I have a 2019 Thor Axis 24.1. Which portable generator should I buy? The Aiair 400P or the 450P?

I would personally buy the 450P.100% Duty Cycle.

I guess if you are stuck on the 12v models the 450 would be the way to go. I on the other hand would stay away from 12v models and go with a 120v plug in model. I have used a Fini air compressor for many years, on 19.5 to 22.5 tires. It does take some time to get up to 100psi but I believe you will be happier with a 120v unit. I got the Fini at one of the big box stores about 6 years ago.

gkachner wrote:I have a 2019 Thor Axis 24.1. Which portable generator should I buy? The Aiair 400P or the 450P?Ya had me going for a minute. The title is "which air compressor" and, your question asks which "generator"? Wow! Anyway, ANY 12V compressor, yes even the junk Viair units are gonna work at topping off heavier duty tires. If you have the room and, a coach generator or, are normally plugged into shore power, I would (and have) definitely opt for a 120VAC unit. They are faster by far. I used to have the Craftsman version of the Porter Cable one that many carry but, due to unforeseen circumstances, it died and, I needed to replace it. So, long story short, I did a bit of research and came up with the Harbor Freight "Fortress" model. It's the 2-gallon version. There's multiple reasons I went with that one.\1. It's SERIOUSLY quieter than any other small, portable compressor on the market.2. Its top pressure is 135 psi which, it suitable for ANY RV tire.3. It's recovery time is PHENOMENALLY FASTER than any other compressor. 4. It has a *Brushless*, very low amp draw motor. I read all the reviews and was definitely impressed just by those. So, I took a chance and headed on down to my local HF and picked one up. I got it home, un boxed it and plugged it in. I was flabbergasted as to just how quiet it really is. I can put it on the couch, right along side me right now and still hear the TV just fine. It's cycle time, from where cut-on is, 95 psi, to it's cut-off pressure of 135, is SEVEN SECONDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I did it several times just make sure my watch was not wrong. Yep, 7 seconds each time, from start to finish. Wow!!! And one of the best features, beside all those I mentioned, it holds that 135 PSI for WEEKS ON END. I used it two weeks ago to air up our Jeep tires to get ready to tow it and, it cycled one last time after the last tire and, I just looked at it and it's still at 135 psi!!!!Harbor Freight is having a *Black Friday* sale that is a full month long. That 2-gallon Fortress normally is $159.00 but, for this Black Friday sale, it's $129.00, Can't beat that with a stick. Without a doubt, that compressor DESTROYS my Viair 400P that I keep as a backup to a back up. Your choice.Scott

The whole concept of carrying a compressor has me scratching my head.If your tires are losing air you have a problem, get it fixed. I check tire pressures as part of my routine periodic circle check, but I can’t remember the last time I needed to add any air, then because I’d picked up a screw.

JaxDad wrote:The whole concept of carrying a compressor has me scratching my head.If your tires are losing air you have a problem, get it fixed. I check tire pressures as part of my routine periodic circle check, but I can’t remember the last time I needed to add any air, then because I’d picked up a screw.Not everyone carries a compressor for their COACH TIRES. Having a small portable compressor is valuable in all kinds of situations. Those of us that have Jeeps quite often lower the tire pressure ON PURPOSE to enhance off road capabilities and, depending on how close you are to camp when you're at the end of a trail, you can drive back to the campground on low pressure tires and air them up when you get back. Or, if you're working on something that needs to blown out or off, you have AIR do to it. Or, if your bicycle or bicycles need air in their tires, you have AIR to do it. So yes, a small air compressor is of GREAT value in all kinds of situations. Scott

Portable air compressor | Good Sam Community

jeromep
Explorer II
Dec 18, 2020
Mike P. wrote:
Went to H Frt today to purchase the Fortress 2 gallon compressor.
It was listed at 159$.
Can't find a coupon anywhere for 129$
Suggestions?
Thanks, Mike

It was $129 last week, on their site, and it had all the requisite flags displayed online stating that it was on special.

This week it is listed as $159 online. Sales come and go. If you were to wait I'm sure that it would be offered as a special again in a few weeks.

That's the thing about Harbor Freight, you kind of have to buy when the sale is on or wait until the next one comes along. I kind of keep a wish list going, and when stuff goes on ad I purchase it then and add to my inventory.
jeromep
Explorer II
Dec 18, 2020
learntorv wrote:
I'm curious if the folks who are recommending against the Viair have actually used one. I don't have a motorhome but did have 125psi trailer tires for a few years. The 450P didn't struggle with them at all and topped them up decently quick (even the day I picked up the RV from a storage lot and the tire started with 40psi due to a nail).

I wouldn't hesitate to get one for a motor home.

I'll take a stab at this. First thing I don't like about the Viair is the use of alligator clips for 12v service. In my application I'm having to find battery terminals to attach to, which leaves me clipping this thing onto battery posts at the front of my vehicle, either my house batteries or my starter battery and then having to run a mess of hose along the vehicle to reach the tires. Sure Viair supplies 2 coiled air hoses, but still. That isn't quick and easy. Some users might keep around a small 12v SLA battery just to run this compressor, but again, that seems unpractical and you have to be keeping that separate battery on a charger just to use this compressor. If you happen to have convenient 12v posts in a basement or underbelly compartment, that might do the trick, but I don't have that in my application.

I'd be all over a unit that was 120v. It is super easy for me use a 120v compressor. If I'm on shore power or have my generator on, I have 120v outlets on both sides of my rig, making plugging in and using a compressor super easy.

I think Viair makes great stuff, but their intended application or usage model doesn't fit my preferences or situation.

Actually the only thing I dislike about the Viair is the alligator clip 12v service. Otherwise the package size is perfect and the performance is good and the quality seems to be excellent.
Mike_Taverniti
Explorer
Dec 19, 2020
6 gallon pancake Craftsman for $ 100 on Amazon. Great deal.

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