Portable Air Compressor

CBs / FRS / GMRS / MARS, radios, stereos, computers, tools, etc. The stuff you use to support wheeling or use of your PW.
DannyMK2
Posts: 13
Joined: Mon May 09, 2016 2:41 pm
Model Year: 2010

Portable Air Compressor

Post by DannyMK2 » Mon Jun 20, 2016 1:40 pm

Ive been lurking the forums for a few months now, had some problems registering but all is good now. I love reading this forum. lots of good information. since this is my first post i figure id throw up a pic of my truck. its a 2015.

Image

Now that that's out of the way and i havent seen this topic before, what do you guys use to fill your tires up after airing down for some wheeling? i have a small 12v compressor that ive kept for emergencies but its no good for filling up 4 tires on the power wagon. i was considering either the viar 400p(higher cfm) or 450p(lower cfm but 100% duty cycle). curious if anybody has any input on these or any other similar portable air pumps? my offroading will be mild, but i need something capable of bringing all 4 tires up to 60psi or so from about 15-20psi. thanks in advance.

Ducky's Dad
1000_Posts
1000_Posts
Posts: 1522
Joined: Thu May 24, 2012 10:55 pm

Re: Portable Air Compressor

Post by Ducky's Dad » Mon Jun 20, 2016 2:25 pm

I carried a Viair portable until I fitted OBA to my PW. I still carry the Viair as a backup. I think it's a 300P and it worked fine on 35s. For my Tundra, I bought an ARB single cylinder portable, slow but effective, and it's very compact. The ARB twin-cylinder portable is nice, fairly quick to fill, but some tendency to run hot. My OBA is a discontinued Warn SPI, and I like it a lot. I think Warn still sells a smaller portable unit. Some guys swear by the MV-50:
http://www.lowrangeoffroad.com/off-road ... -mv50.html

DannyMK2
Posts: 13
Joined: Mon May 09, 2016 2:41 pm
Model Year: 2010

Re: Portable Air Compressor

Post by DannyMK2 » Tue Jun 21, 2016 10:22 am

the only thing that concerns me with the superflow units is how accurate are the CFM claims? they are pretty cheap in comparison, but i would probably get the mv-90 though. most of the reviews i find for air compressors are from jeep guys, and they only air up to 35psi or so. not too many reviews from people needing 40+psi. and the ones that do seem to recommend viar. the little compressor i have now is actually decent up to about 35psi as well. past that it struggles and takes forever. i like saving money, but id rather not spend over an hour trying to air up to go home after wheeling.

TwinStick

Re: Portable Air Compressor

Post by TwinStick » Tue Jun 21, 2016 4:32 pm

I am sportin' one of these: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-3-gal- ... /202868804
That is run by one of these: http://www.harborfreight.com/2000-watt- ... 69662.html Hooked up to my dual battery set up in my truck. Easy peasy. In the truck when i need it, in the garage when I don't.

12v air & a tank
Co2 air & a tank
120v air w/tank & an inverter

Pick your poison.

DannyMK2
Posts: 13
Joined: Mon May 09, 2016 2:41 pm
Model Year: 2010

Re: Portable Air Compressor

Post by DannyMK2 » Fri Jun 24, 2016 10:59 am

i like the idea of having something portable on me at all times for emergencies. i kicked around the idea of the puma 12v air compressor set up with the 3 gallon tank, but its too big to carry around all the time and i dont want to permanently mount it. c02 is great for fast filling, but getting the tank re-filled sucks and no good in an emergency if the tank is empty. a co-worker has the viar 450p, so i borrowed it to test it out last night. filling the stock duratracs from 20-60psi took about 6 mins each, which isnt bad i suppose. the 450p has a 1.8 cfm rate. i may go for the viar 440p which has a 3.0 cfm rate. i think that should cut the time down near 4 mins a piece and allow me to fill 4 tires before i hit the max run time on the unit before it needs a rest, which was one of my concerns. i may even carry a portable air tank and fill it up at home before i go out. should be good for 1-2 tires. the combination of the two should be able to fill all 4 tires in about 10 mins which is pretty damn good.

TwinStick

Re: Portable Air Compressor

Post by TwinStick » Fri Jun 24, 2016 8:46 pm

There is always this route: http://ok4wd.com/shop-by-vendor/arb/onb ... -ckmtp12-1

http://ok4wd.com/shop-by-vendor/arb/onb ... sor-ckmp12

I still may end up with the ARB twin Kit at some point. Time will tell. Expensive but if it works as well as my ARB fridge/freezers do, then it's money well spent.

DannyMK2
Posts: 13
Joined: Mon May 09, 2016 2:41 pm
Model Year: 2010

Re: Portable Air Compressor

Post by DannyMK2 » Mon Jun 27, 2016 10:56 am

TwinStick wrote:There is always this route: http://ok4wd.com/shop-by-vendor/arb/onb ... -ckmtp12-1

http://ok4wd.com/shop-by-vendor/arb/onb ... sor-ckmp12

I still may end up with the ARB twin Kit at some point. Time will tell. Expensive but if it works as well as my ARB fridge/freezers do, then it's money well spent.
arb makes good pumps from what i can see based on the reviews ive found. the twin kit is a sweet set up, just out of my price range for a portable compressor. the single unit is a solid compressor, just on the slow side compared to the viar, and more expensive. i seen some guys rigging up twin superflow units, basically mimicking the the arb set up for a fraction of the price. i guess its something to consider.

hutchman
Posts: 17
Joined: Fri Jun 10, 2016 11:57 pm
Model Year: 2014

Re: Portable Air Compressor

Post by hutchman » Tue Jun 28, 2016 9:53 pm

I bought this one several years ago for airing up the tires on my Jeep. They were 33 12.50s and I usually aired down to 12 - 15 lbs.

I use a long clip on lead to the battery and it will pump the tires from 15# to 33# in about 3 minutes....12 or 13 minutes for a full set.

Image

Don't know if this brand is still available or not, but there should be something similar from China.

I think I paid $200 for this one.

After a quick look, guess what I found....

http://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/Pum ... 13972.html
Image

User avatar
Cactus Red
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 1862
Joined: Sun May 20, 2012 6:43 pm
Location: Chino Valley, AZ.

Re: Portable Air Compressor

Post by Cactus Red » Tue Jun 28, 2016 11:26 pm

My ViAir 400P has been heavily used since 2004, great little pump. It gets very hot, but frequently airs up my truck and another vehicle too.

The JKUR uses a MV-50 that we used in our '05 Taco too. It's been used less frequently, about once a month for almost eight years. And the price is way better - two for one. It fills tires at almost exactly the same speed as the ViAir.

Since I generally run about 40 PSI on the street, both pumps work fine.

Socialism: A stage of society in Marxist theory transitional between capitalism and communism and distinguished by unequal distribution of goods and pay according to work done.
I'm just along for the ride...

DannyMK2
Posts: 13
Joined: Mon May 09, 2016 2:41 pm
Model Year: 2010

Re: Portable Air Compressor

Post by DannyMK2 » Mon Jul 18, 2016 12:00 pm

my viar 440p came in. airs up the stock tires from 20-60psi in just under 4 mins a piece. im happy with that. thought i would post this up for anybody that may be considering a portable compressor.

TwinStick

Re: Portable Air Compressor

Post by TwinStick » Mon Jul 18, 2016 5:42 pm

:nopics:

Just sayin'. :lol:

NickTF
250_Posts
250_Posts
Posts: 489
Joined: Thu Feb 11, 2016 1:01 pm
Model Year: 2014

Re: Portable Air Compressor

Post by NickTF » Tue Jul 19, 2016 3:20 pm

Have the vi air 440 and love it. Have only used 3 or 4 times but has worked great for me. Gets hot as hell is only downside but its normal for it apparently.

TwinStick

Re: Portable Air Compressor

Post by TwinStick » Thu Jul 21, 2016 9:21 am

Heat is what kills compressors. Is there a built in fan ?

DannyMK2
Posts: 13
Joined: Mon May 09, 2016 2:41 pm
Model Year: 2010

Re: Portable Air Compressor

Post by DannyMK2 » Thu Jul 21, 2016 11:57 am

TwinStick wrote:Heat is what kills compressors. Is there a built in fan ?
no fan. just the heat sinks on the head. from what ive read they all get super hot, but still give years of service. it is what it is i guess.

TwinStick

Re: Portable Air Compressor

Post by TwinStick » Thu Jul 21, 2016 11:00 pm

If it will be a high use item for you, you could always add a fan easy enough. When I am cranking out on my amp, I use a http://www.walmart.com/ip/Massey-High-V ... 9/17129010 plugged into my inverter. The stereo shop guys say that it is not necessary because of the amps built in fan, but it gets so hot you can't hold your hand on it & with this fan, it does not get hot at all.

What ever works for you.

User avatar
adeluca73
2000_Posts
2000_Posts
Posts: 2126
Joined: Mon May 19, 2014 11:56 pm
Model Year: 2014
Location: The Pentagon, VA

Re: Portable Air Compressor

Post by adeluca73 » Mon Aug 15, 2016 2:30 am

I've been going back and forth with those same choices for over a year now. Have had all three in my Amazon wish list since Dec 15, can't decide yet. I'm leaning toward the Viar 450p because it's a 100% duty cycle & filling up 37's to 45-50psi could exceed the duty cycle of the 440 or the MV-90. Still not sure.
2014 Ram PW SLT: 1st year of the Best Gen
<Build Thread>

User avatar
OffroadTreks
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 2409
Joined: Fri Mar 25, 2016 11:23 am
Model Year: 2015
Location: USA
Contact:

Re: Portable Air Compressor

Post by OffroadTreks » Mon Aug 15, 2016 10:28 am

I have two of the Viar 450p's because of an Amazon mistake. My win! I set it up with one on each side of the truck, so with the wife's help we can knock out both sides really quick. Keep two 15 ft hoses in the truck too with quick connects.
2015 Power Wagon Laramie - "ROCKLANDER"
-------
[Build Thread] [Instagram] [Youtube]
------
Full-Size Off-Road Events & Overland Adventures

DannyMK2
Posts: 13
Joined: Mon May 09, 2016 2:41 pm
Model Year: 2010

Re: Portable Air Compressor

Post by DannyMK2 » Mon Aug 15, 2016 11:43 am

adeluca73 wrote:I've been going back and forth with those same choices for over a year now. Have had all three in my Amazon wish list since Dec 15, can't decide yet. I'm leaning toward the Viar 450p because it's a 100% duty cycle & filling up 37's to 45-50psi could exceed the duty cycle of the 440 or the MV-90. Still not sure.
2 things i didnt like about the 450p were how slow it is and and having to kneel down and hold the gun to inflate the tires. 100% duty cycle is be nice but ill take faster filling since i can inflate all 4 tires well within the duty cycle of the 440p. i have no comment on the mv-90. the only reason i didnt buy it was that i couldnt find any inflation times for higher psi tires. most every review out there i found was from a jeep inflating to ~40psi. i was afraid the compressor might slow down drastically at higher psi. i have no regrets buying the viar. its expensive but it seems to be a quality unit and its consistent.

User avatar
OffroadTreks
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 2409
Joined: Fri Mar 25, 2016 11:23 am
Model Year: 2015
Location: USA
Contact:

Re: Portable Air Compressor

Post by OffroadTreks » Mon Aug 15, 2016 2:04 pm

DannyMK2 wrote:having to kneel down and hold the gun to inflate the tires.
This: Coilhose Pneumatics CH15 Closed Lock-On Chuck, 1/4-Inch FPT

Makes life much easier. Lock it on the valve and let it inflate.

Image

:cheers:
2015 Power Wagon Laramie - "ROCKLANDER"
-------
[Build Thread] [Instagram] [Youtube]
------
Full-Size Off-Road Events & Overland Adventures

User avatar
adeluca73
2000_Posts
2000_Posts
Posts: 2126
Joined: Mon May 19, 2014 11:56 pm
Model Year: 2014
Location: The Pentagon, VA

Re: Portable Air Compressor

Post by adeluca73 » Sun Aug 28, 2016 3:06 am

I still haven't decided. I've been figuring out the parts and coming up with a schematic to install an ARB on-air system, but can't get past the all-in $$. I considered a VIAIR OBA system too, but it's not that much less than the ARB. So back to a portable system:

VIAIR 400p: $215
VIAIR 450p: $260
MV-90: $180
Puma 1.5 gal 12V: $233

The puma has absolutely the best reviews over the entire net, from jeeps, to expedition rigs, to RVs, to construction guys. It's more than most, less than the VIAIR450. The 450 is a complete package, with the puma you still have to buy hose, chucks, 2-4 gauge wire, air gauge, etc if you don't already have spares. I have gauges & spare fittings, maybe even a extra compressor hard line if I can find it. Just concerned about the Puma's size, its about 16"x17"x6.5"
2014 Ram PW SLT: 1st year of the Best Gen
<Build Thread>

User avatar
OffroadTreks
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 2409
Joined: Fri Mar 25, 2016 11:23 am
Model Year: 2015
Location: USA
Contact:

Re: Portable Air Compressor

Post by OffroadTreks » Sun Aug 28, 2016 11:28 am

If it helps in your decision, I don't think a tank really adds to speed. It does at first, but then the tank needs to refill, which slows things down. I'm now of the mindset that tankless, constant duty is better, unless you need or want to run air tools.

I am in favor of replacing the lines and chucks anyways on all the kits for better ones. Makes it easier to mount and carry some hose to air your tires and maybe even a friends. All depends on your wants and desires.
2015 Power Wagon Laramie - "ROCKLANDER"
-------
[Build Thread] [Instagram] [Youtube]
------
Full-Size Off-Road Events & Overland Adventures

User avatar
adeluca73
2000_Posts
2000_Posts
Posts: 2126
Joined: Mon May 19, 2014 11:56 pm
Model Year: 2014
Location: The Pentagon, VA

Re: Portable Air Compressor

Post by adeluca73 » Sun Aug 28, 2016 10:43 pm

I tend to agree. I'd rather have the compact size and constant duty, thus why I'm favoring the 450p, even if the 440 &400 have a higher CFM rating. And you're saying the accessories that come with the kit are pretty low end?
2014 Ram PW SLT: 1st year of the Best Gen
<Build Thread>

DannyMK2
Posts: 13
Joined: Mon May 09, 2016 2:41 pm
Model Year: 2010

Re: Portable Air Compressor

Post by DannyMK2 » Tue Aug 30, 2016 12:11 pm

i wanted something that would fit in my tool box to have on me at all times. otherwise, i would have bought the puma. the wire and alligator clips are cheap, plus i have spare air hoses and chucks laying around. another added benefit to the puma (if you were interested in going that route) is that you could mount it to the truck for a cheap on-board air set up. not sure if anythings changed on the viair 450 since my friends is a few years old but it came with a yellow nylon hose, which if your familiar with them eventually they get brittle and break. the air gun and chuck seemed decent enough. the 440 came with a nicer rubber coil hose. hopefully it lasts longer then the nylon one, but well see.

Ducky's Dad
1000_Posts
1000_Posts
Posts: 1522
Joined: Thu May 24, 2012 10:55 pm

Re: Portable Air Compressor

Post by Ducky's Dad » Tue Aug 30, 2016 10:57 pm

I ordered some good quality coiled hoses from Amazon.

User avatar
adeluca73
2000_Posts
2000_Posts
Posts: 2126
Joined: Mon May 19, 2014 11:56 pm
Model Year: 2014
Location: The Pentagon, VA

Re: Portable Air Compressor

Post by adeluca73 » Thu Sep 01, 2016 3:06 pm

Anyone heard of, seen, or tried the M240 Air Compressor in a .50 cal ammo can w/ complete tire repair kit? It's made by Q-industries, which makes the master flow and super flow line of tools (MV-50/90/150...). Looks like a handy piece of kit, cheaper than the Viair 440 and 450. Spec sheet below states I t's 100% duty cycle for 15min, but also read on Amazon it's a 50% duty cycle, so 15m on and 15m rested?

http://www.specialopstools.com/air-armo ... essor-kit/

http://www.specialopstools.com/content/ ... lsheet.pdf


* The Air Armor M240 is your go to system for tactical portable compressed air, tire care and repair. The core of the M240 powers directly from your vehicle’s battery and delivers air with a 25’ service hose. Keeping you in service is a box of tire parts, tools, and accessories. All this in a tough as nails steel storage locker.

* At the core of the M240 is a 12-Volt, direct drive, high volume air compressor with a 10’power cord that clips directly to your vehicle’s battery. This 40mm powerhouse provides optimal performance in the critical tire inflation pressure range. Delivering 2.11 CFM you can inflate a full size truck tire in less than 2 minutes and fully inflate a 35” tire from 0-35 PSI in less than 5 minutes.

* The system boasts an instrument panel with built-in air pressure gauge and type "M" style 1/4" air fitting to attach the unprecedented 25’ straight easy-to-coil air hose with lock-on ball foot commercial air chuck. Airing up has never been easier thanks to an extended 50% duty cycle and hose that reaches all 4 tires of even the longest wheelbase vehicles.

* You won’t be the operator caught dead on the road because you lost a part in the dirt - the M240 has your back. Packed in the accessory box is an arsenal of 27 tire care and repair parts which includes a tire repair kit, 4-way tire valve tool, 2 gauges and an assortment of commonly lost or damaged tire parts like valve caps and cores.

* The M240’s powder coated steel case is rugged enough for use by the military to store ammunition and explosives. This up-armored ammo can features a large folding carry handle, snap latch, and a water resistant O-ring to keep dirt and moisture out. Space to spare allows you to outfit your kit with the tools and accessories you need to be ready for action.

Product Review by Bill Dragoo: http://billdragoo.com/2015/06/11/air-ar ... ompressor/
2014 Ram PW SLT: 1st year of the Best Gen
<Build Thread>

Post Reply