Air Compressor Questions (1 Viewer)

[Tim Foil]

Hello Everyone,
I am looking for some options for a portable air compressor. I plan to take the compressor on the trails with me and up to the Lake. I would like something that can blow up my tires as well as an inflatable Kayak and other water toys.
Thanks - Suggestions will be well received.

 

[Mogwai]

Have had good luck so far with the Puma. I also looked at the Mean Mother Adventurer II, seemed like a good bang for the buck, sold at Kartek.

Otherwise if you want onboard air, you've got a bunch of other options.

 

[Tim Foil]

Thanks. I am looking for something 12Volt or 120Volt that I can plug into the outlet in the back of the truck. I was wondering what people thought of the Q industries MV50 Superflow. I will check Puma and Mean Mother right now.

 

[kevinfoutch]

Viair 400P served me well, I'd recommend it - https://www.amazon.com/VIAIR-40043-400P-Portable-Compressor/dp/B000X9AXR8

In fact, I just replaced it with an ARB on board unit, so my 400P is sitting in the garage. PM me if you're interested in picking up a gently used air comp

Won't plug into the 110v outlet in the rear cargo area, but the battery clamps are simple enough to use. If you do go down the path of using the 110v outlet option, make sure your air compressor's current requirements isn't over-matched for the limits with that power supply.

 

[dryrunner]

I have the ARB twin screw portable with storage tank, CKMTP12 and a Milton 501 inflator/gauge. Very happy so far.

 

[TonyP]

Viair is awesome. That's what I have too, the smaller model. I prefer the versatility of having a portable compressor.

 

[linuxgod]

I bought one of these new off ebay for about $90 over the summer.

https://www.amazon.com/Industries-MV89G-Green-SuperFlow-Compressor/dp/B0023Z85VQ

After I realized that the hose wasn't screwed on tightly, it now inflates a tire at about 8psi per minute. It's faster than the dual compressor ARB and it's portable. I wish I could easily mount it under the hood like the ARB so it wouldn't take up trunk space, but as Markuson pointed out to me it is convenient to be able to lend it to someone without having to pull right up to them.

 

[linuxgod]

Thanks. I am looking for something 12Volt or 120Volt that I can plug into the outlet in the back of the truck. I was wondering what people thought of the Q industries MV50 Superflow. I will check Puma and Mean Mother right now.

Get the MV89. It's a lot faster. My thought is that if it takes me 10-15 minutes to reinflate after a trail run I'll be more willing to air down than if it takes me 25-30.

 

[Markuson]

I bought one of these new off ebay for about $90 over the summer.

https://www.amazon.com/Industries-MV89G-Green-SuperFlow-Compressor/dp/B0023Z85VQ

After I realized that the hose wasn't screwed on tightly, it now inflates a tire at about 8psi per minute. It's faster than the dual compressor ARB and it's portable. I wish I could easily mount it under the hood like the ARB so it wouldn't take up trunk space, but as Markuson pointed out to me it is convenient to be able to lend it to someone without having to pull right up to them.

Ya, that's the one down-side of permanently mounted units. My under-hood twin ARB is great for my own truck, but if someone needs to inflate and can't pull up next to me (like on a narrow, single-file trail), I can't reach them. Portables definitely have their place!

The twin ARB is pretty quick, though, and as others have said, speedy inflation times mean I air down more often since it's not a pain to air up again. It's amazing what a difference airing down makes not only for grip, but also ride comfort. The wife no longer gets impatient while airing down, because the ride is so much better.

 

[Sinister]

Another Viair user here. Works great.

 

[LCHardriver_02]

^^ Same here - Viair. Although, I will say this... if you are using a compressor to air up toys, such as a paddle board or raft or something similar... a high volume hand pump does WAY better, faster.

 

[OregonLC]

Viair 450P here. If you're in a group, inevitably there will be a few without a compressor. The 450P is 100% duty cycle. You can have it run through a fleet of 35s without risk of overheating. And while OBA solutions are elegant, it doesn't let you bring air to someone else down the trail. Having a twin ARB under the hood would definitely free up precious gear space in the back though...

 

[Dan Higgins]

Like others, I have the Viair which I used for 3 years. Just had the ARB dual installed which is much more convenient for my wife (She was never comfortable getting the alligator clips on the battery.). And it is faster than my Viair. But if I’m going with a group I’ll bring the portable or even let someone who doesn’t have air stow it in their truck.

 

[mcgaskins]

Years ago I used a Viair 88p which was excellent for a small portable compressor and now only costs $50 shipped on Amazon. About 2 years ago I stepped up to a Viair 450p which is also very good and is 100% duty cycle with a super long coiled hose and nice inflator included, but it's about 5x as much at $250. If you're running stock tires and don't care about the duty cycle, go for the 88p which IMO cannot be beat for price/value.

 

[120mm]

Amazon has a screaming deal on 450p right now. $142.

 

[blatant]

@120mm

^^^ link for this deal, don't see it...

 

[SmoothLC]

Viair here - works great. Only downside to portable is as @OregonLC stated above. Takes up gear space.

 

[120mm]

@120mm

^^^ link for this deal, don't see it...

It was up for only a couple of hours. You snooze, you lose. Sorry.

 

[TeCKis300]

Looking for a compressor. After a run this weekend, I'm done with my itty bitty cig lighter compressor. And I have compressor envy from all the cool noises my friends twin onboard ARB makes.

I'm leaning towards the Viair 300P or 400P. Current prices are $108 vs $159 on Amazon. Is there a compelling reason to go for the 400P for my 33" tires? As I understand it, it's only a wee bit faster, yet it's also bigger to store.

 

[drmwvr]

Another Viair vote here. I have the one that plugs into the 12v accessory outlet and it works like a champ!

This is the one I have

12-Volt Air Compressor - Griot's Garage

Edited to clarify after reading subsequent comments- I do NOT have oversized tires and the need to air down or up. However, I have filled flat/low tires with this unit and I did not feel that the duration was excessive. If I was running bigger tires and/or always airing down, I can see how a bigger unit would be better!