12 volt air compressor

[nmhuntr]

After getting my new Ram 2500 I realize my old 12volt air compressor will not go to a high enough psi for these new tires. I need to get to 80psi under load. If you carry a backup 12volt compressor what brand to you use and how do you like it?

Thanks

[Fordlover]

I've got the 450 Viair. Mine was a gift so I don't know the cost, but the quality is impressive as are the capabilities. I don't have any concerns about the ability to air up a tire roadside.

[time2roll]

MV-50 for me. Not used often but still works fine 12 years running. I did have to replace the original air hose.

Most that only clamp direct on the battery will serve you well. If they plug in with a cigar plug they are going to be weak.

[theoldwizard1]

Before purchasing a portable air compressor you have to check out the Milwaukee Inflator (WARNING ! This link is for the pump ONLY ! No battery, no charger ! I got mine with the small battery for only a few dollars more.)



This thing look tiny but it is the "real deal" ! And it is portable !!

• Top off a car tire (28-35 psi) in under 1 minute. Fills a LT truck tire (30-45 psi) in under 4 minutes .
• TrueFill Auto Shut-off technology increases accuracy, protects from over-temp and over-fill.
• High efficiency pump and motor for true 120 PSI capability.
• Illuminated digital gauge with target and current pressure reading.

If you want to use it on Class A tires or airing up off road tires after lowering the pressure for sand, you had better have a high capacity battery and a spare !


For you grandparents that have to fill up inflatable tops, it does have adapters, but I made one for filling LARGE inflatables. But a 2" brass tire valve (under $2 on eBay). Take a hacksaw and cut of the end that would go through the rim. Remove burrs. Make volume ! I might not be fast, but you won't feel like you are blowing your brains out on that 3rd or 4th floaty !

Once you have one of these, then you can justify Milwaukee's nice 3/8" drill/driver. No Milwaukee margarita blender ... yet !

[SidecarFlip]

I have an 88P and a 3 gallon hot dog air tank mounted behind my rear seat. It powers my ait bags and has a fitting on the tank where I can attach an air hose for filling tires or using a blow gun.

Viair is the only way to go. You get what you pay for. Not cheap but good stuff usually isn't. I also added their adjustable cut off switch so the compressor maintains 5 psi in my bags all the time unless I add more.

[SidecarFlip]

agesilaus wrote:

SidecarFlip wrote:
Only one good and lasting 12 volt unit, Viair

I got one but it came bare-bones, no cord, switch or fittings. So be ready for that.

You can get them accessorized but you'll pay for that. bare bones = cheaper.

[nmhuntr]

I believe those are the ones designed to be mounted on board and support an air tank. A friend of mine has one. The one I am getting (88P) has the screw on valve connector.

Thanks

[agesilaus]

SidecarFlip wrote:
Only one good and lasting 12 volt unit, Viair

I got one but it came bare-bones, no cord, switch or fittings. So be ready for that.

[htss]

I have the Viair 88P currently and have found it to be a solid performer.

I had a Slime brand one before. It had 12V (cigarette lighter), battery and 120V modes. The battery mode was a joke. The 12V mode was a joke. The 120V was for charging only. Would not recommend the Slime brand.

[Lwiddis]

My battery operated Ryobi works well.

[nmhuntr]

SidecarFlip wrote:
Only one good and lasting 12 volt unit, Viair

That is what I have now and I agree but just wanted to put a feeler out if there was something I had not run across. I guess I will upgrade to the 88P. Looks like it does 120psi.

Thanks a lot

[SidecarFlip]

Only one good and lasting 12 volt unit, Viair

[nmhuntr]

Thanks a lot

[wanderingaimles]

I've used it both ways, nice not to always have to fire up the gennie, but it is faster on 120. Also has a light for roadside use.

[nmhuntr]

wanderingaimlessly wrote:
I have one of these and like it. works on 12 volt or 120 VAC is compact and have done my truck tires to 80 with it with no problems, Auto shut off is nice too.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-12-Volt-120-Volt-Car-Air-Inflator/1000092575

Was that running on 12 volts or the 120 volts?


Thanks