Good portable air compressor/tire inflator that uses auto or household plugs

I want to air down my tires on a regular basis to help get in and out of muddy fields and roads. During above-freezing wet seasons I need to do it 1-3 times a week. It can sometimes be just for a 10 minute task.

I have stock OR tires (someday I'll replace with better tires for mud, but the same size).

Want to refill quickly since I'll be doing it often.

Want to stay under $200.

I can find lots of good fast, reliable options that clamp to the battery.

I'd really like something I can plug into a household outlet (bed of truck), or at least an auto lighter adaptor. But any I find don't seem good for truck tires (like the Viair 85p)

Any thoughts?

 

Bump

 

The issue is current draw (amps). The bed plug and cigarette lighter plug(s) are current limited. This is why the “good fast” compressors connect directly to the battery.

Also see: permanently wired compressor(s) or a “bottle” to inflate tires.

 

The outlet in the back of the truck isn't going to supply enough wattage to run a compressor unfortunately.

The 12v outlet ones also will cook your socket too if you try to run a compressor of them, hardwired to the battery or clamp to battery is your best bet.

 

Thanks, @Key-Rei and @rnish. That answers it.

 

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https://www.pinterest.com/pin/137289488656198770/&psig=AOvVaw0vYjwT0402hXR8fh6LbuCc&ust=1588243114817000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAIQjRxqFwoTCNjazem4jekCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAEthis this is the one I have with no issues, been using it for several years, has 12 plug and 120v

 

I'm surprised really. Must take forever to fill up a tire?

 

https://www.dewalt.com/products/storage-and-gear/air-compressors/20v-max-cordedcordless-air-inflator/dcc020ib

Works great for inflating tires. 12v, 110 or cordless via 20v battery. I primarily use it cordless with a 20v Dewalt 5 amp battery. Under $200 with a 5 amp cordless battery.

 

HaHa! you did say under 200. on the good side you can set the pressure on the dial and it will shut off automatically so you can walk away from it. I use it to air up the buggy tires after riding the dunes.

 

CO2 tank with regulator. Someone around here has a mounting solution in the bed for them. After the regulator they are cheap to refill.

 

In all fairness, I'm the one who said under $200. Does seem the choice for me is convenience vs. speed. Will I get annoyed more by having to pop the hood or waiting for the tires to inflate.

 

Any idea of how long from 15/20psi to 35? And, does it come with a proper valve for tires? Looks like it's just equipped for balls and bike tires.

 

Just did a test for you. Deflated a tire on my Sport to 15 and it took four minutes to air up the tire to 35 in cordless mode. The larger flex hose is for inflating balls/rafts.

The compressor has a built in rubber hose that screws into a tire valve.

 

I'd get a viair 300p and wire up a dedicated SAE or anderson plug for it, then maybe hang it out of the grill or inside the bed or something. 2.3CFM at 150psi, no battery to charge, and no tank to refill.

 

@MannyS Thanks for doing that! And @0xDEADBEEF, yeah, hardwiring something might be the way to go.

 

NP. Good luck finding the best solution. Many folks here have helped me over the years, so time to pay forward.

 

@MannyS (and anyone else interested) -- I went with the DeWalt for now. The convenience of throwing it on while doing something else is more important to me right now than speed. If I ever regret, I'll get something better/faster and the DeWalt becomes a gift to my brother's family for all the times I've slept on their air mattress.

A fully-charged 2AH DeWalt battery isn't enough to air up 4 stock OR tires from 20psi to 34psi (last tire got to 30 before quitting). Fortunately I have one of those the larger ones.