Air compressor recs?

[DJ252]

I have an ancient, 12V Campbell Hausfeld air compressor. It has been serviceable but I know its light weight and has pumped up more air mattresses than tires. Also, with just the 12V cord and a couple feet max of hose, it would be hard to use on the trailer if hitched.

I do have a TPMS and check it before and during every travel day but that doesn't necessarily solve the reach problem. I do have a 12V extension cord but thinking of upgrading.

Our highest pressure required is 65psi, so I don't need anything too heavy weight, or expensive like a Viair but I think I'd like something more than the little battery powered jobs.

Since I have AC available in the truck and a whole camper inverter, a small AC compressor would work but I haven't seen one as small as I'd like. The newer styles, that let you program the finish pressure would be nice.

I know there are tons of options and have seen several review vids but just thought I'd ask.

 

[RogerB]

After I bought my last truck, I found that my Lowe’s portable compressor could not fill the tires to 70#, so I bought the ViAir 400p compressor. Probably overkill for my needs , but it does the truck and trailer tires easily. It’s 12v only, but has a very long hose to reach all tires from the truck battery.

 

[JimM2109S]

ViAir 88P here. ViAir is a very reputable brand.

 

[reidfo]

I also air my TT tires to 65psi. I recently switched my other tools to Makita, so I have a battery operated Makita compressor that works well. I keep it in my truck. I have to remember to keep the battery charged, but I like it. It's slow though. I had a blowout last year and the spare needed a good 20 pounds put in and it handled it well. Didn't even drain the battery much. The roadside tech that changed my tire used my compressor and commented that he was going to buy one for himself.

 

[Dwilcox]

ViAir pump here to, 80 psi for the truck. Burned up a nice jump box setup so got the good one.

 

[Syrup]

Harbour Freight carries the Bauer battery inflator. It has no problems inflating my tires to 65. The price is very reasonable. I use a 3AH battery with mine. I don't know how many "empty" tires it will inflate on that but isn't close to being dead after adjusting 8 tires (4 on trailer and 4 on truck).

 

[DJ252]

I am already committed to the Craftsman V20 line of battery tools and I like them but their inflator doesn't get inspiring reviews and is in the lower middle of the pack, when doing head to head tests. I do very much like that it can work on 3 sources of power (batt, 12V and AC) as I'd prefer AC powered but that doesn't do me any good if its junk.

Viair is probably the most bullet proof of the minis but I choke when I look at the price and like I said, I'd really rather it be AC powered.

There are 3 gallon compressors, so the ultimate package would be about the same size as a 5 gallon bucket. I can afford that space while towing but I'd rather it fit under the seat for the day to day.

At the moment, I'm thinking I should go and put hands on the Craftsman to see what I think, or maybe the Etenwolf S6. I don't really need a battery bank but it gets points for 100% duty cycle and having a bulk air inflator.

 

[Larry-NC]

Sale at Northern Tool. See my post here.