Air Compressor recommendation

pjram · Apr 8, 2022

I’m looking to buy an air compressor to take on my road trips with the camper. The criteria is to have the ability to pump my TT tires to 80 lbs and my E rated truck tires to approximately 55 or 60. When I’m on the road I check and fill all the tires before I leave the CG so a plug in would work, except when I’m on the road. If I remember to take my generator I’m fine, , but a portable would eliminate that scenario. I think I have it narrowed down to three.
The Porter Cable 2.5 gallon portable seems to be highly reviewed but it requires 120 volts. Not a deal breaker but unusable on the road without a generator. ( I probably shouldn’t worry so much).
the Viair that is way more money that I want to spend on a 12 volt, unless I can trust it to last long term.
Im also considering the Ryobi 18 volt 1 gallon compressor that would be very convenient without a cord but by the time I add the needed accessories I’m over 200 dollars. What works for you campers out there?

oe542bob · Apr 8, 2022

DeWalt makes a 20V that would work if you are into DeWalt. It comes with a cigarette lighter adapter, and it can run off of 120 Volt AC. That plug is not included though.
I personally carry a 1/2” drive impact 20V in case I need to change a tire.

John Jensen · Apr 8, 2022

I use the DeWalt. It is the first portable compressor that will inflate my E rated tires to 80lbs. I have two Vairs that claim to do it but can't go beyond 57lbs. The DeWalt is amazing and the battery lasts a long time per charge

Dinky · Apr 8, 2022

I use a Valair compressor takes a few minutes but does its job the last 4 years.
The make a tank system as well.

BWL · Apr 8, 2022

I have a battery power ryobi. No tank, it's fine for tires and fits behind the rear seat with my impact. Would like something better that could also do air mattresses, pool toys etc though for camping/floating down the river.

Fergusontd · Apr 8, 2022

I have a Craftsman 12V I bought hears ago. It works great for most jobs. $49.95

ramffml · Apr 8, 2022

I bought this. I already have some of their other tools so I just needed the tool itself without battery/charger. It's "home owner" quality so Dewalt and Milwauke etc are probably better built but you don't need to spend that unless you're in construction and beating on it all day like I used to do.

RYOBI ONE+ 18V Cordless High Pressure Inflator with Digital Gauge P737D - The Home Depot

RYOBI introduces the 18V ONE+ Cordless High Pressure Inflator with Digital Gauge (Tool Only). The Cordless Power Inflator is the perfect tool for tires and small inflatables ranging from 0 PSI to 150 PSI. It features an easy to read digital gauge that provides pin point accuracy. The cordless...

www.homedepot.com

pjram · Apr 8, 2022

I have that as well. It works good for topping off the tires. I’m not sure how well it will stand up to running too long. I’ve thought about the dewalt but I’d have to start over again with the batteries and charger.

2003F350 · Apr 8, 2022

First...that must be a HEAVY TT if you need to get those tires up to 80 PSI. Mine are only rated for up to 50, and my FIL's park model tires are rated to 65. Are you sure you didn't swap the numbers? I'd rather have the E-rated truck tires up to 80 for towing heavy.

Second, if you're only doing occasional work you can't go wrong with Ryobi. I have...a LOT of their 18V tools and I keep adding to my collection because they're pretty stout tools for occasional work. I definitely wouldn't suggest them for daily heavy use but that's also not what they're built/sold for anyway.

ramffml · Apr 8, 2022

pjram said:
I have that as well. It works good for topping off the tires. I’m not sure how well it will stand up to running too long. I’ve thought about the dewalt but I’d have to start over again with the batteries and charger.

All these cheap-ish compressors have a duty cycle, x mins on and x mins off. There are YT reviews and comparisons, I think the Ryobi is 5 on 5 off.

John Jensen · Apr 8, 2022

BWL said:
I have a battery power ryobi. No tank, it's fine for tires and fits behind the rear seat with my impact. Would like something better that could also do air mattresses, pool toys etc though for camping/floating down the river.

The DeWalt I mentioned has a tube for blowing up the toys. If you look at the picture, the air hose is on one end and the tube is on the other end. And, in addition to its battery power, it has a 110 cord and a cigar lighter cord.

Irishthreeper · Apr 8, 2022

2003F350 said:
First...that must be a HEAVY TT if you need to get those tires up to 80 PSI. Mine are only rated for up to 50, and my FIL's park model tires are rated to 65. Are you sure you didn't swap the numbers? I'd rather have the E-rated truck tires up to 80 for towing heavy.

Second, if you're only doing occasional work you can't go wrong with Ryobi. I have...a LOT of their 18V tools and I keep adding to my collection because they're pretty stout tools for occasional work. I definitely wouldn't suggest them for daily heavy use but that's also not what they're built/sold for anyway.

Not uncommon for 5W tires that take 80 PSI, I know mine call for that. Guy next to me said his takes 110 but I didn’t verify it .

csuder99 · Apr 9, 2022

As a rule avoid anything that plugs into a 12V power outlet. 12V outlets are typically limited to 20A or less which in turn limits the compressor. I used a fixed mounted Viair in my Jeep and carry a similar portable off-brand compressor in my truck. The latter has clamps that go directly to the battery. Keep the engine running, at 30A+ it drains the battery quickly.
Run times are going to be long, even a smaller 120V compressor is slowing down once you get above 50-60 PSI. Which pretty much kills any battery operated compressor in short time.

pacofortacos · Apr 9, 2022

BWL said:
I have a battery power ryobi. No tank, it's fine for tires and fits behind the rear seat with my impact. Would like something better that could also do air mattresses, pool toys etc though for camping/floating down the river.

Ryobi make a high flow inflator OR they also make a compressor/inflator combo.

Rlaf75 · Apr 9, 2022

Maybe you can hard wire a power inverter into your truck so you can use almost any plug in compressor you want. You'll just need to match the inverter. Just a thought

pjram · Apr 9, 2022

2003F350 said:
First...that must be a HEAVY TT if you need to get those tires up to 80 PSI. Mine are only rated for up to 50, and my FIL's park model tires are rated to 65. Are you sure you didn't swap the numbers? I'd rather have the E-rated truck tires up to 80 for towing heavy.

Second, if you're only doing occasional work you can't go wrong with Ryobi. I have...a LOT of their 18V tools and I keep adding to my collection because they're pretty stout tools for occasional work. I definitely wouldn't suggest them for daily heavy use but that's also not what they're built/sold for anyway.

My TT tires state 80 lbs max. The RV dealer and tire dealers I bought them from recommended to run at max pressure. The E rated truck tires are new to me and will be a work in progress as I evolve with them.

Badger 13 · Apr 9, 2022

Milwaukee has a M12 tire inflator, but recently came out with a M18 inflator, (2848-20) that looks pretty good. If your into the Milwaukee tool platform, this would be a pretty good choice.

pjram · Apr 9, 2022

Rlaf75 said:
Maybe you can hard wire a power inverter into your truck so you can use almost any plug in compressor you want. You'll just need to match the inverter. Just a thought

Yes thanks. I was considering that In case I found myself without my generator. The smaller porter cable is highly reviewed
The viairs are highly reviewed but I’m skeptical of spending over 300 dollars on a 12 volt compressor.

Railrider · Apr 9, 2022

I wanted a compressor (inflater) that didn’t run off its own batteries because that creates a maintenance point (always making sure the batteries are charged). I wanted a heavier duty model… higher duty cycle, higher volume and higher max pressure… and 12v. The ’cigarette’ plug (12amp max typically) powered compressors are smaller lower powered models. So I chose (and bought) a heavy duty compressor (draws 30-40 amps) that has to be clipped directly to your vehicle or trailer battery.

After some research, I bought this one from Amazon (delivered a few days ago). It has good online reviews. I haven’t used it yet but a few first impressions are: good build quality, nice carrying bag for the parts, slightly heavy.

Amazon.com: ALL-TOP Air Compressor Kit, 12V Portable Inflator 6.35CFM, Offroad Air Compressor for Truck Tires,Air Pump for Car Tire, Heavy Duty Air Compressor Max 150PSI for Jeep SUV 4x4 Vehicle RV Tire : Automotive

Buy ALL-TOP Air Compressor Kit, 12V Portable Inflator 6.35CFM, Offroad Air Compressor for Truck Tires,Air Pump for Car Tire, Heavy Duty Air Compressor Max 150PSI for Jeep SUV 4x4 Vehicle RV Tire: Air Compressors & Inflators - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

Rlaf75 · Apr 9, 2022

pjram said:
Yes thanks. I was considering that In case I found myself without my generator. The smaller porter cable is highly reviewed
The viairs are highly reviewed but I’m skeptical of spending over 300 dollars on a 12 volt compressor.

I have a small viair compressor mounted on my Harley for the air ride suspension and it's been working great for five years. I have it wired directly to the battery for on the fly adjustments. My bike can handle it just fine so I wouldnt hesitate to wire it into the truck If i needed one

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