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JBBeaubeaux · 03-01-2017, 12:05 PM

We LOVE this heavy duty compressor that fills our tires to 80 lb in a few seconds.

Fast, reliable and top of the line.

Comes with 60 feet of hose (two 30') so I can reach all the truck and Airstream tires without moving the compressor. I also love it comes with a handle carrying case.

Available at Amazon: http://astore.amazon.com/livinginbea...ail/B004B68XGC

graysailor · 03-01-2017, 12:09 PM

I installed an air compressor in the bed of my F250. Comes in quite handy at times. Relatively small but puts out the air much faster than a hand held compressor.

coasttocoast · 03-01-2017, 12:23 PM

Viair 450P-RV

Rich W · 03-01-2017, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joshjack

I have the same setup, but on my last trip I had a tire drop 7 PSI over the weekend. I would have preferred to top it off, but it was only a 3 hr drive home so I decided to keep an eye on my TPMS and go for it. I was thinking I'd prefer to have something small enough to stick in a storage compartment on the AS and use as needed.

With a bicycle pump, you can put 7 lbs. into a tire in just a few minutes. It's about 40 pumps. (I'd say "strokes" but some wiseguy would say that adds up to one big stroke or heart attack.

) If air is coming out faster than a few lbs. every couple of weeks it needs to go to the repair shop and you should be running on the spare.

I've read the reviews on Amazon for the Viair pumps. A number of people have said they failed right when they're most needed. I'm a belt and suspenders guy so if I bought the Viair I'd be worried that it would fail and I'd carry the bicycle pump anyway, so no sense in both.

On our last 7 week trip down to Florida I used the pump one day on 4 tires, AS and TV combined. It took me maybe 20 minutes and I didn't have to hook up to a battery or spend any money. Easy Peasy.

J-K Georgia · 03-01-2017, 01:06 PM

Viair Model 88P from Amazon.

Best small portable I have ever used. Quieter as well.

Got to keep those steel belted radials inflated. Seen too many low tires with slow leaks and flats not to keep something on hand, just in case.

John

TBRich · 03-01-2017, 01:23 PM

Having a single axel, we need to have "air ability" on the road. We have a 12v pump that we've used a couple of times, but it takes forever and it's a hassle to use ... so I got a small and inexpensive 120v "hot dog" compressor from Harbor Freight ... the most compact one I could find ... on sale (making it really inexpensive). It can run on the 500w outlet in the bed of our 2016 Tacoma. So even along side the road we can use it.

Doc Foster · 03-01-2017, 01:47 PM

I use this compressor, but I probably use it more than most. I tow with a 4WD truck, and often air down my tires when exploring back roads in the 4 corners states and other western states, so I need a compressor before getting back on the highway.
https://www.amazon.com/Viair-40043-V.../dp/B000X9AXR8

Rich Jenkins · 03-01-2017, 02:11 PM

I have used the previous model to this unit for the last three years:

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-12-V...tor/1000092575

Bought it at Lowes - Available almost anywhere
Runs off 120VAC/12VDC - I power mine off the inverter
Runs off 120VAC - I use an extension cord - higher voltage than a thick D.C. cable means no additional D.C. Cable length needed
Auto shut off - I set it for either truck (up to 80) or trailer (50) psi and it runs until pressure is achieved
Inflates up to 120psi - Above what I need

For $50, I find it useful, reliable, convenient, compact and effective.

Boxite · 03-01-2017, 02:47 PM

Air compressors are like generators, pressure-washers, etc.... It's not the maximum voltage the generator puts out... it's not the maximum water pressure the washer puts out.... it's not the max PSI the compressor puts out ...that does the work. It's the WATTS, the Gallons/Minute, the Cubic Feet @ 90 PSI that does the work.
Small air compressors (especially most 12 volt models) cannot do much work. For example, they cannot seat the bead on a freshly-mounted tire because they don't have the volume necessary to fill the tire quickly. So if you wake up in the morning and your tire is flat on the ground and separated from the wheel/rim... good luck getting it inflated sufficiently to raise the vehicle enough to get a jack beneath the axle to change the tire... or to roll the vehicle to a nearby service station or reposition the vehicle to a safe work area.
A 3 or 4 gal. tank with an integral high-output compressor is capable of real work. That will likely only be found on a 120 volt model. (Good excuse to install an inverter, Heh?)
My TV is a P/U so I have room for a 3-gal Harbor Fright unit that does a good job for $39. My on-board inverter powers it. (small 400 watt unit from Pep-Boys, on-sale for $19.). An extension cord, a 25' hose, and air fittings and the compressor ALL fit inside the RamBox on one side of my truck, but will also fit in the bed of P/U's or in the storage area of most RVs.

SouthForkAS · 03-01-2017, 02:59 PM

I'm very happy with Smittybilt 5CFM compressor especially when you are far from civilization - retails about $150, I've seen 'em on Amazon for $130 and around the Holidays $99 (4Wheel Parts).
5 CFM flows a lot of air for a small, and very handy 12V compressor (more important than PSI in my book)- I was going to buy a HF unit that pumped 5.5cfm @ 40 psi but that would be stuck at home, plugged into a wall (and very bulky). For the same money, I can air up anywhere.
And with 5 CFM, quickly, too!

https://www.amazon.com/Smittybilt-2781-5-65-Universal-Compressor/dp/B004K25GMG

Amsterdamer · 03-01-2017, 03:01 PM

I use a "PowerStation PSX-3 Jumpstarter with Air Compressor and DC Outlet and USB Port" Purchased at Costco, similar products available elsewhere.

No cords, quick and I use it for bikes too. It holds a charge for months and will jump start your truck.

The newer model also has a built in 120 volt inverter.

Rich W · 03-01-2017, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boxite

A 3 or 4 gal. tank with an integral high-output compressor is capable of real work. That will likely only be found on a 120 volt model. (Good excuse to install an inverter, Heh?)
My TV is a P/U so I have room for a 3-gal Harbor Fright unit that does a good job for $39.

You may have talked me into this. HF has a 3 gallon pancake compressor that uses 2.6 amps (35 watts?). After the 20% discount that's only $39. I have a 600 watt inverter in the AS, a 400 watt Cobra waterproof inverter that's portable and the TV has one built in, but only 100 watt, I think. I have a spare air hose from the compressor in the garage and I always carry extension cords.

I have an SUV but I think I can fit it in the back. I'll put it on my HF list and wait for a 25% coupon. No hurry, no trips planned at the moment.

Troutboy · 03-01-2017, 04:16 PM

This:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Like others mentioned, works great

Steamy1 · 03-01-2017, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J-K Georgia

Viair Model 88P from Amazon.

Best small portable I have ever used. Quieter as well.

Got to keep those steel belted radials inflated. Seen too many low tires with slow leaks and flats not to keep something on hand, just in case.

John

Second the Viair 88P! $62.41 from Amazon including shipping.

Caffeinated · 03-01-2017, 04:57 PM

I love the Viair 88p. Best compressor I've ever used. Easy to carry, works great.

Mike

PKI · 03-01-2017, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joshjack

Do you like it? I saw that on Amazon and was intrigued; but I don't own any other Ryobi tools so I'd have to get a battery and charger just for it.

I purchased a Ryobi 40volt string trimmer and needed to replace the battery. Seems that only Home Depot is an authorized dealer. Guess they have a special agreement. Not a reason to not purchase, just worth knowing before. Pat

PKI · 03-01-2017, 06:06 PM

Compressor on the spare jumper battery is what we carry now. May look at a dedicated compressor unit. Have a 120volt unit that we use at home and could carry it, but it is just a bit heavy. In reality, we do not need a compressor, because we rarely need to increase pressure. Usually it is a final pressure check and minor adjustment at home before leaving on a trip. Pat

streamingairheads · 03-01-2017, 06:07 PM

We just purchased the Viair 88P. Its a great little unit. See Major Airhead's review and more details here: www.streamingairheads.com/viair-88p-review

djarrett · 03-01-2017, 07:07 PM

Ive owned both permanent mount ARB and Viair units in the past when we owned an off road camper, but when I got the F250 and Airstream, I didn't want to invest in a permanent mount. I had my eye on the Viair portable, but online research showed this unit from Harbor Freight has as good if not better online reviews from users. And it was MUCH less expensive.

http://www.harborfreight.com/12volt-...sor-69285.html

D

RandyNH · 03-02-2017, 04:39 AM

I'm always hesitant about products where the actual manufacturer doesn't have a website. The first blog style review I came across for the Pittsburgh Automotive referenced states that he aired up a 255 / 75 R 17 from 15psi and it took 8 minutes, when he moved to the next tire the unit overheated and the safety shut-off wouldn't allow it to run.

So for those looking to just top off, it's probably fine, but if you need one for longer running work, you get what you pay for.

I carry the Visit 450P and also use it inflate paddle boards and to blow out all my plumbing for winterization and haven't regretted the investment yet.