Its not beat up from the shipping, they sent you a unit that had been returned.

Thanks for the video and nice setup! Im considering the lessor compressor, since I have had plenty of problems with my authentic ARB. ARB air chuck leaks since day 1 and ARB supplied relay failed after 12 months of occasional use for lockers only.

ARB is a great company and stand behind their products. I had a problem with my rear arb leaf spring 2 years after installing them. They replaced both springs,free of charge,no questions asked. Great company

Great video. I hate these cheap Chinese knockoffs. Guarantee that they buy an ARB compressor then copy the design, cutting every corner they can to save cost. The ARB is more expensive because of the R&D and warranty costs as well as higher quality materials used. I wish people would stop supporting this crap to save a few bucks. There are certain products that are made in the same factory as their more expensive (brand-name) counterparts, but this doesn't seem to be the case here. I'll gladly pay extra for a product made in USA (or Australia) that was properly designed and tested and has a warranty.

No way in hell would I pay more than $150 for a knockoff. $450 is insane for a fake. I have a little ARB for my air locker that I have had for over 15 years and has been used on 3 different vehicle, it’s been submerged, pressure washed, and it still works perfect.

ARB is made in China. Same factory as this one. ARB boxes always say "designed in Australia with foreign parts", meaning made in China. This clone, like you said is an ARB with a few corners cut for savings...

I have the cheaper one and it came packaged just like arb and has ran flawlessly .

Great video. I have the ARB dual compressor, it’s a great compressor. As a matter of fact, one of the comments you use near the end is mine.

ARB is a good company. I bought a second hand jeep overseas and it came with the ARB awning. After a few thousand miles in, the fell off my roof rack. It wasn't the mount, it was the rivets in the awning backing. ARB warrantied it and sent me a new one. 👍

Nah, you really DO need to strip them down and compare the internals - not just to see what's bad about the knock-off but also to see what's special about the ARB. Honestly, as long as it's half-decent, I wouldn't care whether it was "original" or not. Problems only start when scumbags buy the knock-offs from China, ship 'em across and then slam ARB stickers on them before re-selling them.

Love my ARB twin, I have a power wagon so tires run at 65psi normal and I air down to about 25, much more comfortable knowing I have support for the real one, been a couple years with no issues, plus I went through Northridge and they got it to me in time for a trip when everyone else said it would be months because they were on back order. Great video!

WE appreciate you doing for us Man!!

Helpful video. Thanks for taking the time to make it.

Great comparison! I had looked at the copy cat but I’m a name brand shopper usually

Thanks for making this video! Love my ARB

FYI - my Chinese knockoff has been running strong for over a year now. Also - it arrived much better packaged than the one in this video. So no complaints so far. When the day comes that it finally does crap out….I’d buy another. Side note: I have ARB genuine locker in front of my rig, Chinese knockoff in the rear. Both are holding up. One problem I did have with the Chinese knockoff is that the air solenoid leaked air when the locker was engaged. Not enough to keep the locker from engaging - but it bugged me because it caused the compressor to kick on faster. The company would not warranty it so I had to go out and buy an ARB solenoid (about $90). Not happy about that. But the locker itself is doing just fine. So….would I buy another Chinese locker? Tough call. Pissed about their lack of warranty support but at less than half the price of an ARB…that’s hard to stay pissed. Hate to admit it but…yeah…I probably would! My rule of thumb on buying China is: never buy anything you don’t plan on using immediately. Quality control sucks in China. So if it’s a lemon and you catch that fast - you can get it replaced under warranty. But if you get a good one - chances are it will work well for you and you’d have saved a ton of $$$

Thank you so much for your invaluable information, highly appreciate it, keep it up the outstanding job, have a great day.

can you explain please how are your setup pour automatic air down all tire. thank

I don’t know about the compressors but the snorkels are absolutely identical. Specifically the TJ and WJ models. The accordion tube slightly different but the box plates, and snorkel are identical. On my TJ the real safari Snorkel I replaced my fake one with, went exactly into the same holes

I recently got the ARB "Ford Performance" single compressor that comes mounted in the the little tool box lookin thing and it's pretty awesome. It fits perfectly behind my passenger seat in my RCSB F150. The tool box it comes in is really nice quality, the switches and wiring looks good and those air connections are super bitchin. People "oooh" and "ahhhh" when I whip it out, it's pretty extra lol

I've had the knock-off one and it performed very well, I now have the ARB and looking forward to installing it. My thought is the Chinese one you purchased was a returned/used, so you really never know what you're getting in a knock-off.

The dedication to making a product exactly like the ARB one is pretty impressive.

My guess is that higher temperature we're seeing on the knock-off is due to that 24V fan that was only running at 12V. Swap it out for a 12V higher-rated fan & it should be good. I got unlucky with a generic Chinese compressor for my OBA. It only worked for a day before the reed valve snapped off due to being made from cheap metal. Swapped it out for a Viair unit & been running with it for over 2 years daily, no issues whatsoever. I did fabricate a mount for a 12V monster of a fan & that has helped to keep the compressor at a reasonable operating temp. Saying that, I am, however, impressed with Chinese build quality IF YOU PONY UP for better materials. I commissioned a build for a 60V lithium-ion pressure washer that can go up to 1200 PSI, 1.8 GPM, detachable 15AH battery pack, and adjustable output pressure dial. The Chinese manufacturer gave me a few options ranging from ultra-cheap to decently pricey, with regards to the pump head, the controller electronics as well as the brand of 18650 cells to use in the battery pack. I specified certain options and the grand total came up to be about 550USD before shipping and taxes. Sure it wasn't cheap as we might have expected, but for something that doesn't really exist on the current market, it was reasonable. I mean, battery powered pressure washers exist aplenty, but not one that can go over 1000 PSI (Sunjoe has one that only goes up to 800 PSI), flow rate of over 1.8 GPM, and can run for an hour continuously at max pressure. And I have been using this washer for over a year now, at least twice every week. No problems at all. The unit still works and feels as it did when I got it. Nothing rattles or cracked. So it's not all bad news when you get something that's made in China. Sure it's a gamble, but if you wanted to save a few bucks that's something you have to deal with. Else, buy original from reputable sources.

the condition the knock off compressor was in, is probably a send back from someone the scratches and complete opening in bag is very likely from it being opened by someone and not from shipping

That scared the crap out of me when the line popped off!

Thanks for posting. I recently bought one for my mobile service truck and wasn't sure if it was a REAL ARB or not. but I have always felt the performance was a bit lacking especially at the higher pressures.. Pretty sure I got a knock off. I will watch for that closer when the time comes to replace it.

It's so important to air down for the curbs at the mall. Jk. That jeep is clean, though. Thanks for covering this. Much needed comparison

one thing on the wiring: copper wiring will carry more current than the non-copper wiring for the same gauge

Thanks for info, wish you did a total tear down of the internals

Good video, would be nice to see your set up and the way it was installed. Thanks for the video

What brand are the red chucks that you're plugging your hoses into. I would love to be able to connect one handed. Please tell me.

Nice review, however I think I herd the knock off one leaking air as soon as you started it up, then at the end as soon as you touched it the hose poped off, so that could very easily be your extra 1 min there. I would of ran the hard braided line rather than the plastic push fittings. The plain brown boxes the ARB ones come in when the warehouse gets them actually say "made in China". What I say that's happened is Australia designed it, made the first one but sent it to China to build it cheaper, then that company doesn't have to abide by the patent cause the patent isn't world wide, might only be in Australia and the US, so China can legally sell them to who ever they want. Maybe they may change tiny things to make it a bit cheaper for them. They have the same instruction manual. The ARB one you can get here in Australia for about $650 AUD, ARB sell them for about $700 AUD. The Chinese ones are about $400 US and shipping is about $250US so with the conversion rate that's about $935 aud so the Chinese one is actually more expensive. Say even without shipping it's $575 AUD so the product itself is only $75aud cheaper than ARB so for that little difference I would expect to get a very close (If not, the same) product. Also ARB have recently changed their design of the boxes to the new "AIR" logo, but before that even the boxes were the same. But time will tell

Cheap arb knock off came in my jeep 5 yrs ago and still runs great

Thnx for the review.

My last ARB Twin was defective from the factory, only one motor worked. I fixed it, sold it, and replaced it with a Maxi Trac for way less $ and it's way faster.

Make sure to keep your air disconnects covered and protected if you mount them out side or under your vehicle as shown.

I think you just showed us that the ARB is made in China ,and ARB charges $200 for the name?

I’m going to venture to say that these are probably made in the same factory. The difference would be QC branding and little cost saving parts.

18:03 Shining a flashlight in to a port does not deem what is "inside of them" unless yo tear each one apart and really look to see the difference.

Nice set up! What couplings are you using on the bumper?

I like this review, I’m always sus of an “off road rig” that’s this clean tho.

Arb is made in China but assembled in Australia. Like alot of other companies that are "made" elsewhere other than China.

I'm thinking paying the extra $200.+ for the ARB will be worth it in the end.

With only half the price at most, what you really need to test is the long term reliability.

How much is the china one and where did you buy it? I work with china on developing products and I can tell you that most factories don't care who they sell to. If I were to guess based on my experience, the Chinese factory either supplies ARB with some parts or ARB reached out to them for a sample of parts and the factory started making the item. Also, the link in the description of the vid that bring your to your amazon store is broken.

My Mercedes has a built in air compressor for the deflated spare, just checking out the hype😊 the construction differences and higher operating temperature tells me that the motors aren't the same quality, along with the warranty I would buy the ARB because I can afford it😂

Good job, dude!

I bought the single ARB, its good. overpriced for a air compressor, IMO, considering all the other options on the market, not sure if I'd buy ARB again, just from a price standpoint.

I was kinda just planning on plugging a pancake compressor into the lighter socket.. It technically functions...

Are Arb Compressors Made in China? Yes, ARB compressors are made in China. The company has a manufacturing facility there that produces a variety of air compressor models for different applications. While some people may have concerns about products made in China, ARB stands behind the quality of its compressors and offers a three-year warranty on all of its products.

Maybe arb has their stuff made in China like everybody else. People have stuff made in China to increase profit.

If able to fit it, how much of a benefit would swapping that hard 90 fitting out of the ARB with a sweeping 90 to reduce pressure loss.

What quick release fittings are they your using for the hoses

I had a knock off.. it broke and the company sent me a brand new one at no cost. So mehh.... if they keep breaking I'll just go ARB but so far the experience has been good.

How are you airing down within the cabin?

I bet you, a lot of ARB stuff are not "made" in Australia, some stuff is assembled there but definitely not made.

I was really hoping you were going to do a tear down. To say “they’re completely different inside” better be what any rep would say! It would great if you could pull one of the motor assembles (very easy to do without disassembling anything else) to compare. The original motor assembly is available for $175. I seriously doubt that there is much difference between the two. It would be too expensive otherwise. Likely, these 'knock offs' are factory seconds. Take them apart and clean them up and you probably will get a bargain! :)

Would have liked a tear down comparison.

What kinda is the knockoff?

Great video, very informative. Too bad my Chineese Puma has been running perfectly for last 7 years otherwise I'd order the knock off.

Ive got ARB everything except my compressor which is a Chinese one, which has served me well for close to 5 years and performed faultlessly. I would love to fault it but just can't, maybe I got lucky

What brand is the Chinese version. Where do I find it

I’ve had two ARB twin compressors. One wouldn’t work out the box, the other lasted almost a year. I’ll still probably keep buying ARB but reality is, they ain’t that well built and they’re riding on a brand name.

Looks like Rough Country is selling one of these knock offs now.

People have to understand that the Chinese build down to a price, not up to a standard. In all likelihood the original and the knock off are made in adjoining factories in China.

IN AUSTRALIA THE ARB TWIN AIR COMPRESSOR SELL ABOUT $1,099 AUSTRALIA DOLLARS HARD FIND AIRCOMPRESSOR PUMP UP 120PSI FOR MY TRUCK TYRES AS RUN AT 90PSI FOR HIGHWAY

Factory seconds/QC fail? Over order/over manufacturer?

So does anyone have a link for the knockoff?

did I miss the important fact ? WHAT'S THE PRICE DIFFERENCE !!!!!!!! And did hear him say spend the EXTRA FEW HUNDRED for the ARB ??? !!!

I played your comment many times, so what you are saying is do not buy a cheap knock-off unless it's a ARB, or their product is just as good and cheaper if you buy from a shady website, copy of the ARB Compressor.

If the ARB compressor is made/assembled in Australia, they will let you know everywhere including the box and will probably stamp it on the salesman's forehead. Bought the Chinese one on Alibaba, it is not a knock off. The reason everything is similar is because ARB is made in the same factory but with superior parts (bearings, anodized piston, better finish/anodizing but exact same motor). So basically if you'll pay them the same or more as ARB, they will make you an exact ARB clone or even better. Is it worth it? Chinese one was 150 USD/180 for the kit but no market for it. At 450USD retail with no warranty there is absolutely no sense in buying it whatsoever when an ARB is 650 with warranty.

One of the ads shows "US Seller" . Chinese, and sold from a US website? Steering clear of that one.

You didn't run the same diameter outlet hose. The arb had a larger diameter stainless hose for the initial output hose and you didn't swap that to the knockoff. The knockoff hose is smaller diameter which reduces airflow.

Id run them in parallel for faster fill 😅

To me, it looks like it is 2nd hand and resold

ARB is overpriced and overhyped imo, but I got it because the copy was like 70 usd cheaper with less warranty. That plus, I can get parts anywhere around the globe. Holding them side by side arb felt better quality and finish. If the copy was quarter or half the price then I would’ve bought it.

Not the best review. If you tested the electricals, you will find that the ARB outperforms most compressors for heat at higher PSI and doesn't work as hard to do it. Also, you can get spare parts for ARB compressors. Best of luck getting those from your Chinese counterparts. AND you get three year warranty. You get what you pay for.

I believe this knock off is the exact same compressor that overland vehicle systems sells

Rough Country makes a clone now. Half the price and solid warranty.

I would not call them "fake air compressors" as they are actually compressors, I would call them shitty replicas.

can i have the nokoff

And where is ARB made?

Black hose is also small looking

You say is cheaper.... In Australia the copy is actually more 🤣 what do you pay for real and fake?

chanchs are the customs people did that here in the USA

$340 it better be the same or real close quality a knock off should be like half of less

The output air line should never be made of plastic because the compressed air comes out hot and will weaken and soften the plastic. One up on the ARB for the braided steel line. Great comparo video.

ARB doesn't manufacture compressors in Australia they out source to China then quality control them and make sure thier within spec in Australia. I think they are made by HF in China of ARB

Does that jeep actually even touch dirt or is this a show rig....

Calling ARB for answers was not the best thing to do. As for the other comment, yes they get there made in china also. 10% gets u out of a patent and 1 min is not that long for filling up 4 tires

Waist of money get a m18 inflator does everything that arb does but much smaller and portable

ARB gets their components from China, and assembled and tested in Australia, they are not fully manufactured in Australia.

Based on what you showed it seemed apparent that the knockoff was a good deal for the money, that they in no way ever said it was an ARB, so if you bought one you knew that you were taking a chance on just what it is, a knockoff. Definitely performed well in your test, viable option for someone on a budget. Curious note on the ARB site as far as manufacture, they only state the compressors are assembled and tested in Australia, typically a dead giveaway that the parts are from China.

I think sadly it may be that arb designed it but has china build it just like everything anymore I thank that’s probably why arb didn’t want to be recorded on you tube they know that it would be a legal thing it’s exactly why I’m not a brand man why pay over half more for something that runs down the same assembly plant

Everything is made in china because labour and material is cheap. Look at manufacturer labels. Sadly, mostly you will see has ‘Made in China’ when you think you are buyin ‘murrican (or Australian in this case). Chinese companies making off-brand clones is common legal business practice there, and a market that legally sells this is larger than amazon. And amazon too does not discourage selling off brand stuff, as that would undercut their profits. So, when you buy a ‘brand’ product, you may be buying some peace of mind thinking its better, or better supported, but in reality you may be overpaying for the same product, manufactured by the same Chinese company. Thank you for this video. I was wondering if this seemingly identical product is worth the 3rd of the price of the branded one.

as to the noise. this why they are called buzz boxes. all are noisy no getting around that. and you are surprised something from communist china looks like a brand name product. but made very cheaply. your review shows it works. But for how long?

Makes me think arb Is not made in Australia lol