Portable Air Compressors

[mail2us]

Are there suggestions on portable air compressors that I might consider for tire inflation and other small jobs...something I can carry in my truck or trailer storage.

Is 12V generated, battery or other type recommended? Thanks.

[Ozz]

Yessir, try Harbor freight's 12 volt compressor.

[bncinwv]

As Ozz said, (I bought the same one on his advice and do not regret it a bit!!!) Woohoo, 1000 posts, of course about 500 of them had nothing to do with Montanas, (sorry moderators)!!
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=93186
Bingo

[stiles watson]

I have two. One is a 12V that takes an eternity to inflate a tire to 80 psi. I also carry a 120V compressor, with a one gallon tank, that I can plug into the outside receptacle on the RV with enough self-coiling air hose to reach all tires. The 12V is small enough to be stored behind the back seat in the truck and the 120V occupies a spot in the basement of the Monty.

[mail2us]

Thanks again. I did read Ozz's thread on his compressor and horn, and am very impressed at your skill. I also like what Bingo and Ozz sent about HarborFreight cause that compressor is compact.

Stiles can U tell me the name of your 120V unit or a website for more comparison. Tks.

[bncinwv]

By the way, the Harbor Freight one comes in a suitcase-type carrying case.
Bingo

[Emmel]

Ozz should get a kickback from Harbor Freight, I bought one for me and one for my son-in-law for Christmas. These 12volters work great on the 80psi tires!

[kdeiss]

I purchased one Saturday thanks all

[Ozz]

I wish I had better luck with my Viair, I bought it first, it is built so much better, a class act.
I had a broken crank in it, caused by a defective pressure switch.
For the price, sadly, we have to go with the knock off.
If you mount them permanently, get a good pressure switch. I keep 90# in my system. You can get a good one on E-Bay at the off road racing places.
Good pressure switch, it has a relay built in for heavy duty operation, it is upright, Grey in color.

Here it is

[exav8tr]

I carry a 110VAC from Sears with me. I use it quite frequently as I air down when not towing and air up before I tow. I tried a 12 volt before but was too slow, of course I didn't have the one from Harbor Freight. With a portable Gen now I should have no problem with power for it.....

[Rondo]

I got mine at Harbor also! Works great andt I checked and if you want to mount it in the front bay or storage-- the coiled air hose will actually reach all the way to the back wheels-- at least it will on my 2980!
Bingo-- it could be you "louvered" your way into the 1000 posts.

[fulltimedreamer]

I ordered the one from Harbor Freight on Monday, according to FEDEX should have been here today. Maybe Monday.


Edit: Here's a link for the pressure switch Ozz recommended in case anybody needs it: http://www.tellico4x4.com/product_in...oducts_id/7207

[OntMont]

Generally I don't have much use for 12 volt air compressors, however the one at Harbor Freight may be an exception. I notice that it appears to clip directly to the battery. That will give it access to more amps than the ones that are powered through a cigarette lighter. I also notice that it is rated in CFM at 90 psi, this the standard way of rating air compressors. Claims based on pressure alone are almost meaningless if it takes hours to blow up a tire to 80 psi. Many of these compressors can only run for 10 minutes or so, and then they have to be allowed to cool down.

So, the Harbour Freight one is probably fine (especially if Ozz says so), but I would steer away from any 12v air compressor that plugs into a cigarette lighter, and is only rated on the max pressure it can achieve. For myself (not having access to Harbor Freight at the time), I bought a small 120v compressor that has served me well so far. I can power it from my inverter if I have to.

[Okie Guy]

You all got me worrying about not having an air supply on the road so I went out and bought the one at harbor freight last week. I haven't used it yet...and I hope I don't hav eto use it when I am traveling. I am glad I bought myself some piece of mind knowing its there if I need it.
Phil

[jjackflash]

I too bought one after reading the Ozz recommendation,works great!
FedEx Ground took almost two weeks getting it to me.
Jack

[Ozz]

Gosh, you folks have me under pressure, the darn things better work for you.
I was skeptical at first, I ordered two, as I figured the first would go 'belly up' in short order, my spare is still on stand by, no problems so far. I keep 90# in my system at all times, as I like to use the air horns when called for. So I know they are good.
As far as filling a flat tire, you need a storage tank, the compressor would take a long time.
The 120 volt units are obviously first choice, if you have the power, that is the way to go.
The air line and storage tank system are hard to keep leak free, but if you get a good tight system, you will be pleased. I recommend a hard wired voltage connection to the battery, fused, but wired in. There are good quick disconnects that should be used with this system for your portable needs, as you know, mine is mounted under my truck. It is in the weather, but is working fine.

I will do a thread on a system that is the Rolls Royce of air supply soon. (I have it also...the CO2 tank)

[ronnilu]

Well, it must just be me. I have had two (2) of the Harbor Freight 12v compressors & both burned out on me & wouldn't pump anymore air, so returned them. Just today bought a 110v one gallon 100# compressor (Campbell Hausfeld) at WalMart for $52+. Very seldom I'm not near some plug in power, but I am going to test to see if it will run off my 2500 inverter. I would have preferred a 12v but can't find any that don't cost a whole lot more. mike

[HughM]

Ronnilu, you are not the only one to have a problem with the Harbor Freight 12 volt. I bought one in Oct 07 and used it 1 hour later and it pumped up one tire and it quit. In all fairness I didn't know at the time about Ozz's secret of tighting the bolts on the compressor. 2 hours after I bought it I returned it.
I'll try another and tighten the compressor bolts before turning it on.
I have a 110 volt Black and Decker compressor that I've winterize RV's for 14 years and it still airs up the rear TV to 80 PSI.
Hugh

[JimF]

I carry both, a 110V 125PSI from Sears and a 12V 125PSI from Pepboys, $29.95. Will handle 80PSI on a tire with no problem, use it on my airbags and 5th Airbourne.. For big jobs and my air nail gun I go to the 110V unit.