Another tire compressor thread - sorry (lol)

[Crasher]

Originally Posted by RVPioneer

Your on-board compressor with or without some of the modifications mentioned should be able to properly inflate the tires. A portable compressor would be useful in the event your engine won't start, but then you're not going anywhere in that case. Otherwise it's just something extra to haul around.

A TPMS will allow you to check pressure while enjoying morning coffee or tea without getting cold or dirty.

I would caution against overinflating by 5-10 psi to buy time between adding air. Or for any other reason such as, "If 110 is good 120 must be better". Inflate tires to the manufacturers recommended pressure based on known weights. It is unlikely that your tire pressure will change for several months.

The problem with that is if the table calls for 110*(mine does for the front) and I set it for 110 on a 65* morning and travel into a cooler climate and wake up to a 35* day, it's underinflated. If I start with 115* like I do, It's good for temps ranging from 30* up to 90*+ without being underinflated or over the 120# max cold psi. That also helps stay within the safe zone when different altitudes are involved. It's worked well for many years.

[les.warden]

Originally Posted by rvguy02

Did you use the Astro 3018 to replace the one that comes with the Viair?

Yes. I still have the Analog one that came with it, but prefer the digital one. Analog is a backup unless it makes it to eBay.

[rvguy02]

Originally Posted by les.warden

Yes. I still have the Analog one that came with it, but prefer the digital one. Analog is a backup unless it makes it to eBay.

Thanks. I'll keep that in mind.

[rvguy02]

Originally Posted by MSGDLD

Mine, a Craftsman, was not expensive either, but obviously RVGuy02 needs to make better choices. If the first one failed in a year, I don't think I'd be inclined to do the same brand again, unless a warranty replacement.

Trust me - I'll never buy that unit again. I believe it's been discontinued (no surprise there). It's nice to see which pancake units people are finding to be reliable and effective. I've narrowed it down to one of the better-reviewed pancakes or a Viair 400 or 450.

Thanks again for everyone's advice.

[rvguy02]

Originally Posted by krudawg

My "cheapo" pancake compressor lasted almost 25 years.

Which one do you have? Was it made in China back then?

[vito.a]

According to the Amazon descriptions, the Viair 400P-RV output is 2.3CFM at 0, and the 450P-RV is 1.8CFM at 0. Why is the more expensive 450P output less than the 400P?

[Steve Ownby]

Originally Posted by vito.a

According to the Amazon descriptions, the Viair 400P-RV output is 2.3CFM at 0, and the 450P-RV is 1.8CFM at 0. Why is the more expensive 450P output less than the 400P?

The 450 is rated at 100% duty cycle.

[cyclist922]

My DP callS for 120 PSI. I bought a Porter Cable with a 150 PSI tank rating. Even with the regulator set at maximum (about 160 on the gauge) the doesn't have the air flow to get the tire above 110 PSI. Any recommendations? This is for the garage, I have a Viar for the road.

[vito.a]

I'm considering either a Viair 450P-RV for $249, or the Dewalt 6-Gallon 165 PSI pancake compressor for $139.
The DeWalt pancake compressor has a higher 90 psi CFM rating:
DeWalt = 2.6 CFM, vs Viair = .97 cfm.
The DeWalt max psi is 165 and the Viair is 150.
The DeWalt is $110 less.
The Viair will take up less space and run on 12v.
The Viair comes with several accessories.

I just filled a completely flat 295/80R-22.5 tire on Saturday with a small borrowed Viair. It took almost an hour to fill the tire! I'm now thinking the pancake compressor is more up to the task.

[Crasher]

Originally Posted by cyclist922

My DP callS for 120 PSI. I bought a Porter Cable with a 150 PSI tank rating. Even with the regulator set at maximum (about 160 on the gauge) the doesn't have the air flow to get the tire above 110 PSI. Any recommendations? This is for the garage, I have a Viar for the road.

If the pressure of the compressor is greater than the tire, air will flow to the tire. However, with only a 10-20# differential, it will be slow. What is the pressure at the end of the hose while attempting to inflate the tire? Have you confirmed the accuracy of the gauge?

[Changeup]

Originally Posted by cyclist922

My DP callS for 120 PSI. I bought a Porter Cable with a 150 PSI tank rating. Even with the regulator set at maximum (about 160 on the gauge)

Not much can help without higher pressure. If you're using 1/4" hose try 3/8?

I bought a little DeWalt portable that was the largest I could find locally that would fit in my old RV's basement. 200 psi max, 3cfm @ 90psi, though I think it's short on both numbers after only 14 months. Reviews give me confidence it was built to last for exactly the warranty.

I have been very impressed by California Air Tools models. Next time.

[cyclist922]

Originally Posted by Crasher

If the pressure of the compressor is greater than the tire, air will flow to the tire. However, with only a 10-20# differential, it will be slow. What is the pressure at the end of the hose while attempting to inflate the tire? Have you confirmed the accuracy of the gauge?

Good idea to check pressure at the end of the line. I think I can rejigger my setup to do that.

I've confirmed that my TMPS and 2 gauges are within 2 pounds of each other. Of course, that doesn't mean they are accurate. The two gauges are good quality bourdon tube gauges, similar to what I used to calibrate in the Air Force.

[TLGPE]

This is the one we just bought. 150 PSI, 1.5 HP, I gal. tank. It pumps up to 150 PSI really fast. I run it on our 2KW MSW inverter just fine.

It's about $132 from Amazon.

Tom