Is This A Decent Air Compressor?

nomad297 wrote:
I have never been able to depend on a 12 volt tankless compressor.

They're probaby best left to beach balls and inflatable boats.

2oldman wrote:
If it runs too long it will also likely overheat.

This is a fact. If it doesn't seize up the first time it overheats, you're lucky. I have never been able to depend on a 12 volt tankless compressor.

Bruce

BurbMan wrote:
I melted 2 of the smaller ones trying this before I bought the Viair. ...and I do mean literally melted and smoking.... :E

Not surprising. Compressing air is hard work.

The Viair 300P is about the best you can get in a 12v portable compressor.

Regarding your question about a cig lighter connection, the more powerful compressors draw more power than the 10A that a cig lighter delivers. The Viair draws 30A and needs to be connected directly to the battery.

It all depends on what you use it for also. If you are topping off 2-3 psi for Fall temp changes the model you reference should be fine. I got mine for airing up tires coming off the beach. most compressors are rated at max PSI, but CFM is also important. Airing up a tire from 15 to 80 psi takes volume AND pressure to get the job done. Bringing the 265/75-16 tires on the truck from 15 psi all around to 80 rear and 60 front requires a good compressor. I melted 2 of the smaller ones trying this before I bought the Viair. ...and I do mean literally melted and smoking.... :E

WoodGlue, I've got a 12 volt compressor also. It does take a while to top off the tires. In answer to your question to pitch about his response. My 12 volt compressor will occasionally pop a fuse. If you can hook up to the battery you won't have that problem.

look for one that shuts off at a set PSI…

http://www.lowes.com/pd_36_0__?productId=3522750

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-12v-portable-inflator-w-digital-tire-pressure/p-02875114000P

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Measurement-Limited-Auto-Shut-Off-Air-Compressor/15111480

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200362519_200362519

If it runs too long it will also likely overheat.

WoodGlue wrote:
In your best estimation, is this a halfway decent air compressor for my truck and for my TT (14" wheels)

Goodyear i7000 Direct Drive A/C

I'd just be using it to top off the truck tires and TT tires in case of a low reading.

Thanks,

WoodGlue

It plugs into the 12v cigar adapter so it is going to be a bit weak for automotive tires. Especially if inflating over 40 psi.

MV-50 is a better choice IMO.

I have a similar compressor from walmart, Slime Comp06. It works pretty well, I keep it in the truck all the time. Of course if Im at home or at a camp ground, I use a 120v.

RoyB wrote:
I use the MV50 Tankless 12VDC air compressor (AMAZON) which is a very small footprint and airs up both my truck and trailer tires as needed. Our tankless air compressor comes in a handy carry case and fits under my rear seat in my truck. The tankless air compressor also being slow to bring up high pressures make for an excellent air compressor to do my blow out of water lines when freezing weather comes up in a hurry. The blow-method works great for us in our off-road camper when needed. Can winterize the whole system is 5 minutes or so and return back to normal use the next day by just refilling the fresh water tank.

I have a similar compressor that I carry in the Jeep. When we go off-roading, I air down the tires to 12 PSI. Then, when we get back to normal roads, I use that compressor to bring the tires back up to 33 PSI for road use. It takes about 10 minutes to do all four tires.
I don't find that burdensome.
Yes, I could carry an inverter and a 110VAC pancake compressor, but space is at a premium in a Jeep.
Any appliance that is designed with a lighter socket plug has to be low amperage (the socket is only rated for about 20 amps) and therefore low power. A direct-to-battery connection is often rated for a 30 amp fuse, and therefore has more power to get the job done.