What is the best portable air compressor for tire inflation

[Calladeb]

Hi. We want to purchase a portable air compressor for when we need to pump up the tires a bit on the trailer while on the road.

It seems that a long power cord is a must. Which brands have this?
Are there air hose extensions?
Should we get both 12 volt and/ or 120 on the compressor?

What else do I need to look for?

Thanks.

[Mollysdad]

I've been totally satisfied with the Viair 400. Not cheap, but plenty beefy.
The power cord is not long, maybe 10', but the air hose uncoils to reach anywhere you need. It comes with some chucks and a very useful pistol grip air chuck/guage.
There's two versions that look identical, and you won't go wrong either way. One can run continuously, but moves less volume of air, while the other moves more air but is limited to 20 minutes. I've never run mine more than five minutes, so I'll take the extra volume.
Comes in a sturdy carry bag.

[Cispook]

I second the Viar system

[JonDNC]

Viair pick your version. I did 400P-RV

[AnnaBelle33]

I just received this one today via Amazon:

VIAIR 450P-RV Silver Automatic Portable Compressor Kit (45053)

[Hans627]

I’ve been using this compressor, https://www.lowes.com/pd/DEWALT-110-...E&gclsrc=aw.ds,

It uses a 20v battery pack this interchangeable with other DeWalt products. It is easy to use, no cords, seems to last forever on one charge and very portable. I really like it.

[RubyDog]

I used a Viar too. Like it a lot. Air hose was too short to reach all trailer tires unless truck (it is 12 v) was bow to trailer so I had a local outfit make an extension for the air hose. Cheap and you get any length you want. Any place that makes air compressor hoses can do it.

[Daquenzer]

Originally Posted by Hans627

I’ve been using this compressor, https://www.lowes.com/pd/DEWALT-110-...E&gclsrc=aw.ds,

It uses a 20v battery pack this interchangeable with other DeWalt products. It is easy to use, no cords, seems to last forever on one charge and very portable. I really like it.

I have this, and it works great. I like the fact battery interchanges with my drill battery. Very easy to use. And if you get other dewalt tools all the batteries interchange.

[ROBERT CROSS]

The best for us....got it three yrs ago, no regrets at all.👍

Bob
🇺🇸

[OTRA15]

Joining the Viair 450P-RV chorus.

It has a 100% duty cycle and can be used on the road for winterizing the plumbing.

You get what you pay for, and "the right tool for the job" often costs more than the "adequate" tool IMO.

"Viair 450P-RV" mentions here on AF: https://www.google.com/search?q=Viai...=airforums.com

[Amazon hot link in blue in Bob's post]

[drbrick]

Viair 400p-RV don't leave home with out it - period....

[Gibson3798]

I have the Viair and I ordered the extra extension hose, so it will reach anywhere I need it to.

On a recent trip with a slow leak, it saved the day until I could get the tire off (at a campground, not on the side of the road) and repaired.

[Mollysdad]

Originally Posted by Gibson3798

I have the Viair and I ordered the extra extension hose, so it will reach anywhere I need it to.

Extra?
Mine came with two hoses. It's a bit weird, because one hose is the master, (female fittings on both ends), while the other is an extension, (one male one female). I suspect they did it so the connections at the pump are smaller.
Using the two together is an exercise in patience, because mine, being very coily, immediately wrap around each other and require the patience of Job to untangle. Now I just use one.
I've always just clipped on the house batteries, and it works fine. I notice you're not supposed to. Big draw.

[banderabob]

Viair P88, smaller but with enough umph to air up the 3.5 foot tall tractor tires on my Kubota 3130 HST. Mine connects only to a battery, and the cord and hose are long enough to reach all tires from the battery box on the AS.

[PatLee]

Calladeb - I have the ViAir 400-RV compressor now, after a miserable existence with a painfully slow electric one. This model comes with a very generous cord plus an equally long extension cord. The organized storage bag is very nice. I wish I had a photo of the way it looks when it's all packed up but the one attached does show make and model number. Like someone else said, it's pricey and I balked a little but glad I went with it. I had to get initial guidance from a fellow Airstreamer at a recent rally on how to hook the cables up to batteries. I also learned NOT to use the AS batteries for airing up tires, it's much better to use your truck engine while truck is running. Why? Hooked up to the AS batteries, they started discharging alarmingly fast (glass mat-type).

[226TuckL]

Makita cordless lithium. Small... light weight...so easy that you will check the air more frequently. Great safety Tool!

[Doc Foster]

I too have a Viair compressor and use it often. I frequently air down the tires on my truck for fourwheeling in the backcountry when exploring (leaving the trailer at "basecamp") and then use the Viair to air back up for the pavement. It has served me well for about 7 years so far.

[Melucy2airs]

I use Dewalt Flexvolt Max air compressor. Portability and I can use it around the house for other uses, comes with a beefy battery.
Very useful during our recent travel out West.

[soling917]

I have a CRAFTSMAN V20 Inflator, Tool Only (CMCE520B), very portable and has a pressure you can preset. Will go to 160 psi. The battery is used on other CRAFTSMAN tools.

[JonDNC]

Originally Posted by Doc Foster

I too have a Viair compressor and use it often. I frequently air down the tires on my truck for fourwheeling in the backcountry when exploring (leaving the trailer at "basecamp") and then use the Viair to air back up for the pavement. It has served me well for about 7 years so far.

How much do airdown the truck? From x to ? Trying to figure out that for the F350, running KO2s