After a great floor jack and a tool chest, getting the best air compressor is probably next on any home mechanic’s wish list.

At the heart of a commercial vehicle’s air brake system is its air compressor, which pressurizes air in the primary and secondary tanks to provide power for the air brakes and other pneumatic systems.

Years ago, we used to enjoy watching diehard ARB-equipped off-road enthusiasts stubbornly (and slowly) fill up their tires using their own ARB on-board air compressors—even when another air source was ...