AIR COMPRESSOR

[Larry-P]

I have a Porter-Cable pancake air compressor. (125 lbs max pressure)
Is it advantageous to take this with us ??
Also, what is the normal tire air pressure for my Monty (3455SA).

Thanks, Larry-P

[BB_TX]

I have a Harbor Freight pancake compressor I carry. Have not had to use it yet for a very low tire on the road. But I do use it to top off the tires when needed.
But a couple years ago I awoke one morning to a low tire on the truck. I only had a 12v compressor at the time. It took about an hour for it to get the tire up enough to drive it into town for repair, and was still only about 55 lbs. I think there are probably better 12v compressors than the one I have.

[ols1932]

quote:Originally posted by Larry-P

I have a Porter-Cable pancake air compressor. (125 lbs max pressure)
Is it advantageous to take this with us ??
Also, what is the normal tire air pressure for my Monty (3455SA).

Thanks, Larry-P

We carry a 2-gallon electric compressor because we have solar panels with an inverter so we can put air in tires any time. We also have a 12-volt compressor which we purchased at Harbor Freight that inflates the tires a bit quicker.

Orv

[jwedell]

I'd rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it. I keep a 2K honda generator and a pancake compressor in the truck tool chest. It gives me piece of mind.

[Montana Sky]

I too carry an air compressor and use it often. I kept the coach tires at 80 PSI all the time, but found it really handy to be able to deflate the rear truck tires while in one location for any extended amount of time. Made sight seeing much more enjoyable not having the truck bouncing down the road from having 80 psi in the tires. When it came time to hitch up and head out, I'd plug the compressor in and re-inflate the rear truck tires back to 80 psi. Sure beats driving all over the place looking for a gas station that has a compressor big enough to put 80 psi in the tires...

[DQDick]

You'll need it. If you go west in the winter altitude changes and temp changes will have you adding and subtracting air at various times. If you go south you'll still have temperature changes to deal with. Since I have 110# tires I carry a 135# pancake and it handles the job well.

[brooksider]

2X Montana Sky
Joe

[Slufoot733]

I've had a 120 volt and a 12 volt air compressor for years. I use the 120 vole a lot for maintaining the pressure in my tires (truck, trailer, bicycle). I have also inflate plastic rafts for swimming in the lake, for blowing dust/dirt, etc. out of filters, and lots of other things. I would not travel with out it. The 12 volt is there for an emergency tire inflation out on the road.

[Larry-P]

Thanks for all the response on my question.
I've packed the compressor in the truck to go with us.

Larry P

[WorkerB]

DQDick,
What brand and model is your 135# compressor?
Thanks,
John......AKA WorkerB

[1retired06]

I would not travel without one.

[CamillaMichael]

quote:Originally posted by 1retired06

I would not travel without one.

Agree....

[Art-n-Marge]

When I tow my own rig I carry a Porter Cable 135psi pancake compressor and two EU2000s (only need one for the compressor but carry two in case I need backup generator power for the Monty). The 6 gallon pancake compressor airs up pretty quick and has a long hose to reach ALL tires on the Monty or the TV. Lately it seems the new model is 150, oh well.

I towed trailers professionally for several weeks and carried the Porter Cable 135HP compressor and an EU2000 Honda for airing up trailers when needed (Stored in a truck bed tool box). Although, where I picked up the trailers, air was available and when enroute I was able to air up at truck stops within a mile or so before starting the day's drive, I did have to break out this equipment and air up occassionally. Since some of my starts were early I would drive to a location close by since the generator and compressor can get pretty loud. It was nice to be able to guarantee to the customer (origination and destination) that the rig's tire pressure was checked and correct daily, along with the wheel torque.

It's a great feeling when you have the right equipment available to you.

[chd20go]

As a Workamper in S.C. And several other places I have worked, I would say 85% of people never check their tires b4 leaving! I have also seen RV's come in with low tires and they did not realize it. It is a good practice if people would check tire pressures b4 leaving a destination.

[Larry]

To OP,
1. Yes
2. Max cold rating

[mamestra]

I too travel with a compressor, but certainly would like to have a small portable compressor that would push 125 lbs, mine will do 90, which limits my tire choice so I too would like to know what compressor you have.
Thanks
Michael

[chd20go]

Mine is a Campbell hauls fled, Walmart $60.00 pushes 125 PSI . Not all Walmarts have this unit so you might have to look or try Harbor freight. Mine takes up about 1 cubic foot of space!

[Sinterior]

X3 Montana Sky, I let my truck tires down to 50 psi front, 40 rear, rides much better.

[steelpony5555]

I recently installed a air horn on my truck and it came with a Viair compressor mounted to a 1 1/2 gal tank. It seems like it will do nicely as a air compressor since it has a 120 lb air pressure. I have not tried to fill a tire with it but I have it set up and have 50 ft of hose and think it should do ok to top off low tires. It fits perfectly inside my tool box out of the weather and takes up less space then my pancake compressor did.

[Art-n-Marge]

Sinterior, what tires are on your truck?

I have Michelin MS2s and I actually had to call Michelin since the inflation table is not available online and while it took a long time to get through and an even longer time for the person to locate the information I needed, I learned that my max 80psi Michelin tires also have a minimum of 65 psi so I don't go below that any more. I think like you I prefer the lesser pressure when not towing (requires 75psi under load) or else the ride is quite spine-jarring. I used to try 50 to 60 psi but it was explained to me for my tires going under that is hazardous to the side walls.

I was quite surprised by that revelation especially since I've heard that some folks who travel on sand will lower their psi on their tires to 30 to 40 psi to increase the pad size. With what I learned about the low minimum it's best to check with the tire manufacturer on what the low psi would be. I didn't ask about the terrain used when I talked to the Michelin tech, but maybe it has a bearing. After all the M/S means Mud/Snow and maybe Sand might be different.

Maybe LonnieB could chime in on his experience and recommendations on this?