Compressor recommendation?

[rfield54]

Can anyone recommend a good, reasonably priced compressor for blowing out the water lines? Standard voltage, not 12v. Around here, my choices are Home Depot and Walmart. Thanks, Roy

[87MH]

Originally Posted by rfield54

.... Around here, my choices are Home Depot and Walmart...

Roy:

Might give these guys a shot -

http://www.harborfreight.com

At least it will give you an alternative to the big box stores and a bit more selection.

The last time I purchased a heavy item (compressor motor) from them they did not charge much for freight.

If I needed to use a lot of air every day I would certainly do a more "quality" item, but I have found that most of the Harbor Freight tools are sufficient for the job at hand.

Remember, though, you get what you pay for - don't expect a Mercedes for a Chevy price.

[Inland RV Center, In]

rfield54

Winterizing instructions call for a minimum 5 HP air compressor.

Andy

[Silvertwinkie]

Sears regularly has specials on their Craftsman line. I have one, it's not a 5hp unit (think it's 3 or 4), but it's a 15gal tank and can get beyond the pressures needed to blow out the lines sustaining the needed pressures.

[TomW]

Originally Posted by Inland RV Center, In

Winterizing instructions call for a minimum 5 HP air compressor.

I'm not familiar with those instructions. Would there happen to be a copy of them on the Internet somewhere? I ask because I have read many tales of people winterizing soley with an air tank filled at the gas station with excellent results.

Thanks,
Tom

[Ken J]

When it comes to compressors, make sure it is an oil-less unit. Personally, I use a $9 compressor I got at Walmart - I live in cold country and have never had a problem using it to blow lines out. Just hook it up, let pressure build a bit and open the faucets.

Ken

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by rfield54

Can anyone recommend a good, reasonably priced compressor for blowing out the water lines? Standard voltage, not 12v. Around here, my choices are Home Depot and Walmart. Thanks, Roy

Sears sell them online, a 6 hp 30 gallon compressor, oilless, for around $299. You can order online, and thy will deliver in some cases.

[rfield54]

Wow, $9 and $299 . . . I guess they'll both do the job, one maybe a little quicker. I don't want something too big and heavy, as I've got to haul it to my property along with all the other "necessary" items I seem to require (I know I'm not alone here). I'm looking at a $100 unit at Home Depot that should do the job (Husky 1010). All I really need it for is to move water out of, and antifreeze into the city water inlet and pipe...the part of the system that's not accessable via the water pump. Thanks for the replies, Roy

[tmcdougald]

The HP ratings on 120v compressors seem a litte misleading since you can only get about 2.5 hp (on a good day) out of 120v 15 amp.

[desi arnaz]

i would say a small tire compressor will do the job, but you can do very well for $100 or so at kragens /checkers/schucks

[Pahaska]

I fill my air carry tank up to about 80# and carry that and my 12v truck compressor out to the storage yard. I blow out the lines until the tank pressure is down, and then use the 12v compressor to refill the air tank for a second blow out. This is my 4th travel trailer and I never have had a freeze problem with any of them.

The built-in pressure regulator on the city water protects the plumbing against excess pressure.

[rfield54]

Thanks for the replies. I picked up a Porter & Cable CF2600. It should do nicely. Now to find that leak in the belly pan.

[tvanwave]

Originally Posted by Ken J

When it comes to compressors, make sure it is an oil-less unit. Personally, I use a $9 compressor I got at Walmart - I live in cold country and have never had a problem using it to blow lines out. Just hook it up, let pressure build a bit and open the faucets.

Ken

why oil-less

[paddler3d]

Originally Posted by tvanwave

why oil-less

Personally I don't like most oil-less compressors. With that said my oil based compressor does not like it when it gets cold, like below 40 degF, then I switch to one of the oil-less compressors. I bet the oil becomes less viscous when cold. Since we're talking about winterizing, we're talking about cold.

[TomW]

Originally Posted by tvanwave

why oil-less

They're cheaper.

But they wear out quicker. And they are REALLY LOUD.

For the occasional user, oil-less might be a better alternative.

Tom

[Silver Hawk]

Traditional compressors have oil in their crankcase just like engines - for the same reasons. That's why you can't use a regular compressor to fill diving air tanks - or breathing tanks for fire fighters, etc.

A lot of new (cheap) compressors are 'oil-less'. These use tuflon cylinder liners and would work better for your airlines. Go to Lowe's or Home Depot and look for compressors without oil fill and drain holes.

[TG Twinkie]

Just bought a Porter Cable compressor. It has a 1 gallon tank, pressure regulator and gage for tank pressure and regulated pressure.
It is a 120 volt AC unit and weighs 24 pounds.
Decibel level is 71. It draws 2.6 amps.

[Dwight]

Look at the Quincy Q12120P...they are USA made, the owner's manual is ALL in English and mine is quieter than my Honda 3000 generator..