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BeerBrewer's avatar
BeerBrewer
Explorer
May 13, 2019

Portable air compressor advice is needed

I'd like to purchase a dc powered portable air compressor for my travel trailer, just in case I need to top off the tires while on the road. I already own two other compressors that I prefer to leave at home, a 30 Gallon Craftsman that I use to blow out the sprinkler system and a smallish Rolair that I use for my nail guns. I could bring the Rolair along with us but its only AC powered and would be of almost no use while traveling. I was poking around on the internet and it seems like a lot of people use the ViAir 400P-RV and 450P-RV. These look to be really nice portable air compressors but they also come with a hefty price tag (about $300). I was thinking about buying the ViAir 90P (aprox $80) or the ViAir 300P (About $150) since we'd only be using it to top off the tires in a pinch. I'd use one of my other air compressors to fill the tires before we leave on trip.

Does anyone have an opinion or experience with the ViAir 90P or 300P air compressors? Can anyone suggest a different brand ot DC powered compressor wit similar or better specs?

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  • Chum_lee's avatar
    Chum_lee
    Explorer
    May 13, 2019
    BeerBrewer wrote:
    I'd like to purchase a dc powered portable air compressor for my travel trailer, just in case I need to top off the tires while on the road.


    You don't mention what air pressure you need to top off your tires. Let's assume truck/trailer tires. You don't mention how many tires or how often you'll need to top them off. You don't mention what your available power source is. Without that information, it is impossible to answer your question in any meaningful way.

    If your 12 V. compressor is overheating while using it, . . . . well, chances are it won't be for long. IME, filling truck/trailer tires reliably, in a timely manner, is a 120 volt job. (minimum) Your experience may vary.

    Chum lee
  • theoldwizard1's avatar
    theoldwizard1
    Explorer II
    May 13, 2019
    Strictly for "topping off" tires, or inflating small tires (<18"), you can't beat the Milwaukee M12 Inflator. Lightweight, self-contained.



    EDIT : The link to the Home Depot ad does NOT include battery or charger.
  • 2oldman's avatar
    2oldman
    Explorer II
    May 13, 2019
    LittleBill wrote:
    it's not a full time compressor and shouldn't be judged as one.
    20 amps is no small deal either. I have a macerator which draws less than that, and boy those wires and clips get hot. I can't run it continuously for very long.
  • LittleBill's avatar
    LittleBill
    Explorer
    May 13, 2019
    2oldman wrote:
    LittleBill wrote:
    have you looked at the 88p? it works great just a bit to setup, blows tires up to 90 psi like nothing.
    After carefully reading some Amazon reviews, including the 5 star ones, I'd be a bit skeptical.

    It blows tires but also blows fuses after 80lb, 'really struggles' to get to 90, gets really hot...etc. I think a tanked unit is a better choice if you do much of this. But for occasional use, probably ok. Just carry extra fuses.


    outside of it getting hot, which yes it gets crazy hot. 0 issues. i have only used it a couple times and did trailer tires to 90psi which took almost no time. its not a full time compressor and shouldn't be judged as one.
  • 2oldman's avatar
    2oldman
    Explorer II
    May 13, 2019
    LittleBill wrote:
    have you looked at the 88p? it works great just a bit to setup, blows tires up to 90 psi like nothing.
    After carefully reading some Amazon reviews, including the 5 star ones, I'd be a bit skeptical.

    It blows tires but also blows fuses after 80lb, 'really struggles' to get to 90, gets really hot...etc. I think a tanked unit is a better choice if you do much of this. But for occasional use, probably ok. Just carry extra fuses.
  • LittleBill's avatar
    LittleBill
    Explorer
    May 13, 2019
    have you looked at the 88p? it works great just a bit to setup, blows tires up to 90 psi like nothing.
    https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005ASY23I/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
  • hotjag1's avatar
    hotjag1
    Explorer II
    May 13, 2019
    I bought a 12 volt Viair that clips to the battery posts. I was amazed at how fast it topped off a low tire on my vehicle. It was darn near as fast as my 120 ac compressor. It is much quieter than the cheaper 12 volt compressors too.
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    May 13, 2019
    I have an MV-50 12v compressor to use on the road. Been working fine 10+ years for occasional use.

    Viair is top rated and should serve you well.
  • wopachop's avatar
    wopachop
    Explorer
    May 13, 2019
    If you want more opinions go ask on an offroad forum. People with sandrails and utvs use them to fill up big fat tires from DC power.

    They plug into cig lighter or alligator clip to battery. Would you have DC power that close to your tires? Maybe something with a lithium battery would be better.
  • 2oldman's avatar
    2oldman
    Explorer II
    May 13, 2019
    An inverter and the Rolair is what I do. The Rolair is a nice quiet unit. You won't be saving any power by going to 12v.. if that's on your mind, but it just might take longer to air up.

    Posts containing Viair

    I found one with 300p and none with 90p.

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