What air compressor do you carry?

I cannot understand why so many of you spend so much on expensive compressors. I bought a $40 Slime brand from Walmart years ago. It stores easily since it is a little different shape but about the same size as a loaf of bread. It works fine to over 100 psi. Yes it is slow but I have only used it once to pump up a flat. Typically I just use it to adjust pressure with temperature changes or after months when an adjustment is needed. It runs off the cigarette lighter so I do not need a generator or a hook up.

JimK-NY wrote:
I cannot understand why so many of you spend so much on expensive compressors. I bought a $40 Slime brand from Walmart years ago. It stores easily since it is a little different shape but about the same size as a loaf of bread. It works fine to over 100 psi. Yes it is slow but I have only used it once to pump up a flat. Typically I just use it to adjust pressure with temperature changes or after months when an adjustment is needed. It runs off the cigarette lighter so I do not need a generator or a hook up.

Well, not everyone can work with a low power compressor such as that. Some need higher pressures, and some don't want to wait the inordinate amount of time needed to add air to their large truck tires. And, while it you say it goes over 100 psi, it most likely won't make it to 120 psi or more. Which means it won't work for people who need tire pressures higher than you do.

Different people have different needs. Why do you feel that everyone should do as you do? That what you should be a wondering.

JimK-NY wrote:
I cannot understand why so many of you spend so much on expensive compressors. I bought a $40 Slime brand from Walmart years ago. It stores easily since it is a little different shape but about the same size as a loaf of bread. It works fine to over 100 psi. Yes it is slow but I have only used it once to pump up a flat. Typically I just use it to adjust pressure with temperature changes or after months when an adjustment is needed. It runs off the cigarette lighter so I do not need a generator or a hook up.

I bought one of the Slime brand compressors, and returned it because it was so slow. The Viair 088 at $65 is much better.

Love the Viair, even if it connects to a battery. Good, fast, and had no problems with my 110 and 125 psi tires.

Full review:
https://learntorv.com/product-review-viair-450p-12v-air-compressor/

I'll be odd man out. Since I have a race car and need one anyway here is what I use.



It lasts almost a lifetime and I can run air tools and things like that for a loooog time too.

The down side is it's heavy. I also have an airbag compressor built into my truck so I can also use that too if I want.

Options are always nice! :B

I carry a micro sized Senco 120V 1 gal. It is the smallest brand-name compressor I could find size-wise that was real 120V and could fill a truck tire. It seems to be good quality and is very quiet, I think it was made in Mexico. I have on-board Gen so I wanted 120V.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Senco-1-Gal-1-2-HP-Portable-Pancake-Electric-Air-Compressor-PC1010N/205513089

I have the harbor freight clone of the viair in my flatbed trailer tool box which we bring along on longer ATV rides. Not identical to the one linked below but very close (mine is about 15 yrs old.)

https://www.harborfreight.com/12volt-150-psi-compact-air-compressor-63184.html

Both have served very well and I would buy either of them again.

This is what we have, and seems to be a good unit, It has a much lower profile than a pancake compressor, and has pretty quick recovery, and develops more pressure than you should ever need. memtb

JimK-NY wrote:
I cannot understand why so many of you spend so much on expensive compressors. I bought a $40 Slime brand from Walmart years ago. It stores easily since it is a little different shape but about the same size as a loaf of bread. It works fine to over 100 psi. Yes it is slow but I have only used it once to pump up a flat. Typically I just use it to adjust pressure with temperature changes or after months when an adjustment is needed. It runs off the cigarette lighter so I do not need a generator or a hook up.

Those things are ****, IMHO. You need a real compressor. We carry a 150 PSI Craftsman compressor. $99.00 at Lowe's. Plus 50' of hose and I also carry 2 Honda generators. Seems like a lot, but both set right on top of my toolbox when needed for tire pressure. And you don't have to sit around waiting for the pressure to build. 15-20 seconds usually does it.

Range Maggot Bob wrote:

Those things are ****, IMHO. You need a real compressor. We carry a 150 PSI Craftsman compressor. $99.00 at Lowe's. Plus 50' of hose and I also carry 2 Honda generators. Seems like a lot, but both set right on top of my toolbox when needed for tire pressure. And you don't have to sit around waiting for the pressure to build. 15-20 seconds usually does it.

In terms of being ****, I have had mine since I bought my RV 10 years ago. It has been used many times to pump up tires and many, many times to make minor pressure adjustments.

So I looked up the Craftsman unit. If I owned a tire shop that and 50 feet of hose would make sense. Otherwise I would never carry a unit of that size. Way, way too big for my storage compartments. Way too heavy. I don't need or want an elephant gun to kill a fly.