Compressor thoughts?

imapackerback · 02-08-2018, 05:56 AM

Hello all,
I don't have a specific need at the moment, but I'm thinking of purchasing a small portable air compressor. Basically, I would use for airing up truck and travel trailer tires, and next winter, hopefully learn how to winterize the Bullet myself. Based on those needs, what brand, size, etc. would you recommend?

Linda
2015 Bullet 248RKS
2013 Ford F150

jsmith948 · 02-08-2018, 06:14 AM

If you search the forum, you will find several threads regarding portable air compressors. Whatever you choose to buy, make sure you pay attention to the CFM rating. For example, we have a 1-gal 150 PSI Porter-Cable that is light and small - but at 90 PSI only puts out .6 CFM. It took FOREVER to air the trailer tires up to 80 PSI. The 6-gal Bostich 150 PSI pancake compressor we currently carry develops, IIRC 2.4 CFM at 90 PSI. Much better, but the compressor is also heavier and takes up more space. The point being- the more CFM the better.

Owl · 02-08-2018, 06:44 AM

I have a Porter-Cable pancake compressor that I have used for years. Inexpensive and parts are pretty easy to get for repairs. It works well for most everything but can take a while to blow out the lines for winter. It’s also really loud. Hopefully the newer ones have gotten quieter.

CWSWine · 02-08-2018, 06:47 AM

I just got this one yesterday and I think it's going to meet all my needs. I needed one that would air up a 120psi tires and be small enough to fit in the basement. I have a smaller pancake style and this new one is about half the noise level which will be appreciated when I use it while campgrounds.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

TheGriz · 02-08-2018, 08:03 AM

I too have the Porter Cable 6 gallon pancaker...$98 on ebay. Has served me well for 9 years now. Used it to build my cabin and many handicap ramps, filled my tires in no time flat (NO not flat...full!

), along with countless odd jobs.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Porter-Cabl...AAAOSwHUhZ~xbB

I keep a HF 5:1 Power Pack that includes a compressor in my truck...$89 on sale. Saved my bacon many times! But won't winterize your TT.
https://www.harborfreight.com/5-in-1...art-62747.html

Good luck in your choice!
Mike

KHBama · 02-08-2018, 08:13 AM

https://www.amazon.com/VIAIR-30033-3.../dp/B000X90YUO

This bad boy has been great so far. Hooks up to Truck or 5th wheel battery. Small and portable

Barbell · 02-08-2018, 08:16 AM

We have two of the PC 6 gal compressors; one in my shop at home and one stays in the fiver. No trouble airing the Sailuns up to 110 psi. The shop one runs a nail gun or anything else you would ask it to do. Less than $100 at Lowes.

imapackerback · 02-08-2018, 09:17 AM

Thank you all for responding... I appreciate your input and will check out the ones you suggested. Happy trails and safe traveling!

**sourdough** · 02-08-2018, 12:47 PM

A couple of units to think about;

I carried a Porter Cable 6 gal. in the truck for years. Did the job but heavy and loud. This year I purchased a Fini 1 gal. portable from Lowe's at the suggestion from John. Great improvement. 135psi/1.8scfm @ 90psi. Small/quiet and sized perfectly for carrying/storage. All my tires on the trailer and truck (except front tires) run 80 psi and it does a great job. I also carry a Viair 400 in the event I need to run off 12vdc - another great product.

**chuckster57** · 02-08-2018, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sourdough

I also carry a Viair 400 in the event I need to run off 12vdc - another great product.

My viar 400 fills my 5 gal tank under the bed for my train horns

MarkS · 02-08-2018, 03:41 PM

The last time I needed a compressor, on the road, was after a blowout on the TV. The spare was at 60 psi, it took 45 minutes for my little 12 volt compressor to inflate it to 80. I upgraded it before the next trip.

**sourdough** · 02-08-2018, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarkS

The last time I needed a compressor, on the road, was after a blowout on the TV. The spare was at 60 psi, it took 45 minutes for my little 12 volt compressor to inflate it to 80. I upgraded it before the next trip.

I've had many "little" 12v compressors to air up tires.....don't. They're good for air bags or something like that but anything with any volume will kill them. I had a flat on a trailer that we were going to load firewood on; had a flat and had a "little" 12v compressor to air it up. After about 30 minutes it smoked - without weight ....lesson learned. There a very good 12v compressors, Viair is probably the best but costly.

MarkS · 02-08-2018, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sourdough

I've had many "little" 12v compressors to air up tires.....don't. They're good for air bags or something like that but anything with any volume will kill them. I had a flat on a trailer that we were going to load firewood on; had a flat and had a "little" 12v compressor to air it up. After about 30 minutes it smoked - without weight ....lesson learned. There a very good 12v compressors, Viair is probably the best but costly.

I now have a Harbor Freight Viair clone. With limited testing, it works ok. You do have to start it unloaded, or it will blow its fuse. On the plus side, it was 1/3 the price of the Viair.

When I have 120, I use a small Craftsman.

kfxgreenie · 02-08-2018, 07:32 PM

Be careful with some of the cheap little 12V compressors out there.

http://lacrossetribune.com/news/loca...a85366de4.html

xrated · 02-08-2018, 08:01 PM

When I leave the house with the T.H., I have two compressors. One is a Viair 400 that is of course 12VDC in the tool box of my truck, and it is used for the air tank for my air horns. In the T.H., there is a Bostich 6 gallon 120VAC compressor like the one that JSmith posted about......I should be covered either way.

kampfitt · 02-09-2018, 05:37 AM

This is the same one we bought, took it to Alaska with us. Very Glad we had it, got a rock in our tire on the Dalton HWY. I was able to roll the puncture to the top and put the comp. on while I got the patch kit out and plugged the tire and finish filling the tire no sweat!

https://www.amazon.com/VIAIR-30033-3...O?tag=pda0e-21

Gail2568 · 02-09-2018, 12:24 PM

One other thing you should upgrade to is a locking chuck.

I've had one of those little short ones with the ball type end that I picked up the add on locker many years ago, but was never really happy with it. Had a problem accessing the stem for the inside dully on a friends truck and wound up getting one of those straight ones like the tire shop uses... NEVER LOOKED BACK! I love it and use it as my go to air chuck now. Doesn't matter if it's a tire or a blow up, Damn good air flow.

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