emergency portable air compressor

[Bill_and_Marie_]

I would like to buy a small compressor to top off tire pressures while in the road. Does anyone have a recommendation? What is the max amp draw for the cab power point on an my 2015 E-350? I found a spot in the manual that warns not to exceed 12v 180W power point capacity which if my math is correct can provide up to 15 amps, is that correct?

[ljr]

mgirardo wrote:

ljr wrote:
I'll take your word for it but I've been using it for years and haven't noticed anything like that.

I used a CO2 tank for filling my tires after off-roading. The tires definitely lost air more frequently when filled with CO2. That was Bias Ply and Radial tires. However, being able to fill a 33" tire from 12 PSI to 35 PSI in under a minute was very nice. I built the same 20lb system with a variable regulator and PowerTank's 3000 PSI burst coil hose for just about $150, then another $25 for the tank cert and fill-up.

-Michael

I like my tank for several reasons. Up to 250 psi without power. Very few moving parts so it should last nearly forever. Relatively small and light.

In 4 years, including a near flat due to stem failure, I just refilled for the second time. It wasn't much under half full either time.

[NWboondocker]

I've only used a nail gun so far, which worked great. I'd imagine an impact gun might be ok for very quick bursts where psi matters more than cfm, but recovery time would probably make it painful to say change a tire, and you won't have sustained hammering on a stubborn nut.

I also haven't tried winterizing yet (I use my large home compressor), but based on the few things I've done with it, would estimate there's sufficient tank volume to blast out lines @40psi, so long as you wait a bit for recovery between opening valves. My intended use was for emergency winterizing on the road, where having some capability is far better than none. Maybe I'll try it this fall, since it's more convenient anyway.

[F1bNorm]

Years ago, i got a combo unit from Costco. Its been great for jump starting and adding air. Adding air to MH tire takes awhile so I'm glad it has a clip on chuck.

The best part is when your buddy comes over with his jumper cables expecting you to break camp so you can drive over to his rig and give him a jump. I just point to the compartment and tell him to bring it right back!

The internal batt died last year, but I was able to find a stock replacement batt for $30. Much less than a new unit.

Norm

[klutchdust]

Snowman9000 wrote:

NWboondocker wrote:
I carry this fairly compact 1.5gal compressor. To me if you have the space it's worth having a small tank sufficient to fill a bike/MC tire without having to plug it in and maybe start the generator. Also nice having regulated compressed air available to blow off something dirty, winterize, run air tools, etc., on the road or at home.

Can that little thing winterize, and run air tools? I am sure it can run a stapler, brad gun, etc. What else? I have a tiny tank model too but I have not tried to winterize with it. I didn't think there would be enough air volume to finish the job. It's still sort of big for my storage capacity, but I do think about taking it along. If it can winterize, that's a plus.

Run air tools. If you look at the cfm of the unit then the cfm of the tool you may find that is not possible. What have you tried.

[Snowman9000]

NWboondocker wrote:
I carry this fairly compact 1.5gal compressor. To me if you have the space it's worth having a small tank sufficient to fill a bike/MC tire without having to plug it in and maybe start the generator. Also nice having regulated compressed air available to blow off something dirty, winterize, run air tools, etc., on the road or at home.

Can that little thing winterize, and run air tools? I am sure it can run a stapler, brad gun, etc. What else? I have a tiny tank model too but I have not tried to winterize with it. I didn't think there would be enough air volume to finish the job. It's still sort of big for my storage capacity, but I do think about taking it along. If it can winterize, that's a plus.

[NWboondocker]

I carry this fairly compact 1.5gal compressor. To me if you have the space it's worth having a small tank sufficient to fill a bike/MC tire without having to plug it in and maybe start the generator. Also nice having regulated compressed air available to blow off something dirty, winterize, run air tools, etc., on the road or at home.

[IAMICHABOD]

Yep know all about those goo goo eyes when buying things that look good at the time.:B

BTY I use one of these, the 2.4 amp one, in the port in my Jump N Carry to charge my phone or i Pad.

[klutchdust]

IAMICHABOD wrote:
I found that those combo units are mostly a joke,and the only way around the clip on chuck is to replace the hose with one like this

If you want a a unit that will pass the "jump start the car test" get one of These

I had a different version of the all in one that lasted for 10 years and would jump start anything, it died and this one had good ratings, well it's poop. I am going to come up with

something as an add on chuck so the one on there will fit in the storage slot. I guess I got goo goo eyed when I saw it had a USB slot for my cell phone.

[IAMICHABOD]

I found that those combo units are mostly a joke,and the only way around the clip on chuck is to replace the hose with one like this

If you want a a unit that will pass the "jump start the car test" get one of These

[klutchdust]

I have a portable unit that utilizes a clip on air chuck, trying to get it off without losing air is a problem, any ways around this? This unit failed the "jump start the car" test.

[Snowman9000]

pnichols wrote:
Does your RV have an onboard built-in generator?

If so, just buy a tankless 120V AC compressor from a hardware store to pack along. Just start up the RV's generator and plug it in whenever you want to use it.

That's what we do. Our 120V AC tankless air compressor can inflate up to a maximum of 120 psi pressures, and can run continuosly to inflate any size tire.

A simple and reasonably inexpensive solution.

That is what I plan to do. I currently carry a little Harbor Freight 12v unit. I have a place to connect it to the battery directly, but it's still not very confidence inspiring.

[Dusty_R]

I've been carrying a 12V compressor in every vehicle for many years. Because they are slow I always bought ones that you can set to turn off at the pressure needed, then you don't need to stand there and watch it.

Dusty

[pnichols]

Does your RV have an onboard built-in generator?

If so, just buy a tankless 120V AC compressor from a hardware store to pack along. Just start up the RV's generator and plug it in whenever you want to use it.

That's what we do. Our 120V AC tankless air compressor can inflate up to a maximum of 120 psi pressures, and can run continuosly to inflate any size tire.

A simple and reasonably inexpensive solution.

[mgirardo]

ljr wrote:
I'll take your word for it but I've been using it for years and haven't noticed anything like that.

I used a CO2 tank for filling my tires after off-roading. The tires definitely lost air more frequently when filled with CO2. That was Bias Ply and Radial tires. However, being able to fill a 33" tire from 12 PSI to 35 PSI in under a minute was very nice. I built the same 20lb system with a variable regulator and PowerTank's 3000 PSI burst coil hose for just about $150, then another $25 for the tank cert and fill-up.

-Michael