air compressor question

[captbanjo]

Will a standard 12 volt air compressor, typically found at your average hardware store for balls, tires, etc., be strong enough to pump air into a fifth wheel tire?

[HamRad]

captbanjo,
Hello Wayne and Cathy. If you're talking about the little tankless type compressors then the ans is most likely "NO". Even though they say they will inflate up to hundreds of pounds! They are slow! Since most RV tires need to be upward of 65 pounds or more the little compressor you are talking about would take a long time to do the job.. Now there are some really good 12 volt systems out there. I remember reading a review in Trailer Life a few years back about a 12 volt system that worked really well. Problem was it needed to be installed.... I think the primary purpose was to maintain air bags on truck. But it was also used as a regular compressor for any number of applications. The cost was quite high. I think it was in the 400 to 500 dollar range.... plus installation. Although one could probably install it themselves.

Harbor Freight and Sears as well as all the major "hardware" type stores sell a small 110 type compressor that will do the job.

I have one from HF and air my tires to 80psi all around. Does a reasonably good job.

HamRad

[harleyrider]

What I use is a "power tank"It fills the tires with co2.It fits right into my front storage compartment.Comes with a 25 foot hose.Which will fill all my 5er tires and if my truck is parked fairly close will fill these tires also.One tank full of co2 will fill 39 class A tires.The psi goes up to 200.Fills these tires in a matter of seconds.Best thing I ever bought.To refill the tank-just bring it to a welding shop-12 bucks to refill.has 2 really nice gauges on it.My 5er tires require 80 psi.If they are low lets say 74 psi-bringing them up to 80psi takes at the most 15 seconds if that.

[captbanjo]

Harleyrider, does it work with ac or 12 volt or maybe some other way? Also, can you tell me the brand name?


"What I use is a "power tank"It fills the tires with co2.It fits right into my front storage compartment.Comes with a 25 foot hose.Which will fill all my 5er tires and if my truck is parked fairly close will fill these tires also.One tank full of co2 will fill 39 class A tires.The psi goes up to 200.Fills these tires in a matter of seconds.Best thing I ever bought.To refill the tank-just bring it to a welding shop-12 bucks to refill.has 2 really nice gauges on it.My 5er tires require 80 psi.If they are low lets say 74 psi-bringing them up to 80psi takes at the most 15 seconds if that."

[NJ Hillbilly]

Wayne, basically it's just a CO2 cylinder with a regulator that steps the pressure down from a few thousand psi to a workable pressure for filling tires. I have also read about using the cylinder to run air tools.

No other power source required.

John

[Northstar]

Thanks guys great info. Happy rving.....

[Treecounter]

I wouldn't try a 12 volt compressor. As stated earlier they are slow. The one we tried burnt up the first time we used it. Read the fine print and it could only run 10 min. at a time. We went tow a sears portable 110 Volt. We have a generator so power isn't a problem. If you don't have a generator Costco sells a 1000 Amp inverter for about $70. That will run the compressor. Treecounter