Air compressors

[CampDestinations.com]

Anyone have real experience with, and recommend any particular portable air compressor? I've had bad luck with the Kobalt (Lowes) and Craftsman digital 12V portable air compressors. Both burned up too easily. I'm planning to get our trailer out of storage next week but I'm sure I'll need to add some air to the tires. Would rather not expend the energy with the bike pump...

TIA

[rbev2308]

I bought this one from Lowe's which still has them for sale. Came with nice little nailer which I have actually used on several occasions and easily handles all the small projects from trailer tires to airbags to just having some air to blow off debris from slides or anywhere around. Only weighs about 10-15 lbs I think and takes up little space. I just don't have patience for little 12v stuff to handle more than a basketball.

http://www.lowes.com/pd_470440-30449-0120212A_0__?productId=50041084&Ntt=air+compressor&Ns=p_product_price|0&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNs%3Dp_product_price%7C0%26Ntt%3Dair %2Bcompressor%26page%3D1&facetInfo=

[sourdough]

The little 12V compressors are best suited for little things. Big tires that require 65 - 100lbs of pressure require something that puts out some air. I just put one of my 3 gal. pancake compressors in the vehicle and use it when required.

[Keywestparrothead]

The little 12V compressors are best suited for little things. Big tires that require 65 - 100lbs of pressure require something that puts out some air. I just put one of my 3 gal. pancake compressors in the vehicle and use it when required.

It depends on the 12v compressor you get. I got his one a year ago and it doesn't break a sweat with the 110psi "G" tires I have on the 5er or the truck.

http://www.amazon.com/Viair-40047-Automatic-Portable-Compressor/dp/B004B68XGC/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1427480993&sr=8-5&keywords=viair+air+compressor

[Hollywood 2979]

That's what I use on my truck and in the jeep also, Viair, they are specifically built for heavy duty use, and work great, I've had mine a little over 2 years and has never let me down, and that airing up tires daily when on the trails camping/ rock crawling.

[CampDestinations.com]

Both look like good options, but having the 12v hookup of the Viair would help when going to the storage yard as I won't have 120V nearby. But the Blue Hawk is significantly more affordable if it lasts. I do have a 12v/120v convertor I could use...

Thanks for giving me something to chew on... (tx)

[ChuckS]

I read and read and finally decided on the porter cable pancake with 6 gallon tank.. 150 psi.. My Honda 2000 starts and runs it fine.. It will air up anything.. Thought very hard about Vair units but for the cost and use. I think the porter cable will do fine.. I already have a bigger compresser at house but this one should last


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[GmaPaTime]

I read and read and finally decided on the porter cable pancake with 6 gallon tank.. 150 psi.. My Honda 2000 starts and runs it fine.. It will air up anything.. Thought very hard about Vair units but for the cost and use. I think the porter cable will do fine.. I already have a bigger compresser at house but this one should last


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Good choice.... I've had mine for many years with not one problem. I use mine for nail-guns, tires, blowing out the pool lines and the winterizing the camper. I like that it's lite enough to just pickup and put in the truck whenever needed. And likewise, my 2000k Champion runs it fine.

Steve

[BirchyBoy]

I use a Slime tire inflator with a built-in pressure gauge. It has a 100psi max, so it may not work for you, but it has been great for me. I set the desired pressure, turn it on and let it do its thing. It has a screw-on hose as well so it is secure.

http://amzn.com/B002ZBWKAU

[JRTJH]

A number of members (me included) pack along a Harbor Freight 3 gallon air compressor. It's small enough to fit in most any storage area, quiet to operate, can be stored with enough air to top off a tire or two without having to even turn it on, and it's usually on sale for $39 during each month. Normally it sells for $59 and there's been a coupon to buy it for $49 in almost every HF monthly sales flyer.

For $39, take a look, like many, you may find it fits your requirements and budget.

http://www.harborfreight.com/3-gallon-100-psi-oilless-pancake-air-compressor-95275.html?ccdenc=eyJjb2RlIjoiOTAwODE2NTAiLCJza3Ui OiI5NTI3NSIsImlzIjoiNDkuOTkiLCJwcm9kdWN0X2lk%0D%0A IjoiMzE0MSJ9%0D%0A

[Desert185]

^^^^Yeah, that.^^^^

[Brian T]

I use the Porter Cable 6 Gal, on the big side but good for everything.

[Barbell]

We have the PC compressor as well. Fits in the tool box on my truck and goes to 150 psi. Paid $100 at a Lowes in Elizabeth City, NC last fall. I have another at home I use for nail guns, etc. No problems at all.

[Zapper]

I have the Harbor Freight 150 PSI 12 volt. Hooks to a battery with alligator clips. Sell for $59.00 minus coupons. Compact and comes in a nice carrying bag and will get the 5er tires to 110 PSI, not fast mind you but it does the job.

[C130]

Anyone use one of the 12V air compressors from Northern Tool? They had three different models a couple of weeks ago and I almost bought one. I was looking at the mid level and the more expensive one but wound up not buying either. The best one was about as expensive as the Viair so I wanted to read some reviews first but I don't see it listed online.

One question about the 12V air compressors, any issues getting the air hose to the 5th wheel tires? A couple I looked at had a 5-6 foot cord then a 24 foot hose. I guess the battery in the toy hauler could be used also. I'm only looking for one to keep in my truck while traveling.

[Desert185]

You might want to consider this:

http://t.harborfreight.com/5-in-1-portable-power-pack-with-jump-start-60703.html

This is actually better than the Sears one a friend has (they're all made in China). 20% off ($80) with the HF mailed coupon. They also have less expensive versions with less features.

[cb1000rider]

I've had a bunch of compressors. Without an exception the HF units have failed. I've had 3. If you buy one, I'd get the "warranty" on it... Might be OK for occasional use, but I haven't had good luck.

The unit I recommend is:
BOSTITCH (http://www.amazon.com/BOSTITCH-CAP1512--Oil-Free-High-Output-Compressor/dp/B004285RLS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1433049671&sr=8-1&keywords=trim+compressor)

I've had it 5 years. It's fast, gets up to 150 psi, which really helps get up to higher tire PSI. I've had one failure on it - the pressure sensor failed and it was largely because I never drained the tanks and it got rusty...

No leaks. Still holding air after weeks of sitting.

[Quad]

I've been trying to decide between a 12 volt viair medium duty compressor with a 5 gallon tank. Plumbed through the truck or a 1 gallon Fini Airboss compressor and inflator combo. I think having the Fini compressor would work most the time. But it would be nice to have 12 volt air also while on the road and or other uses also out away from the house. Decisions, decisions lol I have a 6 gallon pancake unit also already. But it's awfully big for the underbelly. Takes up a little too much room.


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[Desert185]

A 110V, three gallon pancake fits in our basement quite well, and its all you need for travel or winterizing. For home use, something bigger is desired, though.

[bdaniel]

A number of members (me included) pack along a Harbor Freight 3 gallon air compressor. It's small enough to fit in most any storage area, quiet to operate, can be stored with enough air to top off a tire or two without having to even turn it on, and it's usually on sale for $39 during each month. Normally it sells for $59 and there's been a coupon to buy it for $49 in almost every HF monthly sales flyer.

For $39, take a look, like many, you may find it fits your requirements and budget.

http://www.harborfreight.com/3-gallon-100-psi-oilless-pancake-air-compressor-95275.html?ccdenc=eyJjb2RlIjoiOTAwODE2NTAiLCJza3Ui OiI5NTI3NSIsImlzIjoiNDkuOTkiLCJwcm9kdWN0X2lk%0D%0A IjoiMzE0MSJ9%0D%0A

I got one of these. I have an air horn with 12v compressor and a small, less than 1 gallon tank. While moving it to my new truck, I noticed the tank was pretty rusty and I never liked having only 8 seconds of air for the horn.

So I plumbed the 12v air compressor to feed the harbor freight tank. I put the tank in my tool box along with my 12v compressor. Of course I had to run power and and air line through the tool box bottom.

Now I have close to 30 seconds of air for the horn and a full tank all the time . I used quick connects so I can easily take the tank out of the toolbox to air tires. I always have my Honda 3000UI generator with me in the truck also so I have 120v to run the tank compressor to air up tires.

I really like my setup.

Bobby

[gtsum2]

I have a viair and it works great. Pumps tires up to 110psi pretty easily

[CampDestinations.com]

For anyone interested I ended up getting the 3-gallon unit from Harbor Freight. I was able to get it for $39.99 and they had it at the store near me. The power specs however indicate that my 400 watt 12V/120V inverter should power it. Blew that sucker up. So far I haven't used it as I'd hoped, but I've gotten loads of use in my basement. I'm renovating and have put a few boxes of 2" brad nails into door jambs, casing, and baseboard moulding. Holds pressure for days at a time w/o letting go, isn't as loud as my other / larger compressor and is much lighter than I had expected.

I plan to get a better inverter so I can use this on the occasional trip to the storage yard where there's no power.

As to the longevity of Harbor Freight tools, well... I think it's hit or miss. I've had good luck so far, except for a breaker bar which bent like a twig. But I have a 20 gallon air compressor out in my garage that I picked up from Harbor Freight around 8 years ago. It's still going strong and also will hold pressure for long periods. I rarely turn it off and I'll hear it kick on once a month (if that) to re-pressurize.

Thanks all for the comments. I appreciate it.

(tx)

[C130]

Are the Viair's only available online or are they available locally in most cities?

[gtsum2]

I am not sure. I ordered ken from Amazon

[Brian T]

Ended up going with the Porter Cable 6 Gallon, works on everything. Before we head out I fill the tank just in case need air along the way. Works for us.

[Quad]

I picked up a Fini 1 gal yesterday. Nice little unit. http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/06/02/8b56071e2c037b45c40cd0ad64840ac7.jpg


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[racin500]

No waiting. No power necessary. Small. Inexpensive to set up. 2000 psi means lots of air for a couple years if all your doing is topping off tires. psi lets you run air wrench/tools.
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/48781439/Everest/2015-05-04%2010.43.18.jpg

[Nagrompj]

Good idea! I have two tanks like that. Where do you get them filled to 2000 psi of air?

[chuckster57]

Welding supply store I would bet.

[racin500]

Good idea! I have two tanks like that. Where do you get them filled to 2000 psi of air?

Chuckster is correct. Any "Air Gas" or cylinder company can fill it. You can use air, CO2 or nitrogen. Some paintball places can fill them if you want nitrogen. I use nitrogen because it is dry, no moisture. Much better for the gauges.

[Nagrompj]

Thanks for the reply. I like the idea of nitrogen. It's just air minus 21% oxygen and trace gasses. And as you stated no moisture.
I don't remember what was in the tanks I have, just that it was inert calibration gas. Argon, helium maybe even nitrogen.
The last trip we took I found a screw in on of the rear truck tires. I was able to plug it but had no way of filling it. Luckily it only lost 5psi and we able to get air from the CG when we got there.

[Voyager]

I have an Eagle air commercial grade 12V compressor, works great, I bought it to build a 12V hooka dive system for cleaning the bottom of my sailboat and for recreational diving it has worked out well and it comes in handy when I'm traveling with my trailer as well.

[Pmedic4]

Several years ago, I had bought a 1 gallon Coleman air compressor which weighs about 12 pounds. Easy to carry around, and easily gets to 100 PSI. I had burned out 2 of the 12V pumps, one even before getting up to 65 PSI in just one tire.

[gtsum2]

In use a viair and it works great