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UNDERHOOD® Air Compressors for Trucks & Vans

UNDERHOOD® air compressors by VMAC are engineered for fleets and operators who need powerful onboard air without giving up valuable truck deck space or van cargo room. These compact rotary screw systems mount in the engine compartment and use the vehicle engine to deliver continuous compressed air for mobile work.

Available for popular service trucks and commercial vans, the UNDERHOOD lineup includes four configurations: UNDERHOOD40 Truck Series, UNDERHOOD40 Van Series, UNDERHOOD70, and UNDERHOOD150. Depending on the vehicle application and model selected, operators can access up to 40 CFM, 70 CFM, or 90 to 110 CFM of rotary screw air power at 100% duty cycle.

Because the air compressor is integrated with the vehicle, operators can preserve space for tools, parts, materials, tires, safety equipment, and customer products. This makes UNDERHOOD air compressors especially valuable for mobile tire service, utility work, municipal fleets, equipment repair, construction, and service truck upfitting.

Every system is designed and manufactured by VMAC for mobile applications, with compact packaging, vehicle-specific mounting kits, rotary screw performance, and field-proven durability for demanding work across North America.

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UNDERHOOD® Air Compressors Available

VR40-ENGINE-Web

UNDERHOOD40 Air Compressors – Truck Series

 The UNDERHOOD40 Truck Series is designed for Ford and RAM service trucks that need reliable compressed air for light-duty applications.

Delivering up to 40 CFM at 100 psi (150 psi maximum) while weighing approximately 62 lb as a complete wet system, it provides powerful performance without sacrificing payload.

It's an ideal choice for operating 3/4-inch impact wrenches, light chipping hammers, die grinders, and tire inflation equipment, making it perfect for service technicians who need compact, dependable air on the job. 
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UNDERHOOD40 Air Compressors – Van Series

 The UNDERHOOD40 Van Series brings powerful onboard air to Ford Transit, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, and Freightliner Sprinter commercial vans.

Producing up to 40 CFM at 100 psi (150 psi maximum) and weighing approximately 85 lb as a complete wet system, it delivers the performance needed for mobile service operations while preserving valuable cargo space.

It's ideal for forklift repair, tire service, utility work, die grinders, and tire inflation, making it an excellent solution for technicians working from a van. 
VR70-ENGINE-Web

UNDERHOOD70 Air Compressors

 The UNDERHOOD70 is built for service trucks that require more airflow for small to medium pneumatic tools with higher air demand.

Producing up to 70 CFM at 100 psi (175 psi maximum) and weighing approximately 150 lb as a complete wet system, it offers an outstanding balance of performance and payload savings.

It's well suited for powering 1-inch impact wrenches, 60 lb jackhammers, backfill tampers, grinders, sanders, and OTR tire inflation, making it a versatile choice for demanding service applications. 
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UNDERHOOD150 Air Compressors

 The UNDERHOOD150 is the highest-capacity system in the UNDERHOOD lineup, designed for service and utility trucks that require continuous, high-output compressed air.

Delivering 90–110 CFM at 100 psi (175 psi maximum) while weighing approximately 200 lb as a complete wet system, it can replace many utility-mount and tow-behind compressors.

It's built to power demanding pneumatic equipment such as 90 lb jackhammers, trenchless piercing tools, pneumatic saws, post-pounders, rock drills, and air knives, providing maximum productivity without the bulk of traditional compressor systems. 

UNDERHOOD® Air Compressors Benefits

Continuous Rotary Screw Air Power

UNDERHOOD air compressors use oil-injected rotary screw technology designed for continuous operation. Operators can keep working without waiting for a large receiver tank to recover.

This matters most when crews use pneumatic tools repeatedly or continuously, including impacts, grinders, jackhammers, tampers, tire inflation tools, post-pounders, and piercing tools.

Engine-Compartment Mounting That Preserves Work Space

The compressor mounts in the engine compartment, helping preserve valuable deck space on service trucks and cargo room in commercial vans.

Depending on the model and comparison equipment, UNDERHOOD air compressors can free up to 80 cubic feet of truck deck or cargo space, leaving more room for tools, inventory, tires, safety equipment, and customer products.

Lightweight Systems That Help Reduce GVW

UNDERHOOD air compressors are designed to reduce vehicle weight compared with many traditional above-deck, underdeck, utility-mount, or tow-behind compressor setups.


Depending on the system and comparison equipment, fleets can reduce GVW by up to 1,900 lb, freeing payload for the equipment and materials crews actually need on the job.

No Separate Compressor Engine To Maintain

Because UNDERHOOD air compressors are powered by the vehicle engine, there is no secondary compressor engine to service, troubleshoot, fuel, or repair.

That can help fleets simplify maintenance planning, reduce downtime, and keep crews focused on the job instead of wrestling with another small engine. Sometimes the old headache is simply not carrying an extra headache.

Built For Demanding Climates

The engine-compartment location helps protect the compressor from weather exposure and supports reliable operation across demanding North American climates.

This design is valuable for operators working through freezing winters, hot summers, dusty jobsites, and remote mobile service calls.

Vehicle-Specific Engineering

VMAC engineers mounting kits for compatible Ford, RAM, GMC/Chevrolet, Mercedes-Benz, Freightliner, and International vehicles, depending on the model selected.

Vehicle compatibility varies by model year, engine, series, and configuration. The Application List should remain a prominent link on the page.

Which UNDERHOOD Air Compressor Is Right for Your Application?

UNDERHOOD40 Truck Series
Choose the UNDERHOOD40 Truck Series for compatible service trucks with crews mainly using smaller pneumatic tools, such as 3/4-inch impacts, die grinders, light chipping hammers, and tire inflation tools.
UNDERHOOD40 Van Series
Choose the UNDERHOOD 40 Van Series for compatible commercial vans when the fleet wants onboard air without placing a gas-powered compressor inside the cargo area.
UNDERHOOD70
Choose the UNDERHOOD70 when the truck needs 70 CFM continuous air for mobile tire service, utility service, equipment repair, OTR tire inflation, 1-inch impacts, 60 lb jackhammers, backfill tampers, grinders, and sanders.
UNDERHOOD150
 Choose the UNDERHOOD150 when the work requires high-output air for larger pneumatic tools such as 90 lb jackhammers, post-pounders, pneumatic saws, rock drills, trenchless piercing tools, and air knives. 
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Find the Right VMAC Air Compressor

Not sure which UNDERHOOD air compressor is right for your truck, van, or air tools? Use the Product Finder or contact a VMAC product specialist to compare CFM, psi, vehicle compatibility, payload, and installation requirements.

View The Product Finder

Applications and Industries

UNDERHOOD air compressors are a strong fit for mobile professionals who need reliable compressed air at the jobsite without sacrificing vehicle space. The product line supports many work truck and commercial van applications, from light-duty service calls to high-output utility work.

Mobile tire service fleets can preserve bed space for tires, jacks, inflation cages, cribbing, tire chocks, safety equipment, and customer products while still bringing enough onboard air for retail and commercial tire work.

UNDERHOOD® Air Compressors Videos

 

UNDERHOOD® Air Compressors Downloads

Access product specifications, bid specifications, manuals, and supporting guides for UNDERHOOD air compressors by VMAC.

Accessories and Service Kits

Configure your UNDERHOOD air compressor for your work truck, commercial van, pneumatic tools, air quality requirements, climate, and service schedule with VMAC accessories and service kits.

VMAC Air Manifold

VMAC Air Manifold

A700357

Recommended for:

Multiple operators, multiple air outlets, and organized air distribution.
Air System De-icer

Air System De-icer

A700031

Recommended for:

Fleets working in cold, wet, or freeze-prone conditions.
Filter Regulator Lubricator (FRL) – 70 CFM

Filter Regulator Lubricator (FRL) – 70 CFM

A700151

Recommended for:

Tool protection and air quality control
Air AfterCooler – 70 CFM

Air AfterCooler – 70 CFM

A800070

Recommended for:  When cooler, drier compressed air is required. 
1/2" x 50’ Hose Reel

1/2" x 50’ Hose Reel

A700007

Recommended for:

Service trucks needing organized air access
6-Gallon Air Receiver Wing Tank

6-Gallon Air Receiver Wing Tank

A300045

Recommended for:

When an air receiver tank is required or beneficial for tool performance.
10-Gallon Air Receiver Tank w/ Mounting Feet

10-Gallon Air Receiver Tank w/ Mounting Feet

A300047

Recommended for:

Added air storage and stable mounting options.
35-Gallon Air Receiver Wing Tank

35-Gallon Air Receiver Wing Tank

A300010

Recommended for:

Applications requiring more stored air capacity.
One-Way Check Valve – 70 CFM

One-Way Check Valve – 70 CFM

3600117
Heavy Duty Air Filter w/ Rain Cap

Heavy Duty Air Filter w/ Rain Cap

A700136

Recommended for:

Dusty or exposed working conditions.
Heavy Duty Air Filter w/ Pre-cyclonic Filter

Heavy Duty Air Filter w/ Pre-cyclonic Filter

A700138

Recommended for:

 Severe-duty dust management.
Filter Regulator Lubricator (FRL) – 185 CFM

Filter Regulator Lubricator (FRL) – 185 CFM

A700221
Air AfterCooler – 185 CFM

Air AfterCooler – 185 CFM

A800185
Remote Muffler Accessory Pack

Remote Muffler Accessory Pack

A700224

Recommended for:

When reduced noise placement or exhaust routing flexibility is required. 

Universal Flushing Kit

A700214

UNDERHOOD70 200 Hours or 6 Months Service Kit

A700019

UNDERHOOD70 400 Hours or 1 Year Service Kit

A700020

UNDERHOOD150 200 Hours or 6 Months Service Kit

A700059

UNDERHOOD150 400 Hours or 1 Year Service Kit

A700060

UNDERHOOD40 200 Hours or 6 Months Service Kit

A700263

UNDERHOOD40 400 Hours or 1 Year Service Kit

A700264

UNDERHOODAir Compressor FAQs

What is an UNDERHOOD air compressor?

An UNDERHOOD air compressor is an engine-mounted rotary screw air compressor that installs in the engine compartment of a compatible service truck or commercial van. It uses the vehicle engine to provide onboard compressed air for mobile work.

Why choose an UNDERHOOD air compressor instead of an above-deck air compressor?

Fleets often choose UNDERHOOD air compressors to preserve deck space, reduce vehicle weight, reduce maintenance requirements, and keep compressed air available whenever the truck or van arrives at the jobsite.

How much air do UNDERHOOD air compressors provide?

Depending on the model and vehicle application, UNDERHOOD air compressors provide up to 40 CFM, up to 70 CFM, or 90 to 110 CFM at 100 psi with 100% duty cycle.

Do UNDERHOOD air compressors need a separate engine?

No. UNDERHOOD air compressors are powered by the vehicle engine, so there is no separate compressor engine to fuel, maintain, or repair.

Which UNDERHOOD model is best for mobile tire service?

UNDERHOOD70 is a strong fit for many mobile tire service trucks because it provides up to 70 CFM for tools such as 1-inch impact wrenches and OTR tire inflation while preserving truck bed space. Lighter tire service vans or trucks may be better matched to UNDERHOOD40, while heavier-duty applications may require UNDERHOOD150.

Which UNDERHOOD model is best for commercial vans?

UNDERHOOD40 Van Series is designed for compatible commercial vans and helps operators access onboard air without placing a gas-powered compressor in the cargo area.

Can UNDERHOOD air compressors run continuously?

Yes. UNDERHOOD air compressors use rotary screw technology designed to run at 100% duty cycle, allowing operators to keep working without waiting for tank recovery.

Do UNDERHOOD air compressors work in extreme climates?

Yes. The engine-compartment location helps protect the compressor from weather exposure, and UNDERHOOD systems are used in demanding cold and hot climates across North America.

Do UNDERHOOD air compressors fit every truck or van?

No. Compatibility depends on the vehicle make, model, engine, model year, and configuration. Buyers should check the current Application List or contact VMAC before choosing a system.

Can an UNDERHOOD air compressor replace a tow-behind compressor?

For some applications, especially with UNDERHOOD150, an engine-mounted rotary screw air compressor can reduce reliance on a utility-mount or tow-behind compressor. The correct choice depends on required CFM, psi, tool run time, and jobsite requirements.

Is the UNDERHOOD compressor a “pump and roll” air compressor?

No. The UNDERHOOD does not engage the air compressor while the vehicle is in motion for air suspension or air ride. The UNDERHOOD compressors are for mechanic service trucks and designed for operating air tools on job sites with the operator outside the truck working on and fixing equipment. The UNDERHOOD is not designed for components on the truck for the actual vehicle to operate.

 

Need Help Selecting an UNDERHOOD Air Compressor?

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The right air compressor depends on more than maximum CFM. Tool requirements, operating pressure, duty cycle, vehicle payload, available installation space, and compatibility with the truck or van all matter. VMAC and its authorized dealer network can help determine whether UNDERHOOD40 Truck Series, UNDERHOOD40 Van Series, UNDERHOOD70, or UNDERHOOD150 is the best match for your vehicle and application.
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