Portable Air Compressor

[marpel]

Have been looking at a couple Viair Compressor options for inflating trailer (14" 60 psi?) and truck tires (LT 17" 80 psi). Was considering the 88P or 300P. The former is a bit less than half the price of the latter. Most use will be to top up tires during a trip, couple psi. So, a couple questions:

 

Even though both models are rated for 33's, the 88P is obviously less "capable" than the 300P, so is the extra cost of the 300P worth it or will the 88P suffice for the intended task?

 

And, considering my truck (2500HD) has the 120V outlet in the bed of the truck, it seems it would be easier to connect the compressor there rather than open the hood and connect two cables to the battery. Can these compressors be retrofitted for 120v or is that just not possible (know little of these electrical things). Barring that, is there a portable compressor brand that is 120v that anyone knows of. The compressor will always be with this truck.

 

Marv

[NaturallyAspirated]

Was considering the Viair 300P myself (or even a larger one). But a friend talked me out of it. He reminded me that it’s just a big mess to drag that long hose around in the snow and mud. Also it’s loud and it doesn’t automatically fill to a set pressure (like what they got at the nice truck stops). Instead I got something much simpler:

 

Milwaukee M18 Inflator 2848-20

 

The fill to set point function is not perfect but with some use, you get a feel for it and can hit like within 1 psi of what your after.

 

Plus I saw the guys at Discount Tire using this thing over the big industrial compressor they had. It’s just easy to use.

[marpel]

NaturallyAspirated,

 

Thanks for the reply.

 

You raised a couple points I had never thought of, especially the snow and mud scenarios. A couple years ago, I had to top up a trailer tire at a gas station, during an unexpected and sudden snowstorm just outside Cheyenne Wy. It would have been brutal trying that with a Viair.

 

I will take a look at the Milwaukee, meanwhile can you comment on the efficacy of using it on 80 psi LT tires. Take a long time? Machine get hot?

 

Marv

[NaturallyAspirated]

No problem. Did a test. 
 

Took the right rear tire from 60.0 psi to 80.0 psi this morning. It took 3min 45sec. The unit didn’t get hot. 
 

Used a freshly charged M18 6Ah battery, didn’t even drop a bar in power (which surprised me). I keep 2, M18 6Ah batteries in my truck to cover this inflator and the big work light that I carry.

[the8rotor]

That is really interesting how well that Milwaukee is working for you. Reviews support your experience as well. Great info NA!

[marpel]

NaturallyAspirated,

 

Thanks for the continued response and taking the time to run the tire top-up.

 

Looked at a couple reviews (including Project Farm, which if anyone is unfamiliar with him, he has a whole lot of good Youtube reviews on a bunch of different stuff - highly recommended site), and it seems the Milwaukee has a good reputation.

 

However, I checked the cost of the Milwaukee and a local shop has the Viair 88P for $150 CDN, the 300P on sale for $300 and the Milwaukee, also on sale, for $250, absent any battery or charger, so adding a battery/charger would put me well north of even the 300P cost. And I just want to put a bit of air in the tires.....

[reb0957]

I caught a Black Friday deal from Home Depot. I bought to high end 18v batteries and got a free tool. I chose the air compressor. I set the pressure and walk away.  That will be with me on my hunting trips.

[rdonarski]

I just ordered an Airmoto Tire Inflator as a Black Friday deal. I have my doubts as to how well it will work on my truck and trailer, but I am leaving on a cross country trip soon and one of my SUV tires has developed a slight leak. I bought it because of the size. We'll see how it all goes. 

[asilverblazer]

I installed a York 210 junk yard compressor where the 2nd alternator would go on my truck. Uses a serpentine compressor clutch that is powered from the pressure switch with a custom bracket and longer belt.

 

Mounted a tank under the bed in front of the passenger rear tire. Quick connects at the front and rear bumpers. Manifold on the firewall for pressure switch, safety blow off. Line in the cab to a gauge, with a master on off switch. Pressure switch is set to 100-120 PSI, can't remember exactly.

 

Easily inflates tires on the truck from 60 to 80 PSI, in way less than 3 minutes.

 

 

Edited November 27, 2023 by asilverblazer

[kf9yr]

I have the Milwaukee M18, a ViaAir 300 and an ARB CKMTP12 (twin motor portable compressor).

 

After purchasing the Milwaukee one I left the ViaAir in my RZR and leave the ARB in my car hauler.

 

It works well and as a second recommendation buy the Milwaukee M18 1/2 impact wrench.  If you do get a flat it makes quick work of the lug nuts.

[FreakBeast]

Another vote for M18 inflator for the win

[rdonarski]

On 11/26/2023 at 6:13 AM, rdonarski said:

I just ordered an Airmoto Tire Inflator as a Black Friday deal. I have my doubts as to how well it will work on my truck and trailer, but I am leaving on a cross country trip soon and one of my SUV tires has developed a slight leak. I bought it because of the size. We'll see how it all goes. 

I got thru my trip w/o needing air, but now the tire needs air. Decided to try the Airmoto. The SUV tire was at 24.5 PSI and is supposed to be at 33. Let's just say that if you are over 50, you probably don't have enough time left to do 4 tires.   Extremely slow. Won't even consider it for the truck.

[ManyCamaroz]

I used to be pro DeWalt but didn't like the short serviceable life of their batteries so I now have a full compliment of Milwaukee battery and corded tools. BTW, the 1/2" Fuel High Torque Impact is awesome.

I still have and use a Dewalt 20V tire inflator and it works well although a little slow to top off my truck during seasonal pressure changes, but is great for my trailer tires and lawn equipment.  

Edited January 16 by 2kflhr

[stlchevy61]

On 11/27/2023 at 10:00 AM, asilverblazer said:

I installed a York 210 junk yard compressor where the 2nd alternator would go on my truck. Uses a serpentine compressor clutch that is powered from the pressure switch with a custom bracket and longer belt.

 

Mounted a tank under the bed in front of the passenger rear tire. Quick connects at the front and rear bumpers. Manifold on the firewall for pressure switch, safety blow off. Line in the cab to a gauge, with a master on off switch. Pressure switch is set to 100-120 PSI, can't remember exactly.

 

Easily inflates tires on the truck from 60 to 80 PSI, in way less than 3 minutes.

 

 

Do you have any pics of your set up? Very interested in doing this on my truck. 

[Jettech1]

This is the one I bought a few months ago and love it!  It will pump my tires up in no time and it runs perfectly fine using the trucks 120V outlet.  It only draws 2.6amps whereas the truck provides right around 3.3amps.  Anyhow 2 thumbs up from me and I leave it, along with a hose in the back of my truck at all times.

 

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