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riven1950's avatar
riven1950
Explorer
Mar 24, 2017

air compressor advice

Ok, I recently put LT tires on my F150. I will be airing them up and down depending on whether towing from about 40-42 to 55.

I currently own one of these. Mine is a little older but basically the same:

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-12-Volt-Car-Air-Inflator/1000092575

It works fine but takes forever. Ok for a few lbs but 10-15 will take a while. There are no specs on cfm on this one.

I was looking at these units on " sale " at HF: Coupon is out showing them at 39.99 vs 49.99 right now.

http://www.harborfreight.com/3-gal-13-hp-100-psi-oilless-pancake-air-compressor-60637.html

http://www.harborfreight.com/1-3-hp-3-gallon-100-psi-oilless-air-compressor-97080.html

Specs show them at 1 cfm at 40PSI. Anyone use these or have an opinion on whether they would help much? Would I be wasting my money? I realize they will still be slow but wondering how much of an improvement to expect. Other suggestions on units that are around 50.00 or less would be appreciated?

Lowes has this one on sale and I am thinking it will do the job better but it is 100.00 plus hoses etc.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/PORTER-CABLE-0-8-HP-6-Gallon-150-PSI-120-Volt-Pancake-Electric-Air-Compressor/4764588

I really only need a compressor to air up the car / truck /TT tires and maybe use the blower function to clean parts etc.

Don't tell me to go to a gas station. did that last time and it cost 3.00 and the thing was a POS. I also want something small.

Sorry, could not get the last Lowes link to work. Thanks in advance
Seeking Advice
  • STBRetired's avatar
    STBRetired
    Explorer
    Mar 24, 2017
    I have 2 of the PorterCable pancake compressors and they are LOUD. They will definitely do the job but your camping neighbors might not appreciate the noise early in the AM. I would bet that the HF compressors are just as loud if not louder. I now carry a Senco PC1010N compressor. It is only 0.7 CFM @ 90 PSI so it is slower than the PorterCable ones but it is way quieter. You can actually carry on a normal conversation with it running at your feet. It will get up to 135 PSI so can air up the tires on the MH with no problem. Can get it for $115, free shipping, no tax online. Easily fits into basement compartment.
  • Traver8's avatar
    Traver8
    Explorer
    Mar 24, 2017
    I have one of the HF pancake units and it has been ok for casual use over the last year or so. One important thing that I read in a forum somewhere and did find hiding in the instructions is to break it in. Outlet fully open and run with no load for 30 min. Did that and it seemed to help.
  • Son_of_Norway's avatar
    Son_of_Norway
    Explorer
    Mar 24, 2017
    I've heard that the cheaper HF compressors are under-powered, but I've never tried one. I have an old Sears tankless compressor head that works great for both my tires and blowing out my water lines, but it is no longer available. The Campbell-Hausfeld model RP4100 is similar and still available at some dealers.
  • Randu's avatar
    Randu
    Explorer
    Mar 24, 2017
    I have a Sears 3 gallon very similar to your 2nd link that has worked great for me. Mine's rated to 120psi and works on my 110 psi trailer tires. Had it for over 10 years and I think it was 79.95 back in the day. I never had any luck with 12volt compressors so the 120 volt was the only way for me to go for the price. Randu

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