Is VIAIR the portable compressor to get?

Wondering if it's a good value, gets good reviews.
Was thinking of getting the 400P.
How useful the auto function is on the 400P-auto?
I suppose that means it stops when the tank reaches set pressure just like a shop compressor?

VIAIR 400P - 40043 Tire Inflator Portable Offroad Air Compressor for Truck & SUV | 12V On/Off Road Tire Pump Air Compressor Portable Heavy Duty 150 PSI, up to 35" Tires, Alligator Clips

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000X9AXR8/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

 

I have the 88p and it's a great compressor, though it has blown a few fuses on me. I use it a lot though. Just keep spares in the truck. Its not the fastest compressor but gets all 4 of my 32" tires filled up in 10 min. The 400p would be better at that I'm sure. The 88p was only $70 or so IIRC.

Edit: I was being generous, probably more like 15 minutes lol.

 

I have owned the 400P for 5 years, used it extensively here in the SoCal deserts as well as Utah, Arizona, etc.

Never had an issue with the pump or the storage bag. Never blown a fuse or cycled out due to heat.

I did have to replace the valve/chuck/hose after three years, as the lock over feature eventually wore out and would not hold onto my valve stems any longer. This was a major PITA for a few trips as I had to hold the valve head onto each stem as I inflated.

Fixed now, and I keep my 400P as a back up/trail loaner to my Powertank.

 

i have the 88p and i like it so far. had it for 2 years now, i keep it in the toolbox in the truck if i ever need it. used it several times at the beach to air up when the line was a mile long at the pump station. it does heat up after inflating 2 tires. its not the quickest compressor but it gets the job done. filled my 265/70/17s to 40psi in 3-4 min. if you follow the instructions of how long to use it and how long to let it cool down in between uses this compressor will last you for years since most of the thing is made up of metal or aluminum vs the cheap slime compressor where even the piston is made of plastic. so to wrap this up, if your going to use it several times a month, id get something bigger that will inflate it faster without taking breaks to cool it down. but if your like me that keeps it in the truck just incase u ever need it and only gonna use it several times a year then this will be perfect reliable compressor.

 

I have the 85p and it works great on my stock tires. If I had bigger tires then I would get one that attached to my battery instead of the interior power outlet. Theses are great little compressors.

 

I have the 88p and have 265/75/16's. from 15 psi up to 30 psi, takes about 10 minutes for all 4 corners. the heat sink on top does get hot after the first tire or two. I use it when I'm in the woods but I'll default to the air pumps in the parking lots at the beach since they are much faster. Max run time is 25 minutes so, the time it takes to fill up is under 25 minutes. Plus there's usually a minute or two to switch between tires. 400 probably has a longer max duty cycle time since it's longer. 88p wouldn't be something I let a few other trucks fill up with since it has a 25minute max run time. anyway, I'm sure the 400 is going to be that much better, but the 88p is only $50 right now on Amazon.

If I had bigger tires, I'd have to mount a higher capcity, maybe with a tank because it would take too long and I'd run out of patience.


When I'm on soft dirt or gravel, I do like to place it on the wooden board I keep in the truck for the jack. the vibration can make it dig in a bit in soft sirt or throw around some small bits of pebble in gravel that might get pulled in to the intake. I'm sure the 400 vibrates just as much.

 

I have the 300 and have not had any problems.

 

I'd get a Smittybilt compressor over a Viair any day. The Viars are good compressors, but I have a couple buddies with the Smitty's and they kick the Viairs butt. I have had a good experience with my ARB, but they are pretty spendy.

 

I think Viair is the brand to get but I'm not sure about that compressor. I have dual Viair 444Cs onboard and they can fill a tire really fast and have never blown fuses or been anything but perfect runners. The only downside to them vs the ARB is the ARB is smaller, but because of their smaller package they need a fan and tend to overheat when that (computer fan) inevitably fails. I'd see if you can find a single compressor based of the 400 series or maybe a single 444C if you aren't looking for speed.

Pic for fun...

 

I just bought the 88P on Amazon for $43 shipped. How/where do you guys store yours?

 

That's a nice setup. Good to know that high performance and dependability are there with a setup like this.

 

People here mentioned more than once that these are not the fastest compressors.... What is ?

I have a 400P-RV. For as often as I use it, I think it does a pretty good job but never really compared it to anything else.

 

Is it THE compressor to get? No, probably not, since which one is right your depends on a great many things. What you will use it for and budget are one course the big ones.

It’s certainly not the MOST expensive, as there are some redonk expensive ones out there, but it aint no harbor freight one, either. It seems to be a great middle/high end brand that works for many people. I’ve been drooling over their ~$200 kit with all the fittings and an air tank, too for an on board air system.

People ask about the fastest compressor, but honestly, if you want a fast fillup, IMO, get an air tank. You can probably find a really fast compressor, but I’m betting a decent one with a 5 or so gallon tank will fill up tires way faster than any compressor by itself.

 

I like This one well enough, the

VIAIR 450P/45043 Automatic Portable Compressor, Tire Inflator Kit, Air Compressor for Truck, Jeep, SUV, and Car Tires, Portable Air Pump Kit, Car Accessories, 100% Duty Cycle, 150 PSI/1.80 CFM, Silver

450P 100% Duty Cycle.

 

Yeah, that looks like a nice one, but for my money, I'd rather set up a 3ish gallon OBA system with a much cheaper (read: lower duty cycle) compressor. That should be plenty to fill 4 tires on the tank alone, so you don't need a 100% duty cycle. You can have the tank fill at your leisure while you're driving (or fill it at home). It's a LOT more work, but I'm a project kind of person, so it's worth it to me.

 

Amazon seems the best price....300P....$125

 

I haven't used it before, but 4wd.com currently has the 300P for $115.

https://www.4wd.com/p/viair-300p-portable-compressor-kit-30033/_/R-BKTN-30033

 

I have a 450P and it works quite well. I think VIAIR is a great value. If budget is less of a concern, then I like ExtremeAire. They are rugged workhorses. My needs have tended toward a portable design that can be moved from vehicle to vehicle, so take that into account. Once you go to a permanent, on-board air setup, especially with a tank, choices change. Do not discount a CO2 tank set-up for price and convenience. I have no local source for tank fill-up, so I have not made that choice, but it can be a good option.

 

I have the 400p and have used it extensively for the last two years for everything from my 33inch tires to my buddies 35's with no issues.

 

I have the 400p and works really good.