Tire Air Pump - 100 PSI

[johnnybadger]

I am looking for a air pump to take along with me when we travel. Needs to handle 100 PSI for my Air Ride hitch. Any recommendations?

Thanks for your help!

[Northofu1]

You could try this. They also have 1/4 duty and heavy duty packages.
https://www.viaircorp.com/oba/oba-medium
Good luck

[johnnybadger]

Thanks Dan/Serena. Do you use one? If not, how do you handle tire inflation? Truck stops?

Thanks.

John

[Northofu1]

It's on my amazon wish list, I would install a T and valve it. One valve to maintain air bags, and one to fill tires. Triple checking for leaks of course. I plan on putting it in truck bed, not the cab of truck.

[michaelrc51]

You could try this. They also have 1/4 duty and heavy duty packages.
https://www.viaircorp.com/oba/oba-medium
Good luck

They look like nice setups. Thanks, been searching had hadn't found anything that jumped out at me.

This beats brings my Dewalt compressor everywhere!

[flybouy]

I have a high volume compressor and tank mounted between rear wheel well and tailgate. Use it for the air bags and train horns. Installed a “T” fitting with a female quick fitting. Two lightweight 25’ hoses will reach back to bumper mounted spare. The compressor shuts off at 150 psi and will air the tires very rapidly.

With solenoids on the lines to the air bags I can adjust the air from the drivers seat. Can also adjust the air bags at the back of the truck via a switch mounted on the bed rail. Makes hitching/unhitching easy and quick. I can air up the bags from 0 to 100 psi in about 4 or 5 seconds.

[sourdough]

We carry a Fini portable AC air compressor and a Viair 400 (non on board air). Both are very light and capable of well over 100 psi (150 if I recall). Both have worked great.

[tech740]

I added a Bostich pancake compressor to the front compartment along with a 65' compact air hose reel. Can run it on the invertor on the side of the road or shore power plugged in.

[michaelrc51]

I have a high volume compressor and tank mounted between rear wheel well and tailgate. Use it for the air bags and train horns. Installed a “T” fitting with a female quick fitting. Two lightweight 25’ hoses will reach back to bumper mounted spare. The compressor shuts off at 150 psi and will air the tires very rapidly.

With solenoids on the lines to the air bags I can adjust the air from the drivers seat. Can also adjust the air bags at the back of the truck via a switch mounted on the bed rail. Makes hitching/unhitching easy and quick. I can air up the bags from 0 to 100 psi in about 4 or 5 seconds.



This is what I’d like to do. With my current setup I have notice complete different handling of the truck and trailer due to differences in air pressure in the bags and/or amount of fuel.
I’d really like to be able to adjust pressures while driving.

[flybouy]

This is what I’d like to do. With my current setup I have notice complete different handling of the truck and trailer due to differences in air pressure in the bags and/or amount of fuel.
I’d really like to be able to adjust pressures while driving.

It’s a huge advantage IMO. Driving down to the beach here in DE there are many sections of road that hit that “ right frequency” of spacing to turn the rig into a rodeo ride. I’ve found on these roads I can adjust the air bags for the best ride. The convenience was well worth the cost (which isn’t ridiculous if you shop around) of the install by me.

[rhagfo]

You could try this. They also have 1/4 duty and heavy duty packages.
https://www.viaircorp.com/oba/oba-medium
Good luck

We took it a bit further and got the constant use unit with 2.5 gal tank. All hidden bed side panel. I have air chucks front and rear, this will power my impact wrench.

https://www.viaircorp.com/oba-constant

[travelin texans]

Just curious what brand of air ride hitch you have that requires 100 psi?
I had the Trail Air Tri Glide that 70 psi was about the max I'd want in it, at 100 psi it would've been like a solid hitch.
I had this air compressor onboard for apply sir needs, it'll pump up to 150 psi.
29893

[johnnybadger]

All, thanks for your replies. They are very helpful. Based upon your replies, I am going to invest in something along the lines of what Danny recommended. Looks like a $150 "investment" is in my future.


Danny, the 100-psi came from a "preparing to travel" episode of a Youtube channel I follow (I think it is the "Changing Lanes" channel). I have a Lippert Air Ride. It has a decal that indicates the level at which the "piston" should be inflated to in order to have it function properly. Its instruction "booklet" has no mention of a psi level, only that I need to inflate to the decal. The decal is a bit torn up, so was looking for a psi level to target. But based upon your feedback, I think I will spend some time this week fixing the decal to make it useful in managing inflation levels. Thanks for your coaching on this.

[Northofu1]

I already have a whisper quiet 150 psi compressor and works very well, problem is it's 120 v, I want something 12 v and the ability to work on the fly.

[rhagfo]

I already have a whisper quiet 150 psi compressor and works very well, problem is it's 120 v, I want something 12 v and the ability to work on the fly.

This isn’t cheap, but I installed on my truck, air port in back of bed and inside engine compartment. Very handy!

https://www.viaircorp.com/oba-constant

[Northofu1]

That's the one on my amazon wish list ;)

[rhagfo]

That's the one on my amazon wish list ;)

I installed mine under the bed, the compressor bracket saddle mounted to the frame.

This is the tank bracket that I fabricated.

https://i.imgur.com/XbK6gJU.jpg

Tank in place.

https://i.imgur.com/k2UnhIm.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/yfL5yqK.jpg

Compressor bracket mounted.

https://i.imgur.com/UTtk050.jpg

Compressor installed.

https://i.imgur.com/yZCPtqB.jpg

Air chuck in Bed at tailgate.

https://i.imgur.com/bAAHMGC.jpg

Air chuck under hood.

https://i.imgur.com/VdfEj4i.jpg

[Northofu1]

I installed mine under the bed, the compressor bracket saddle mounted to the frame.

This is the tank bracket that I fabricated.

https://i.imgur.com/XbK6gJU.jpg

Tank in place.

https://i.imgur.com/k2UnhIm.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/yfL5yqK.jpg

Compressor bracket mounted.

https://i.imgur.com/UTtk050.jpg

Compressor installed.

https://i.imgur.com/yZCPtqB.jpg

Air chuck in Bed at tailgate.

https://i.imgur.com/bAAHMGC.jpg

Air chuck under hood.

https://i.imgur.com/VdfEj4i.jpg

That looks awesome, I'm putting mine in bed due to salt and slush in winter.

[TN Traveler]

Viair is what you are looking for

[travelin texans]

All, thanks for your replies. They are very helpful. Based upon your replies, I am going to invest in something along the lines of what Danny recommended. Looks like a $150 "investment" is in my future.


Danny, the 100-psi came from a "preparing to travel" episode of a Youtube channel I follow (I think it is the "Changing Lanes" channel). I have a Lippert Air Ride. It has a decal that indicates the level at which the "piston" should be inflated to in order to have it function properly. Its instruction "booklet" has no mention of a psi level, only that I need to inflate to the decal. The decal is a bit torn up, so was looking for a psi level to target. But based upon your feedback, I think I will spend some time this week fixing the decal to make it useful in managing inflation levels. Thanks for your coaching on this.

You may need/want to do some experimenting with pressures & rv loads to find the sweet spot before remounting the decal.

[jbrosecity]

<SNIP>
I had this air compressor onboard for apply sir needs, it'll pump up to 150 psi.
29893

Let me relate my own experience back a few years when we were traveling the country full time in our tag axle Allegro Bus. It had an on board compressor for the air suspension. It was adequate for pumping up the suspension, but was NOT adequate for pumping tires up to full pressure. The front tires (steers) on the bus carried 120 psi. So I went to a compressor shop here... Portland Compressor... and bought a middle grade portable compressor. I figured I could run the generator (or on shore power) and run it on 110 power. It was a 150psi compressor so I figured that would be plenty. Turns out I was very wrong. Even the salesman was wrong. Turns out there is a big difference between supplying 150psi for an air tool and 150psi to inflate a tire. This was explained to me. There is too much back pressure from the tires once the air pressure inside the tire gets too high and the compressor basically stalls out. I believe this is pretty much true across the board on small portable compressors. SO what I found I needed was a "tire inflator" compressor which as others have noted is the much more expensive Viair. The good news there is that it runs on 12 volt, so you can use it for a car and trailer if you need to, where you have no generator handy. It has worked well for me on that score, as well. This pancake style compressor will probably work ok for 80 psi in air bags or smaller tires, but it will not work for big Class A high pressure tires.

[flybouy]

Let me relate my own experience back a few years when we were traveling the country full time in our tag axle Allegro Bus. It had an on board compressor for the air suspension. It was adequate for pumping up the suspension, but was NOT adequate for pumping tires up to full pressure. The front tires (steers) on the bus carried 120 psi. So I went to a compressor shop here... Portland Compressor... and bought a middle grade portable compressor. I figured I could run the generator (or on shore power) and run it on 110 power. It was a 150psi compressor so I figured that would be plenty. Turns out I was very wrong. Even the salesman was wrong. Turns out there is a big difference between supplying 150psi for an air tool and 150psi to inflate a tire. This was explained to me. There is too much back pressure from the tires once the air pressure inside the tire gets too high and the compressor basically stalls out. I believe this is pretty much true across the board on small portable compressors. SO what I found I needed was a "tire inflator" compressor which as others have noted is the much more expensive Viair. The good news there is that it runs on 12 volt, so you can use it for a car and trailer if you need to, where you have no generator handy. It has worked well for me on that score, as well. This pancake style compressor will probably work ok for 80 psi in air bags or smaller tires, but it will not work for big Class A high pressure tires.

Not wanting to start an argument but someone smarter than me would have to explain this. My understanding is there are two parameters, flow and pressure. Flow is measured in CFM (cubic feet per minute) and pressure measured in PSI (pounds per square inch).

If a compressor is rated at 150 psi then it should be capable of filling the tank to 150 psi. The tire is a container the same as the tank, just larger. That 150 psi doesn't know what size container it's filled, that's simple physics. Now, if you have that 150 psi tank and a regulator set to say 80 psi on the output side ( the hose) then the regulator will limit that pressure available to 80 psi on the hose.

The volume of air being moved (CFM) will have an effect on how long it will take for that compressor to attain the rated pressure. So obviously a high volume pump will fill a given size container faster than a low volume pump.

[Brazo]

You could try this. They also have 1/4 duty and heavy duty packages.
https://www.viaircorp.com/oba/oba-medium
Good luck
I Also have the ViAir for rv and it works great for filling tires on rv and truck.Great portable air pump comes with a nice carry bag also comes with extra long hose for doing rv.Its also 12v power so if on side of road you need air just hook up to battery and your allset.I bought this one because it also works with airbags.

[Upland111]

If you don’t have to have 12 volt Harbor Freight has a portable 150 psi compressor at a good price and even better if you can catch it on sale.

[Rocketsled]

If you don’t have to have 12 volt Harbor Freight has a portable 150 psi compressor at a good price and even better if you can catch it on sale.

This is what I did. Run it off the genset. While the tank volume ain't great, if you let it equalize to the pressure in the tire, the compressor will happily fill the tank and tire at the same time.

[Richeyb]

I use a Dewalt 20 V MAX air compressor. It’s portable using a 20 v battery and charger that I share with my Dewalt drill. The compressor works great 0-150 PSI. You attach pump! Set desired pressure and it automaticLy adds pressure and stops at desired setting. Cost averages about $100. Very happy with it and save some space and $$s.

[notanlines]

jbrosecity, your statement "This pancake style compressor will probably work ok for 80 psi in air bags or smaller tires, but it will not work for big Class A high pressure tires." is completely false. The compressor TT (Danny) shows is exactly the brand and model we've travelled with for almost seven years, Porter Cable. Never once has it failed to air up 120PSI Goodyear tires on the Suites. We know any number of RV'ers who use THIS brand and model and never a complaint. I tried a HF pancake to keep at our seasonal site in Wisconsin, but it wouldn't air up four flat truck tires. (long, uninteresting story)
Is it a little bulky, sure. Is it 12 volt? Nope, but it WILL tote the load.

[Northofu1]

The only issue I have with my 120 V is that it's 120 V. Same as Jim and Danny in regards to capacity, No issues.
I just want lighter, 12 V, able to air up (from the cab) future air ride system, and tire top ups. Since I have been looking at it it's jumped up $80. So to CamelCamelCamel it goes, I will buy it when it comes down to the price I want. :)

[Look4one48]

I installed a kobalt 2 gall tank on my 5th wheel toy hauler and a couple of females fittings so all need is a 50’hose to reach tires on truck, trailer and toys and has a 150 psi rating

[notanlines]

Dan, near as I can tell that's about $400 CDN. Maybe as a fine, long time member in good standing, we could start a GoFundMe campaign for you to raise enough for the system? We better put that to a vote before we get started.:lol:

[rhagfo]

Just curious what brand of air ride hitch you have that requires 100 psi?
I had the Trail Air Tri Glide that 70 psi was about the max I'd want in it, at 100 psi it would've been like a solid hitch.
I had this air compressor onboard for apply sir needs, it'll pump up to 150 psi.
29893


Here is something to think about, this pancake requires 120 volts to work. My on board the TV, VIAIR constant duty 12 volt compressor will supply 150 psi air, at 1.8 CFM wherever my truck is. This means if I have a tough lug to get loose, I simply get my impact wrench out and remove it!
I see the pancake as just one more thing eating up storage space. Mine being tucked inside the side of the bed takes up zero usable storage space, and I loose about 25# to 30# in payload.

https://www.viaircorp.com/oba-constant

[Northofu1]

Dan, near as I can tell that's about $400 CDN. Maybe as a fine, long time member in good standing, we could start a GoFundMe campaign for you to raise enough for the system? We better put that to a vote before we get started.:lol:

It's 492 with free delivery :lol:
I'm in though, rally the troops. hahaha

[JerJan10]

I've had the following compressor for 3 years and use it to keep tires at recommend pressure. It's 12v and inflates to 80 PSI quickly. I don't use it for any higher pressure applications. This is the third 12V compressor that I have used, the two previous burned up with not much usage. FYI - this compressor draws a lot of amps so I run the truck when using it.

From Amazon: SuperFlow MV-9012 Volt Air Compressor, Portable Heavy Duty Air Pump 12v Air Compressor, Tire Inflator 150 PSI

[rhagfo]

It's 492 with free delivery :lol:
I'm in though, rally the troops. hahaha

Have looked on Amazon?

[jbrosecity]

jbrosecity, your statement "This pancake style compressor will probably work ok for 80 psi in air bags or smaller tires, but it will not work for big Class A high pressure tires." is completely false.
<SNIP>
Is it a little bulky, sure. Is it 12 volt? Nope, but it WILL tote the load.

It is a few years ago for sure, but I am 1000% sure of what I wrote... no question. And the shop mentioned is Portland compressor... that is ALL they sell is compressors... they oughta know. They sold me a mid priced pancake compressor and it would NOT pump the tires much above 100 psi as I recall. They told me to dial up the pressure relief or whatever it was, I did so and it blew out the capacitor or whatever it was.

Their mechanic guy took it back in the shop, fixed it, gave it back and it STILL did not pump up my Class A tires. This is not opinion... this is FACT. They gave me a full refund... They are the ones that told me 100 psi capability means it's capable to power up air tools (which don't have any back pressure) and NOT for high pressure tire inflation. I would trust Portland Compressor's input over anyone on any forum.

Portland Compressor has been selling various brands of compressors and little else for 36 years and are the pre-eminent dealer in the area. Now things may have changed in the last 8 years or so since I bought my compressors, I kinda doubt it, but maybe... who knows. But that is definitely how it was.

After I returned my unit to them, I went hunting online and found Viair which is a tire inflator compressor, very different animal than the little porter cable pancakes and such. Cost me $400 or so but really works and can raise the tire pressure all the way to 120psi and beyond. I should mention I don't have a Class A any more and so my max tire pressure is around 80 psi on any of my RV's, boats, trailers, etc. For this a small pancake is adequate.

Now, I ALSO have a porter cable pancake these days which I use for bicycle tires, car tires, air gun, and so on. Also for doing winterization blowouts. So I have both. They are NOT the same and not interchangeable. period.

[flybouy]

I'm sure your compressor salesman is very happy that you place such trust in his words. I guess in my attempt at explaining the physics of it wasn't technical enough as I didn't use "or whatever it was" even once. Enjoy your Portland Compressor and have a good day.

[Northofu1]

Have looked on Amazon?

https://www.amazon.ca/VIAIR-Constant-Duty-Onboard-System/dp/B000YC42RG/ref=sr_1_1?crid=DCXKK3LZPWVN&dchild=1&keywords=viair+constant+duty+onboard+air+system&qid=1600997695&sprefix=viair%2Caps%2C224&sr=8-1

From my wish list ;)

[johnnybadger]

All,

To close the loop, I ordered a Viair 40035 400P from Amazon; it will be here on Monday. The primary reasons I went this route was its weight, its ability to run off a battery rather than needing full electrical and its automatic function. The negatives were its cost and the fact that my 5er battery is nicely stored in a battery “container”.

Regarding cost, my only problem will be if (when?) Mary asks, “How much did that cost?”.

Regarding the battery, I could use the Ram’s battery. But, question for you guys: what about buying a spare battery to have as a backup to my current house battery, and not have it packed up in a container like my current one? Would that be OK, or is their any safety concerns I am not smart enough to know about yet?

Thanks for your help.

John

[Javi]

All,

To close the loop, I ordered a Viair 40035 400P from Amazon; it will be here on Monday. The primary reasons I went this route was its weight, its ability to run off a battery rather than needing full electrical and its automatic function. The negatives were its cost and the fact that my 5er battery is nicely stored in a battery “container”.

Regarding cost, my only problem will be if (when?) Mary asks, “How much did that cost?”.

Regarding the battery, I could use the Ram’s battery. But, question for you guys: what about buying a spare battery to have as a backup to my current house battery, and not have it packed up in a container like my current one? Would that be OK, or is their any safety concerns I am not smart enough to know about yet?

Thanks for your help.

John

Given the amp draw of the ViAir unit it would be best to use the truck battery and have the motor running during use.. That or make sure that you are plugged into shore power when using the ViAir

[azchoco]

I am looking for a air pump to take along with me when we travel. Needs to handle 100 PSI for my Air Ride hitch. Any recommendations?

Thanks for your help!
Check Harbor Freighf. I bought one 150psi for $99. Nice unit.

[rhagfo]

Given the amp draw of the ViAir unit it would be best to use the truck battery and have the motor running during use.. That or make sure that you are plugged into shore power when using the ViAir

I have used mine several times without the engine running to air tires and fire up the impact wrench, without issue.

[notanlines]

I better jump to Javi's defense. From Viair's website:
Q: Why does the engine need to be running while the compressor is on?
Answer: The engine needs to be on to because the compressor operates at 13.8 volts while in use and the battery doesn’t produce enough voltage without an alternator to recharge it. Which could cause high amp spikes or drain your battery.
I also would probably run the truck if I was using the compressor for any length of time.

[flybouy]

I have one mounted in the bed of the truck. I wired it thru a relay that's only energized while the truck is running.

[rhagfo]

I better jump to Javi's defense. From Viair's website:
Q: Why does the engine need to be running while the compressor is on?
Answer: The engine needs to be on to because the compressor operates at 13.8 volts while in use and the battery doesn’t produce enough voltage without an alternator to recharge it. Which could cause high amp spikes or drain your battery.
I also would probably run the truck if I was using the compressor for any length of time.

I am sure Javi can defend himself, I don’t do this for extended periods. Mostly when using the air for Brad or staple driver. That and the Ram has two batteries so a short run doesn’t seem to be an issue. Mine is also wired through a relay so ignition needs to be on.

[sourdough]

All,

To close the loop, I ordered a Viair 40035 400P from Amazon; it will be here on Monday. The primary reasons I went this route was its weight, its ability to run off a battery rather than needing full electrical and its automatic function. The negatives were its cost and the fact that my 5er battery is nicely stored in a battery “container”.

Regarding cost, my only problem will be if (when?) Mary asks, “How much did that cost?”.

Regarding the battery, I could use the Ram’s battery. But, question for you guys: what about buying a spare battery to have as a backup to my current house battery, and not have it packed up in a container like my current one? Would that be OK, or is their any safety concerns I am not smart enough to know about yet?

Thanks for your help.

John


I use the battery on my truck for the Viair as Javi mentioned.

[gearhead]

I use a Dewalt 20 V MAX air compressor. It’s portable using a 20 v battery and charger that I share with my Dewalt drill. The compressor works great 0-150 PSI. You attach pump! Set desired pressure and it automaticLy adds pressure and stops at desired setting. Cost averages about $100. Very happy with it and save some space and $$s.

^^This X2. It does have to stop every 9 minutes to cool off. I have used mine to air up to 123PSI tires. Actually used it 3 weeks ago in Discount Tire parking lot. After a blowout and buying a new tire from DT, they didn't have a compressor that would go over 90PSI. Or so they said. It was quicker to take care of it myself rather than find their regulator.
I also carry the Dewalt 1/2" impact, 1/4" driver, drill, recip saw, and charger.
In a Craftsman tool bag. Theft prevention. LOL

[Javi]

As a note, it can draw 30 amps

[gearhead]

Not wanting to start an argument but someone smarter than me would have to explain this. My understanding is there are two parameters, flow and pressure. Flow is measured in CFM (cubic feet per minute) and pressure measured in PSI (pounds per square inch).

If a compressor is rated at 150 psi then it should be capable of filling the tank to 150 psi. The tire is a container the same as the tank, just larger. That 150 psi doesn't know what size container it's filled, that's simple physics. Now, if you have that 150 psi tank and a regulator set to say 80 psi on the output side ( the hose) then the regulator will limit that pressure available to 80 psi on the hose.

The volume of air being moved (CFM) will have an effect on how long it will take for that compressor to attain the rated pressure. So obviously a high volume pump will fill a given size container faster than a low volume pump.

Yes.
Common air compressors are positive displacement with pistons and valves. Think like a car engine. They will keep pumping until something breaks. Pressure regulated by, wait for it...a pressure regulator.
There are centrifugal air compressors which can be limited by back pressure. These are mostly in industrial process service. Usually multistage, commonly 3 impellers with their shafts gear driven by the larger 1st stage shaft, aka: bull gear. Pressure and flow usually regulated by "kick back" valves. Discharge dumped back into suction.

[jimborokz]

I use a Dewalt 20 V MAX air compressor. It’s portable using a 20 v battery and charger that I share with my Dewalt drill. The compressor works great 0-150 PSI. You attach pump! Set desired pressure and it automaticLy adds pressure and stops at desired setting. Cost averages about $100. Very happy with it and save some space and $$s.

I have basically the same thing in a Craftsman. Set the psi and let it run. 120v A/C, 12v D/C or 20v bat. $75 at Lowe's w/o battery. I recently bought a new hedge trimmer so now I have a battery also.

Carried a Bostich pancake compressor for a couple years but that was just 120v. and the Craftsman is about 1/3 the weight and space.