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Recommendation for Tire Inlator or Compressor when on the road?

Anne Miller

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Location: USDA Zone 8a

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posted 3 weeks ago

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I am tired of buying stuff to air up tires when we have a flat.

After several buys we found one that would air up tires on the Subaru though it died trying to air up truck tires.

Any recommendation for something to air up truck tires if we have a flat while "on the road"?

We will have 10 tires that possibly might go flat while "on the road".

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Riley Hall

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posted 3 weeks ago

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I really like this one by dewalt. It fits their 20v battery system and can be plugged into a car jack. I’ve had it for a couple years and use it to air up my backhoe tires regularly. It’s pretty tough.

https://a.co/d/08Es8z7n

John Weiland

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posted 3 weeks ago

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Riley Hall wrote:I really like this one by dewalt. ......

Same. We're heavily invested in Dewalt tools, so that compressor was a natural add on and it hasn't disappointed. I can't speak to the longevity of the unit with large truck tires, but we routinely use it on a Toyota Tundra pick-up with no problems as well as on my small-ish tractors, cargo trailer, horse trailer, etc.

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R Scott

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posted 3 weeks ago

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Any of the pro grade cordless tool ones work well, pick the brand you already have or want to invest in. Get the 1/2 impact and sockets to fit your lug nuts if you want to dramatically speed up tire changes.

If you want corded 12v, I have had good luck with Viair. You’ll need the RV/trailer version to reach trailer tires.

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Nicholas Gainer

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Location: North Central West Virginia

posted 3 weeks ago

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A 12V-110V inverter that can be wired into the car will run a small air compressor that you can buy at places like harbor freight or tractor supply... real world air compressor that will work and take up minimal space in the trunk or back of an SUV or Truck. FYI... Green Slime is a great product but tire shops absolutely hate that stuff...

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Timothy Norton

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Location: Upstate New York, Zone 5b, 43 inch Avg. Rainfall

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posted 3 weeks ago

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I use a variety of 18v Ryobi tools and have their tire inflator. The operation lasts quite a long time with the 4ah battery. My old car had a leak in a tire that I babied for way to long and put the inflator through its paces during that time.

I agree with the previous comments that mention if you have a suite of electric tools that you use that getting the associated tire inflator tool would probably be a good idea.

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Douglas Alpenstock

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Location: Canadian Prairies - Zone 3b

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posted 3 weeks ago

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I'm watching this thread with interest.

I agree that the cheap 12V compressors are unreliable. I see heavy duty models advertised but have no idea if they're any good. For my car (16" tire) I have taken to carrying a bicycle foot pump with an upgraded tire chuck; at least the damn thing always works.

Obviously the bike pump wouldn't be enough for a truck.

One hack that helps, especially with a fully flat tire, is to jack up the vehicle slightly and take off the weight. That way the compressor only has to fill the tire instead of lifting the vehicle.

D Nikolls

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Location: Victoria BC

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posted 2 weeks ago

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I've got a medium sized 12V Viair of some sort; can't recall the model number. Bolted into an old ammo can that then lives in a disintegrating tote.. it's a bare compressor so I had to wire in a power feed with anderson 45 connector and an adapter for battery clamps, pressure cutoff with relay, regulator, gauge, and quick connect for a hose. No air tank.

I've had it for at least a decade, works as new. Relay has failed a couple times. It's not quick but it will air up truck tires to 80psi without issue. And the hose I used is like 50ft, so I can air up trailer tires without any hassle.

I need to rebuild it into a better case, and I'd like to install another semi-permanently in my primary truck, but it's been useful and reliable.

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Douglas Alpenstock

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Location: Canadian Prairies - Zone 3b

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posted 2 weeks ago

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D Nikolls' post gets me thinking -- there must be reliable 12V compressors for the RV crowd. These people have rigs worth $100,000 or more and won't put up with shoddy equipment.

D Nikolls

pollinator

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Location: Victoria BC

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posted 2 weeks ago

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I checked the label, mine is a 444C.

Other than much better packaging, I might put a fan on it if I did a semi-permanent install; it definitely heats up when working hard.

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R Scott

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Location: Tennessee 7b

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posted 2 weeks ago

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Douglas Alpenstock wrote:D Nikolls' post gets me thinking -- there must be reliable 12V compressors for the RV crowd. These people have rigs worth $100,000 or more and won't put up with shoddy equipment.

Often built in, or call AAA.

There are also ones for the off roader jeep space and farm truck / smaller fleet maintenance mobile mechanic space. Prices head north of a grand real quick.

bruce Fine

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posted 2 weeks ago

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ive had several over the years, but the last one I got is ryobi shaped like a drill with about 1' hose. uses the same ryobi drill battery and it works great every time I needed to use it, I even filled up a tractor tire with it. it took a little while but it just keeps on pumping. best $29 I ever spent on a tire inflator

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