I want to purchase a portable or hard mount compressor for my truck. I was wondering if I purchase a hard mount type of compressor, can I use it to inflate my tires and such without an optional air tank? Or, do I HAVE to also get the storage tank. Any advice would be appreciated...

 

If you do not get the tank the compressor won't have any storage capacity. You would be able to inflate a tire but not supply enough air to seat a loose bead. You will not be able to run any air tools unless they are very very small capacity. Regulating the pressure by turning the clutch on and off will be very difficult.

 

Ok, So lets say for example that all I wanted to do was inflate and deflate the tires on my truck. Would this be a problem?
I know it sounds crazy, but I like to air-up my front tires when I put my plow on. I am getting tired of finding a gas station everytime it claims it's going to snow.
Your advise was and is appreciated...

 

Using a compressor without a tank would not be a problem for inflation only. I have a York AC compressor with an electric motor, pressure relief valve at 100psi and a hose on a cradle with a handle that I have used for 20 years to air up tires. By switching connections I have used it for vacuum service also. You can find instructions for converting a York compressor for air service in tech papers and topics here. Letting the compressor run blowing off excess pressure thru a relief is not very efficient, it gets the job done tho.

 

A lot of guys involved in the towing of junk cars use an air-conditioner compressor plumbed to inflate tires and sometimes use a small tank for an an impact gun. The set-ups work fine.