Portable air compressor - advice?

[KSRdallen]

I'm looking at several models (for auto tires) and I'd like something I can keep in the trunk. If the more expensive ones are that much faster, I'd consider them but I wonder if they are that much faster. Thoughts on the ones linked below?

Viair 85P

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0036E9VB6/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_6?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Viair 70P

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0012WHBSO/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_5?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

AAA 300 PSI 12 Volt

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000SL4AA2/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_4?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER


Also, some of the reviews of the two Viair units talked about getting a connector to the cigarette lighter adapter and attaching the compressor straight to the battery instead (links below to two models). Necessary?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00065L2D8/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00D7XNN7O/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A3I7NVQYVTT49L

[CitizenBBN]

I have no idea what brand mine are, bought them at auctions mostly, but I doubt any of them are fast given the size. Can't imagine any can generate enough pressure/volume to be downright quick but I could be wrong. I used one once on 4 tires and it wasn't speedy but it wasn't long enough to be an issue. Ran it through the lighter.

[kingcat]

I have a Cambell/Hausfield and I'd guess six of one, etc....

Just so much air pressure you can pump with 12 volts. My question has always been, why isn't that at least a factory option on every vehicle?
Heck, they have air ride leveling and all on many makes and models, but can't offer a supply of air for the tires?

As much as quality tires and wheels cost now-a-days, you'd think they would include an air compressor inside each tire to assure consistant and adjustable pressure.

As for the connector, it would be a wise thing to have in case your lighter/acc. fuse blows or it otherwise stops working for whatever reason.

By the way, my comp came with a flashing emergency light and a flashlight. Both stopped working after the first use. :533:

Might I suggest you consider one with its own battery. Its much more versatile and you can air up any inflatables on the court, poolside, in the backyard, or in the woods.
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00988551000P?srccode=cii_9324560&cpncode=33-299133121-2&sid=IDx20070921x00003j

[Darrell KSR]

Mine. Huge difference in inflation speed between this and the $10-15 ones I have bought for years.

http://m.harborfreight.com/air-tools/air-compressors/12v-100-psi-high-volume-air-compressor-69284.html

Sent from my SM-G900T using Tapatalk

[CitizenBBN]

Darrell's is the one I used above. It wasn't going to replace my full size compressor but if the others are a lot slower definitely get this one.

[kingcat]

The internal battery powered ones like I linked above are pretty handy for lots of uses where your cars battery cant be accessed.
The internal battery takes four hours to charge and it also has an extra outlet which will power most 12V products...so you could hook up a cheaper mkodel and air two tires at once I guess .)

You can still operate it using the auto accessory port however.

It's likely the model I'll purchase next,


You might also check out this rather expensive heavy duty model with a 16 foot detachable hose and built in alligator clips for connecting direct to the battery. Has a carrying case too.
http://www.sears.com/q-industries-mv50-superflow-high-volume-12-volt/p-SPM1175489314

Q Industries also makes a portable 12v twin cylinder model for airing monster off road tires

[KSRdallen]

Great feedback. Thanks!

[KeithKSR]

If you have a name brand cordless drill you may be able to get one that uses the same battery as your cordless drill.

Here is one for the Craftsman C3 19.2V batteries. http://www.craftsman.com/craftsman-c3-19.2-volt-cordless-inflator/p-00911586000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

All these tiny compressors are painfully slow. When we go four wheeling I fill up an air tank and toss it in the back of our Polaris Ranger. I can put about 150 psi in the tank and air up a truck tire with it easily. I turn the valve on my tank off and it will maintain the air pressure for weeks.

If you are using it to maintain air pressure I'd opt for a 110V pancake air compressor. You can get one at Harbor Freight for $50 that will run circles around those portable compressors.
http://t.harborfreight.com/air-tools/air-compressors/3-gal-13-hp-100-psi-oilless-pancake-air-compressor-61615.html

[KeithKSR]

The internal battery powered ones like I linked above are pretty handy for lots of uses where your cars battery cant be accessed.
The internal battery takes four hours to charge and it also has an extra outlet which will power most 12V products...so you could hook up a cheaper mkodel and air two tires at once I guess .)

You can still operate it using the auto accessory port however.

It's likely the model I'll purchase next,


You might also check out this rather expensive heavy duty model with a 16 foot detachable hose and built in alligator clips for connecting direct to the battery. Has a carrying case too.
http://www.sears.com/q-industries-mv50-superflow-high-volume-12-volt/p-SPM1175489314

Q Industries also makes a portable 12v twin cylinder model for airing monster off road tires

I like that one more than most portables. The cord and hose combine for 26 feet of possible reach. A lot of inflator so will not reach tires at the rear of a vehicle.

[suncat05]

I bought a couple of them from WalMart. I think "Slime" is the brand name. I keep one in my patrol car, the other one stays in the Boss's car.
I have used both of them, several times, most notably when her car had those stinking Bridgestone tires on it. Those tires aren't worth the powder to blow them up with. I will never, ever have any more Bridgestone tires on any of my vehicles. Ever. But that's what I had to buy the portable compressors for.

[KSRdallen]

I ended up buying a Slime (linked below). In the price range it was the only one that you set the pressure you want and it stops at that pressure automatically. I tested it on all four tires on my car using one of the old manual gauges and it was perfect. So far, I am pleased with it and saved some $ in the process of selecting it.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002ZBWKAU/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1