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Best portable Air Compressor?

Dalton Bourne

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My RV tires are 245/70R19.5 and need to be inflated to 100 to 110 PSI, depending on the load, so this is significantly more difficult than a normal 35 psi car tire. My RV does not have a spare tire, so proper inflation is extra important. So I am looking for an air compressor for my camper tire and decided to try this Viair 400P-RV. I looked at the 450P, liking the continuous duty, but the 400P puts out more air, so the higher fill rate of the 400P seemed like a good idea.
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9zero1790

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idk if its the best but ive had good luck with viair products. they make several that run on 12 volt so as long as the trucks running no worries. i use mine to air back up to pavement pressure and its a champ. they do get warm fast so watch out on larger tires.
 

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GTGallop

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https://www.amazon.com/GSPSCN-Inflator-Cylinders-Portable-Compressor/dp/B077N9PXV3

This is what I got. Is it the best? No!
Is it pretty damn good for less than $60? You bet your sweet ass it is!

Airs up so fast it takes all of the excuses away for not airing down on the trail.
I probably need to post up an update to be responsible.
Have had it and used it for a while now.

Still performs well and airs it right up - to about 32 PSI. Can't get much more than that. That's good enough to get me back into town or to a gas station to finish the last few PSI to top the tires off with air.

BUT...!!!

My concern is that if it is seeing a reduced PSI ceiling after a year of use, can I expect to see that dropping off as it ages? Can I trust it on the trail? What if next time it doesn't get past 28 or 30lbs of air? Keeping one eye on the pump and one on the market for it's replacement. And another eye on the Dirt Lifestyle YT series where he uber-modded a cheapo air pump. Do I want to put that much time into it? Not really.
 

BS67

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I have the ARB twin compressor. Had it for a few years and have never used it! I figure it'll come in handy some day!
arb.jpeg
 


GTGallop

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I keep thinking someone will crack the combination code on that ARB and reverse engineer a knock off. Kinda disappointed China hasn't done it all ready. To be fair they have been distracted with their balloon building and all but hey.

Any way... For me and my usage, $700 for a compressor is too much $$$. I'm sure it is worth it. Not arguing that one bit. I'm not sure I'm worth it. That's the issue. I get off road maybe 8 to 10 times a year. And I have to air down for half of those so 4 to 5, maybe 6 times a year.

I'd like something better than the Sub $100 units on the internet (they are all the same even if they stick a $200 tag on them) but less than the $700 ARB. Seems like the market is missing a compromise middle of the road compressor here. Something like a $700 Twin ARB but made using $300 technology and materials.
 

Glocker

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Grumpaw

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I keep thinking someone will crack the combination code on that ARB and reverse engineer a knock off. Kinda disappointed China hasn't done it all ready. To be fair they have been distracted with their balloon building and all but hey.

Any way... For me and my usage, $700 for a compressor is too much $$$. I'm sure it is worth it. Not arguing that one bit. I'm not sure I'm worth it. That's the issue. I get off road maybe 8 to 10 times a year. And I have to air down for half of those so 4 to 5, maybe 6 times a year.

I'd like something better than the Sub $100 units on the internet (they are all the same even if they stick a $200 tag on them) but less than the $700 ARB. Seems like the market is missing a compromise middle of the road compressor here. Something like a $700 Twin ARB but made using $300 technology and materials.
Just get a Viair 300P...$179. Or a Viair 400P...$216.
Both use battery clamps to power, heavy duty. The 300P is powerful enough that Class C rv owners prefer it to use...easily hits 75-80 psi.
Class A rv owners use the 400P.
 

Grumpaw

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Bob902

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That may be OK if you already have some Dewalt tools...if not you have to spend an extra $60 for a battery and charger.
My son and I have several tools and batteries.(dewalt, ridgid, milwaukee) Thought maybe this could be dual use. Didn't know if anyone had actually used one.
 

RedlandRanger

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From Project Farm (I love his reviews):

For cordless inflators:


Corded ones:
 

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Seems like the market is missing a compromise middle of the road compressor here. Something like a $700 Twin ARB but made using $300 technology and materials.
Because of the ARB value, the knockoffs are almost as expensive. They know what they have.

As for a middle ground, the ARB single is that middle ground. $300-400, depending on how you get it and it airs up my 34" tires without issue. And is faster than almost anyone else I wheel with, some of who have smaller tires.
 

BobMac

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I just got the 300P with battery clamps. I have seen stuff on here about jumping and hooking up stuff to the battery and want to make sure I hook up my compressor right and not blow the electrical system. Witch post do I use to hook it up?
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