Best portable air compressor for your truck

[davidio840]

What portable air compressors do y’all use for your truck tires? I lost my big tank compressor in the Harvey flood and for the time being, I would like to get a decent 12V DC (if possible) or one with a plug since our trucks have the 110v plug (even though I’ve heard it’s a POS but I’ve only charged my phone with it).

 

I would like one that can handle adding air to truck tires and actually having enough cord length to reach the back ones. As well as not take 15 min to add 5-6 psi to a tire. 

 

I’ve been reading online and it seems most now days are a plastic piece of crap or it cost more than it’s worth. I don’t mind spending $50 or so for one that isn’t a worthless POS.

[duquephart]

https://jacosuperiorproducts.com/products/digital-tire-inflator-100-psi

 

Amazon for price.

[Herc130]

Ryobi 12.5v rechargable. 

 

[swathdiver]

I bought one from the Hybrids, it has the fix-a-flat goo as well which I'll probably never need with LT tires.  But the compressor works just fine, not too big and fits in the little side compartment in the back of my Yukon.  Has the accessory for filling up footballs and such too.  The gauge matches the DIC too.

 

My Pontiac Montanas have compressors with an air outlet in the back to hook up an air gauge and air hose and wanted to do the same for my truck and was surprised it was not offered and that it would have been quite expensive to do as well.  Bought the hybrid compressor off ebay for about $50 delivered and the goo is still good for a couple more years.

[amxguy1970]

MV 50 /thread. Did lots of homework before buying for my back country trip out west. This compressor is hands down the best for the price, well respected in the off road community and many even make permanent mounts for them to have on board air. Right about $50, connects to the battery and easily hits all tires airing up a 33" tire from 20 psi to 34 psi in under 3 minutes each.

 

Tyler

[Dezrado]

https://www.amazon.com/Slime-40026-Heavy-Direct-Inflator/dp/B005Z8HAUK

i use this one and its perfect because of the dual piston

[LS Powah]

Viair 00088  88P is one of the highest rated / most used on Amazon (1,400+ units) .....about $62

[DEV1ST8R]

On 2/8/2018 at 2:36 AM, LS Powah said:

Viair 00088  88P is one of the highest rated / most used on Amazon (1,400+ units) .....about $62

I saw an Amazon reviewer stores his in a 50-cal. ammo can...which got me thinking - Would it be too hot to store this compressor in an ammo can in the spare battery area of the engine compartment?

[2018GMC]

If you are already invested in power tools...

 

ridgid cordless air compressor $179

https://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-1-Gal-18-Volt-Brushless-Cordless-Air-Compressor-R0230/300507507

 

milwaukee m12 inflator $69

http://www.acmetools.com/shop/tools/milwaukee-2475-20-m12-cordless-compact-inflator

 

dewault 60v cordless air compressor $299

http://www.acmetools.com/shop/tools/dewalt-dcc2560t1-60v-air-compressor-kit

 

[wforrest08]

1 hour ago, DEV1ST8R said:

I saw an Amazon reviewer stores his in a 50-cal. ammo can...which got me thinking - Would it be too hot to store this compressor in an ammo can in the spare battery area of the engine compartment?

I couldn’t imagine. Mount the box, take truck for a long drive on hottest day of the year, open hood, open box, and temp inside with a temp gun. Also could wrap outside of box (or inside depending on room with compressor installed) with a heat barrier material such as ThemaShield, Thermo-Tech, Lava Blanket, etc. Or vent the side of the box facing the fender since it doesn’t need to be water tight since it’s under the hood anyway.

[tuckersnator]

This One has plenty of hose and so far been fine for me. I have only used it a handful of times though. 

[Robopie]

I have this one, and I absolutely love it.  It is stored under the seat in the back, out of the way (even if seat is folded up, it's tucked away nicely in the case).    I use it for tires and also for filling my airbags when needed.

 

https://www.amazon.com/Viair-00073-Heavy-Portable-Compressor/dp/B0012WHBSO

 

[DrewSal]

I bought this one off Amazon and really like it. It's digital and you can set what PSI you want prior to turning it on, then it automatically shuts off when it reaches the specified PSI. Only negative is the power cord is not super long so it barely reaches my rear wheels on my crew cab standard bed.

 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071R5FQG4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[OkieDavid]

Thanks for all your tips, I've been looking for one recently and have been considering the viair lines. I think I'm going to go with the slime, like the pressure gauge near the tire instead on the pump, hard case, etc.  But lots of good info in this thread.

[Pearl2017]

The Harbour freight one has ball bearings on the shaft and piston rod. With the big tires most have on trucks whichever one you choose must be able to run a Long time without overheating or bushings wearing out and instead of a cigarrette lighter connector it has a 20' cord and battery clamps. 

<$50 with the every day 20% discount.