Best 12V air compressor

[Hobo Bill]

I have a 110 volt air compressor, but I don't have a generator yet ... What is the best 12 volt air compressor to top off my 80 psi tires ? Is it best to use the tow vehicle battery with engine running, or the deep cycle battery in my unit ?

[gbkims]

I have a 110 volt air compressor, but I don't have a generator yet ... What is the best 12 volt air compressor to top off my 80 psi tires ? Is it best to use the tow vehicle battery with engine running, or the deep cycle battery in my unit ?

Viair is mentioned a lot. I like mine.
The Harbor Freight Air Compressors post mentions some 120V and 12V compressors.
And Air compressor recommendation

[boyscout]

I have a 110 volt air compressor, but I don't have a generator yet ... What is the best 12 volt air compressor to top off my 80 psi tires ? Is it best to use the tow vehicle battery with engine running, or the deep cycle battery in my unit ?

I had a VIAIR 100psi pump - don't remember the exact model - installed in my truck with a 2 gallon air tank. Really liked the setup for my Reflection's 80psi tires, blowing out water lines, cleaning stuff, etc.

Then I traded trailers for one with 110psi tires. <grrrr!> So I had to buy the VIAIR 450RV - a 150psi unit - for filling the trailer tires. It's not installed in the truck, it's a standalone unit. It works well (though more slowly than I expected it can take a minute or two just to top up tires by ten pounds) and comes with a useful collection of accessories.

You might want to make your purchase in one step, rather than two as I did. Good luck with your choice.

[BeerBrewer]

We own a VIAIR 300P Portable Compressor, works great! Purchased it on amazon (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1)

[Keebler]

I have a 110 volt air compressor, but I don't have a generator yet ... What is the best 12 volt air compressor to top off my 80 psi tires ? Is it best to use the tow vehicle battery with engine running, or the deep cycle battery in my unit ?

I was in the exact same boat, had a 110v compressor, but I store my Solitude on a lot with no place to plug in. So, I was fine at the campground, but out of luck if I needed air at the start of my trip. I keep my Solitude's tires at 110 PSI and find the Viair unit mentioned by others gets the job done.

I have this model: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004B68XGC...v_ov_lig_dp_it

I hook up to my tow vehicle.

[Hobo Bill]

Thanks everyone.

[RickLight]

I have a Black and Decker (I know, I know) https://www.blackanddecker.com/produ...lator/bdinf12c

It uses a 12V port and can do both tires and low pressure items.

[GrandRN]

https://www.harborfreight.com/12volt...sor-63184.html

I've had that one for 5 years and it'll fill up tires FAST.

[Luv2Ski]

Viair is tankless and oil free. The latter is important if you are going to blow out your water lines when winterizing (unless you crave the taste of compressor oil). If you have 7,000 pound axles or heavier (or think you ever will) then you will have 110 PSI cold (or higher) tire inflation to deal with. I would recommend you select a Viair model that goes up to 150 PSI in that case.

Here's ours: VIAIR 400P-RV 12-Volt Portable Air Compressor Inflator (33% duty cycle)

Here's a better one: VIAIR 450P-RV 12-Volt Portable Air Compressor Inflator (100% duty cycle)

For < 7,000 pound axles, you'll need 80-90 PSI cold and a compressor that goes up to 120 PSI minimum.
VIAIR 300P 12-Volt Portable Air Compressor Inflator (33% duty cycle)

[RickLight]

All that applies to the Black & Decker I linked to above.
At 1/4 the price!