Portable Air Compressor Comparison??

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soberman001

soberman001

Joined
Jul 15, 2003
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Anyone got one? I am looking for a sub-$100 unit for (very) preiodic use on light 4x4 trips for my LC100. Not a hard-mount system for a bag/box unit.

I can't seem to find a good source that captures speed, reliability, size, etc? I searched Mud but didn't find much.

Any help or direction is appreciated.

Thanks
 
Anyone hear of this brand? Viar Portable Air Compressor

Seems like the low response to this thread may lead me to believe I am approaching this the wrong way? Is it uncommon to use this type of portable air rather than the installed on-board systems?

I am just the occasional vacation 4x4 explorer, not a true off-roader.
 
soberman001 said:
...
is it important to get one that clips directly to the battery to avoid blowing fuses? I found this little model and it is a DC plug which I thought would be more convenient
...
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It depends on what your using it for? Most use them to air up tires after wheeling and small pumps take forever. It takes power to compress air, most good pumps take 20+ amps, so much higher draw than the lighter is designed for.

The Master Flow pumps are good units for the $.
https://forum.ih8mud.com/camping-outdoor-gear/134211-good-12v-compressor-costco-48-99-a.html
 
arndog123 said:
I have one of these in all my vehicles,
Amazon.com: Q Industries MV50 SuperFlow Hi-Volume Air Compressor: Automotive
A couple years ago I did a quick test inflating a 33" tire and it was a hair faster than my more $ Viair 450 compressor. Best bang for the buck IMHO.
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I generally don't buy cheap Chinese stuff, but I also have one of these and it works amazingly well for the price. I got mine for $50 at Pep Boys, heck of a deal. Also bought one for my son, he uses his often. Embarrasses all the guys with their high $$$ ARBs and Viairs...

It can get pretty warm, but I've aired up 2-3 trucks at a time and it just keeps going. I think my only complaint is it can be a stretch reaching from the battery to the furthest tire, the cord or hose could be a little longer. The gauge is no very accurate, typically reads 5-8 psi higher than actual tire pressure while running. I usually over-inflate a little, then bleed air out with a good gauge to get them correct.
 
soberman001 said:
Anyone hear of this brand? Viar Portable Air Compressor

Seems like the low response to this thread may lead me to believe I am approaching this the wrong way? Is it uncommon to use this type of portable air rather than the installed on-board systems?

I am just the occasional vacation 4x4 explorer, not a true off-roader.
Click to expand...
Viair is the high priced spread, very nice and efficient but costly.

I carry one of the $50 Harbor freight compressors in my 100. For the most part I don't lower the tire pressure that far, say 18# or so. Plus the tires are relatively small compared to the type used for technical driving so the volume is lower. All this =>shorter air up time, which the cheapo HF compressor can handle. It gets screaming hot but it works. IMHO it's perfectly fine for casual off road adventures.
 
I have 2 MV50s and they've never failed to impress me with anything I've asked of them. Agree the power cord could be longer, but I wish a lot of things I have were longer....heh....

DougM
 
IdahoDoug said:
I have 2 MV50s and they've never failed to impress me with anything I've asked of them. Agree the power cord could be longer, but I wish a lot of things I have were longer....heh....

DougM
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Extra retractile hose is cheap.

And I can forward you a few e-mails that promise amazing results in other areas. :lol:
 
Guys, thanks for all the replies in this post. I think I am going to get the Superflow MV50 model most of you spoke of as a good value.

Have a great day and a good new year.
 
With the Superflow MV50 be sure to pick up some extra 30A fuses good cheap insurance :idea: :cheers:
 
Curious... are you saying that they tend to pop fuses? I've used mine quite a bit and it's still on the original fuse.

Mine could melt down into an worthless blob now and I'd still feel like I got my money's worth out of it.

:beer:
 
yep gone throught about 4 in 3yrs, maybe cheap fuses and heat combo :confused: i'll still give the pump cudos for bang for the buck though, and i'll get another if it melts into a worthless blob :grinpimp:
 
abclin said:
With the Superflow MV50 be sure to pick up some extra 30A fuses good cheap insurance :idea: :cheers:
Click to expand...

abclin said:
yep gone throught about 4 in 3yrs, maybe cheap fuses and heat combo :confused:...
Click to expand...

Are you running the compressor with the engine off? They pull a lot of amps, so run cooler, faster if the engine is running. The wiring isn't the best, have replaced or soldered connections on some, but most of the wire connection problems the I have seen, were caused by running the compressor with the engine off.
 
I have the Slime brand copy of the QV50, works great. Although it has a cig plug on it i need to adapt to batt. clamps for piece of mind.
 
Tools R Us said:
Are you running the compressor with the engine off? They pull a lot of amps, so run cooler, faster if the engine is running. The wiring isn't the best, have replaced or soldered connections on some, but most of the wire connection problems the I have seen, were caused by running the compressor with the engine off.
Click to expand...
yep come to think about it at least 2x's i can remember fillin up bike tires in the garage with engine off when fuses popped, that was when i went an stocked up on fuses...felt fortunate that they went while at home instead of the trail :steer:
 
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