Forum Discussion

grampscamper's avatar
grampscamper
Explorer
Jan 13, 2015

Viair 12 volt portable air compressor

I'm looking at purchasing a 12 volt portable air compressor. Our 5th wheel is in storage several miles from our home. When I go to pick it up after sitting for long periods the tires are down a few pounds. Now I carry a portable air tank with me but I can only add a few pounds to each tire. When we travel I carry a 120 volt compressor. I would like to purchase a 12 volt compressor so I can use it anywhere.
I'm presently looking at the Viair models 400P, 400P auto, 400PRV and 450P auto. I will be using it for my F250 & 5th wheel. The tire pressure in our 5th wheel is 80 psi. I'm leaning toward the 400PRV or 450P auto. The 400 series has a 33% duty cycle and the 450 100%. The price is the same for either.
Are they good compressors? Would 33% duty cycle be sufficient?
  • grampscamper's avatar
    grampscamper
    Explorer
    Jan 15, 2015
    bigdon68 wrote:
    I have had a 200psi Viair system on my F350 for the fast 3 years. It is great. You can take a look at my install under MY PICTURES. We installed (2) 480 Viair compressors, (2) 5 gallon tanks. There is a Schrader air valve on each side of the truck. For kicks I installed a set of Shocker train horns -- for those people who insist on pulling in front of you. I got the entire setup at Hornblasters. It is great for air tools, tires, air hydraulic jack and our air hitch.

    Enjoy the road. We do.

    bigdon68

    Nice setup. You did an amazing job.
    I also saw the pictures of the tire blowout. Another reason to keep an eye on my tires. I now have a TPMS installed on our 5th wheel. The portable compressor will be a great addition.
    Have to have all the toys.
  • bigdon68's avatar
    bigdon68
    Explorer
    Jan 15, 2015
    I have had a 200psi Viair system on my F350 for the fast 3 years. It is great. You can take a look at my install under MY PICTURES. We installed (2) 480 Viair compressors, (2) 5 gallon tanks. There is a Schrader air valve on each side of the truck. For kicks I installed a set of Shocker train horns -- for those people who insist on pulling in front of you. I got the entire setup at Hornblasters. It is great for air tools, tires, air hydraulic jack and our air hitch.

    Enjoy the road. We do.

    bigdon68
  • grampscamper's avatar
    grampscamper
    Explorer
    Jan 15, 2015
    Ordered the Viair 400P-RV automatic from Amazon this morning. I went with this model for the following reasons.

    Portable
    Can use it anywhere I have a 12 volt battery
    More volume than 450P
    Positive reviews
    Quick connect air gun
    2 quick connect air hoses
    Carrying case
    Inline gauge

    I presently own a cheap 12 volt compressor that plugs into a 12 volt accessory outlet. It is very slow and doesn't have a long enough cord to reach the 5th wheel easily. I have also carried portable air tanks but find they have limited capacity.
    It was a tough decision. The Viair is pricey but I believe you get what you pay for.
    Thanks for all the replies.
  • soos's avatar
    soos
    Explorer II
    Jan 15, 2015
    LANShark42 wrote:
    I'm new at this and trying to learn. (We don't even have our TT home yet or a TV to pull it. lol)

    Why do you need the portable when you carry a 120V? And do you use the 120v much? For what purposes? Just curious. We are trying to get an inventory together of what to take with us.

    Thanks,
    Michael

    And some of us have 10 tires or more, plus the air hitch and the airsprings on the truck that need adjustment.
  • Goostoff's avatar
    Goostoff
    Explorer
    Jan 15, 2015
    Viar is probably the best 12V portable compressor you will get. With that being said, another option is the Slime brand from Wal-Mart. I bought the best one they had a few years ago to keep in my jeep for off road trips. It will pump up my 35" tires from 6psi to 30psi in just a few minutes time. I love it and it was only like $54 and comes with a nice durable bag. I also have my 120V compressor in the basement of the 5er. As stated before you will become the hit with the kids at the park. They always have bike tires and basketballs to be pumped up.

    Another option is to just put in a power converter or inverter what ever one goes from 12V to 120V and just run your 120V off the battery after you get hooked up of coarse. :)
  • Dtank's avatar
    Dtank
    Explorer
    Jan 13, 2015
    LANShark42 wrote:
    I'm new at this and trying to learn. (We don't even have our TT home yet or a TV to pull it. lol)

    Why do you need the portable when you carry a 120V? And do you use the 120v much? For what purposes? Just curious. We are trying to get an inventory together of what to take with us.

    Thanks,
    Michael


    And another alternative -

    Research Power Tank CO2 systems

    You can set up your own for about 1/2 the cost.
    Very popular with off-roaders as well as RVers.

    No power necessary, no noise, no mechanical (failure) problems - gets it done "right now"..;)

    .
  • wilber1's avatar
    wilber1
    Explorer
    Jan 13, 2015
    I went with the 400P and haven't been dissapointed. Even though it doesn't have the 450's 100% duty cycle, it is smaller, lighter and has a higher cfm output.
  • grampscamper's avatar
    grampscamper
    Explorer
    Jan 13, 2015
    LANShark42 wrote:
    I'm new at this and trying to learn. (We don't even have our TT home yet or a TV to pull it. lol)

    Why do you need the portable when you carry a 120V? And do you use the 120v much? For what purposes? Just curious. We are trying to get an inventory together of what to take with us.

    Thanks,
    Michael

    Where my 5th wheel is stored there isn't access to 120 volts. I like the idea of being able to fill my tires anywhere, anytime. Not a problem with 2 batteries in my truck and one in the 5th wheel. This looks like a very portable unit.
    Michael, I don't use the 120 volt compressor often but like to be prepared for anything. The first weekend out with our 5th wheel I picked up a screw. Had to add 20 lbs. when I got home. Now I carry a compressor and check my tires frequently. I also use my 120 volt compressor for winterizing (blowing out the lines). It's a 3 gallon with adjustable air pressure.
    I also carry two 20 ton bottle jacks & jack stands.
    Thanks for the replies.
  • Bob_Olallawa's avatar
    Bob_Olallawa
    Explorer
    Jan 13, 2015
    LANShark42 wrote:
    I'm new at this and trying to learn. (We don't even have our TT home yet or a TV to pull it. lol)

    Why do you need the portable when you carry a 120V? And do you use the 120v much? For what purposes? Just curious. We are trying to get an inventory together of what to take with us.

    Thanks,
    Michael


    Nice to have a good 12 volt unit when not near a 120 volt system. Uses, when you need to add air to......
  • LANShark42's avatar
    LANShark42
    Explorer
    Jan 13, 2015
    I'm new at this and trying to learn. (We don't even have our TT home yet or a TV to pull it. lol)

    Why do you need the portable when you carry a 120V? And do you use the 120v much? For what purposes? Just curious. We are trying to get an inventory together of what to take with us.

    Thanks,
    Michael

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