Forum Discussion
DutchmenSport
Dec 13, 2017Explorer
I have a very old tire inflator that still works great, except it's very slow. It will eventually pump 120 psi, but it may take all day to finally reach that. I also am on my second air compressor. It also will reach 120 psi, but it is also much bigger, heavier, and requires air compressor hoses and fittings. It inflates much faster, has the ability to use for a lot of other needs.
Advantages / Disadvantages?
Power? One is only 12 volt cigarette lighter operated, the other is only 120 volt AC household wiring operated.
Size? One is much larger than the other.
Weight? One is DEFINITELY much heavier than the other.
Speed? One DEFINITELY inflates much, much faster than the other.
Portability? Both are portable, but the smaller something is, the easier it is to stow.
Cost? Air compressor / hoses / attachments cost a LOT more than the simple inflator.
Noise? Well, they both sound like a jet plane at take off. I give them an "equal" there.
Functionality? The air compressor comes built on with an air compressor tank. It has to be under pressure to work best. But when it's fully under pressure, provides that blast of air. Inflator just pumps air little bits at a time, and pumping, and pumping, and pumping. But it is immediate. There is never a build up of reserve. So, (for example, blowing out your water lines for winterizing, the inflator would never work. You need the compressor). If a tire simply goes flat (with no damage, just low), either will work fine, but one will take longer than the other to do the same job.
In the end, I think the air compressor is the better choice. But when you consider weight, space, cost, hoses, and attachments, the inflator is definitely the simpler and less costly way go to.
Advantages / Disadvantages?
Power? One is only 12 volt cigarette lighter operated, the other is only 120 volt AC household wiring operated.
Size? One is much larger than the other.
Weight? One is DEFINITELY much heavier than the other.
Speed? One DEFINITELY inflates much, much faster than the other.
Portability? Both are portable, but the smaller something is, the easier it is to stow.
Cost? Air compressor / hoses / attachments cost a LOT more than the simple inflator.
Noise? Well, they both sound like a jet plane at take off. I give them an "equal" there.
Functionality? The air compressor comes built on with an air compressor tank. It has to be under pressure to work best. But when it's fully under pressure, provides that blast of air. Inflator just pumps air little bits at a time, and pumping, and pumping, and pumping. But it is immediate. There is never a build up of reserve. So, (for example, blowing out your water lines for winterizing, the inflator would never work. You need the compressor). If a tire simply goes flat (with no damage, just low), either will work fine, but one will take longer than the other to do the same job.
In the end, I think the air compressor is the better choice. But when you consider weight, space, cost, hoses, and attachments, the inflator is definitely the simpler and less costly way go to.
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