Portable air compressors in extreme cold weather

I’m looking at the viair 400p automatic vs the ARB portable 12v.

How well do they work at 8000-11000ft elevation and in extreme cold temps? Often times half the winter can have sub freezing temperatures with some of winter being highs of 20f or lower.

Do y’all have issues with moisture freezing on the compressor or hose itself?

Has anyone used or read any articles that dealt with this?

If these will work, great. If not, what are better options?

I have emailed both companies and am waiting for a response, but would also like to hear from third parties with real world experience if possible. Thanks!

 

I used to work on air compressors of All sizes and one thing they all do is compress air, which, unless you live in a really arid climate, has moisture in it of varying levels.. The water will condense when compressed. Obviously, in cold temperatures, it will freeze BUT at 20*F the intake air is practically to completely dry because it is so cold. That being said, if you keep your portable air compressor in a warmer place, like mounted under the hood near the engine and use in a cold climate, you will get condensate in the hose that could be a problem.

 

I plan on keeping it in the cab but when it’s running it’ll be out in the cold, so it shouldn’t cause much of an issue unless I go with a mounted one like you mentioned, right?

 

Nope you'll be fine. Use a wider 3/8" hose (like most shops use) with some lining not that plastic retractable hose to cut down on the freezing condensate on the outside of the hose. It will also be easier to handle as that plastic hose can get very rigid and brittle in the extreme cold.

 

Ok thanks a lot man

 

While I cant speak to 12v compressors, I worked at a junk yard for a few years as a dismantler. We had gas powered compressors on our trucks and in the winter, we would start them in the morning inside the heated building, then let them run all day till we parked back in the shop. Every night we would open the drain plugs and watch all the water come out.

Now having a compressor running for 9 hours straight is a little different than a 12v running for 10 minutes, but the water got in and if we didnt park inside to drain, we would have a good amount of ice build up in there.

 

We add a little bit of air brake antifreeze to our air systems in cold conditions. It is methyl hydrate and a light air tool oil mixture. The worst temps for freeze up are 32f to 20f, when things get real cold the humidity drops off. We use air tools even at -50c

 

I got an email back from viare saying the 400pa is rated for down to -40f and ARB said the only issues they have is the switch potentially freezing and not being able to shut off on rare occasions.

Looks like I haven’t found much on this issue because for basic use (airing back up after driving on snow) it seems like a non issue operating in cold temps for short periods of time.

 

good post avn.
im on the fence regarding making the decision between portable ARB single and the Viair 400P.

what’s your feeling re: value for dollar and reliability between the two.
significant price difference between the two.

 

I think reliability wise you couldn’t really go wrong with either based off what I’ve researched so far. I have no experience with them but I really only plan to air down and up extremely occasionally during the summer and just occasionally during the winter. If it’s cold and snowy enough to where the compressor won’t work I’ll be able to drive all the way to the gas station in town or home because town itself will also be covered in snow. I actually decided to go for the viair 88p because it’s much cheaper and is going to be plenty good enough for me.

 

i went with the 400p automatic.
a solid unit

 

It was something I was considering for sure, the 400pa, but for the price I couldn’t pass on the 88p. I got it on sale so it was even cheaper than the $88 retail. I won’t be using it that often so I couldn’t justify spending hundreds for a piece of equipment I wasn’t gonna use much.

 

In case it’s not already obvious to everyone, the compressor gets super hot because it is compressing air. Check the duty cycle on your compressor. You might be surprised how short it is. I let mine cool off between each tire and then again when I’m done. Cold winter air is likely good for it.

That said, I’ve never tried to use my compressor in the winter. It’s far too cold here in winter to mess around airing my tires down for an ambiguous advantage.