Air compressor for tires?

[MT Biker]

Just put my first set of LT series tires on my tow vehicle and now need something that will actually work to inflate the tires up to 70-80psi!
Was a little upset that the mechanic that put the tires on the truck only had them inflated to 40psi (picked up the truck after the shop had closed), so I tried using my little portable air inflator thing that I have and it could hardly get the tires to 45psi.
Went down the street to the closest gas station and spent $10 in quarters and still only managed to get the tires to 60psi.
Needless to say I will be going back to my mechanics shop in the morning and have them finish inflating them but I would like to have something with me to do it myself when needed.
So what is readily available that I can purchase that will actually work?

[Kenny kustom]

Viair 450p Rv


2016 Sabre 36QBOK
2015 Ram 3500 CUMMINS

[Stank Bait]

Check out Viair & ARB. Mounted my compressor and tank inside my tool box.

[RSchleder]

I put Michelin Defender LT tires (load level E) on my 2015 Ram Laramie. I took one trip with the tires inflated to 75 lbs and about shook my truck to pieces on some of the roads on our way to Texas with my 7,600 lb (dry weight) TT. I let out 10 lbs of pressure and continued on my way@ 60 lbs and WHAT A DIFFERENCE in the ride quality.
When I got home, I sent a e-mail to Michelin requesting a recommendation on air pressure for my towing level. I got a very pleasant surprise when a Michelin technician called me to discuss this subject. After we talked about total loaded weight of the trailer and the 900 lbs tongue weight he recommended that I keep the E rated tired inflated to 52-55 lbs all the time, when towing and when not towing. He calculated the weighs and used the Michelin air pressure to load capability data to make this recommendation. I have since towed the trailer with the tires inflated to 57 lbs ( just a couple lbs extra for peace of mind) on a 1,000 mile trip and the trailer and truck were rock solid and the ride very comfortable.
The "moral of the story" is, it's the air that carries the load and the tires only need to be inflated to the degree that they will carry the load they are designed to carry at a particular air pressure. So why "over" inflate them to carry several hundreds of pounds that are not present when you tow your trailer. Inflate to match the weight!!!

[ependydad]

Viair 450P- will take my camper tires up to 125psi without waiting forever. I've gone from 108-125psi in just a few minutes.

http://www.learntorv.com/2016/05/pro...p-12v-air.html

[MT Biker]

Originally Posted by ependydad

Viair 450P- will take my camper tires up to 125psi without waiting forever. I've gone from 108-125psi in just a few minutes.

Learn To RV: Product Review: Viair 450P 12v air compressor

Thanks, that looks like it will do the trick!

[gfarmcafe]

I use a Lowe's Kobalt 3 gal. 110 V hot dog compressor. It will pump up to 150 lbs and the tool pressure can be adjusted. Small enough to put in your TV.

http://mobileimages.lowes.com/produc...13006440lg.jpg

[KAS]

Originally Posted by MT Biker

Just put my first set of LT series tires on my tow vehicle and now need something that will actually work to inflate the tires up to 70-80psi!
Was a little upset that the mechanic that put the tires on the truck only had them inflated to 40psi (picked up the truck after the shop had closed), so I tried using my little portable air inflator thing that I have and it could hardly get the tires to 45psi.
Went down the street to the closest gas station and spent $10 in quarters and still only managed to get the tires to 60psi.
Needless to say I will be going back to my mechanics shop in the morning and have them finish inflating them but I would like to have something with me to do it myself when needed.
So what is readily available that I can purchase that will actually work?

I bought an 120 PSI air compressor/jump starter/12V power source/work light combo from West Marine for $120. It works great, is very powerful, and does not need an AC power source to run except for recharging and the charge lasts for a long time. And you can buy a maintenance agreement, then they'll replace it for free if it fails within 2 years, not bad!
WEST MARINE 1000 Amp Jumpstarter | West Marine

[Telstar]

All depends on your tires. If the take 80 lbs get one with a small tank. Since I have a generator I use a 120V air compressor.

[2kcj]

For (I think) $59 with coupon from Harbor Freight, I got a decent pancake style compressor that airs my tires up to 80 psi quickly and easily. It does require ac power, but I always have a generator to provide that if needed. Since we have a toy hauler, it doubles as an air source for the toys as well.

Been using it for two years with no problems.

[Tom48]

Originally Posted by Telstar

All depends on your tires. If the take 80 lbs get one with a small tank. Since I have a generator I use a 120V air compressor.

I agree. That is what I carry, I small Harbor Freight 3 gallon 120 v but I got what I paid for. $39 w coupon and it is too light duty to do much. Gonna go look at the one from Lowe's pictured above. Thanks. The higher pressure rating makes filling easier when you are working for 78-80 psi on the truck.

[MT Biker]

Originally Posted by KAS

I bought an 120 PSI air compressor/jump starter/12V power source/work light combo from West Marine for $120. It works great, is very powerful, and does not need an AC power source to run except for recharging and the charge lasts for a long time. And you can buy a maintenance agreement, then they'll replace it for free if it fails within 2 years, not bad!
WEST MARINE 1000 Amp Jumpstarter | West Marine

That looks pretty good to, we are just getting ready to head out for the weekend!

[ov845]

Originally Posted by RSchleder

I put Michelin Defender LT tires (load level E) on my 2015 Ram Laramie. I took one trip with the tires inflated to 75 lbs and about shook my truck to pieces on some of the roads on our way to Texas with my 7,600 lb (dry weight) TT. I let out 10 lbs of pressure and continued on my way@ 60 lbs and WHAT A DIFFERENCE in the ride quality.
When I got home, I sent a e-mail to Michelin requesting a recommendation on air pressure for my towing level. I got a very pleasant surprise when a Michelin technician called me to discuss this subject. After we talked about total loaded weight of the trailer and the 900 lbs tongue weight he recommended that I keep the E rated tired inflated to 52-55 lbs all the time, when towing and when not towing. He calculated the weighs and used the Michelin air pressure to load capability data to make this recommendation. I have since towed the trailer with the tires inflated to 57 lbs ( just a couple lbs extra for peace of mind) on a 1,000 mile trip and the trailer and truck were rock solid and the ride very comfortable.
The "moral of the story" is, it's the air that carries the load and the tires only need to be inflated to the degree that they will carry the load they are designed to carry at a particular air pressure. So why "over" inflate them to carry several hundreds of pounds that are not present when you tow your trailer. Inflate to match the weight!!!

X2

You want as much tread contact with the road without over or under inflating. The LT tire will have stiffer sidewalls requiring less air pressure to maintain tread contact. Easy way to see this is take a balloon put some air in it and place it on a flat surface and observe the bottom that represents your tread contact to ground. Apply different amounts of pressure using your hand and observe the difference in contact to the surface. Under inflating a tire will cause the center to make less contact with the road surface while over inflation will cause the edges of the tire to make less contact with the road.


Happy Camping!

2012 Ram 1500 Crew Cab 5'7" Bed
4 X 4 Engine 5.7L Hemi Gear 3.92
Airlift 1000
2015 2809W Windjammer (Diamond Package)
Husky Centerline WDH

[BamaBob]

The Viair system are a bit pricey for my tastes, plus I not like the fact that it was 12V.


We got a Porter-Cable for a 1/3 the price:


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

[f5moab]

Still using this, and it proved itself many times over when dropping tire pressures down to 10 when entering a trail, then inflating them after the trail run.
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It's been used and abused and still works.

Anyone here carry any tire plugs for emergency purposes?

[Blackhat6mike]

Your inflation level may well affect your tire wear. Keep an eye on it. I wore out a set of tires on the outside edges because I was running them lower than I should have. Too much psi will wear the centers more. There is a sweet spot.
Also, SLIME builds several model compressors that will go over 100psi. I have three and they work well. Most auto parts stores carry the brand.

[f5moab]

I always check my TP on the truck and the trailer.
Sometimes 10 psi is needed...

[spock123]

DW brought me one for Xmas, 125lb I need 110lb for trailer tires.


Sent from my iPhone using Forest River Forums

[MT Biker]

I picked this up today with a few accessories.
Shop PORTER-CABLE 0.8-HP 6-Gallon 150-PSI 120-Volt Pancake Electric Air Compressor at Lowes.com

[BGlickster]

Hello...

I use a Ryobi Air Compressor that can be used to inflate tires (Higher PSI) and rapidly blow up my Air Matress. It has a high capacity hose, and high pressure hose on the same unit. Utilizes the standard 18V LI-Ion and the same power source runs the drill to extend and retract the the stabilizers. Highly recommend. Can be found at Home Depot.