air compressor recommendations?

[Pudentane]

I need an air compressor to blow out my plumbing lines for winterizing - and thought one that I could also inflate a low tire with would be a good idea - since I plan to do a lot of boondocking. So I've been looking at 12 volt ones - Sears has a craftsman model for about $45 - but it got very poor customer reviews. Does anyone have any recommendations? - price is a factor - but doing the job and being reliable is more important.

[Alumin8]

I personally have never had a 12 V compressor that worked well. I would favor a pancake unit but would be interested in anyone's recommendation for a good 12 V model.

[markdoane]

Here's a previous thread. I think you will need a tank to be able to build up enough volume to blow out the plumbing lines. Maybe a 2 - 3 gal tank you could leave at home.

[fschmidt1]

I have an F250 and I have hot wired a 700 amp AC inverter to the battery so I have AC power in the cab. I normally use the inverter when the engine is running
Too the subject, I have never had a 12volt compresssor that was worth its salt. I found a small, 50 dollar compressor in Lowes a couple of years ago and it ramps up well and while it takes a little longer to fill up tires it works quite well off the inverter.
I also had a slightly larger compressor that also worked off the inverter but because of size I decided to go with the smaller unit. If you limit your pressure you can blow the lines (winterize) with no problem.
Both of these were smaller and lighter than the traditional pancake compressor. While the inverter is a little more cost it also is used for computer use, GPS use and telephone recharging. Good luck. PS we have had these compressors for almost ten years. fjs

[kittrik]

Try ridetech.com. They have the compressors the hot rod guys use for air ride suspensions. I put air ride on my 60 tradewind and have been using one of thier compressors for years. Always use an external pressure cut off switch, they are not built into the compressor.

[Diesel1]

I have a small Coleman 110v compresser. I don't have it here so cannot give the model #. It is about 6x6x15 inches. It is somewhat slow to inflate tires but vastly superior to a 12v unit.I carry a Honda 2000 generator when I camp,so I always have air. Adios, John

[5cats]

I carry a Q-Industries-MV50-SuperFlow-Compressor that I actually picked up at Costco for < $50. Smallish, seems to work well.

Cheers,
-jd.

[Ahab]

Originally Posted by 5cats

I carry a Q-Industries-MV50-SuperFlow-Compressor that I actually picked up at Costco for < $50. Smallish, seems to work well.

Cheers,
-jd.

Yes, I have one too. It's outstanding compared the smaller models. However, it requires a direct connection to the battery.

[99Limited34]

We wired an inverter in our F-250 as well and carry our Cambell-Hausfeld 110 V compressor in the back of the truck, never had any luck with 12V ones.