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Inexpensive air compressor

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Old Jul 6, 2012 | 12:15 PM
  #1  
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Inexpensive air compressor

Looking to get an inexpensive air compressor for the back of my truck to us to mainly keep tire pressures in truck and camper at proper levels. It also need to fit under my rool-n-lock cover. any body have any info?

Thanks
 
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Old Jul 6, 2012 | 12:17 PM
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You may need a voltage converter but Husky makes a few reliable small compressors. The Home Depot and Northern Tool and Equipment. $60-ish.
 
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Old Jul 6, 2012 | 01:35 PM
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I'd just get a 12volt compressor that you could either plug in, or wire in directly. I've got a cheap Campbell Hausfeld 12volt that plugs in - had it for probably 10-15yrs, it works ok for car tires but takes forever on a truck tire.

Buddy has a Viair brand, 12volt that he really likes, much faster on truck tires. They have different sizes based on what size tires you'll be airing up. Got his on Amazon for less than $50.
 
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Old Jul 6, 2012 | 03:04 PM
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Depends on the pressures you want to keep in the tires...

I usually use the truck stops for mine since I am normally going to fill up before getting the rv, but I did get a little portable battery operated one for air bags, etc...
 
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Old Jul 6, 2012 | 04:18 PM
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Dont get a 12V compressor. I dont trust them. Watch this.

The Little Compressor that Couldn't - YouTube

Now watch this...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JxGW_jH6pYM&feature=plcp
 
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Old Jul 6, 2012 | 06:33 PM
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Every time I go to a local farm/hardware store I eye up the compressor in the link below.(its small and light) I don't need it but its a cool little compressor. One of these times one is going to end up following me home. Its a 120v compressor but the properly sized inverter should work no problem.

SENCO Air-Powered Nailers, Staplers, and Fasteners

They also make a dual tank model.
http://senco.com/CompressorDetails.aspx?k=PC0968
 
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Old Jul 6, 2012 | 07:25 PM
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i had one of the slime air comp that was in the video.total garbage.thing got hot just airing up my qwad tires.
 
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Old Jul 6, 2012 | 07:35 PM
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Originally Posted by dkf
Every time I go to a local farm/hardware store I eye up the compressor in the link below.(its small and light) I don't need it but its a cool little compressor. One of these times one is going to end up following me home. Its a 120v compressor but the properly sized inverter should work no problem.

SENCO Air-Powered Nailers, Staplers, and Fasteners

They also make a dual tank model.
SENCO Air-Powered Nailers, Staplers, and Fasteners
The first one would require a minimum 500W continuous (not peak) inverter and probably would need to be larger to get over the initial motor starting draw. The second one would need a minimum 1000W continuous for its 8 amp rating. It could be done but you would need some seriously large cables running to the inverter plus the inverter so you would have a couple hundred $ in just the inverter part of it. The good thing though is you would have some great portable AC power for running tools and such.
 
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Old Jul 6, 2012 | 08:04 PM
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Originally Posted by A/Ox4
Dont get a 12V compressor. I dont trust them. Watch this.

Now watch this...
Gee, he ran a compressor w/ an 8min duty cycle for 30min and it melted. Who'd a thunk? That compressor was meant for bicycle tires, maybe a 13" car tire - not truck tires.

These are what I was talking about, big difference.
VIAIR Corporation - 88P Part No. 00088 - $70 on Amazon. Smaller ones are even cheaper.

He also asked for an inexpensive air compressor. What's an onboard system cost? $2-300? If that's what he considers inexpensive then by all means, I agree - onboard is the way to go. But if he's just looking for an infrequent use compressor, a 12volt rated for truck tires will work just fine.
 
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Old Jul 6, 2012 | 08:52 PM
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Originally Posted by GonzoCSU
The first one would require a minimum 500W continuous (not peak) inverter and probably would need to be larger to get over the initial motor starting draw. The second one would need a minimum 1000W continuous for its 8 amp rating. It could be done but you would need some seriously large cables running to the inverter plus the inverter so you would have a couple hundred $ in just the inverter part of it. The good thing though is you would have some great portable AC power for running tools and such.
Yeah the inverter and wiring would add to the cost. An 1100w cont 2200w peak inverter can be had for under $90. The adapters for the inverter are not that big (no bigger than 4 awg) Could rig up a nice system with an outlet in the back of the truck and the front of the truck so you can plug in the compressor or other 120v items on either end of the truck.

Or just buy a compressor for offroad use.
http://www.4wheelparts.com/search.aspx?kw=compressor

Or he could buy a Co2 tank or other compressed gas tank.
 
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Old Jul 6, 2012 | 10:28 PM
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Yeah, it even says on the package not really meant for vehicle tires and do not use for more than 5-7 min., then stop to let the compressor cool, then start, and repeat until done. I had a cheapo one like that first video that came in a kit with flares, jumper cables, ties, electrical tape, etc., and I couldn't even get it to put 15 lbs in a car tire. It made the noise, and that was it. I thought that it overheated, but it was just crap to begin with. I guess spend the money for something that would actually work when you need it to.
 
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Old Jul 7, 2012 | 12:49 AM
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Originally Posted by maverick22
Gee, he ran a compressor w/ an 8min duty cycle for 30min and it melted. Who'd a thunk? That compressor was meant for bicycle tires, maybe a 13" car tire - not truck tires.

These are what I was talking about, big difference.
VIAIR Corporation - 88P Part No. 00088 - $70 on Amazon. Smaller ones are even cheaper.

He also asked for an inexpensive air compressor. What's an onboard system cost? $2-300? If that's what he considers inexpensive then by all means, I agree - onboard is the way to go. But if he's just looking for an infrequent use compressor, a 12volt rated for truck tires will work just fine.
My point was cheap doesn't always work, an air compressors is one of those times. Many people don't consider $70 to be "cheap" when there are $20 versions on the market. My point was that the $20 cheap one is not what you want.
 
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Old Jul 7, 2012 | 05:16 AM
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If you want to go big time then VIAIR Corporation - Heavy Duty OBA Part No. 10005 would be the way to go. One day I will get something like this for my rigs, but for now since I have several that I take off road I have went out and got a CostCo knock off of this VIAIR Corporation - 90P Part No. 00093 for about 50 bucks. It has served me well - takes a while to air up 35s but it works.
 
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Old Jul 7, 2012 | 05:17 PM
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Jeeaze guys - let the guy asking the question decide if the options are what he wants... !!! starting to sound like some Audi forums I visit and the diesel stop here

Again my post was prefaced with it depends...
one like this
http://www.amazon.com/Factory-Recond.../dp/B004IDHHVA
has served me well with my air bags and light duty tire pumping...
nothing like 80 psi - although it will do 100 psi on my air bags in 10 or so seconds...
 
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