Power to a portable 12 volt compressor

I'm going to second the suggestion to just get a 120 volt compressor if you're always on shore power. It'll work a lot better. That's what I do.

SoundGuy wrote:
Curious - which model did you buy that requires a whopping 30 amps? Years ago I converted all my exterior 12 vdc distribution to - stand alone battery charger, air pump, FloJet waste macerator pump, a variety of cables, M>M and F>F adapters, etc, and for my purposes they work just fine but I have no idea if they'd be rated for as much as 30 amps.

myredracer wrote:
It's a Viair model 300P. Viair says it draws max. 30 amps. That's all they say about electrical, don't even give you the wire size.

Looks like a great choice, 'though it's hard to believe this pump actually draws 30 amps continuous. I notice Viair sells extension cables as well and P/N 92912 which is 20' of 12 gauge includes a 30 & 40 amp inline fuse holder so that suggests to me 12 gauge would be quite sufficient for your needs. I in fact made my own 25' 12 gauge cable I use for powering my own air pump from the truck's Bargman connector, which is really convenient as I've converted all my exterior 12 volt devices, including the air pump, to Bargmans which are sold pretty well everywhere.

SoundGuy wrote:


Curious - which model did you buy that requires a whopping 30 amps? Years ago I converted all my exterior 12 vdc distribution to - stand alone battery charger, air pump, FloJet waste macerator pump, a variety of cables, M>M and F>F adapters, etc, and for my purposes they work just fine but I have no idea if they'd be rated for as much as 30 amps.

It's a Viair model 300P. Viair says it draws max. 30 amps. That's all they say about electrical, don't even give you the wire size. I'm adding a pressure switch and relay to make it automatic and may upgrade the wire with some #14 landscape wire I have or may get some #12. The OEM wire looks like #16 and that sure can't be good for 30 amps continuous. The 30 amps might be for locked rotor current?

The Powerwerks audio products didn't make sense. Powerwerx does...

The truck battery would work but is farther away from the TT tires, as well as having to open and close the hood. Prefer to be able to just plug in somehow.

I came across marine trolling motor plugs. They come with #10 or #8 pigtails. There's a bunch of different manufacturers of them. I just bought a plug & receptacle set on ebay - Mar-Lan #501-02-2. (Made in the US too.) It has a 3-prong plug but is 2-wire #10. Not sure why there's 3 prongs. None of the manufacturers list current ratings but appears it would match the wire size. One brand lists 56 amps for their #8 gauge model.

The trolling motor receptacle has a captive cap and should fit nicely on the battery box lid.

Sorry about the spelling error. I should have looked it up instead of relying on the memory.
Thanks.

I will second the Anderson Power Pole which is what I used, I did however use 50A connectors.

Tango, AE7UI wrote:
Anderson Power Pole, available at Powerwerks.com, is a good source.
Many sizes available and pretty much bullet proof.

That is powerwerx.com

https://powerwerx.com/powerpole-connector-ring-terminal-6ft

I bought a Harbor Freight 12V 30amp compressor. Manual instructs one to attach to vehicle battery and run engine while using it. 30 amps is a pretty good drain and right at the rating of the fuse connected to most trailer batteries.

I just use my portable battery jump starter with my Viair. In fact I just did it about an hour ago to top off a tire.

myredracer wrote:
Just got a portable Viair air compressor. I want to be able to connect to our TT battery when I need some air. Is there a plug & receptacle of some sort available that can handle the max. current draw of 30 amps?

Curious - which model did you buy that requires a whopping 30 amps? Years ago I converted all my exterior 12 vdc distribution to Bargman connectors - stand alone battery charger, air pump, FloJet waste macerator pump, a variety of cables, M>M and F>F adapters, etc, and for my purposes they work just fine but I have no idea if they'd be rated for as much as 30 amps.

I think IF always plugged in , a 120vac compressor from Sears or HF would have been a the #1 choice
i have a Sunomi 12v compressor, because it is super compact , but 120v ones are faster when you have a low tire

Anderson power poles
for 12v heavy duty use

i just clamp my compressor to the batteries and use a 50ft air hose to reach all around the RV