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Lumatic · 02-09-2018, 08:47 AM

Looking for a good 12v air compressor for topping off tires, etc. Small enough to stow. The ones I have seen have a cheap valve that connects the compressor to the Schaeder tire valve that just does not last.

Alternatively, a way to change the connecting valve at the end of the hose to the tire valve.

Lumatic · 02-09-2018, 08:49 AM

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:SchraderAp1921.jpg

Troutboy · 02-09-2018, 08:57 AM

I like the Viair 450P. It has continuos duty cycle so won’t overheat and need to reset.

Some like the cheaper 400P, here is a good review of both describing duty cycle.

I love the 450p. Use it for all my inflating needs.

http://www.fourwheeler.com/product-r...r-compressors/

Mollysdad · 02-09-2018, 09:06 AM

I went through a couple cheapos when I needed a tire pump. The kind you'd buy at Sears or WalMart. Most shut down before reaching a decent pressure.
I finally bought the Viair 450 P. It's a kit in a bag with everything you need. It's expensive, IMO. The 450 will not run continuously like the 400, but it puts out more air. I can't recall running any pump for 20 minutes to fill a tire.

Then I added a good dial tire pressure gauge to check when needed.

Wouldn't you know it, the Good Year Endurances haven't lost a drop of air since, so I can't tell you how efficient it is.

Roadtech · 02-09-2018, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mollysdad

The 450 will not run continuously like the 400, but it puts out more air.

Don't you have this backwards?

Lumatic · 02-09-2018, 01:19 PM

Viair does have a 450P, but it also has a bunch of other cheaper (down to about $40) compressors. For occasional use I wonder how they would stand up? Anyone use one of the less expensive models other than the 400?

YippieKiYa · 02-09-2018, 02:12 PM

Lumatic - One of your original questions was how to replace the valve at the end of the hose. I agree with you that the valve is either a weak point or a poor customer experience. I personally like this type as it goes straight on and clips in place on the tire valve so you don’t have to hold it.

https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/x...7504fc/4870941

Auto parts places will usually have an assortment of air chucks, as do most of the big box home improvement stores. They should also stock a barbed fitting for a hose end that you’d use a small hose clamp with. Search 1/4 barbed brass MPT. Then you can add the air chuck or even a quick release to the end of your existing hose.

https://m.harborfreight.com/14-in-ba...not%20provided

Hope that helps. I have this sort of thing as a repair on my compressor’s hose.

WhereStream · 02-09-2018, 03:03 PM

I like Ryobi's portable.

Not much bigger than a power drill.

You could, conceivably, pump up a flat, but that's going to take some time.

I use it to top up the pressure on the Airstream's tires, and it does a good job on that task.

Fits in my tool box.

Runs off the Ryobi 18-volt battery, which powers a bunch of tools (I have two).

Roadtech · 02-09-2018, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WhereStream

I like Ryobi's portable.

Not much bigger than a power drill.

You could, conceivably, pump up a flat, but that's going to take some time.

I use it to top up the pressure on the Airstream's tires, and it does a good job on that task.

Fits in my tool box.

Runs off the Ryobi 18-volt battery, which powers a bunch of tools (I have two).

x 2

Troutboy · 02-09-2018, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roadtech

Don't you have this backwards?

Yes he does. The 450P will run longer. Read the link to the review I posted a few posts earlier.

Jazgrass · 02-10-2018, 09:16 AM

Viair...great

SouthForkAS · 02-10-2018, 10:06 AM

I use the Smittybilt 5.5cfm model for rapidly filling my 33" AT tires after an off road excursion - 15psi to 60 psi in about 5 minutes. I'm sure this little 2.5cfm will work fine
https://www.amazon.com/Smittybilt-27.../dp/B004K296N6
or
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Smittybil...2780/188565978

rogerdog1 · 02-10-2018, 10:16 AM

I got the Viair 400P-RV version — comes with everything you need....gauge, dual-chuck, 2 hoses.

WestieHouse · 02-10-2018, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roadtech

x 2

In adfition to the air compresser, which works great on my tv and AS tires, the same batteries and charger can be used with my drill and hand held Ryobi vacuum cleaner. There are many other tools that can be used with the same battery pack and charger. Convenient and space-saving. Ryobi tools have been very reliable.

Similar advantages could be enjoyed with other brands. I would stick with one preferred brand.

After two years of regular use the connector has remained intact. It is much better than those on two other pumps I own. It could be replaced if necessary using the procedure described by the other posts here.

WestieHouse · 02-10-2018, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roadtech

x 2

In adfition to the air compresser, which works great on my tv and AS tires, the same batteries and charger can be used with my drill and hand held Ryobi vacuum cleaner. There are many other tools that can be used with the same battery pack and charger. Convenient and space-saving. Ryobi tools have been very reliable.

Similar advantages could be enjoyed with other brands. I would stick with one preferred brand.

After two years of regular use the connector has remained intact. It is much better than those on two other pumps I own. It could be replaced if necessary using the procedure described by the other posts here.

Pongo · 02-10-2018, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mollysdad

I went through a couple cheapos when I needed a tire pump. The kind you'd buy at Sears or WalMart. Most shut down before reaching a decent pressure.
I finally bought the Viair 450 P. It's a kit in a bag with everything you need. It's expensive, IMO. The 450 will not run continuously like the 400, but it puts out more air. I can't recall running any pump for 20 minutes to fill a tire.

Then I added a good dial tire pressure gauge to check when needed.

Wouldn't you know it, the Good Year Endurances haven't lost a drop of air since, so I can't tell you how efficient it is.

I also have the Vlair 450P compressor and am very impressed with its quality and selection of fittings. That said, the Vlair 450P-RV version that I have includes a 2nd hose, which I find very useful. This compressor needs to be connected directly to the battery terminals - no cigarette lighter connection due to more powerful motor power draw. With the 2nd hose, you will have more than enough hose to easily reach all trailer tires on the longest Airstream trailer without the need to jockey your tow vehicle closer.

switz · 02-10-2018, 10:42 AM

Carry the 450p for the 23D

GatorDave · 02-10-2018, 10:58 AM

Agree with the RYobi. Purchased the P731. Very portable, tops of my tire at 65psi easily. Also like the inflator side to blow dust out of equipment and stoking fires with a long 1/2 “ PVC pipe extension. Have several ryobi tools. My Lowes compressor died this was the replacement.

Kajendo · 02-10-2018, 11:09 AM

For a quick roadside top up I have an air hose with one end that clips onto my spare and an air filler on the other end. I can also take a bit from the other 3 tires on the trailer or my tow vehicle then drive to an air station or get off the road to use my air compressor off of my generator.

davidz71 · 02-10-2018, 11:17 AM

Another vote for the 450P. I had a cheap Black & Decker that did well for a couple years but would not air up my E rated tires to 72 lbs. It finally bit the dust and I went with the 450P. I use it on truck tires, car tires and filling up floats during trips to the lake or river. You can't go wrong.