I am working towards our first RV winterization. For the water portion, I'm planning to use compressed air and RV antifreeze. My question is, can several of you recommend an adequate air compressor model that will only be used for this purpose? I would like to find a budget-friendly model. Thanks!
Probably just about any compressor will do. Max pressure for blowing out plumbing lines is like 35psi and I don't know of any compress that won't do that. Then it is a matter of how much or how little you want to spend.
Eleven99
Advanced Member
I own/use a small porter cable pancake compressor in my shop that I have owned for many years. It is a post oil compressor. I also carry a small compact air compressor in my RV for occasions where I need to fill the tires. I purchased off Amazon a compressor fitting and a brass Schrader valve fitting for my smaller compressor. Both will work for your needs. I would ask you to refer to your owner's manual for max PSI. My manual states not to exceed 30PSI. Harbor Freight currently has a small portable shop compressor on sale at a decent price. Of course, you can find a hundred automotive compressors. I would advise you to find one where you can control the output pressure.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0006IX68O?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002XL2IEA?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1
https://www.amazon.com/AstroAI-Comp...=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9zZWFyY2hfdGhlbWF0aWM&th=1
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0006IX68O?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002XL2IEA?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1
https://www.amazon.com/AstroAI-Comp...=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9zZWFyY2hfdGhlbWF0aWM&th=1
Thank you for your helpful reply!
PeterInNH
Advanced Member
Hi All,
Resurrecting this additional discussion.
I'm looking at buying a good Portable Compressor that I can use both for winterization and tire maintenance when on the road... So far I've heard good things about ViAir and hunted up this option (VIAIR 450P-RV Automatic Portable Air Compressor Kit for RV, Truck and SUV Tires | VIAIR RV Winterization Kit):
Looks like it is, and does, everything I want - except it's a bit pricey. In the end don't mind spending the $$ but if there's a comparable, cheaper, option out there I'd like to hear about it.
Opinions ?
Thanks !
Resurrecting this additional discussion.
I'm looking at buying a good Portable Compressor that I can use both for winterization and tire maintenance when on the road... So far I've heard good things about ViAir and hunted up this option (VIAIR 450P-RV Automatic Portable Air Compressor Kit for RV, Truck and SUV Tires | VIAIR RV Winterization Kit):
Looks like it is, and does, everything I want - except it's a bit pricey. In the end don't mind spending the $$ but if there's a comparable, cheaper, option out there I'd like to hear about it.
Opinions ?
Thanks !
I’m on my second Viair. Really like them. First one only went to 80psi. My trailer tires go beyond that. Now I’ve got the one you posted and recently got the winterization kit from Amazon for it.
Previously I used a pancake compressor to winterize, but it was a hassle because I was typically winterizing at my storage space where there’s no power so I needed my 85lb generator for the compressor. Or on winter trips I’d have to pack the compressor. Now I’ll just use the Viair off the truck batteries. Which lives in my truck under the back seat.
Previously I used a pancake compressor to winterize, but it was a hassle because I was typically winterizing at my storage space where there’s no power so I needed my 85lb generator for the compressor. Or on winter trips I’d have to pack the compressor. Now I’ll just use the Viair off the truck batteries. Which lives in my truck under the back seat.
MtnGuy
Senior Member
I bought 1 similar to this:
I take it with me on trips, and can run it off of my truck inverter. On the last trip out west, I used it about every day coming home to keep a trailer tire with a slow leak inflated until I got home.
https://www.harborfreight.com/3-gallon-110-psi-oil-free-light-duty-pancake-air-compressor-57567.html
I take it with me on trips, and can run it off of my truck inverter. On the last trip out west, I used it about every day coming home to keep a trailer tire with a slow leak inflated until I got home.
I've had a ViAir since 2012. It has never let me down. Most extreme case was airing up a rather large motorhome tire. It took about 20 minutes, but it worked well.
I had a few less expensive compressors (12 volt) prior to the ViAir, but the one I have is still going strong. I've had to replace the air hose once and put a few new filters in it but, other than that, no issues.
I want to reiterate two good points above. Consider the power you will have available and vouch for Viair quality. I have had mine for nearly 10 yrs and it lives in the bed of the truck.
--I have 120v power available at the storage lot so a 6 gal pancake compressor is about the least expensive solution ($100 at Home Depot). I do use a water separator to keep the rusty water from the compressor out of the plumbing lines (I drink the water from the rv plumbing).
--Since we have a dually, I prefer the Viair 450 RV compressor above since it has an auto shutoff. It runs off the battery which is nice for use anytime on the road. For me the "automatic" feature is a productivity thing since I have 10 tires to fill on a daily basis as we travel north.
I also assembled a regulator (just bought parts to simulate the Viair winterize kit). This enables me to winterize at the campsite and occasionally use a brad nailer in the RV if I need to replace trim pieces.
--I have 120v power available at the storage lot so a 6 gal pancake compressor is about the least expensive solution ($100 at Home Depot). I do use a water separator to keep the rusty water from the compressor out of the plumbing lines (I drink the water from the rv plumbing).
--Since we have a dually, I prefer the Viair 450 RV compressor above since it has an auto shutoff. It runs off the battery which is nice for use anytime on the road. For me the "automatic" feature is a productivity thing since I have 10 tires to fill on a daily basis as we travel north.
I also assembled a regulator (just bought parts to simulate the Viair winterize kit). This enables me to winterize at the campsite and occasionally use a brad nailer in the RV if I need to replace trim pieces.
I have been using my Viair for the past 5 years, it's the 400P model, 150 PSI max and 2.3 CFM and love it, but Viair is not cheap. It's the go to for off roaders. Also they don't give you bursts of air pressure because they don't have an air tank. However, they do give you a very short (1-2 seconds) initial burst of air, basically what is stored in the air hose after the pump shuts off. After that they provide about 1-2.3 CFM, slow and steady air pressure.
Most people wanting to blow out their RV water lines want more burst air pressure than that but below @35 psi regulated air or you risk damage to your RV water lines and valves.
Budget friendly -so if all you want to do is blow out your water lines then I would stick with a small pancake type compressor with or add a regulator, under $100. Then again they are 110AC not 12 Volt DC. Keep that in mind like others have said. Do you have a 110VAC utility plug on your truck, maybe that would work for you?
Most people can find a place in their storage compartment for the little pancake ones. I don't know what RV you have but if the tire air pressure is in the 100-110 psi range and you want to use it for your RV tires as well, get one that will go that high in psi.
Just my .02
Keebler
Senior Member
One more vote for the Viair. I have the 400P-RVN (currently $288 on Amazon Amazon.com )
It easily inflates to 110PSI; it's VERY quiet, and easily reaches back to my trailer tires while I am parked normally (front of the truck away from RV) in front of my RV. It's nice to have something that I don't have to worry about charging or needing to have a power source available. Comes in a nice compact bag that stays in my truck all the time.
It easily inflates to 110PSI; it's VERY quiet, and easily reaches back to my trailer tires while I am parked normally (front of the truck away from RV) in front of my RV. It's nice to have something that I don't have to worry about charging or needing to have a power source available. Comes in a nice compact bag that stays in my truck all the time.
This is the best compressor I have found for tires. 18V XR Inflator - Bare Unit | DEWALT
It's light and small. $139.00.
It screws on to the Schrader valve, you set the pressure and walk off and let it do it's thing. Can't say it would be the best for winterizing or not.
I like it because it's 1\2 the size of all the others and runs off 18 volt batteries which I carry anyway.
Just my 2 cents.
It's light and small. $139.00.
It screws on to the Schrader valve, you set the pressure and walk off and let it do it's thing. Can't say it would be the best for winterizing or not.
I like it because it's 1\2 the size of all the others and runs off 18 volt batteries which I carry anyway.
Just my 2 cents.
I carry that one as well. It’s an awesome little tool. I don’t use it on my truck or trailer tires, but for bicycles, airbags, and other inflatable stuff. Shares a battery with my impact so that’s convenient too. Best battery powered compressor I’ve found.
I have that also because I have several Dewalt batteries. It does a very good job, is small, and no electrical connection required, so it really is portable. However, the OP mentioned he wanted something that would also blow out his water lines, and this won't do the job. Which is why I never mentioned it, but it sounds like the Viair won't either AFATG. Any of the tankless compressors/inflators are going to be hard pressed to blow out air lines. Maybe with the addition of a small air bubble?
Last edited by a moderator:
I have fixed the link. The GSPSCN works well for blowing out with the attachment. I just hook it up and go around and open all the faucets and the toilet. Then pump in the pink stuff.
For tires, this is not as powerful as others that cost quite a bit more, but it gets the job done (just takes a little longer). I can easily get my trailer tires to 80 lbs, works fine on the truck also.
PeterInNH
Advanced Member
Hi All,
Thanks for all the replies - as usual this place is an absolute treasure of information and help !
I think I'll stick with the VIAIR 450P I mentioned in my original post. However, since my truck has a 400W plug and the lighter outlet supplies 20amps (maybe preferred since it's already 12v DC ?), is there a way to modify the battery connections to one of these other alternatives ?
Not really a huge deal I suppose but would think it would make it a bit easier to use...
Thanks again !
Peter
Thanks for all the replies - as usual this place is an absolute treasure of information and help !
I think I'll stick with the VIAIR 450P I mentioned in my original post. However, since my truck has a 400W plug and the lighter outlet supplies 20amps (maybe preferred since it's already 12v DC ?), is there a way to modify the battery connections to one of these other alternatives ?
Not really a huge deal I suppose but would think it would make it a bit easier to use...
Thanks again !
Peter
I just clamp my ViAir to a battery directly.
CedarCreekWoody
Senior Member
This attachment can work well (I have one.) But be careful when connected or you can over pressure your lines and blow something apart. These small compressors can develop a lot of pressure if it is running and all faucets are closed. Some compressors have adjustable pressure settings but most dont.
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