Portable air compressors
Hello,I wondered what type or brand of air compressors everyone is using? The portable ones don't look heavy enough for my 22.5 dully wheels, but I hate to lug around a big cylinder type compressor. S...
Forum Discussion
Licreek wrote:
I'm driving a DP but it doesn't have an air port off the tank. Can I have one installed without breaking the bank. By the way where is the port mounted? Do you have to carry 50' of air line?
Licreek,
You don't say what year/make/model coach you're driving in your first or this post. Many diesel coaches have an air port somewhere for filling and or topping off tires. Not all but most. Adding a port, must be done by someone who's definitely educated on the air system for diesel coaches. You just don't tap into any place you'd like. Costwise, it's fairly cheap. You can get DOT fittings and air line for a bit more in price but, you're then assured all the equipment is top notch and will last for years and years.
And as for a 50' air line, again, many coaches came with them, at least ours did.
Using the coaches on board, engine driven air system is ok, it will work. However, in many cases, the running pressure of some of the tires on certain diesel coaches is right at or around, 120 psi. And in just about all diesel coaches and or any air braked systems out there, around 120 is top air pressure for the coaches air system.
What all this means is, if you're trying to top 120 psi tires off but, your coaches cut-out pressure is 120 psi, you might be there awhile due to the two conflicting with each other. In other words, your engines compressor is cutting out and is off, just when you need that much pressure to top your tires off. lots of cycling.
As for portable compressors, any and all of them, no matter if 120VAC or 12VDC models will struggle with getting 120 psi tires up to top. Some will work harder, some less. None will compete with a 150 psi home or shop compressor. As you can see and read, everyone's got a favorite. Tires, especially the 22.5" ones, should not need that much topping off. Yes, when cold they'll read a pound or two low but, I don't get all head-ache over that. Within a few miles, they're right back up to par.
But, if you must get one, look for a 120VAC unit that has a listing of minimum of 150 psi. Although listed as 150 psi, it's still hard for them to ACTUALLY put out 150 in something also requiring a lot of volume, LIKE A 22.5" TIRE. NO one puts 150 in theirs but, you get the point.
Scott
