Pump It Up With UpDownAir Systems for Off-Road and Overland Adventure

While overlanding doesn’t always involve rugged trails and steep climbs, traversing some rough terrain should be expected. Self-reliant travel that focuses more on the journey than the destination understandably takes a person to some remote, off-grid locations where pavement isn’t a priority.

If you’re the type of person who often finds elements of traditional off-roading creeping into their overland journeys, then you know the importance of airing down your tires for rough roads and trail obstacles. The UpDownAir Controller, now a part of Overland Vehicle Systems’ (OVS) family of brands, is an innovative air delivery solution that allows users to air up (or down) all four tires at the same time. Most importantly though—it guarantees that all your tires are at the same PSI.

Air management is an extremely important (and often overlooked) part of off-roading and overlanding. Incorrectly distributed pressure among your tires can really affect your vehicle’s performance, thereby affecting rider safety.

If you’re a serious overlander, chances are you already have an air compressor on board. As the folks over at Expedition Portal point out, “When compressed and stored, air can be used for a number of tasks from the banal to the bizarre: inflating an air mattress, powering pneumatic tools, cleaning parts, reseating the bead of a tire, and even spooling up a blender of frothy margaritas.”

Now, by adding an Air It Up controller box, you can add “precisely set tire pressure to all four tires at once via the simple flip of a switch” to that list.

It Can’t Be That Easy…

It’s seriously that easy.

You simply connect the four provided short whips to your tire valve stems and then to the installed hi-flow valves near each tire. Then, using the controller, you set the dial to deflate or inflate your tires, flip the switch, and wait for the product to work its magic.

Scrap your air-down tools and tire pressure gauges, as the complete kit includes a built-in pressure gauge and regulator, plus a handy pouch to store the whips. And, thanks to UpDownAir’s wide variety of bracket solutions, you have the option to mount the controller in engine, cabin, or cargo compartments.

Generational Progress

At SEMA 2018, UpDownAir debuted its new Gen2 Air Delivery System, an evolution on the original design. Possessing the same great functionality with some upgraded cosmetics, the Gen2 also adds a few new applications to the list.

Originally targeting 07-18 Jeep Wrangler JK and second-generation Raptor platforms, UpDownAir now offers units with compressor brackets specifically designed for JL Wranglers, JT Gladiators, 2016+ Toyota Tacomas, and coming soon—Mercedes Benz G-Wagons. (The company also offers a Gen2 Controller with a universal mount bracket.)

“Our system can manage air through an on-board permanent air source with dedicated air inlet or through a portable air pump that can attach through an external Schrader valve,” explains the company. “Each kit comes complete with DOT-approved 3/8” air line throughout the system, whips with quick-connect chucks with our Betty Bar feature, ADS control box with air regulator, and 90-degree Schrader valves. Our Gen2 system is designed specifically for your application with precut hoses and quick-connect fittings to make the installation fast and easy.”

UpDownAir systems are designed to work with the EGOI 2, ARB, and VIAIR compressors and comes backed by a 5-year limited warranty.

Overlanding 101

“Our mission is to inspire and empower people to ADVENTURE,” proudly proclaims OVS. Since acquiring UpDownAir, the company has focused on taking the innovative air delivery system to the next level, streamlining manufacturing processes, expanding product applications, and building brand awareness for a truly clever off-road solution.

OVS understands that a big part of overlanding’s risk and reward is adequate preparation. “Overlanders don’t want to plan all of the spontaneity and adventure out of their trips, but they also don’t want to put their lives and the lives of their travelling companions in undue danger,” says the company.

In addition to planning out finances and understanding the limits of your vehicle, the gear you bring along (and the skills you possess in operating it) are vital to ensuring your journey is a successful one. A product like the UpDownAir system not only makes the deflating/inflating process easier—it also makes it more precise, ensuring you have equal and accurate tire pressure for the road ahead.

(We’d call that smart planning.)