Looked around, but could not find the answer to this. I have a portable Viair compressor that I used in my previous vehicle to air up after going offroad. Just got a new-to-me Defender and wanted to use the same set up until I have enough coin for the onboard compressor. Question. How do I connect the Viair to the Defender battery? It uses clamps that go into the positive and negative terminals of the battery. I know the Defender battery is under the passenger seat , but LR put a Positive terminal under the hood. Where should I clamp the negative to make the compressor work then?

Thank you all.

 

There is a negative/ground post under the hood as well, in the same general area of the positive one (the manual shows where it is, it's easy to spot.). That's where you clamp the Viair to.

If you are used to tthe better Viair compressors (I have the 400P), you may be underwhelmed by the performance of the built-in Land Rover unit. It's convenient for sure, but not a great compressor.

 

There is also a negative point underhood.

Watch this video at 10:30 or so --

 

This is consistent with most of the feedback I’ve seen and happy I did the research before paying $1000+ for an inferior product.

On board or Milwaukee M18 inflator is the way to go imo

 

Thank you all. I have the 88P and it always served me well. Good to know that the onboard solution is underwhelming. I was not too keen on spending $1600 for it and if I can make my Viair work will be even less.

 

To be fair, Umbertob referenced the 400p, which is a much stouter compressor than the 88p. I would suspect the 88p and the OEM on-board are probably fairly equivalent. Of course, one is $1600 (in your case) and the other $89 on Amazon, so there’s that.

 

I love my VIAIR (similar to the 88p model on Amazon) - I'm on my 3rd vehicle using it and just threw it under the back floorboard
I was able to fit it into a cheap semi-hardshell case because the canvas bag that comes with was quite unpleasant to repack after use.

 

Not the cheapest, but WAY cheaper than the JLR version. It does take up room, so much less convenient. However, I do jam most of my tools in there. I'm a huge advocate of the ARB. If I ever really need the space, I'll likely move it to the boot storage. But to be honest, I have too many other projects to do before making a proper under boot storage to replace the styrofoam cluster F#@# that Land Rover designed. I've been hoping & wishing that something aftermarket comes up. Oh well, might have to start a new list for when I'm done restoring my M416. Then again, I won't have as much of a storage problem then!

 

Yep. Keeping my viair for sure, so long as I am able to connect the cables. I really thought the onboard OEM compressor would have a better advantage other than only not having to connect the jumper cables. I should have said $1600 was what my dealer quoted me including parts, install and taxes. In any event, still $1511 coins more than my viaair.

 

Tell me about that damn canvas bag...only once I was able to repack everything after using.