planning for fulltime in Class A in approximately 1 year. Currently have PU and TT. Should I buy a small compressor or a tire inflator? Edited to add I am NOT considering a 12V inflator. Only a 120V, as I know the weaknesses of a 12V.I have had a tire inflator for a number of years to keep the air in truck and trailer inflated correctly. It is dying (smelled burning electrical last two times I used).I have never used a compressor (except for tire inflation). I know they have lots of uses, but I really don't know if all compressors will do all sorts of thing. I can do some repairs and upgrades, but am restricted by arthritis and a tremor for some issues. I also would rather pay a professional if it is outside my comfort level. Trying to plan to buy best tool to carry forward into my full time life style. Please give me some pros and cons for the various types and assistance in what to buy next

I have this one, and like the ability to change from 120 Volt AC to 12 volt DC. for the power source, but have only used it on pickup tires nothing larger, it may be slow for a large 19.5 to 21.5 tire.https://www.amazon.com/Kobalt-Portable-Compressor-Inflator-Needles/dp/B01N56OXQC?SubscriptionId=AKIAJ2F6RDUSIYCWQMFQ&tag=sa-b2c-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B01N56OXQC

Search this Forum for `compressor' and read on to give you some ideas. We carry an `inflator' for our bikes and a `compressor' for everything else.

I have a very old tire inflator that still works great, except it's very slow. It will eventually pump 120 psi, but it may take all day to finally reach that. I also am on my second air compressor. It also will reach 120 psi, but it is also much bigger, heavier, and requires air compressor hoses and fittings. It inflates much faster, has the ability to use for a lot of other needs. Advantages / Disadvantages?Power? One is only 12 volt cigarette lighter operated, the other is only 120 volt AC household wiring operated. Size? One is much larger than the other.Weight? One is DEFINITELY much heavier than the other.Speed? One DEFINITELY inflates much, much faster than the other.Portability? Both are portable, but the smaller something is, the easier it is to stow.Cost? Air compressor / hoses / attachments cost a LOT more than the simple inflator. Noise? Well, they both sound like a jet plane at take off. I give them an "equal" there.Functionality? The air compressor comes built on with an air compressor tank. It has to be under pressure to work best. But when it's fully under pressure, provides that blast of air. Inflator just pumps air little bits at a time, and pumping, and pumping, and pumping. But it is immediate. There is never a build up of reserve. So, (for example, blowing out your water lines for winterizing, the inflator would never work. You need the compressor). If a tire simply goes flat (with no damage, just low), either will work fine, but one will take longer than the other to do the same job.In the end, I think the air compressor is the better choice. But when you consider weight, space, cost, hoses, and attachments, the inflator is definitely the simpler and less costly way go to.

For 12v make sure it clamps direct on the battery only.If it has a cigar plug it is weak.My MV-50 works fine.

Assuming your MH will have a generator, Watch for sales at places like Home Depot/Lowes, you can generally pick up a Pancake Compressor like Porter/Cable for 100 bucks and will serve pretty much all purposes.As you've already found out a majority of 12V inflators are slow and heat-up quickly when trying to inflat anything larger than a bike tire.

compressor or tire inflator | Good Sam Community

Lwiddis
Explorer II
Dec 19, 2017
An “inflator” for bicycle tires? I have a bicycle pump. Not everything needs to be motorized and to reach 100-110 psi for a road bicycle most inflators don’t cut it.
BarbaraOK
Explorer
Dec 19, 2017
Diesels have an air compressor, which has the added benefit of generating air to use for braking (for most DPS), air bag suspension, and most have an air tap that you can use for inflating tires, etc. as long as the engine is running.
janstey58
Explorer
Dec 18, 2017
wanna....... wrote:
janstey, you say there will be one on board with a diesel pusher. where, why, really? My ignorance of diesel pushers is showing. Please tell me more.

Most, if not all DPs have air suspension, and will have an air tap to connect a standard air hose for use on tires, pool toys, etc....
ependydad
Explorer
Dec 15, 2017
Trust me, you have no idea about 12v compressors until you try a Viair. 12v that clamps straight to the battery and does an amazing job. My trailer is 16,500lbs and the tires take up to 125psi. I've refilled them from 80psi in short order. And being 100% duty cycle, I can inflate all 6 truck tires and all 4 trailer tires without a break.

http://learntorv.com/product-review-viair-450p-12v-air-compressor/
ThomBoles
Explorer
Dec 15, 2017
I too have the Viair. Comes highly recommended and hasn't disappointed!
TechWriter
Explorer
Dec 15, 2017
wannavolunteerFT wrote:

Edited to add I am NOT considering a 12V inflator. Only a 120V, as I know the weaknesses of a 12V.

Reconsider. I've had several under $100 12V inflators, and every one turned out to be underpowered, especially for an RV.

Then I bought a VIAIR 400P-RV. It inflates my 120psi Class A DP tires effortlessly. Plus it's great for Jeep off roading -- tire deflation/inflation.
wannavolunteerF
Explorer
Dec 14, 2017
janstey, you say there will be one on board with a diesel pusher. where, why, really? My ignorance of diesel pushers is showing. Please tell me more.
janstey58
Explorer
Dec 13, 2017
If you go diesel pusher MH, you already have one on board with a port that you can attach a standard air hose to for tire and other inflation.
beemerphile1
Explorer
Dec 13, 2017
I carry a smaller Craftsman 120 psi air compressor. I plug into the generator when needed. Tire inflators take a long time and usually have short working lives.
Michelle_S
Explorer III
Dec 13, 2017
Assuming your MH will have a generator, Watch for sales at places like Home Depot/Lowes, you can generally pick up a Pancake Compressor like Porter/Cable for 100 bucks and will serve pretty much all purposes.
As you've already found out a majority of 12V inflators are slow and heat-up quickly when trying to inflat anything larger than a bike tire.

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