Forum Discussion

Raife's avatar
Raife
Explorer
Aug 29, 2020

Selecting portable compressor

Looking for help regarding which Viair compressor to get as I don't know enough about how they work. I read several threads on the site, but it didn't help as generally the PSIs they referenced where much higher than mine. I have an Grand Design Imagine XLS 21BHE, tire size is ST205/75R14 65PSI cold.

The product selection page on Viair says the 300P-RVS is perfect for towables, but then the actual product page says Class B. The Viair 89P-RVS says it is also for Class B.

So there is $100 difference between the two, but I struggle to understand the big difference or what is means practically.

So why am I asking...we picked up our trailer last weekend and then stored it for the week. We got it today and discovered it had a flat tire (nail). So we filled it up down the street from the storage place so we could get it home. I am picking up a Trailer Aid tomorrow and have a compressor at home to fill it back up. But it struck home the need for an option on the road.

Do I even need something this "big?"

Any info is appreciated.

Thank you.
  • JimK-NY's avatar
    JimK-NY
    Explorer II
    Sep 04, 2020
    rhagfo wrote:
    ...

    Well the great thing about the on board Viair on my TV, is that as stated before it will operate my impact wrench with it's 2.5 gallon tank. so I could loosen a stubborn lug nut if needed.


    Or for about $15 you can buy a 2' breaker bar from Harbor Freight. That way you would not need a large compressor, electrical hookups, a 2.5 gallon tank and the impact wrench.

    Especially for RV use, I always look for the low tech, low cost solution. Actually I try to avoid changing my RV tires. I spend roughly $150/yr for Premier AAA coverage. I only had one flat and the AAA driver had to make a 150 mile trip in each direction. Fortunately we were already at a campground so the 3 hr wait made no difference.
  • rhagfo's avatar
    rhagfo
    Explorer III
    Sep 04, 2020
    wanderingbob wrote:
    I also advocate for 110 volt compressor as said by "bpounds " but , I never would run a compressor on an extension cord . You can move air thru a hose with out increasing the amps needed , unless the extension cord was at least # 12 ga .


    Well the great thing about the on board Viair on my TV, is that as stated before it will operate my impact wrench with it's 2.5 gallon tank. so I could loosen a stubborn lug nut if needed.
  • austinjenna's avatar
    austinjenna
    Explorer
    Sep 04, 2020
    I had bought a portable 12v one named Truckair that goes to 150psi that I have had for years and works great. I use it for the tires, pinbox and hitch
  • JimK-NY's avatar
    JimK-NY
    Explorer II
    Sep 04, 2020
    I cannot imagine bringing a 110 volt compressor for RV use. I rarely camp with hook ups and I would want to be able to deal with a tire out on the road.

    Ten years ago I bought a cheapie, Slime compressor from Walmart. It was about $35 and the equivalent units are not much more expensive now. I have used it a great many times. It is slow if you need to pump up a tire that has leaked. I use it mainly for adjusting tire pressure over time or due to temperature changes. In addition to being cheap it takes up very little space.
  • wanderingbob's avatar
    wanderingbob
    Explorer II
    Sep 03, 2020
    I also advocate for 110 volt compressor as said by "bpounds " but , I never would run a compressor on an extension cord . You can move air thru a hose with out increasing the amps needed , unless the extension cord was at least # 12 ga .
  • bpounds's avatar
    bpounds
    Nomad
    Sep 03, 2020
    Viaire is a great product, but I think it is overkill for what you (the OP) needs. It only has one advantage - it runs on 12v.

    Got a generator, or an inverter? A Harbor Freight pancake or hotdog compressor will outperform the Viaire, and can be had for around $60. Add an extension cord so you don't need a big roll of air hose.
  • LJAZ's avatar
    LJAZ
    Explorer
    Aug 30, 2020
    I have the Viair 300P and very happy with it. A little overkill maybe, but it works very well. I use it to air up the trailer and truck tires.

    Before this I had a couple of the cheapo type that plug into the cigarette lighter but they took a long time and didn't last. So I watched the internet for a bit and found the Viair for a pretty good price. Been using it for several years now with no issues.
  • wanderingbob's avatar
    wanderingbob
    Explorer II
    Aug 30, 2020
    You are probably gonna want an inverter any way for many other things , get a sixty to one hundred dollar ,110 volt pancake compressor and it will work for many things . Blowing up tires , brad nailing, blowing debris away and many other things .
  • travisc's avatar
    travisc
    Explorer
    Aug 30, 2020
    Look at the cycle time for the compressor that will tell you, how many minutes on vs how long to cool. I carry a box mounted Arb compressor with a plug kit I’ve used it twice for tires. Once going to ak to help a new married couple air up their tire a second time on a. BOat ramp out several miles from services, we plugged the tire and they drove home. I’ll always carry one
  • Raife's avatar
    Raife
    Explorer
    Aug 30, 2020
    Given I plan on using it infrequently, I'm not as concerned about fill speed.

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