Portable Compressors - MV-50 vs Viair 88P vs Smittybilt 2780?

After this past weekends debacle, I am looking for a small (portable) compressor to carry in my truck for emergencies/just in case moments. My budget is sub 100$ as I dont plan on using it every weekend to air up/down. I want something reliable that can inflate a flat tire after plugging in the woods on a camping/hunting/fishing trip. Im not super concerned about fill time, I just want something reliable thatll get the job done. Being able to pressurize a jug water would be a nice feature too for camping.

All 3 compressors seem pretty comparable - MV-50,

$91 Viair 88P Portable Compressor Kit (12V, 120 Psi, Forup to 33" Tires)

Viair 88P, and

$133 Smittybilt 2780 2.54 CFM Universal Air Compressor , Black

Smittybilt 2780. I remember seeing threads comparing the three but cannot locate them currently.

From all my research, Ive found that the gauge on MV-50 and the 88P is not reliable. Not a big deal.

The biggest things Im looking for is...


1. The ability to add a quick connect off the compressor to make storage easier and to be able to run a coiled longer/shorter hose as needed.

Research shows the MV-50 used a metric fitting, but can be drilled and tapped for fit a 1/4" NPT fitting. Ive not been able to find anything on the 88P. The Smittybilt 2780 has quick connect, but I cannot find any info on the thread size it uses. It appears to be a standard fitting of some sort.

2. Out of the 3, the biggest selling point Ive found is the Smittybilt compressor gives the option of permanently mounting and hard wiring it. Ive found a few thread with some info of permanently mounting it which kinda has me leaning towards this option. From my research, the MV-50 can be mounted under the hood but the Viair 88P isnt recommend to be under hood mounted.

Storage space in the (access) cab is already limited with all the other crap I have as it is and mounting a compressor under the hood would be MUCH more ideal than anywhere else. The only other unused spot to store the compressor would be in a rear cubby pocket.

3. I like the option of being able to convert the setup to a closed system using the 2780 by adding a check valve, water trap, pressure switch, & tank eventually.

I have some experience with on board air. My old lady's Jetta has air ride on it that was all set up and built by me - Viair 380c, check valve, water trap, 110/145 pressure switch, 5 gallon tank, then into the management. Its going on 4 years now with no issues. Im not looking to go anything that elaborate in the truck. Just a simple open setup that has the option of going closed eventually (but doubt I will as I have no need currently).

I would love to hear some real world input from fellow members who were in similar situations and came up with a solution. The truck has 265/70/17s on that get inflated to roughly 38psi. Lookin for real world inflate time and overheating info, ect.

 

Not my first option, but my bro got me the Q Industries MV50 for my bday about six years ago and its still kicking. I have a 4-door, and compressor fits nicely behind rear seat. It gets pretty hot but it has not failed. On long trips, I carry a 2nd spare in the bed. It's an E-rated tire and I pump it to 90 psi and have an air hose set up so I can use air from the tire if I have to.

 

I'm happy with my Viair 300P. It has a quick connect on the air hose with the same fitting as my compressor at home. I've only had it since Christmas but I've used it a few times now and it seems to work well. It has solid reviews on Amazon and can be found for close to, if not under $100 if you shop around.

 

I've owned and two of the three, the MV50 was dog ass slow and got slower as it got hotter (shocker). The Smittybilt was okay, but bulky and slightly faster. I currently have the Viair 85P and it is more than enough compressor for 265/275 tires. The 88P would be a better choice for 285 and up. I have been around OBA for a while. I had a 400P on my Jeep mounted under the hood permanently and routinely filled my 33s along with other peoples 35s on a regular basis without any drama or failure during wheeling trips. I had two 380c compressors on my bagged Gen2 XB. Viair or ARB and done, IMO.

If you need more hose...

$7 VIAIR (00016 6' Portable Compressor Air Extension Hose, Black

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00E...=viair+88p&dpPl=1&dpID=31H9mq81NxL&ref=plSrch

 

Thanks for the input so far.

:beer:

 

Back up.

Still looking for more opinions

 

Can't say anything about the others, but I got the 88P and it surprises me how well it works, really impressed me. As an added bonus, it fits snug as a bug in the factory box placed behind my rear passenger seat, like it was made to go there, no rattle or movement at all.

 

been rocking the MV-50 for some time. I popped two small fans on the top body that blow across the cylinder to keep it cool even on the hottest of days. All 4 of my 265/75R16's from 20 to 32 psi in ~ 15 min aint bad.

 

The more research I do the more I think I want an MV50

 

I have the Viair 85P under hood. Here is an extra valve end 90 degree. cheap.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B010APNNAS/ref=nav_timeline_asin?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

 

i run a ARB thats been dead reliable and a Viair setup too. one i put on another car was the . cheap when using the 20% off coupon. its been also great. cheap and just works for me.


EDIT: that smittybuilt is twice as fast as the HF and 1/3rd the price lol. go with that.

 

I use the MV-50, bought at pep boys for like 50-55 or so. the male fitting on it accepts a quick connect. I travel with a 50' air hose, works good for me. the gauge on it is off, but I run it to 45 on the gauge, puts me at 40 in the tire consistently.

 

MV50. Just do it !

 

Thanks for the suggestions

 

I really like my 88P it has no trouble with my 285s. I use it for bike tires too. I don't have any trouble with the pressure gauge accuracy. You have to turn it off to read accurate pressure. I always double check with my regular gauge and it reads the same. I didn't need the hose extension, the attached hose combined with the long wires allow me to reach all corners of the truck. You cant add your coiled hose to it, but the attached hose is very nice and heavy duty, it is durable and coils up nicely. Check Amazon, I got an open box deal on mine.


P.S. Love to see pics of the Jetta. I traded my Jetta in on the Taco. Still miss that car sometimes

 

I ended up going with the MV-50. If I dont like it, Ill keep in my my old lady's JK for her to use.

DirtyTeRD, here's a pic of it.



('99.5 2.0 5 speed. FULL GLI interior, GLI lip kit, air supension, VS-XXs, ect)


My Tacoma replaced this car -

 

Ancient thread, but I gotta ask: How has (or how did) the MV-50 held up?

 

Still going strong. It’s been mounted under the hood for almost 4 years now.

I did mid the compressor though -

 

Right on. And thanks for the link. I knew I had seen that somewhere but couldn't find it.