12 volt air compressor

agesilaus wrote:

SidecarFlip wrote:
Only one good and lasting 12 volt unit, Viair

I got one but it came bare-bones, no cord, switch or fittings. So be ready for that.

You can get them accessorized but you'll pay for that. bare bones = cheaper.

I have an 88P and a 3 gallon hot dog air tank mounted behind my rear seat. It powers my ait bags and has a fitting on the tank where I can attach an air hose for filling tires or using a blow gun.

Viair is the only way to go. You get what you pay for. Not cheap but good stuff usually isn't. I also added their adjustable cut off switch so the compressor maintains 5 psi in my bags all the time unless I add more.

Before purchasing a portable air compressor you have to check out the Milwaukee Inflator (WARNING ! This link is for the pump ONLY ! No battery, no charger ! I got mine with the small battery for only a few dollars more.)



This thing look tiny but it is the "real deal" ! And it is portable !!

• Top off a car tire (28-35 psi) in under 1 minute. Fills a LT truck tire (30-45 psi) in under 4 minutes .
• TrueFill Auto Shut-off technology increases accuracy, protects from over-temp and over-fill.
• High efficiency pump and motor for true 120 PSI capability.
• Illuminated digital gauge with target and current pressure reading.

If you want to use it on Class A tires or airing up off road tires after lowering the pressure for sand, you had better have a high capacity battery and a spare !


For you grandparents that have to fill up inflatable tops, it does have adapters, but I made one for filling LARGE inflatables. But a 2" brass tire valve (under $2 on eBay). Take a hacksaw and cut of the end that would go through the rim. Remove burrs. Make volume ! I might not be fast, but you won't feel like you are blowing your brains out on that 3rd or 4th floaty !

Once you have one of these, then you can justify Milwaukee's nice 3/8" drill/driver. No Milwaukee margarita blender ... yet !

MV-50 for me. Not used often but still works fine 12 years running. I did have to replace the original air hose.

Most that only clamp direct on the battery will serve you well. If they plug in with a cigar plug they are going to be weak.

I've got the 450 Viair. Mine was a gift so I don't know the cost, but the quality is impressive as are the capabilities. I don't have any concerns about the ability to air up a tire roadside.