Which Air Compressor for tires?

[Triguy]

Agreed. None of these are really "portable" in the sense of being able to run off your TV. 12V models are better for that.

Good luck.

[B47]

Triguy -I just checked my TV manual and the 110VAC circuit is only rated for 150 Watts - way too low for almost any portable air compressor to run from.

I think I will look into the Porter Cable c1010 model that is spoken about at the beginning of this thread after looking at the specs - it goes up to 135 PSI, is fairly lightweight and stows in a small space.
It doesn't meet all of my expectations for airing tires up on the road when necessary, but I will just have to live with that. At least I won't be stuck at the CG with a low tire and no way to deal with it.

I will just have to use it at the CG before each departure as discussed on my earlier post.

[fast murray]

I know a guy with airbags in his dually. He has the onboard compressor and I think he can inflate tires with that.

[fast murray]

This is the one I use:

Stanley Bostitch :* CAP1516 *-* Trim Air 1.5 Peak HP Oil-Free Contractor Compressor

[BOBFIDY]

Originally Posted by Iggy

OK but I don't think my state laws will allow me to tow it behind my 5th wheel trailer with these metal wheels....

Hey John.....If one of those axels would pivot it might track better behind that 5er.....Just saying

[B47]

Originally Posted by fast murray

This is the one I use:

Stanley Bostitch :* CAP1516 *-* Trim Air 1.5 Peak HP Oil-Free Contractor Compressor

Thanks - looks like a good one. Are you satisfied with it?

I am also looking at the Porter Cable C1010 that was mentioned earlier in this thread. I went to Lowes and they said they had a sale on them and sold out.

I was also told about a tire pressure monitioning system called Tire Minder. It consists of sensors provided by a small battery that screw into each valve stem and a hand held monitor that allows you to check the pressure of each tire. He said he got it at CW and was pleased with it.

Anyone have any experience with this?

[flyrotor]

B47, ditto Triguy and Fast Murray, you won't be able to run an aircompressor from the inverters on your truck.

I have blown the circuit (15a) at home when running the shop vac and the aircompressor (Porter Cable 6 gallon pancake) at the same time.

and Yes, if your campsite has electric at the pole, you will have access to run a portable air compressor. Just plan on having a 15 amp extension cord, not the cheaper light weight ones and limit it to 25 feet, shorter is better with extension cords.

[flyrotor]

There's another option for portable air to "top off" your tire pressures, at Home Depot and Lowe's you can buy a portable 10 gallon tank for $35. They can be pumped to 150 psi. Comes with a 4 foot hose, weighs only 31 lbs. This would provide ample air to top off your tires before you leave a campsite.

[B47]

Originally Posted by flyrotor

B47, ditto Triguy and Fast Murray, you won't be able to run an aircompressor from the inverters on your truck.

I have blown the circuit (15a) at home when running the shop vac and the aircompressor (Porter Cable 6 gallon pancake) at the same time.

and Yes, if your campsite has electric at the pole, you will have access to run a portable air compressor. Just plan on having a 15 amp extension cord, not the cheaper light weight ones and limit it to 25 feet, shorter is better with extension cords.

flyrotor - you are correct on the truck inverter.

I am looking at the PC C1010 that was first mentioned in this thread - the specs say it pulls 3.5 amps.

As far as 110VAC available at the pole - stupid me - I forgot that my 5th wheel has 110VAC outlets all over the inside as well as the exterior so as long as I'm plugged in to the pole - I have 110VAC.

Thanks for your input.

[Herk7769]

I keep my generator in the truck bed at all times, so if I need AC power I just start it up. Here are a few pictures of the weather proof covering I made for it.

[B47]

herk - very nice - if I didn't have a 5th wheel hitch assembly in my truck bed I might have done the same thing.

Question - I assume that the generator has its own fuel tank - if so, do you carry its extra fuel in cans or just top it off when you fuel your TV?

Just wondering.

Another just wondering - have you ever had any fellow campers ask you if you could air up their flats/low pressure tires after seeing your generator?

[Herk7769]

Originally Posted by B47

herk - very nice - if I didn't have a 5th wheel hitch assembly in my truck bed I might have done the same thing.

LOL - Note the holes in the bed. Hitch pulled for the photos.
This is what it normally looks like:

[B47]

Originally Posted by herk7769

LOL - Note the holes in the bed. Hitch pulled for the photos.
This is what it normally looks like:

kerk - well I guess that answers my "do you carry extra fuel with you?" question.

[Herk7769]

Originally Posted by B47

Another just wondering - have you ever had any fellow campers ask you if you could air up their flats/low pressure tires after seeing your generator?

Absolutely. And always eager to help another camper in any way I can.

Truck is a diesel so I need to carry gas for the Yamaha. However it also runs on propane so the 20 pound bottle I carry for the Lil Red Campfire serves double duty.

The remote start is helpful as well as I can start it without unhitching the camper if needed.

[B47]

Originally Posted by herk7769

Absolutely. And always eager to help another camper in any way I can.

Truck is a diesel so I need to carry gas for the Yamaha. However it also runs on propane so the 20 pound bottle I carry for the Lil Red Campfire serves double duty.

The remote start is helpful as well as I can start it without unhitching the camper if needed.

herk - Looks like you have every area covered there - nice set up.

As far as helping fellow campers - you are right on and if I can ever help someone with my little compressor - I will be glad to do so.

[B47]

Originally Posted by Triguy

I need to add a tool to my garage for filling up tires in my tow vehicle and trailer.

I currently use a 12V DC compressor that does the job but is painfully slow and occasionally blows the 15amp fuse for the DC plug in the back of my truck. Its fine for topping off when we are on the road or camping, but I want something bigger and AC for home.

I freely admit a woeful lack of knowledge when it comes to these compressors.

I am looking at:

Porter-Cable’s C1010 heavy-duty one-gallon 135 PSI max quiet trim compressor. Cost is $99. This is a one gallon tank that yields air at 0.75 SCFM at 90 PSI with a max PSI of 135.



My SUV tires are LT-Cs so they go up to 55lbs or so and the trailer tires are the typical trailer tires.

So my questions are:

Will the smaller compressor with the one gallon tank do fine? Is there any reason for me to look at a 2, 3 or 6-gallon tank pancake compressor?

I'd rather not buy another one in two years so any better options or recommendations?

Thanks!

TriGuy - After much searching for an adequate portable air compressor for use on my RV tires while on the road, I have decided to go with the PC C1010 such as what you posted here.

I went to Lowes and they had a special on them sometime ago, but didn't have anymore in stock. Same story at HD. WalMart had a Campbell that the box said went up to 110 PSI ($52) but it looked and felt cheap so I passed on that one.

So I am going to try Amazon as they are offering them for $99 and with a return option. I never had used Amazon before, but I have heard good things about them.

Have you brought yours yet and if so, are you pleased with it?

Thanks

[Triguy]

B47,

I got mine over the weekend. I bought the C2002 for home use ...

Porter-Cable C2002-WK Oil-Free UMC Pancake Compressor with 13-Piece Accessory Kit.
6-gallon pancake
0.8hp motor
35lbs
2.6SCFM at 90psi
Comes with hose and tools
$159

I've used it once so far to top off tires on one car and to fill up tires on another when I took off the snow tires.

I set the pressure out of the hose at 90psi and it did a great job. Its as noisy as I expected when filling up the tank but then it only turned on very occasionally to inflate.

It works well for home use. Very sturdy. The C2002 is not what I would have gotten if I intended to travel with it- too bulky and heavy - and I don't have the room many do with a pickup and a 5er. The one you are looking at is better for that IMHO.

I buy all the time from amazon. Its a good shopping place. Not always the lowest $, though. But I get free 2-day shipping.

Hope that helps.

[Rod Johnson]

I picked up a refubished unit from Home Depot while I was waiting for a rebuild kit for my main guy. I paid $125 shipped, for a 3ish HP, 15Gallon tank. It worked great, but might be overkill for filling tires, and take up lots of room in a trailer.

I've since fixed my shop compressor, and gave the refurb unit to my dad. He's still using it at least once a month, and just finished a sandblasting job...

I guess I'm just saying, I saved a bunch of money on that Husky, and I was totally happy with it. They even have smaller ones that might fit your requirements even better.

[B47]

Originally Posted by Triguy

B47,

I got mine over the weekend. I bought the C2002 for home use ...

Porter-Cable C2002-WK Oil-Free UMC Pancake Compressor with 13-Piece Accessory Kit.
6-gallon pancake
0.8hp motor
35lbs
2.6SCFM at 90psi
Comes with hose and tools
$159

I've used it once so far to top off tires on one car and to fill up tires on another when I took off the snow tires.

I set the pressure out of the hose at 90psi and it did a great job. Its as noisy as I expected when filling up the tank but then it only turned on very occasionally to inflate.

It works well for home use. Very sturdy. The C2002 is not what I would have gotten if I intended to travel with it- too bulky and heavy - and I don't have the room many do with a pickup and a 5er. The one you are looking at is better for that IMHO.

I buy all the time from amazon. Its a good shopping place. Not always the lowest $, though. But I get free 2-day shipping.

Hope that helps.

TriGuy - thanks for the report. I will get the c1010 as i intend to only use it for the RV. Perhaps the c1010 won't be quite as noisy as the c2020 is, but when you are compressing air you got to expect some noise.

I like to touch and see whatever I am buying before I buy it, but I will just go with Amazon this time. We are going on a weekend trip and zi will order it when I get bacl.

Once again - thanks.

PS - what are "snow tires"? Are the same as what an old northern RV told me about snow shovels - that is that he was going to hang one on the back of his RV and drive south until someone asked him what that thing is - then he figured he had gone far enought!!

[B47]

Originally Posted by Rod Johnson

I picked up a refubished unit from Home Depot while I was waiting for a rebuild kit for my main guy. I paid $125 shipped, for a 3ish HP, 15Gallon tank. It worked great, but might be overkill for filling tires, and take up lots of room in a trailer.

I've since fixed my shop compressor, and gave the refurb unit to my dad. He's still using it at least once a month, and just finished a sandblasting job...

I guess I'm just saying, I saved a bunch of money on that Husky, and I was totally happy with it. They even have smaller ones that might fit your requirements even better.

Rod - thanks for your input.