Good 12v air compressor

[EdTheEdge]

Looking for suggestions on a good 12v air compressor for my C. Small and powerful and reliable if possible.

[pnichols]

Bordercollie wrote:
What brand and model are you using ??

Gary ... sorry to take so long to get back to you on this. The compact 120V compressor we carry in our Class C RV is a:

Campbell Hausfeld
PowerPal Air Compressor
Model MT300002
120 VAC, 60Hz
8.5 amps
1/2 HP

It's an old timer, so you need to look for a modern day equivalent of it - or look for a used one in good shape. Mine has taken up little space, been reliable, and is powerful.

Here's what I have: https://www.ebay.com/i/162880467631?rt=nc

[Bordercollie]

What brand and model are you using ??

pnichols wrote:
I carry along a 120V tankless air compressor in our RV for emergencies. The built-in genny will of course power it. However when not on the road, I use this compressor for regular topping up all tires on our vehicles, which it does just fine up to 120 P.S.I.. It's rated for continous duty.

A tankless 120V compressor is not too large at all to fit easily - along with everything else - into one of our outside storage compartments.

[pnichols]

I carry along a 120V tankless air compressor in our RV for emergencies. The built-in genny will of course power it. However when not on the road, I use this compressor for regular topping up all tires on our vehicles, which it does just fine up to 120 P.S.I.. It's rated for continous duty.

A tankless 120V compressor is not too large at all to fit easily - along with everything else - into one of our outside storage compartments.

[Bordercollie]

curious, I looked up the MV-50 and read customer questions and answers. One user said that his inflated two tires to 80 psi, it overheated and shut down.
Probably won't do 4 rear tires to 80 psi without rest periods. With my CH 2 gallon you need to set for 100 max psi, inflate tire to 80psi, then wait for pressure to build to 100 psi then inflate the next tire. Be careful checking pressure with pop-up guage or you will lose what you put in. Best to use a chuck/guage with a dial meter.

[time2roll]

I have no doubt my MV-50 will go to 80 psi on six tires. However if all have dropped that low maybe a stop at the service station is a better solution.

I keep my 12v on the road primarily for emergency use. Such as airing up the spare if it needs to go on or if I have to top up a slow leak to get to the service station.

The 12v is a very light and compact solution compared to most 120v compressors. In time equipment creep gets to be a weight and space issue if you carry the same stuff as you would use at home.

Go 12v, JMHO.

[Bordercollie]

Some stickers on some Class C's recommend 75-80 psi on the rear dual tires and 65-75 psi on the fronts. I use 80 psi in the rear duals and 75 in the front tires on our 2004 27-foot Tioga 26Q, your sticker may be different.

[centerline]

the link following shows what I use and is about the best deal you will find for one that is as dependable...
unlike other small compressors, this is a brand name unit, is rated at 100% duty cycle, has a decent cfm rating and will fill the tank with plenty of pressure to air up tires...and has a decent warranty.

after a few uses, the small oiless "budget" units that are so common and cheap, do a poor job of giving enough air to do much more than low pressure atv tires...

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Air-Compressor-Chrome-400-airmaxxx-3-Gallon-Air-Tank-Drain-165-on-200-off-Switch/382215239182?epid=2216948293&hash=item58fdcdb60e:g:w~AAAOSwOgdYzDOS

[EdTheEdge]

Bordercollie wrote:
I don't believe that 12 volt DC power is adequate to inflate RV tires to 80psi with most 12 volt compressors. If you try to use them, better have the RV engine running to keep house battery voltage up and connect directly to the battery. I have a cheap Campbell Hausfeld 110vac tank type compressor, powered the RV generator, that just barely does tops off rear duals to 80psi with patience and proper technique. The thing is bulky and takes a lot of room in the cargo bay. One of the minor problems with RV's. Don't ride with under-inflated tires.

Most truck stops have high capacity air pumps. Might be a better solution than carrying a barely adequate compressor.

The sticker on the inside of the driver side door says to inflate both front and rear to 65psi. Are you saying they should be at 80psi?

[Bordercollie]

I don't believe that 12 volt DC power is adequate to inflate RV tires to 80psi with most 12 volt compressors. If you try to use them, better have the RV engine running to keep house battery voltage up and connect directly to the battery. I have a cheap Campbell Hausfeld 110vac tank type compressor, powered the RV generator, that just barely does tops off rear duals to 80psi with patience and proper technique. The thing is bulky and takes a lot of room in the cargo bay. One of the minor problems with RV's. Don't ride with under-inflated tires.

Most truck stops have high capacity air pumps. Might be a better solution than carrying a barely adequate compressor.

[Dusty_R]

I have 2 or 3 12 volt air compressors for blowing up tires. I get the ones that you can set to turn off at the pressure needed. That way I can hook it to a tire and walk off and do something else, and not have to stay and watch it.

[EdTheEdge]

OK I think you guys convinced me on getting a 120v compressor. Now I need to re-research my options.

[ron_dittmer]

I carry this tire repair kit which includes a small but functional 12V air compressor. The kit is compact, great for emergencies. I never considered the air compressor a regular use item. I keep the kit in our tow vehicle. I don't recommend the goop, use only as a last resort. With the sticky rope, if you know what you are doing, you can repair a clean puncture in a tire without removing the tire from the vehicle. Where I volunteer, we use the sticky rope plug all the time and it works well for regular car tires. In the case with a motor home, surely well enough to get out of a jamb, over to a place to evaluate if you should replace the tire.

[FunTwoDrv]

We've had one from Lowes for a couple of years. It has preformed well, using it to just top off tires and fill air bags etc. It runs on both 12vDC and 120vAC and cost about $30.

Gary

[ScottG]

Viar makes the best 12v units out there. They're the only ones that strike me as serious pieces of equipmrent.
I've had one for more than 14 years in my truck that powers the exhaust brake and is holding up perfectly to the high temps under the hood.