12V Air Compressor

[TunaOnWry]

Now I need a 12V air compressor to drag around. Something that I can plug into the cig lighter to top up the tire pressure.

 

What do the folks here have, what brand and model, and where did you get it?

 

Hopefully someone here has experience with a good quality device that's still being made so I and others can buy it too.

 

TIA

 

Tuna

 

ps. Please don't mention bicycle pumps. Thank you.

[Shaners]

My wifes Olds van had one built in.  When I traded the van on the new Honda van I found out how much we really used that thing.

 

When I was at Walmart a few weeks ago I bought a Campbell-Hausfeld 12V air compressor.  I think it was $20.  I actually have never taken it out of the box yet.  It is sitting in the back of her van, still in the box.  It is rated for 300 psi.

 

These little things work great for pumping up bicycle tires and motorcycle tires, basketballs etc...  But when it comes to things with large volumes of air, they take forever to get them up to full pressure.  Generally they can put enough air in a truck tire to get you safely to a service station so you can fill it up to proper inflation levels.

[gandolphxx]

You may want to checkout JC Whitney they have a number of them in heavier duty versions. Also check with you local 4x4 offroad shops  - these guys use them to blow up their tents, matresses and run power tools to fix things in the middle of nowhere

[DuckhunterInTN]

Tuna,

 If I were you, I would avoid the cheaper units if you are intending to use it to fill up car tires and the like.  I have had several and have never had a cheap one that was worth a flip.

[WEFs99]

I got one from Walmart over a year ago. Campbell Hausefield around $20. It has been used quite a bit with no problems. Filling a F250 tire to 50 psi and starting at 20 psi takes a long time but it can do it. I wouldn't be without it.