Portable air compressor

Topic: Portable air compressor (Read 1395 times) previous topic - next topic

Portable air compressor

January 27, 2021, 07:51:05 am

Hya all, has anyone got an idea of what would be the best portable 12 volt air compressor, that would be man enough to get my tyres up to maximum of 120 psi, I have Michelin tyres on front but they run at 95psi, which is not a problem, cause I have a small compressor that goes up to 115 psi, it takes me a while but I get there in the end, on the rear I have Dunlop which require 120psi, so in an emergency if I had a flat and had to repair puncture, I could get them up to about 110psi, which would be enough to get me to a garage to put the remainder of the air I need, I've seen so many portable 12 volt compressors on ebay and amazon which say that they will do truck tyres but they seem a bit to cheap, and they tell you that it takes 1 and a half minutes to go from flat to 30 psi, but they don't tell you how long it takes to go from say 100 psi to 120 psi, if I buy a 150psi portable compressor, does anyone have any good knowledge on this matter and what would be the most reliable and efficient make of compressor to do this job, I know I need a compressor that would put out continuous pressure of at least 150psi or maybe more, any suggestions would be appreciated, thanks kev

[fixed typo in topic title - Michelle]

Re: Portable air commpreser

Reply #1 – January 27, 2021, 09:17:44 am

I have this model. I have certainly used it up to 110 but you can see the detailed specs up to 130 and 150.
400P-RV Automatic Compressor | VIAIR

Re: Portable air commpreser

Reply #2 – January 27, 2021, 09:18:38 am

Look at this one, several on the Forum have one.
Amazon.com: ARB CKMTA12 '12V' On-Board Twin High Performance Air Compressor:...

I have a DeWalt 200 psi compressor (150 psi regulated max output) in my coach. 120v
Amazon.com: DEWALT Air Compressor for Trim, 200-PSI Max, Quiet Operation...

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Re: Portable air commpreser

Reply #3 – January 27, 2021, 11:06:24 am

Hi, another option....... I carry a CO2 tank in my Jeep to air up tires after I lower the tire pressure for beach / sand running. I can air up the coach tires very fast if they are low.
the Old Hippie

Re: Portable air commpreser

Reply #4 – January 27, 2021, 11:35:55 am

I carried a contractor's compressor that worked well but I needed the generator running to power it and it would wake the dead when operating. I replaced it with a couple of Senco compressors used with air staplers. They are not noisy and our inverters run them easily. Down side is low CFM and limited to 110 psi. I carry a tank to fill before using an impact, etc. I found mine on CL and F. Marketplace for about $40.

Another good compressor with higher PSI. Amazon.com: BOSTITCH Pancake Air Compressor, Oil-Free, 6 Gallon, 150 PSI... but you would need a big inverter to start these.

Good to listen to the compressors in operation for noise level before buying.

Pierce

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Re: Portable air commpreser

Reply #5 – January 27, 2021, 12:16:31 pm

Quote from: bpal – January 27, 2021, 09:17:44 am

I have this model. I have certainly used it up to 110 but you can see the detailed specs up to 130 and 150.
400P-RV Automatic Compressor | VIAIR

Thanks alot

Re: Portable air commpreser

Reply #6 – January 27, 2021, 12:32:16 pm

My problem with the VIAIR 400 is the price and the fact that they have rebadged an inexpensive compressor to sell to the RV crowd. If you notice the specs, it has a 33 percent duty cycle so after using for 5 minutes, you have to let it rest for ten minutes. How about this compressor: HEAVY DUTY 12V Portable Car Air Compressor Tyre Auto Tire Inflator Pump... All come from you know where. Just look up 12V compressor on ebay with 150 psi in the search.

If you use a 12V compressor, use the battery clips instead of going through the lighter plug.

Pierce

Re: Portable air commpreser

Reply #7 – January 27, 2021, 01:10:04 pm

I have no irons in this fire, but casually glancing at the specs for the two 12 volt compressors mentioned in above posts (ARB and VIAIR), the ARB would seem more suited to the job of airing up BIG tires, especially if starting from zero (as in mounting a new tire).

The ARB has three times the CFM flow rate at the pressures commonly encountered with our motorhome tires, plus 100% duty cycle. In addition, you get the redundancy of a dual compressor design. If one side fails, you still have the other side (at half the CFM, of course).

Don (Don & Tys) has some experience with the ARB. He may chime in.

Re: Portable air commpreser

Reply #8 – January 27, 2021, 01:19:17 pm

Quote from: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart – January 27, 2021, 12:32:16 pm

My problem with the VIAIR 400 is the price and the fact that they have rebadged an inexpensive compressor to sell to the RV crowd. If you notice the specs, it has a 33 percent duty cycle so after using for 5 minutes, you have to let it rest for ten minutes. How about this compressor: HEAVY DUTY 12V Portable Car Air Compressor Tyre Auto Tire Inflator Pump... All come from you know where. Just look up 12V compressor on ebay with 150 psi in the search.

If you use a 12V compressor, use the battery clips instead of going through the lighter plug.

Pierce

Hya pierce, thanks for that info, just looked at the one you just showed me on ebay, but im always a bit dubious when I see the price, it just seems to be too cheap but then sometimes a cheap one can be as good as a really expensive one, I've been looking on and off all day, there are so many on the market, I'm in 2 minds which is better, at the moment I have a dewalt mains operated 120 psi with a small tank but it actually cuts out at 115 psi and the problem I find is that I will fill the tank to115 psi and get some air in tyre but as the pressure drops I have to stop and wait for the tank to fill up again, it's fine with the front tyres cause they only take 95psi but it works, but obviously il need 150psi minimum, but do you think I am better off getting a mains compressor with a reasonable size tank as opposed to a 12volt, because all of the 12volt compressors seem to have such tiny little tanks and the last thing I want is to buy something that even though it will get me 120psi, I don't want it to take like hrs to do so, I've seen a few on ebay that say they are good for heavy trucks, and in the specifications it will tell you that it takes 2 or 3 minutes to go from flat to 30 psi but when I contact them and ask them how long it will take to pump my tyres to 120 psi, I just get a reply saying that they do not know, I know its all about cfm as well as psi, so I will look at a few that some of the other members have put up, thanks alot kev

Re: Portable air commpreser

Reply #9 – January 27, 2021, 01:20:14 pm

Quote from: Chuck & Jeannie – January 27, 2021, 01:10:04 pm

I have no irons in this fire, but casually glancing at the specs for the two 12 volt compressors mentioned in above posts (ARB and VIAIR), the ARB would seem more suited to the job of airing up BIG tires, especially if starting from zero (as in mounting a new tire).
The ARB has three times the CFM flow rate at the pressures commonly encountered with our motorhome tires, plus 100% duty cycle. In addition, you get the redundancy of a dual compressor design. If one side fails, you still have the other side (at half the CFM, of course).
Don (Don & Tys) has some experience with the ARB. He may chime in.

That's more like it. And remember, the 33% is at about 90 psi not 150 psi where the load on the compressor is much greater so the duty cycle is shorter.

When you order from an Asian (or any plant) and make a sizable order, you get to put any brand name sticker you want on the product when it's just the garden variety product they manufacture.

So, find the product on Amazon, read all the reviews discarding "house" reviews and then make your decision.

Pierce

Re: Portable air commpreser

Reply #10 – January 27, 2021, 01:36:14 pm

Quote from: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart – January 27, 2021, 01:20:14 pm

That's more like it. And remember, the 33% is at about 90 psi not 150 psi where the load on the compressor is much greater so the duty cycle is shorter.

When you order from an Asian (or any plant) and make a sizable order, you get to put any brand name sticker you want on the product when it's just the garden variety product they manufacture.

So, find the product on Amazon, read all the reviews discarding "house" reviews and then make your decision.

Pierce

Yeah I know what you mean about branded and unbranded goods, that's why I normally go for a well known brand name like de Walt, bosche, draper etc, in your opinion then, what would be a reasonable cfm to look for on a 150 psi compressor, also I've never been one to trust reviews either because anyone from a company could put up several good reviews and I never ever trust what I see on the Internet,, that's why I like to come on this forum and listen to real genuine people then I can look at some of the recommendations they have given me thanks kev

Re: Portable air commpreser

Reply #11 – January 27, 2021, 01:51:19 pm

Quote from: Chuck & Jeannie – January 27, 2021, 01:10:04 pm

I have no irons in this fire, but casually glancing at the specs for the two 12 volt compressors mentioned in above posts (ARB and VIAIR), the ARB would seem more suited to the job of airing up BIG tires, especially if starting from zero (as in mounting a new tire).

The ARB has three times the CFM flow rate at the pressures commonly encountered with our motorhome tires, plus 100% duty cycle. In addition, you get the redundancy of a dual compressor design. If one side fails, you still have the other side (at half the CFM, of course).

Don (Don & Tys) has some experience with the ARB. He may chime in.

Agreed. I have the Viar model for RVs that was transferred with the coach from the previous owner. Well I've been able to use a successfully with a external small air tank added the ARB would be a much better unit in my opinion. The Viar just does not have the quality in my opinion. I dropped one side of one of the tubings and found that it was plastic inside it broke I had to buy a whole new tubing.

Re: Portable air commpreser

Reply #12 – January 27, 2021, 01:54:31 pm

Someone is selling a Viair unit on the iRV2 forum. Just saw the post and thought it might help.

Keith

Viair 450P-RV Portable Compressor Kit - RV & Motorhome Classifieds

Re: Portable air commpreser

Reply #13 – January 27, 2021, 02:04:25 pm

Kevo,

Why not just use the coach compressor to air the tires? I run impacts, spray guns, etc off the coach air. It's right there and FREE. If you have it turned to 120 psi, that's plenty for any tire. There should be a quick connect in the compartment close to the entry. If not, install one. I have a reel there with a dryer for incoming air or on board 110v compressor air if I need it.

A 110V compressor is always going to beat a 12V compressor. I've found that a contractor's compressor is adequate for everything. Most are just noisy and won't run off an inverter so you have to start the generator.

If you are going to run an impact of 1/2" or larger, it's good to run a hose to a supply tank and then a short 1/2" ID hose to the impact. A big difference here. And don't forget a squirt of air tool oil.

A good 12V compressor is great for toad tires, inflatable kayaks, rafts, etc if away from the coach.

I've just seen too many folks buy snake oil. Everyone want's to believe what they see and hear and phony reviews or opinions only reinforce that.

Pierce

Re: Portable air commpreser

Reply #14 – January 27, 2021, 02:06:25 pm

Another option is an air doubler. Basically an air operated air compressor. They work surprisingly well taking 80# or so to put out a steady 120#+. I had one for my Newell which I had 120# in the front tires due to the weight.
Here is a write up of one: Installing an Air Pressure Booster

Re: Portable air commpreser

Reply #15 – January 27, 2021, 02:17:13 pm

Nice concept but check the price: Haskel 17711 Air Amplifier Pump Aad-5 150 PSI Pressure for sale online | eBay Engine compressor can put out 120 psi or more. Just takes a screwdriver if existing pressure is 100 psi or so.

Pierce

Re: Portable air commpreser

Reply #16 – January 27, 2021, 02:21:28 pm

Quote from: bpal – January 27, 2021, 09:17:44 am

I have this model. I have certainly used it up to 110 but you can see the detailed specs up to 130 and 150.
400P-RV Automatic Compressor | VIAIR

We have and really like the 100% duty cycle big brother, the 450p-rv

Amazon.com: VIAIR 450P-RV Silver Automatic Portable Compressor Kit (45053),...

Re: Portable air compressor

Reply #17 – January 27, 2021, 02:26:02 pm

Quote from: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart – January 27, 2021, 02:04:25 pm

Kevo,

Why not just use the coach compressor to air the tires? I run impacts, spray guns, etc off the coach air. It's right there and FREE. If you have it turned to 120 psi, that's plenty for any tire. There should be a quick connect in the compartment close to the entry. If not, install one. I have a reel there with a dryer for incoming air or on board 110v compressor air if I need it.

A 110V compressor is always going to beat a 12V compressor. I've found that a contractor's compressor is adequate for everything. Most are just noisy and won't run off an inverter so you have to start the generator.

If you are going to run an impact of 1/2" or larger, it's good to run a hose to a supply tank and then a short 1/2" ID hose to the impact. A big difference here. And don't forget a squirt of air tool oil.

A good 12V compressor is great for toad tires, inflatable kayaks, rafts, etc if away from the coach.

I've just seen too many folks buy snake oil. Everyone want's to believe what they see and hear and phony reviews or opinions only reinforce that.

Pierce

Yeah I know what you mean, every 12 volt compressor I've looked at today, just don't look like their man enough to put 120 psi into my tyres even though they say they are 150.psi, tell me am I right in thinking that cfm is determined by the size of the tank itself, so if I had a 150 psi compressor with say a hundred ltr tank, if I connected another 100ltr tank In line, would that double the cfm or does the cfm come from the actual compressor motor itself, as in a higher wattage compressor?

Re: Portable air compressor

Reply #18 – January 27, 2021, 02:26:12 pm

I had a 150psi Porter Cable pancake compressor already. I leave it in the bay and it does require 110, but I have a generator when I don't run it off camp service. Cheap, powerful and versatile. My coach does not yet have an external outlet for coach air. Most of the time I don't have to take it out to use it. Short extension cord and 50' hose on a reel for electric cords.

Re: Portable air compressor

Reply #19 – January 27, 2021, 02:29:35 pm

120PSI is a whole lot for a GV with DD. IMHO.
My Cat is heavier and runs at 85#rear.
I use the bus to air up ,BTW wait for the purge, count for 2 min, hit the tires.

Re: Portable air compressor

Reply #20 – January 27, 2021, 02:38:02 pm

This is all you really need for anything. Note the regulator/dryer at the top of the photo. It's plugged in a contractor's compressor but with a quick plug, the engine compressor supplies air to the reel. The rubber hose on the reel was junk so I replace with a poly hose.

Why is 120 psi a lot for a DD? It came at 110 psi stock so only took a partial turn on the governor to add 10 psi. I know a lot of people set theirs at 130 psi. Yes, wait for the purge and away you go.

A CAT 3208 is a flyweight compared to a 6V-92TA. A lot of people put this small engine into pickups. Excellent conversion.

Pierce

Re: Portable air compressor

Reply #21 – January 27, 2021, 02:39:33 pm

Quote from: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart – January 27, 2021, 02:04:25 pm

Kevo,

Why not just use the coach compressor to air the tires? I run impacts, spray guns, etc off the coach air. It's right there and FREE. If you have it turned to 120 psi, that's plenty for any tire. There should be a quick connect in the compartment close to the entry. If not, install one. I have a reel there with a dryer for incoming air or on board 110v compressor air if I need it.

A 110V compressor is always going to beat a 12V compressor. I've found that a contractor's compressor is adequate for everything. Most are just noisy and won't run off an inverter so you have to start the generator.

If you are going to run an impact of 1/2" or larger, it's good to run a hose to a supply tank and then a short 1/2" ID hose to the impact. A big difference here. And don't forget a squirt of air tool oil.

A good 12V compressor is great for toad tires, inflatable kayaks, rafts, etc if away from the coach.

I've just seen too many folks buy snake oil. Everyone want's to believe what they see and hear and phony reviews or opinions only reinforce that.

Pierce

I haven't got an air compressor fitted on my 1990 8.2ltr cause haven't got air susipension, however when I bought my second hand engine it did actually come with a bendix tuflow compressor, but only prob with that is, where it was positioned on the engine it stuck up too high and I wouldn't have been able to put my bed in the back all the way down and also where it was positioned was in the same place as where my aircon pump is positioned, I would love to come up with an idea what to do with this pump I have, I did think of connecting it up to a very small engine and driving it on the pulley, but the other problem is that this compressor needs to be connected to oil supply and coolant supply, so would take alot of thinking, I don't even know what the maximum pressure this pump puts out, it looks a good one and really heavy

Re: Portable air compressor

Reply #22 – January 27, 2021, 02:43:58 pm

120 in the tires is a lot . 120 psi for the air system is fine.

Re: Portable air compressor

Reply #23 – January 27, 2021, 02:44:52 pm

Quote from: Protech Racing – January 27, 2021, 02:29:35 pm

120PSI is a whole lot for a GV with DD. IMHO.
My Cat is heavier and runs at 85#rear.
I use the bus to air up ,BTW wait for the purge, count for 2 min, hit the tires.

Hya Mike, my Michelin on the front, says on tyre 95 psi, but have recently replaced the 4 rear tyres with Dunlops and it is written on the tyre 120psi, I had Michelins on the back before and they were only 95, different manufacturers must have different tyre pressures

Re: Portable air compressor

Reply #24 – January 27, 2021, 02:47:33 pm

Find the load chart for your tires. 120 sounds like max load, printed onthe sidwall. Way too high most of the time .

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