Community Forums

DRosedale · 05-30-2011, 02:08 PM

Is it a good idea to carry a portable air compressor in your coach, if so, what would be your suggestion on brand and model.

rewaters49 · 05-30-2011, 02:21 PM

Tire manufacturers always recommend checking tire pressure on 'cold' tires, before they've been driven to someplace where you can get air. So, I got and recommend this: Sears: Online department store featuring appliances, tools, fitness equipment and more

I didn't hear about the 'break-in' running, so don't know if that's why mine won't hold pressure for very long, but plenty long enough to air up my tires, clean my vacuum cleaner filters, and run my brad nailer. I wouldn't be without one.

Do a search on this site for 'Sears Compressor' and you'll find other's opinions of this compressor.

wildtoad · 05-30-2011, 02:23 PM

The safe answer is yes it is a good idea to have a compressor with you "Just in Case". However I think it depends on a couple of things. One is how long are you going to be gone? For weekends check the tires before you go and if needed add some air. The longer the trip the more likely you will need to top off the tires. So now if the tire gets a flat what you going to do? Do you expect to change the tire yourself (If you have a spare) or fix it? Most folks will need to call AAA or similar to fix it and I suspect they will have an air supply. And thirdly do you have room for a air pump sufficient to fill yur tires?

So right now we mostly do short 2-4 day trips, not far from home so I simply check the tires before I go and take the number for my road service folk with me.

And I have a Porter-Cable 6 gallon Pancake compressor.

Roam America · 05-30-2011, 02:42 PM

I am fulltime. Like Ray pointed out, you need to set your tires pressures in the morning before driving. To facilitate that I purchased a Porter-Cable 6 gallon pancake compressor. It is rate up to 150 psi. I have a 5er and this compressor fits nicely under the truck's bed cover so it is protected from the environment. I bolted it down so no worries about it rolling around in the truck bed. It came with a 25' hose and I picked up a 2nd 25' hose for those times when I cannot get the truck close enough to the trailer's tires.

ahicks · 05-30-2011, 03:59 PM

X2 on the Porter Cable Pancake with 150psi available. I recently got mine as a "factory refurbished" on Ebay for 129.

Gary RVRoamer · 05-30-2011, 04:15 PM

It depends on the length of the trip and how often your tires need air. Mine almost never need to be topped up, maybe 1-2 times a year, but I know others who frequently need to add air.

Carrying a compressor is a fair amount of weight and a lot of bulk if you have large tires that require 90-120 psi. For lower pressure tires you can do with a smaller compressor and maybe a tankless model.

Most diesel rigs have an onboard air system for the air suspension and brakes, so they alreay have a compressor that will handle most needs.

scenic route · 05-30-2011, 04:20 PM

Absolutely, especially if you're planning extended trips. Last summer we carried a 'pancake'...it was great and did everything we asked of it. However, during that 5 month trek the thing just got too darn heavy to get in and out of it's living quarters in the basement. This summer, we have replaced it with the Sear's 1.5 and it weighs in at half of the pancake version. Now I find I'll drag this thing out on a whim.

I did however, get rid of the 'cheesy' hose. This compressor has no problem with topping off our 22.5s.

Bob

wa8yxm · 05-30-2011, 05:18 PM

YES.. I carry a Sears unit that is rated to 150 PSI (Actually hits 160 as it came from factory) it's a 2 gallon pancake type and fits in the basement.

Harbor Freight has one with similar ratings however I have purchased low-cost compressors in the past and not been happy. I do not know how well the H.F. unit is made as I've never really "Got into" it.

njs42 · 05-30-2011, 06:51 PM

I went way overboard and installed a VIAIR tank and constant duty compressor. Simple metal struts mount it to the front of the frame below the radiator----compressor off to the side on the same on the same frame. 50' air hose, 150 psi, 2-1/2 gallons and rather loud obnoxious air horn under the hood on a gas rig to boot.

Dolphins are famous for an anemic horn---not mine.

Oh yes---I check my tires daily on the road and before I move it---every time.

cliff841 · 05-31-2011, 01:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rewaters49

So, I got and recommend this: Sears: Online department store featuring appliances, tools, fitness equipment and more

I bought this compressor as well after seeing it recommended on this forum. So far I have been very happy. It does what I need it to (19.5" tires, balls, etc.), takes up relatively little space and doesn't weigh all that much.