Air Compressor

[CamillaMichael]

I have been carrying a six-gallon air compressor to keep the tires on the Montana and our truck inflated to proper psi...my compressor has a max rating of 135psi; however, the most it will show on the gauge is between 125psi and 130psi. It has worked well with the previous tires on the Montana inflated to 80psi and the truck tires inflatted to 80psi/65psi (back/front). With the tires we have just installed on the Montana having 110psi ratings, wondering if my current compressor is up to the task...anyone have any ideas on the subject?????

[Ozz]

It will work, but a little slow if it's down a bunch. The tank on the compressor will help make it fill faster.

[jimcol]

When we are in one place for a few days we drop the rear tires on the truck from 70psi to 45 to make the running around ride a little smoother. I had a 150psi/3gal compressor. Bringing the tires from 45 to 70 took forever and sometimes the thermal protection would kick out. Bought a porter cable 135psi/6 gal. Does a much better job. Still works hard but never need to shut it down to prevent thermal protection kick out. Takes about 25% as long as the 3 gal unit took to bring the tires back up to towing pressure. Jim

[dieselguy]

Unless you go to a 2 stage compressor (more money) a single stage compressor is only good for @ 125 psi range anyways. Your old single stage is more than adequate for what you will use it for. Like mentioned it'll just take a bit longer to top off your new tires. But hey ... isn't the RV lifestyle all about no schedules ... no worries ... no numbers on the clock

[Ozz]

The very best/quickest thing a guy...or gal.. can carry to air up tires is CO2, with a regulator. Nitrogen is good, but the bottles don't carry enough pressure to last any time.
Not the cheapest..but the best.
Those sand-rails and Jeeps use them to top off the air when they deflate them for the rock climbing.
I have a tank at all times. It takes me about 10 seconds to raise the pressure 10# if needed. I can lower the supply pressure to 60# fill bicycle tires, raise it to 400# and blow off the dust.
The air compressors mentioned in this thread work super, just take a little longer, they are fine.
The key is pressure differential, the more differential you have..the faster they pump up.

[DQDick]

Taking a little longer isn't a big deal. 15-20 minutes max to do all four and the truck, including time to turn the truck around. Don't buy something new till you try it.

[Chip]

Ozz

Where do you get the CO2 tank filled while on the road? How do you find a filling station?

Chip

[CamillaMichael]

Thanks to all! Happy to hear I will probably not have to buy a new compressor...spent too much already this year and there is still a month to go!

[Ozz]

quote:Originally posted by Chip

Ozz

Where do you get the CO2 tank filled while on the road? How do you find a filling station?

Chip

Hi Chip,
Every town usually has a welding supply outlet. I even got CO2 in Lake Havasu. I carry 4 small bottles with me, (2 of them I have gages for and sell.)
Ozz

[DQDick]

That Ozz is always thinking!

[Bob Perry]

Ozz has every gadget going...what a guy

[Art-n-Marge]

I have the Porter Cable 135 unit and wonder if the 150 is better (I don't even see the 135 at stores any more). I inflate my trailer to 80 psi and my truck to 75 without much difficulty.

I suppose other brands might not be as good or even better, so I think you have one of the better brands. I do think it will take a little longer to inflate to 110psi especially since if the max on the current compressor is 125 (I've never seen higher than that on mine, either) and the motor needs start up to keep the tank full of air to be supplied for your total tire needs. I can fill about 3 tires before the motor starts up, but I also set the air psi to about 100 for filling my tires (to 80 or 75 psi). Just allow plenty of time for this important use.

[CamillaMichael]

Art, I filled the tires yesterday (each needed a few psi)...the drill was to fill the tank and start filling the tires. Got one to 110psi and the next to about 107/108...at that point the gauge on the compressor was showing about 110psi and would not fill any higher, so it was back to filling the tank. Did this drill until all four tires were at the desired psi. Going back to storage tomorrow to see if the psi's are still 110...until I see the tires hold at 110 for at least a week, I am going to check frequently...want to make sure there is no problem with them before we take off on a trip. I agree with you...the Porter Cable 135 is a good compressor. I have used mine for at least 6-7 years and have been happy with it, and as long as I have power close by, it should continue to work for me. However, when it finally dies, I will go with a unit with higher numbers.

[CamillaMichael]

Good news! Did not have to do the "fire drill" with my 135psi compressor...all four tires held at the level I had inflated them to...woo hoo! Holding air for two days straight! Guess it's one of those weeks when it does not take much to get excited....

[Art-n-Marge]

That's great that the unit did okay with the 110psi. At least since the tires stay at 110psi refilling should not be such a chore.

I always keep the trailer tires at 80 psi and only a few psi are ever needed, but in my truck's case I deflate the tires down to 65 psi all around (from 75 psi) or else when I'm not loaded or towing, the truck will bounce all over the place and start to show wear in the center of the tread (like when they are overinflated). This 135 compressor does a fine job inflating when the need goes back up to 75 psi for towing or cargo loading. After consulting with Michelin, this was deemed an okay procedure but they don't recommend any lower than 65 psi with the particular tires and the truck they are installed on. So all is good, the tires are wearing just fine!