Cheap air up solution

[the_jeepeo]

Hi. I’ve had one of these for almost 5 years for topping off cold tires in the driveway and emergency jump starts.

Worked great for that but now I’m ready to off road and need a more efficient way to air up.

I tested airing the spare up in the driveway after airing it down to 15 PSI with the Caterpillar CJ1000DCP and it took 10ish minutes.

I ran it off the Jeep’s center console inverter so I had the engine running the whole time.

Aside from how long it would take to do all four tires, idling the engine for that long is a nope for me.

What are some recommended introductory cheap options for someone like me looking to spend 150 to 250?

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[Grimmjpr]

Hi. I’ve had one of these for almost 5 years for topping off cold tires in the driveway and emergency jump starts.

Worked great for that but now I’m ready to off road and need a more efficient way to air up.

I tested airing the spare up in the driveway after airing it down to 15 PSI with the Caterpillar CJ1000DCP and it took 10ish minutes.

I ran it off the Jeep’s center console inverter so I had the engine running the whole time.

Aside from how long it would take to do all four tires, idling the engine for that long is a nope for me.

What are some recommended introductory cheap options for someone like me looking to spend 150 to 250?

300LPM AIR COMPRESSOR BK MTWM10215C | Buy Online - NAPA Auto Parts (napaonline.com)

This one puts out 10 CFM and is really quick. It can be had on sale. I picked mine up for 94 dollars.

 

[John VonJeep]

You need one that hooks directly to the battery. I prefer Viair, but if you want cheap, people seem to have very good luck with these.

https://www.harborfreight.com/12v-150-psi-compact-air-compressor-63184.html

 

[Some Random Guy]

I used the Viair 400p automatic for a while. If you pick a 30A compressor you can do this instead of hooking up to the battery (so no hood popping).

Edit: assuming you have a 7-pin hookup.

 

[eck]

You need one that hooks directly to the battery. I prefer Viair, but if you want cheap, people seem to have very good luck with these.

https://www.harborfreight.com/12v-150-psi-compact-air-compressor-63184.html

I can personally attest that this harbor freight one gets the job done, especially for the price. Just make sure you get the 150psi one because they sell a somewhat similar 100psi one too.

The only downside I've experienced is that on hot days (95F+) it would usually overheat on me halfway through filling my fourth tire so I would have to give it 10 minutes to cool down and finish airing up.

I eventually switched to using an ARB single, mounted to the engine cover bracket on the 3.6L, but it's pretty hard to beat the harbor freight one on value-per-$.

 

[NOIDEAWIAM]

I fought this issue for a long time as well. I burnt up a few 12v air compressors and the time it took to air up. I finally broke down and got a power tank.....I regret nothing. It is amazing. it took 37's about a minute to get from 5PSI to 30PSI. This saved a ton of time when airing up. I have used it for tools and whatnot as well. I have a 15lb tank and it will fill up all 4 tires about 5 times before needing a refill. about $20 for a refill. I like it over the ARB because theres no electrical connections or motors to go wrong.

 

[BDinTX]

I put together a CO2 system myself and like it. Only thing I would caution you about if you go that route is that not all places will refill your cylinder.

Paintball shops can usually fill your cylinder in a pinch but you won't get a complete fill.
Welding shops (at least near me) only exchange cylinders
Fire extinguisher shops have been my best source that can fill while I wait and also hydrotest the tank when the time comes.

If you buy a PowerTank you're not going to want to exchange your nice painted tank with one that's been beat to hell.

If you just buy the regulator, hose, brackets, etc you can attach it to one of the exhange cylinders and then you also never have to worry about hydrotesting.

 

[Reinen]

My experience is if you go cheap on a compressor it ends up being more expensive (because you need to buy another one when it breaks). I 2nd the Viair. Good quality.

 

[Some Random Guy]

My experience is if you go cheap on a compressor it ends up being more expensive (because you need to buy another one when it breaks). I 2nd the Viair. Good quality.

The Smittybilt is a bit faster than the 400p (and I think cheaper), but it is a 40A compressor so it needs to be hooked to the battery or wire a quick connect somewhere accessible and protected.

 

[GtX]

If you just buy the regulator, hose, brackets, etc you can attach it to one of the exhange cylinders and then you also never have to worry about hydrotesting.

I did the same. About 20 years ago. Still using the same regulator and hose. I drop the 20 lb tank at a gas supply depot and pick up a replacement.

I have a 5 lb back up just in case the 20 lb runs dry on me unexpectedly.

 

[wibornz]

I used the Viair 400p automatic for a while. If you pick a 30A compressor you can do this instead of hooking up to the battery (so no hood popping).

Edit: assuming you have a 7-pin hookup.

That is a great idea.

 

[the_jeepeo]

Yes, I like the idea of modifying the electrical connector for use with the trailer connection but I like the idea of a dual compressor for 100 bucks more.

I want to run a 4 tire inflation hose system.

My rough plan is to use this method of installing a pressure switch and standard connector.

And to achieve the desired “no hood popping” feature I’ll try doing something like this

 

[Grimmjpr]

Yes, I like the idea of modifying the electrical connector for use with the trailer connection but I like the idea of a dual compressor for 100 bucks more.

I want to run a 4 tire inflation hose system.

My rough plan is to use this method of installing a pressure switch and standard connector.

And to achieve the desired “no hood popping” feature I’ll try doing something like this

 

[J0E]

I fought this issue for a long time as well. I burnt up a few 12v air compressors and the time it took to air up.

This from Viair engineering:
the 450p rv is a 100% duty cycle compressor. the 88p is a 33% duty cycle compressor. the 450p rv auto will take a little longer to get to the desired psi, but can run longer once there. the 88p will get to the desired psi but wont be able to run as long. same concept for the 400p compared to the 450p rv automatic

Until I get an ARB installed, I've been using a pair of these Ryobi's ($19 each). My Viar 88 stays put as a backup. The little Ryobi's will inflate my stock 33's from 18 to 30 in less than 5 minutes. And the same batteries work in my 600 ft/lbs 1/2" impact wrench I carry.

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