Community Forums

MSHappyCampers · 08-25-2017, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by upsdrew

The best portable air compressor is the Viair 450P-RV. Good for up to 150 psi. It is 12v and has 100% duty cycle. I just got mine today after extensive research.

X2! Definitely the best out there!

Searching_Ut · 08-25-2017, 11:11 AM

I too use the viair 450, also using it for when I air down the tires on my truck for dirt roads. (3500 truck not suitable for any real off roading). I intially tried to use my 125psi craftsman portable ac compressor, but found I can't get 110psi into my 5er tires with it due to how the pressure switches cycle. I can run the ac compressor off the inverter, but it just doesn't reliably get the job done.

rvbud · 08-29-2017, 01:58 AM

I considered Vlair... but opted to buy the Harbor Freight 6 gal/150psi. It sat in the bay quite fine and I carried it around for about a year. After the install of 480W solar/4-6v/2000W inverter from GoPower, I ended up dismantling the HF unit, built a platform to fit between frame rails (F53) behind the gas tank. Then ran plug, 300PSI hose forward to a bay where I installed a 20A plug. Made an air filter (surprised the unit did not have any filter as shipped). Mounted the regulator valve and gauges adjacent to the aux light in the bay and now have all the air I need.

redcolorado · 08-29-2017, 08:27 AM

I can't say it is the "Best" since i have not done a comparison study of all the air compressors on the market. But, I carry a Porter Cable 150 psi pancake. It will also power my air ratchet and drill motor. It was on sale at Home Depot for $99 and they gave me $50 for opening an account.

Ron_H · 08-29-2017, 09:54 AM

The Viair 40047 400P-RV sounds like a good solution but at over $230, it's too pricey for this type of tool.

For me, the PORTER-CABLE CMB15 150 PSI 1.5 Gallon Oil-Free Fully Shrouded Compressor makes far more sense. It is compact, light-weight and does the job well at less than 1/2 the cost of a Viair unit. I've had one (purchased on sale from Amazon for $99) and it has performed flawlessly. It delivers adequate pressure for my 123 psi tires and is easily adjusted down to 40 psi for blowing out my water lines when winterizing the coach. If you want to use the Viair for blowing out your water lines, you would have to add an external pressure regulator.

SailorSam · 08-29-2017, 10:07 AM

Just another vote for the Viairs. Compact, can be used anywhere you have 12 volt power.

Mr_D · 08-29-2017, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ron_H

The Viair 40047 400P-RV sounds like a good solution but at over $230, it's too pricey for this type of use.

I have both the 450 and 400 RV units. Bought the 400 from Amazon for right at $150 delivered. It's still in the box because the 450 is better suited to my size tires.

WorldCat25 · 08-29-2017, 01:45 PM

I still can't help thinking that it will be easier to access 120vac than 12vdc sometimes.

Thanks for all the suggestions.

Chris

ds41crane · 08-29-2017, 06:25 PM

I've got the 400P-RV also, like all the quality fittings that come with it but it's expensive and I'd like it more if could also run it on 120vac.

awol50 · 08-29-2017, 10:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SailorSam

Just another vote for the Viairs. Compact, can be used anywhere you have 12 volt power.

A 120 volt pancake compressor is way more versatile. Works fine for the garage, construction project or any RV with a generator. The Porter Cable unit which I own cost $100. Does it all. The 12v one you talk about is pretty worthless everywhere except a rv.

ds41crane · 08-30-2017, 11:44 PM

The VAIR is also nice and compact, easy to store and stays in my rig. 12V power is always available from the batteries in my motor-home. The comments in this thread are mostly a re-hash of the thought process I went through in deciding which type of compressor to get specifically for my motor-home not for my home shop. For others that went through the evaluation process and came up with a different answer that's their choice and is just fine for them.

TCollins · 09-01-2017, 06:32 PM

I was going to get the Porter Cable then ran across a similar pancake Rigid that has basically the same specs as the PC but gets slightly better reviews and is set up to run two hoses if you want to. I picked it up at Home Depot for $99. Haven't used it a great deal but it does what I want.

TC

rvbud · 09-01-2017, 11:24 PM

TCollins...smart call. I just saw that the Viair 450 delivers a whopping 2.3CFM @ 0 PSI while the 450P shoves 1.66CFM @ 0 PSI. My $100 Chicago Pneumatic (6gal/150PSI) ...similar to your PC... delivers 3.4CFM @ 40 and 2.5CFM @ 90. Easy enough to run off almost any generator, even a small Honda. I'd be curious to hear if anyone knows the time for the Viair to inflate a 245/70R-19.5 tire from 60 to 85PSI. Maybe there's something I'm missing in having a "compressor in a bag" when REAL compressor can take up perhaps 3.5 cu. ft. that costs half as much.

Steve Ownby · 09-02-2017, 06:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rvbud

TCollins...smart call. I just saw that the Viair 450 delivers a whopping 2.3CFM @ 0 PSI while the 450P shoves 1.66CFM @ 0 PSI. My $100 Chicago Pneumatic (6gal/150PSI) ...similar to your PC... delivers 3.4CFM @ 40 and 2.5CFM @ 90. Easy enough to run off almost any generator, even a small Honda. I'd be curious to hear if anyone knows the time for the Viair to inflate a 245/70R-19.5 tire from 60 to 85PSI. Maybe there's something I'm missing in having a "compressor in a bag" when REAL compressor can take up perhaps 3.5 cu. ft. that costs half as much.

I'm a full timer and I travel with a pretty full load. Space is at a premium. I was set up to use my on engine compressor for airing up tire's and still can but it's somewhat problematic at 6:30 AM in a campground to fire up that 500 hp compressor.

I bought the Viair 450 some time ago & can report that it is well built and perfect for my needs. My steer axle weights just under 14000 pounds and I have my minimum psi as 110. I will not travel under that pressure. Normally, I only have to add air once a year. When I leave East Tennessee after Christmas to go south, the morning temp will be in the 20-30 range. I will need to put between 5-10 psi in the steer tires & a little less in The other 6.

I have found that the 450 will push the pressure from around 105 to 110-112 in less than 3 minutes. It's quite and when I let off the air valve the compressor, back at the other end of the hose, shuts off. It's expensive but it is a good solution for me.