Forum Discussion

Camper_Ken's avatar
Camper_Ken
Explorer
Jul 17, 2014

VIAIR air compressors?

Has anyone had experience with the VIAIR brand of compressors? One model rated for 35" tires says:
~~~~~~~
400P is a larger portable compressor kit that can inflate up to a
35-inch tire from 0 to 30 PSI in less than 5 minutes.
http://www.viaircorp.com/400P.html
~~~~~~~

0 to 30 PSI in less than 5 minutes? But how about to full air pressure like 80 to 90 pounds for my 19.5" tires? I'd appreciate hearing any comments on this particular brand of air compressor and how they perform, especially considering they're a bit pricey.

Thanks, Ken
Class A
  • crcr's avatar
    crcr
    Explorer
    Jul 19, 2014
    trashguy wrote:
    I am an avid offroader. I have a trail rig with 38" tires and use the high volume one from harbor freight. It is about $60 and has lasted me for years inflating those big boys from 5psi to 30 each trail run. I ran a comparison against my buddies viarre and mine was faster for much less money. Just sayin.


    My Vlair cost just under $50 shipped from Amazon, and will quickly inflate any tire I have used it on. There are several different models of Vlair compressors at varying costs.
  • isa's avatar
    isa
    Explorer
    Jul 19, 2014
    I have the Harbor Freight 12v 150psi model that looks like an actual clone of a VIAIR. Most times I am just topping off the RV tire pressure by a few psi to 95psi. I don't believe any 12v compressor was made for continuous duty. I have had mine for about 6 yr. now but I am careful how I use it. It does an excellent job of topping off tires on all my vehicles as well as bicycles.
  • trashguy's avatar
    trashguy
    Explorer II
    Jul 19, 2014
    I am an avid offroader. I have a trail rig with 38" tires and use the high volume one from harbor freight. It is about $60 and has lasted me for years inflating those big boys from 5psi to 30 each trail run. I ran a comparison against my buddies viarre and mine was faster for much less money. Just sayin.
  • noteven's avatar
    noteven
    Explorer III
    Jul 18, 2014
    I have a portable in a bag - can't remember the number - that will inflate tires to 90psi's +. I have a stainless steel Viair 100% duty cycle model that is part of my truck's rear air suspension - they seem to be good compressors...
  • crcr's avatar
    crcr
    Explorer
    Jul 18, 2014
    I have this Vlair clicky. It's less money than the model some mentioned, but still plenty capable, as it will air up any vehicle tire very quickly. I actually exploded a tire on a hand truck with it (accidentally), as it aired that small tire up so quickly.
  • Ductape's avatar
    Ductape
    Explorer
    Jul 17, 2014
    I have had one for ten years or so. An expensive tool but it does exactly what they claim. Before that I used an inexpensive 12v compressor that was slooooow.
  • crcr's avatar
    crcr
    Explorer
    Jul 17, 2014
    Have one, great compressor. Buy the pigtail on Amazon with clamps to hook direct to battery and a 12V receptacle to plug compressor into.
  • bluwtr49's avatar
    bluwtr49
    Explorer II
    Jul 17, 2014
    Yep, I have one for the MH and it does a great job. I use the toad battery and move it from one end of the MH to the other. I actually store it in the Jeep so it's available for other purposes.

    Bearing in mind that it's extremely unlikely that you will ever fill a MH tire from O to 120 psi, how fast it fills isn't that important as long as it gets to the correct pressure. I think the most I've ever done is add 3-4 psi to compensate for changes in ambient temperature.
  • tarnold's avatar
    tarnold
    Explorer
    Jul 17, 2014
    This is a case of you get what you pay for. Keep your motor running when you use a Viair, draws a lot of amps, and it will get hot. Nice to have for flat tires on the tractors when out in the field.

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