12V Portable air compressor

[MorMJS]

Im looking to add a 12V air compressor to my list of things we carry when we camp in our trailer. There are SOOOO many of them on the market I figured I would ask here what brand or model you guys are using and would recommend?

[garysol]

I have been using the Powerstation PSX3. It is AC only but features a rechargeable battery. Not only does it pump up to 130psi it also works as a jumper box that can be used to jump your truck or to power your RV temporarily. I paid around $80.00 at Costco.

[GrandpaKip]

myredracer wrote:

GrandpaKip wrote:
150 psi compressor from Harbor Freight. Had it 2 years, works well so far.

I bought one of theirs last year. Went to use it for the first time a few days ago and it wouldn't pump, at least to the 80 psi I needed in our truck and it's *supposed* to do over 200 psi. Not sure if HF has different models? It was in their discount tent outside for cheap - maybe that's the mistake I made.

Since you may really need to count on the compressor one day, I would want to know it's going to work properly. I'm going to find a new one and am interested in hearing what the good ones are. Sounds like Viair would be good.

Yeah, I worry about that periodically. I'm not a big fan of Harbor Freight for the most part. But it seemed pretty well made and the gauge is accurate. I would rather have a V-air, but this was there when I needed it.. So, we'll see.
I also like the fact that I can hook up to the battery and reach all tires on the camper and truck with no problem.

[AH64ID]

myredracer wrote:
I have that same Porter Cable pancake compressor at home. It's on the heavy side, bulky, rather noisy and is 120 volt. May not be the greatest for RV use. Good for home use unless you need a LOT of air. The Viair is smaller, lighter and is 12 VDC and is the one I would take RV-ing. With no tank, I don't think it would be a good choice for home use, but would depend on what you want to do with it.

Same here, I wouldn't want the bulk or 110V AC requirement to make it my camping compressor.

[4x4Bob]

Another happy Viair 300 user. I purchased mine 15 years ago when I was going out into the far outback with my Jeep. This year I replaced the yellow air hose because I accidentally pulled a bad kink into the air line.

The unit runs my truck tires up to 8o PSI from the 70 I normally drive when not carrying a load. Also, the TT tires go up to 80 also.

It rides with me in the truck tool box every where I go. Have used it to help others also.,

Bob

[Beaker]

I have a MV50 which has been extremely handy.

However, it does heat up to the point of shutting off unless it is a cool day.

[thomasmnile]

dahkota wrote:
Depends on what you need it for. The one posted above would be good for small cars, bikes and air mattresses, but not much else.

we have a Viair 330P which will do our truck tires.

You can go smaller such as the Viair 90P, but inflation and recovery take longer.

Ditto on the VIAIR. Have it, love it. Worth every penny of the price.

[mhardin]

I've been using one very similar to the Porter Cable for a lot of years. It stays in the camping stuff and always goes with me. It will run off a 400 Watt inverter with no problems. It doesn't take up too much space, either.

[myredracer]

I have that same Porter Cable pancake compressor at home. It's on the heavy side, bulky, rather noisy and is 120 volt. May not be the greatest for RV use. Good for home use unless you need a LOT of air. The Viair is smaller, lighter and is 12 VDC and is the one I would take RV-ing. With no tank, I don't think it would be a good choice for home use, but would depend on what you want to do with it.

[dlt123me]

I need a compressor for both home and my RV. I've been flip flopping over these two compressors.

I want to use them to blow out my water lines in my RV and to fill tires, inflatables, etc... I was thinking the Porter Cable would be nice because I would be able to use air tools with it at some time ijn the future... but would it be too powerful to blow out my water lines. Could I do damage to my plumbing with the PC?

If you were to get one of these, which one would you buy? Again, I am torn between these two.

Here are the two I am considering..

VIAIR 300P Portable Compressor

or...

PORTER-CABLE C2002-WK Oil-Free UMC Pancake Compressor

Both are pretty much the same price.

[2012Coleman]

dahkota wrote:
Depends on what you need it for. The one posted above would be good for small cars, bikes and air mattresses, but not much else.

we have a Viair 330P which will do our truck tires.

You can go smaller such as the Viair 90P, but inflation and recovery take longer.

Looks like a nice one - thanks for posting. Another item to add to my to get list!

[myredracer]

GrandpaKip wrote:
150 psi compressor from Harbor Freight. Had it 2 years, works well so far.

I bought one of theirs last year. Went to use it for the first time a few days ago and it wouldn't pump, at least to the 80 psi I needed in our truck and it's *supposed* to do over 200 psi. Not sure if HF has different models? It was in their discount tent outside for cheap - maybe that's the mistake I made.

Since you may really need to count on the compressor one day, I would want to know it's going to work properly. I'm going to find a new one and am interested in hearing what the good ones are. Sounds like Viair would be good.

[AH64ID]

I like ViAir, and run the 450C. It's a great compressor and has no problem airing my 19.5's up to 94 psi rather quickly (where the pressure switch cuts out).

I highly suggest going a size bigger than you think you need and hard mounting it. You can mount it in the camper or TV, but then it's never forgotten, out of the way, and easy to use. Mine is mounted inside my tool box and with 2 25' sections of coiled hose I can reach any axle on the TV or TT.

I don't recommend installing a tank, they make the first little bit faster and then the entire operation slows down as you are filling a tire and a tank at the same time.

[DougE]

Tequila may be referring to the Slime Air Compressor.

[RoyB]

I am still using my the Q Industries portable MV50 12VDC 150 PSI Air Compressor (AMAZON) I purchased back in the OFF-ROAD JEEP days.

It fits in its nice carry bag under my truck back seat. I usually sit this on my truck tailgate and hook into the trailer batteries and then I can use the provided long air coil hose to walk around the trailer and tires...


I also use this air compressor along with the CAMCO 36153 Blow Out Adaptor (AMAZON) to blow out my water lines for winterizing. Being TANKLESS it takes more time to build up air compressor which is ideal for blowing out water lines. This ADAPTER connects to the CITY WATER FILL PORT of the Trailer. This is great when camping in the high country and it gets down below freezing at night. I can blow out the water in the lines and add a small amount of of RV Antifreeze to the P-TRAPS. I can do this a quick five minutes time or and then refill the fresh water tank during the day when the temp gets above freezing..


Perfect setup for me and my OFF-ROAD POPUP trailer.

Roy Ken