Decision On Air Compressor

Well, the Kobalt performed great in airing MH tires from a low of 92 to 100psi. Set the tank pressure at 100psi. Fast recovery started at 125psi, cutout at 155psi.

The accuracy of the psi readings on the Kobalt gauge and the tpms monitor was right on. One tire had a one pound difference at the cold pressure reading.

The accessory tools worked fine. No leaks. The upgrade 50' rubber air hose is nice, easy to handle and rolls back easily.

The Kobalt and accessory tools fit and work great from the smaller bay. The compressor at about 38 pounds does not have to be moved in order to air up the MH or auto tires. All gauge settings, etc. are easily accessible. The height of the Kobalt is about 1'.

I already had one quality air chuck, one came with the accessory kit, and I purchased one additional Kobalt Air chuck with glass gauge. The Kobalt gauge worked great with easy access to the front tire valve stems. The air chuck that came with the accessory kit worked with easy access to the inner dual tires. The original air chuck that I already had worked easily with the outer dual tire stems.

The electric socket is just above the bay, no extension cord is necessary.

One thing I learned is that I am going to have the valve stems replaced with special valve stems to make it easier to remove and re-install tpms sensors.

The current tpms sensors on the inside dual tires can be removed with a little more effort than I want to have to use.

The front tire sensor removal and re-install is a breeze.

The outer dual sensor removal and re-install is not too difficult.

Overall first impression is that the research paid off. I am completely satisfied with the Kobalt Air Compressor. If it maintains current performance over the long haul; what more can you ask for.

Glad I went with the Kobalt, with a little time and effort, it may just air up the Goodyear Blimp.

Now if it would only chill the wine. Never mind, the pink fridge in the other bay has that job.

I see a lot of comments about the tank size. If you want to save space and weight get rid of the tank. You don't need it!!

Well got the Kobalt setup in the smallest bay and it is a perfect fit with room for the 50ft hose, accessories and plenty of breathing room for the AC.

Tested and drained tank 3 times, and checked tire pressure guage and air pressure cleaner. I'll try the tires in the next couple of days, have to remove TPMS to fill the tires. Once a year is no problem. I may just change the batteries at the same time. I run 100 psi, and a couple tires are in the 90-95 range.

Glad I went with the rubber hose, flexible and rolls up nice, fits compactly in the bay.

First impression is, I like it. See how it does in the long run. Only downside I see is the drain valve knob is a plastic L, it has a screw, so it can be replaced when it breaks., and the regulator control knob is plastic, but it seems to be a solid plastic.

The unit cuts off as 155 psi, forgot to check the guage to see when it kicks in. It seems to fill and refill quickly.

RV CONUS wrote:
Well after a couple of days of intensive research, and a couple of weeks just looking.

I have decided on the Kobalt air compressor

Seems to be the best bang for the $ at this stage. Finding consistent and good reviews on air compressors sure was fun. One site loves it, another site thinks it's crap. It's another crap-shoot. Time will tell.

Looks like the Kobalt will do the job for MH tires. We'll see how it does on the short and long term.

Considered many air compressors, availability, customer service, etc.
Porter Cable was running second. The 135, not the 150. Could not locate the 135 in stock in any close by stores. It rated better everywhere over the 150.

What led to the upcoming purchase, is I don't trust anyone to remove and reinstall my tpms. So, I'll take my time, air up the tires and remove and install tpms myself.

I'll let ya'll know how the Kobalt does the job!

I bought this very same model just a couple of days ago. I almost bought the Sears Pancake model with the 150psi, but I sat waiting for the girl to help me for about 15 minutes while she told stories with another customer about their families in Italy. I eventually walked out of the store and went to Lowes. I'm glad I did as I found this compressor with the 155 psi rating. I've only used it to put air in the bike tires so far but it appears the motor kicks on when the tank drops to about 145 psi. So getting the RV tires up to 110 psi may be a slow process, but it will get the job done. I have a larger stand up model compressor too, but it doesn't fit in a basement compartment so that's why I added this one to the collection.

ArchHoagland wrote:
I bought the Porter Cable 150lb, 6 gallon pancake style with two hose outlets a couple weeks ago.

My original Sears 125 had a tough time even getting to 95 pounds.

I went with a 150 because I think their rating of 135 was borderline, just as the 125 was borderline.

Also this unit has the ability to connect two hoses so I have a 100' hose for tires and a short coiled hose with a blower nozzle to clean my workbench, etc. without having to change heads.

The problem with the lower PSI models, is that PSI level is the max level that the unit will compress to. So if you do have a 125 model and when you start using the air, the motor doesn't kick on at 124 psi. It may not kick on until you get down to 110 or 115 psi. So if you are trying to put 110psi in a tire, but your compressor is only putting out 115, you may be there a long time. Good move getting the 150.

hershey wrote:
I've used the one you bought for the last 6 months. I don't know why I waited 9 years of full timing to finally break down and buy one. Like you, I did a lot of research and found that it doesn't matter much how big the tank is, 3 gallons is fine, its the CFM at 90 lbs that makes things come together. 2.6 cfm is about the highest rate you will find in a small portable compressor. That works just fine. The 150 cut-off is a definite plus when you need 105 lbs of air in that MH tire.
I leave mine in the bay and just plug it in when necessary and run the hose to the tires to inflate.
I couldn't be happier, I know you will be too.
BTW: With being ex-military, you get another 10% off of any purchase at Lowes....they treat vets right.

Missed your post earlier, was using smartphone. Thanks for posting your experience with the Kobalt. I Plan on leaving in the bay also.

Hope it holds up.

Semper Fi

dougrainer wrote:
Remember, it is NOT just the PSI, but the VOLUME of the Tank on the compressor. We have at the shop a 100 gallon 175 PSI compressor and it takes about 1 minute per 10psi to air up a Diesel tire. What you are looking at will do, but it will take a LONG time to air up a flat tire and more than my 1 minute per 10 psi just to top off. Doug

So where do you store this monster in your RV?

4aSong wrote:
Just curious, will the Kobalt 1.5-HP 3-Gallon 155-PSI Electric Air Compressor run on a Honda EU2000i?, I see from the Lowe's sites that it draws 12amps.

It might. Who knows. I know that my older 3 1/2 HP Craftsman was brutal on my 3500! champion as it was more of a pulsing than continuous load (if that makes any sense).

Just curious, will the Kobalt 1.5-HP 3-Gallon 155-PSI Electric Air Compressor run on a Honda EU2000i?, I see from the Lowe's sites that it draws 12amps.

Bought the Kobalt at Lowe's. The floor model looks well made and solid. The Kobalt max pressure is 155, and is suppose to cut in at 120.

Neither Lowe's or Home Depot had the accessory kit I wanted, so settled for a less expensive one, which had ok reviews.

I did opt for the rubber hose that can be repaired, Lowe's was out of stock, but HD carried one.

Oh, both Lowe's and HD honored the Veterans discount, which further reduced the cost of the compressor and accessories by 10 percent. Thanks Lowe's and HD.

Will probably put it to its test over the next couple of days, bringing the MH tires up to 100 psi.