Air Up! – Portable air compressor
There are advantages in having a portable air compressor in your car or RV. But with so many choices out there, which one do you pick? The size, pressure, and number of tires are all factors to consider. The compressor you choose for reinflate a small automotive tire after a repair isn’t the same portable compressor you’d choose for an RV tire that requires 100 psi; or to reinflate four large volume off-road tires after youve aired down for better traction.
While most 12v portable air compressors on the market look and feel like toys, ive found the Viair 400P portable air compressor kit well constructed and has proven its durability.
Ive used the Viair 400P to reinflate all four of my 35×12.5 Toyo Open Country tires after off-roading. This pump has easily taken my E Load range tires from an off-roading pressure of 25 psi back up to the road operating pressure of 55 psi.
My rim and tire combination puts each wheel at close to 100 lbs. A few summers ago I got a very large puncture driving up a steep grade on interstate 70 somewhere between Denver and Idaho Springs. I was not in a good spot. The shoulder was unpaved, narrow, and steep. Passing cars were flying by very close. Despite carrying a full size spare tire, plugging the hole was the quicker and safer option at the time. After installing three plugs into the massive puncture hole and reinflating, the tire finally held air. I was able to make it to a safe destination and installed the spare tire.
What makes the Viair compressor so good? 150 max working pressure. An 8 foot power cables that clip directly to the battery. 25 foot coiled hose with built in pressure gauge. All of which packs nicely into a carry bag.
If you’re looking for something smaller, Check out the Viair 84P. This compressor is slightly less powerful for smaller tires, is lighter, and powers through the 12V accessory plug.
If you’re driving a large RV or have large tires and need a heavier duty compressor, and want additional features like automatic shut off, check out the Viair 450P-RV Automatic Portable Compressor.
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Viair 400P Portable Compressor Kit
Viair 84P Portable Compressor
Viair 450P-RV Automatic Portable Compressor
