Portable air compressor?

Wow, I get generator etiquette and the need to use quiet ones at appropriate times, but now we have to worry about the decibel level of our compressors for the 5 minutes or so we need them? Lol...

brirene wrote:
Have used a Craftsman version of this one for many years. Easily brings my tires up to 80#.

+1 on this. It has lived (covered) in the bed of my truck for a couple years now and has never let me down. Good air flow even at higher PSI really helps speed up tire inflation.

Thanks for all the timely replies. There are some great suggestions here!

Wakes the dead:


Won't wake the sleeping:

120 volt compressors are great but are noisy and of course, need 120 volts. I took my Porter-Cable on a long trip last year and one morning I needed to add air before the end of quiet time - it's very noisy. We drove off down the road looking for somewhere to plug in and didn't find anything until many miles later when it was too late as the tires had warmed up.

Not sure how noisy 12 volt compressors are, but you can always drive a short distance away from fellow campers to air up.

Viair is top of the line and makes a number of 12 volt compressors. If you want one of theirs, check the specs and duty cycle. The "P" series are the portable ones. The 90P has a 15 percent duty cycle, the 400P is 33 percent and the 450P is 100 percent. Great compressors but expensive. Their two RV versions have extra hose and an extra accessory or two and are the same as the non-RV models. The 450P-RV is over $300 on Amazon.

Q Industries has an MV-50 model which has a lot of positive reviews. Costs a lot less - $73 on Amazon for ex. IIRC, has a 40% duty cycle.

Am currently on the hunt for a 12 volt compressor and if I can't find a decent price on a Viair, new or used, will get the MV-50.

The best for RV use is the Viair,12 volt and will put out at least 120PSI. More than enough for your needs.

I use This one

I am looking to get an air compressor for my next trip. Does anyone have a suggestion for one than will handle 65psi.

Why just buy a compressor? Buy one of the all in one's that can do a whole lot of things when RV'ing.

Airs up tires, jump vehicles, charge electronics, runs small TV overnight without charge and to power a lamp in the RV when I wanted to save my coach battery.

I think I've helped about 20 other RV'ers over the years with this little powerhouse.

I have one of these on board at all times when I travel.
I don't leave home RV'ing without it. :C


500 Instant starting amps and 1000 peak Amps for maximum performance
120 PSI inflator for vehicle tires, sports equipment and more

Black & Decker JUS500IB 500 Amp Jump Starter with Built in Compressor
http://www.amazon.com/Black-Decker-JUS500IB-Starter-Compressor/dp/B0024GR0S8

I have a Viair 300P. It will easily hand 65 psi. It runs off 12v. The advantage to a 12V compressor is you may not always have access to 120v.

I've had pretty bad luck with 12VDC tire inflators. They don't seem to last long or work well.

However, I've had this 110VAC inflator for many years and it works just fine. Loud but durable and effective. Picked it up at WalMart.


https://jet.com/product/detail/177399bfa2024c109cab12bcd3863985?jcmp=pla:ggl:gen_sporting_goods_a2:athletics_general_purpose_athletic_equipment_a2_other:na:na:na:na:na:2&code=PLA15&k_clickid=21e46aac-500b-4847-baf0-359921c393a2&abkId=405-1310666&gclid=CM2Piv2M0ssCFQcLaQodgMgOxw

We use a Viair 90. Perfect for airing up the trailer tires to 65 psi. Not sure I would use if to pump up my truck tires to 80. Never tried.
Viair 90p