Community Forums

Mr_D · 12-10-2017, 08:02 PM

Tried the onboard air a couple MH's ago, gave up and got one if the tank ones, after two of them quit I got the Viair 450 RV. Now I have no problems topping up.

rvguy02 · 12-10-2017, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by les.warden

Option #2 here. Complete RV system. Hose, extension hose, carrying case, etc. Airs up coach and/or toad tires in very little time. And it’s quiet. Runs off 12V so house, chassis, or toad batteries. Here’s what I ended up with and been happy..

Viair 40047 400P-RV Automatic Portable Compressor Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004B68XGC?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

Astro 3018 Digital Tire Inflator with Stainless Steel Braided Hose https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002PUTC0M?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

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

Crasher · 12-10-2017, 08:40 PM

FWIW, I have two Viar 450 compressors hooked together on my off road Jeep. We deflate the 40" tires to 8 psi for crawling on the rocky waterfalls and mountain trails for much better traction. Then reinflate to 16-18 psi for driving home on the road. It only takes a couple minutes per tire to get them pressured up. The compressors have worked well for a couple years inflating countless times.

Ray,IN · 12-10-2017, 08:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rvguy02

Thanks for all of your responses... I should clarify/correct my original comment about my tires getting low after a week (perhaps a senior moment

)... We store our coach in a climate-controlled warehouse during the off season. After it's sat for 3-4 months it tends to lose a few pounds at most in the cooler temperatures. Typically we use it during the summer, store it from September to December, and then take a Christmas trip with it. We see some slight changes in pressures as we head south from Chicago to the warmer climate for Christmas. After our winter trip, it sits again until the summer. We also load our coach more heavily for a long summer trip, hence our tire pressures are increased a bit.

I'll take a look at all of your input and try and make the best decision for my occasional use. Thanks again for your input.

Every major tire mfgr. recommends inflating to sidewall maximum pressure for long-term storage. Following that you never need to be concerned about "topping off" tires.

rvguy02 · 12-10-2017, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ray,IN

Every major tire mfgr. recommends inflating to sidewall maximum pressure for long-term storage. Following that you never need to be concerned about "topping off" tires.

I didn't know that. Thanks for sharing that information. This website is amazing for learning so much about our coaches.

Ilvmygt · 12-10-2017, 09:16 PM

I went to Lowes looking for a "Pancake" compressor. After looking at the pancake compressors decided they were too big and stumbled across this compressor.

Fini 1.2-Gallon Portable Electric Hot Dog Air Compressor
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Fini-1-2-Ga...essor/50385522

It can bring the 315s on the front up to 115 psi in a few minutes. Max pressure is 135 psi. It seems to work fine. I have also used it with staple and nail guns several time in the field where my big compressor was not available.

JustParo · 12-10-2017, 10:03 PM

I use cheap Riobi 18v ONE+ that's good up to 150 lbs. The Gauge is inaccurate but just use a portable gauge. A little long winded but works to top of my RV tires a couple pounds. Having 2 batteries helps 2.

marjoa · 12-11-2017, 04:09 AM

This is the Vlair unit we bought and it works flawslessly. Comes with 2 coiled hoses so it will reach anywhere on the coach. Have not found any issues at all hooking it up to house batt’s under the stairway. Takes about 2 minutes to add 10PSI. Never took my tires past 95PSI so I can’t attest to the fact on how it would work past that but I have no doubt it would do fine.

Vlair unit
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

PSI Gauge
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

MSGDLD · 12-11-2017, 05:32 AM

1) Quit buying cheap pancake compressors! Mine has lasted over 20 years. One advantage of a pancake compressor is that it will run an impact wrench for a short period. Can't beat that while you're on the road. The obvious disadvantage is that they require 120 V DC. 2) The Viar is a great unit. It's relatively lightweight, it's very small, and it puts out plenty enough pressure to air a tire. I had trouble with it trying to blow out my air tanks, I did not like the results. Once a line was open, after the initial blast, there was no volume pushing remaining water. No surprise, there's no tank. I don't believe it'll run an air tool, and I'm not going to risk trashing it by trying. It's advantages are light weight, small size, good power and pressure, and 12v operation. No generator or shore power needed. Great when your away from things. I got it just before leaving on a vacation for a long trip, and it worked great on the road. Not as obnoxious as starting the generator, didn't have to try to find an air fitting at a truck stop. How easy it hooks to your batteries is rig specific. Disadvantage, it seems to me to be a one trick pony, although I'll try blowing out the water again next year to verify. 3) I have a gas rig, a doubler wouldn't help, but I can say that we used to tap into air brake tanks to inflate tires and run air tools for short periods. Any length of time would require starting the engine to build pressure. They max at 120psi though. Plenty enough for army trucks, maybe not enough for some front tires.

So far, I'm still carrying the pancake and the Viar. [emoji4]

krudawg · 12-11-2017, 07:03 AM

My "cheapo" pancake compressor lasted almost 25 years.

69Stang · 12-11-2017, 07:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ilvmygt

I went to Lowes looking for a "Pancake" compressor. After looking at the pancake compressors decided they were too big and stumbled across this compressor.

Fini 1.2-Gallon Portable Electric Hot Dog Air Compressor
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Fini-1-2-Ga...essor/50385522

It can bring the 315s on the front up to 115 psi in a few minutes. Max pressure is 135 psi. It seems to work fine. I have also used it with staple and nail guns several time in the field where my big compressor was not available.

That's the one I have and it has been a great compressor. I also used it when I remodeled the MH to run tools, something a VIAIR can't do.

I also bought a VIAIR RV compressor that had been used once. I paid $95.

Both are good and have advantages\disadvantages, but I prefer to use the Fini.

MSGDLD · 12-11-2017, 07:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by krudawg

My "cheapo" pancake compressor lasted almost 25 years.

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.

Dc2x4drvr · 12-11-2017, 07:21 AM

I have the Viair 450-RV, it’s a nice unit, works good, and easy to store. I hook it up to my generator battery.

RVPioneer · 12-11-2017, 08:14 AM

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.