Portable air compressor - input

Where did you get yours at? Was thinking about Amazon but they aren’t always the cheapest and I try not to give them my business exclusively.

 

Go with the VIAIR 450P and never look back.

 

VMInnovations. It was about $145ish when I bought it a little over a year ago.

 

I've actually had a lot of luck with my Smittybilt compressor.

 

Bought the Viair 400 automatic. Comes with built in cutoff switch so I don’t need to wire in a cutoff switch if I later decide to hard mount it in the bed side cubby.

But feature I found I like most is the inflator/deflator/pressure gauge air chuck that came with it. Allows quick deflation and with pressure gauge built into the air chuck makes it easy to deflate without overshooting. If you can’t afford the 400, suggest you spend the extra $26 to buy to the Viair 00041 inflator/deflator chuck with pressure gauge.

 

I’ve also had very good luck with this unit. This unit is rebranded by a few different names. It’s surprising how quick it will fill tires, even larger tires. On my first gen, I had 33x10.50’s aired down to 16-18psi on the trail. I think it took about 20 min to get all 4 aired back up to 33-35 psi. I’ve had mine for over 10 years with occasional use and it’s still going strong. If you were wheeling more frequently, you might want to think about a heavier duty unit and maybe even go on board with it.

Oh, if you’re going this route, make sure you get this exact version with the air filter pointing out the front. There’s a lower end model that doesn’t work as well that the filter mounts off the side.

 

Viair400.

 

Not a compressor, but I carry a CO2 tank. Quick fill, unless it's cold, and the ability to run air tools on it.

 

I got a slime tire inflator at walmart. It fills 33s remarkably fast.

This one I think: https://shop.slime.com/collections/...-heavy-duty-tire-inflator?variant=47563654088

Real benefit: It fits in one of the cubbys under the rear seat in my access cab.

 

I did CO2 tanks for 4 years. I finally just got tired of dealing with the heavy bastard....(Got tank filled free, got all my regulator and hoses free...) VIAIR compressor eliminated about 30lbs...and 1/3rd the space taken up... Not a huge deal until you start packing for a 2 week trip. Then space and weight are at a premium. Both air sources are viable alternatives, just much prefer the size and weight of the VIAIR.

 

Lol no reason to get butt-hurt over it. $65 is insanely cheap in the world of compressors and that's what they were pointing out. The 88P is basically a minimum viable product for a pickup and literally the cheapest you should go IMO.

 

I have the same for the same reason. Just be aware the portables are only IP54 rated which means dust and water can be a problem if they're regularly exposed. I might just sell mine and buy a C-series instead when it comes time to mount it.

 

I run the smittybilt 2780 before is was stolen out my 4runner. $80

https://www.quadratec.com/products/...p2kxbo_PotJP2H4OuzdOQm08XKVdQE8RoCCIwQAvD_BwE

 

Sorry for the long post that’s about to happen... I actually worked at VIAIR for 5 years and still a huge fan of their product. Was part of their sales team so testing competition was a regular part of the job. I’m still a “homer” with their product and have one myself that’s lasted over 7 years of regular use. While working there I saw compressors well over 16 years old with the only issue being a worn down piston ring (easy fix). Utilize their website and tire size indicator per compressor, and if anyone has any questions I’m more than happy to help too. It’s been a few years since I’ve worked there but can still answer basic questions and point people in the right direction.

If you’re not going larger than 33” I’d stick with the 300P. The 88P is great but it wasn’t designed for continual airing up and down, its more for topping off tires. Spend a little more and get something that will last you well over 5-10 years.

If you want something different you can get the 400P-Auto. The automatic version has an in-line pressure switch built into it so that when the trigger is let go it reads a certain amount of air in the air hose (125/150PSI) and tells the compressor to stop running, so the air hose acts as if it’s a tank so to speak.

The regular 300P/400P and other compressors are free flowing so as soon as you turn the compressor on air starts going until you turn it off causing you to go from the compressor to tire each time you want to check the air. The automatic feature is more for convience and saving time but spending a little bit initially will save you in the long run. Here to help if anyone needs anything feel free to tag or PM!

 

Since I don't need one except for emergencies or the occasional adjusting of inflation, I went to Harbor Freight for mine. It's worked fine for the past three years.

 

Viair 200psi fast fill kit.

https://www.viaircorp.com/ask/ask200fastfill

380C continuous duty compressor and 2g tank. Mounted a manifold near the rear cubby. By the time I added up all the components, buying the kit was cheaper. I can run an impact wrench with it intermittently.

 

You think that's bad, look into the dual battery setup that mounts the second battery where he put his air compressor. Off grid engineering makes it, then you mount the compressor in the space by the radiator fill.

That's what I'm gonna do.

 

I use this one too. Behind pass seat?

 

That’s the right way.. I’m going to get the portable viair300p.. it’ll suit my needs for now.. if i decide later to do on board air I’ll still have a portable back up..

 

What are the pros/cons to an 120v compressor vs one running off the battery? Since we have a socket in the bed, 120v seems like it would be simpler to power. Is a DC compressor better at airing up than 120v or is 120v just not a common option for portable air?