portable 12 volt air compressor

[OrneryBear]

After looking at all the different systems from off road brands and lamenting the price they all want for essentially a rebranded chinese compressor with a markup and a bunch of fancy hoses, I recently got a viair 450P and it's more than enough to handle big tires. I filled up all 4 of my f150's 35x12.5-17 tires from 18psi to 32 psi in about 15min including setup and teardown.

I like the 450P because it has automatic shutoff, so it doesn't run if you're not pumping air, and it has a 100% duty cycle up to an hour, and thermal overload protection. It's also very very quiet, I couldn't even hear it over my truck's engine running. Plus it was on sale on amazon at the time for under $300.

That said, if I had wanted to spend more on a setup, I would have gone with morrflate. I like their product. I almost pulled the trigger too.

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[WJ43]

I use this, works great and doesn't take up a lot of room.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-18V-Cordless-Portable-Inflator-Tool-Only-R87044/313257505

 

[RubiBlueJLU]

I run with this one:

https://www.walmart.com/ip/HART-20-Volt-Cordless-Dual-Function-Digital-Inflator-Battery-Not-Included/169558626?athbdg=null&athbdg=L1100_L1100&from=/search

Not the fastest, but will fill a 35 with ease. I use it for my rear air bags when I tow. Great for an air mattress, tube.

I also have a few of the matching tools. Drills, skill saw, chain saw, light. All bought on sale (about 1/2 price). Spare batteries and charger, too.

 

[SargeDiesel]

The battery operated pumps are great, but IMO, geared for home use such as passenger cars, bicycle tires, basketballs... so on . But I wouldn’t want it for 35"/37" tires. Might work in a pinch for one tire, but definitely not a trail option, when airing up/down four.

The 12v plug are very convenient because there's no need for keeping batteries charged or carrying several around. Unfortunately, they just don't provide the power for my foreseen use.

So this is where my use vs budget came into play. Unarguably the best options are mounted compressors. My use and budget couldn't justify this option.

So I went with what I feel is the best compromise, a portable with a direct battery connection.

There are several on the market and just as many YouTube videos about them. I have had good luck with JACO products. So I researched and found their Inflator fit my needs.
One major plus is it uses industry standard conections and attachments, not proprietary connections like (I believe the Harbor Freight) and many others do.

I payed approximately $140. after discounts.

*These statements are just my opinion, as misguided as they may be. It is what works for me.

 

[Rustynail11]

I have the Masteflow Tsunami, it works well

 

[Robertyoke]

I have the Milwaukee 18 volt inflator and it run it with a makita battery as I have all makita tools. The makita inflator isn't too bad maybe a tad slower but its auto set pressure is all over the place. Amazon had the Milwaukee on sale for a Benjamin back around Christmas time I figured thats a pretty good deal so I nabbed it, I think they are normally double that.
You can always go the co2 route as well, I keep a 20 oz paint ball tank with a regulator for back-up. Mount it to the rear roll bar like a fire extinguisher.

 

[ColonelSanders]

If you have a slow leak any compressor will likely get you to a shop. I’d suggest you get a tire plug kit if you are going to carry any compressor. Don’t bother with a compressor bigger than the $150 range or it’s overkill. You want something that fits in the cubby in the back, along with a small hose and air chuck. My morrflate Fivesix would fit if I remove the base that just makes it more stable. https://morrflate.com/shop/air-sour...orrflate-fivesix-12v-off-road-air-compressor/

a Viair 300p kit with the chuck and all for like $150 is probably just what you need. The Morrflate is just an upgraded version of that basic design.

 

[mikek1971]

Thank you
All of you I have the m18 compressor and it works great. I just want a 12 volt with a plug in cable so I don’t have to worry about a battery going dead. I appreciate all the feedback. I will look into all the ones who posted. Thank you all

 

[hilljumper]

looking for options for having a small non mounted air compressor to have if ever needed to air up a 37 inch tire. don't really do any off roading.
i want to remove spare tire and just need something to air a a flat in a pinch to get to a place to get it fixed. i see several new vehicles do not have a spare anymore and come with a small portable air compressor with fix a flat in them. any recommendations would be helpful and great. i have learned a lot from all of the jeep owners in this forum

thank you

https://www.harborfreight.com/12v-125-psi-high-performance-inflator-59624.html this compressor just kicked the shit out of my Rough Country ARB dual compressor. No comparison. Maybe the Rough Country was always defective (it just blew itself up) but the Harbor Freight will fill a 35" tire tens times faster even though it is rated at half the cfm.

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