Log In | Register
Skip to main content
Topic: Portable air compressors and dually tires (Read 1041 times) previous topic - next topic
0 Members and 5 Guests are viewing this topic.
Portable air compressors and dually tires
Today our wheel-about air compressor died.  This happened within a month of buying a special air chuck to fill my outer dually tires.  We have extensions on the inner dually tires hence no tpms for them.

We are looking for a portable replacement to bring with us on trips.

We have seen a lot of comments about Via Air portable compressors.  I have not seen anything about getting air into to outer duallys.

We are looking for a high quality portable that will fill all tires. Has anyone run across a solution?

Steve and Annette
2019 TK 24
Re: Portable air compressors and dually tires
Reply #1 –
First, save yourself a lot of trouble over time and install custom, one-piece, valve stems on at least your rear tires.  Since the Tireman valves are no longer available, the Borg dually valve kits are popular.  They make checking and airing up tires so much easier.  Search this forum (and others) and you'll find much discussion about such valve stem kits.

Then spring for a TPMS system. 

Art
Art and Barbara
Settled in Atterdag Village of Solvang
2015-2022 fulltime in a 2016 Tiffin Allegro Bus 37AP
2002-2015 2002 LD MB
Art's blog
Re: Portable air compressors and dually tiresi
Reply #2 –
The Viair 400P RV portable air compressor is a very efficient, easy-to-use product. It’s expensive, but well-made, and, although a bit heavy, Is compact enough to stow in any LD compartment.

As Art said, long valves make checking and airing tires simple and  hassle-free. Try Your Tire Shop Supply | Supplies for Tire Shops and click on the link to dual valves.
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Portable air compressors and dually tires
Reply #3 –

Steve & Annette,

Art is spot on. Borg solid valve stems are the answer for many of us on LDOG. A TPMS is also a winner. For ease of airing up the tires (if TPMS sensors are installed on the valve stems), I use a flow through valve between our Borg valves and the sensors. I purchased the flow through valve from Tire Minder.

We have the Tire Minder TPMS which does not have the flow through valve as part of the sensor. Other TPMS manufacturers do have the flow through valve built into their sensors.

We also have the Viair 12 volt portable air compressor. We purchased it directly from Viair and saved a little $ and it got to us in 3 days. Amazon sells it as well. Get the RV kit. Be sure to purchase a separate air hose (Home Depot) as the Viar hose included in the kit is not the best option for your RV tire needs. Amazon.com: Viair 40047 400P-RV Automatic Portable Compressor Kit: Automotive

Viair is a high quality compressor and can fit nicely in your storage bay.

Safe travels.

Kent

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: Portable air compressors and dually tires
Reply #4 –
Kent, what don’t you like about the stock hose(s) that come with the Viair?
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Portable air compressors and dually tires
Reply #5 –
Joan,

What I don’t like about the coil hose is the coil itself. Plus the fittings on the kit hose that I received tend to leak air.

I prefer a standard air hose that I can extend and lay flat for its entire length. This allows me to pull it around the tires smoothly. The coiled hose tends to fight me as I pull it around the rig. The original coiled hoses remain in the Viair kit. They may come in handy some day.

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: Portable air compressors and dually tires
Reply #6 –
I use a Ryobi 18v air compressor. Take a bit longer to top off but easy to use and the 4ah battery lasts a good long while. I have a battery charger in my tool compartment where I keep an impact wrench and a couple other handy tools that all use the same 18v battery system
Joe B.
2008 26ft  grey/white Rear Bath
Family of 5 hitting the open road as much as we can.
Re: Portable air compressors and dually tires
Reply #7 –
Having drunk lots of the Lazy Daze Kool Aid, I also bought the Viair 400P-RV compressor.  I have used it on numerous occasions and it is powerful enough to top up tires in short order.  I've also used it to air up our Jeep tires after dropping the pressure off pavement. It is a nice compressor, although expensive.

One of the inflator chucks leaked air when it arrived.  I called Viair and explained that I was shortly going to leave on a trip.  They apologized and promptly mailed me a new one, which arrived in 24 hours.  That is great service.

My wanderer son decided to drive his Toyota Tacoma to Guatemala last year.  (Why would anyone in their right mind want to drive from San Diego to Guatemala these days?)  I tried to explain that the wave of recent immigrants are coming from Guatemala to here, not the other way around.  I bought him a Viair compressor and a decent patch kit  for his truck tires.  Having returned, he presently has a slow leak and still uses the Viair to top up the leaky tire, rather than just fixing it.

The Viair is a good compressor.

Incidentally, he got accosted by a group of thugs at the Guatemala border who tried to rob him.  He fought back, jumped back into his truck and decided that it might not be a safe place for a single Gringo to go exploring.  I wonder why no one told him ?  No reason to listen to Dad....

Harold

2014 27 MB
Towd: Either the Jeep Wrangler or trailer containing the BMW R1200GS and 2 E-bicycles
Happy wife=Happy life
Re: Portable air compressors and dually tires
Reply #8 –

In the LD, I prefer a small, lightweight compressor that I can carry from tire to tire, on with a 4' hose and a long 12-volt extension cord.
Straight hoses use more storage space than coiled hoses. The 12-volt,10-gauge extension cord has other uses.
Vlair compressors have a good reputation and are priced to match.
I have used an eBay special compressor for the last 15 years or so, equipped with a quick-disconnect 20' coil hose, a 20' extension cord and straight air nozzle, all carried in a bag . Our LD has 12-volt power outlets on both sides .
Air compressor | Flickr
https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/b/superflow-4738/agriculture-hd-parts---accessories-19818/agricultural---construction-20126/tire-repair-20137/tire-inflators---sealants-25157/tire-inflators---air-pumps-17480/943407206ee1/superflow-air-compressor/mv50/4683305
Amazon.com: Plews & Edelmann Amflo 126 Straight-On Air Line Chuck with...

I rarely add air on the road, before leaving home usually setting the pressure in each tire 5-psI higher than require, providing a safety cushion.
 A TPMS prevents losing air by not having to manually check the tire pressure, saves a lot of time too.

The Jeep often requires adding air, after off roading. A 12-volt compressor takes a long time to air up four oversize tires.
Instead of a compressor, a 10-lb,CO2 tank is carried in the rear of the Jeep. It produces pressure and volume similar to a home compressor and has enough flow to run air tools. The tank can air up the tires about ten times before needing refilling, getting done about once a year for a cost of around $20. 
CO2 tanks are commonly used in the 4X4 world for air.
CO2 tank and Fire extinguisher | 10 lb CO2 OBA. 31 inch spar… | Flickr
Poly Performance CO2 Kit | POLY PERFORMANCE

Larry

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Portable air compressors and dually tires
Reply #9 –
Larry,
If you take a multi day Jeep trip with and move from one camp to another requiring airing down and then reinflating for pavement miles, how many times can you inflate your four tires?

Harold
2014 27 MB
Towd: Either the Jeep Wrangler or trailer containing the BMW R1200GS and 2 E-bicycles
Happy wife=Happy life
Re: Portable air compressors and dually tires
Reply #10 –
Quote from: Blueox25  - 

If you take a multi day Jeep trip with and move from one camp to another requiring airing down and then reinflating for pavement miles, how many times can you inflate your four tires?

Our Cherokee has 33 X 10.50-15 tires and it gets eight to ten refill from the 10-lb tank, going from 12psi to 25psi.
If paved roads are in the mix, the pressure is kept at 18psi.  Deep rock and sand requires a lower pressure for both comfort and traction.
Larger tires will use more CO2 and get fewer refills. The CO2 tanks are available in several sizes, from 5-lbs to 20-lbs.
The tank cuts refilling four tires to less than ten minutes, taking my time. A compressor can take a long time to refill just one large tire.
Hard core off-roaders will re-plumb their A/C compressors, using them as large, engine driven air compressors.

Larry


Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Portable air compressors and dually tires
Reply #11 –

I didn't realize there was a Vlair following here.  We got the Amazon.com: Viair 00073 70P Heavy Duty Portable Compressor: Automotive

It works fine. Will fill 10 lbs in an RV fire quickly. We check before each driving day and it is unusual frnusnto her that low (only when we had a valve issue on a new tire).

Like Larry we bought a long 12v extension cord and can reach all the tires plugging it into the cab but could also go thru a window to one of the coach 12v outlets we installed.

We have used it for our car also.  
Jane

Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Jane & Scott
Currently have a 1989 TK  LD we did a lot of upgrades on.
Bigfoot 25RQ Twin on order with early summer 2024 ETA

Our smartphone autocorrects into very poor English.
 We disclaim the illusion of ignorance this creates as we have enough ignorance we rightly claim.
Re: Portable air compressors and dually tires
Reply #12 –
The ancient, slow-as-pitch Campbell-Hausfeld compressor lasted for about 15 years, but finally wheezed away...I got this one to keep in the garage over a year ago; heavy to lug around, but quiet and fast:

California Air Tools CAT-1P1060S IP Light & Quiet .6-HP 1-Gallon Steel Tank...

(Amazon has it, too, but I didn't see it on the manufacturer's site.)

The 12V Viair is carried in the LD.
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Portable air compressors and dually tires
Reply #13 –
Quote from: Joan  - 
The ancient, slow-as-pitch Campbell-Hausfeld compressor lasted for about 15 years, but finally wheezed away..

Amen to that. The thing works, but is agonizingly slow and noisy. If I wasn’t so cheap, I’d have dumped it long ago!  Fortunately, the tires hold pressure well, and i don’t have to add air often. — Jon
(Former) ‘06 TK “Albatross.” And (former) Vespa 250.   Alas, no more; both are gone.😕 Great memories remain! 😄
Portable Air Compressor
Reply #14 –
Hi All,
I want to thank all the members of the forum who commented on the advantages of having a good quality portable air compressor available when traveling. I took this to heart and just received my VIAIR portable compressor and couldn't be more pleased with the purchase. Yes, the compressor is heavy and the RV model is a little wider with the two air hose storage  compartments, but it still fit in my rear driver side  compartment. I couldn't be more pleased with its performance and as sure as God made little green apples the inside rear tire registered 35 lbs. of air instead of the normal 75 lbs. Brand new tire has a slow leak so back to the tire store for repair.  So, thank you again for sharing your RV knowledge and experiences with us newbie's to the forum.
2005 MB
Re: Portable Air Compressor
Reply #15 –
I had a problem with an out side dually.  using the via air chuck, i broke the tire fill gizmo.  Ended taking the pressure from 70 psi to 0 and a service call to a tire shop.  next time will try the screw on chuck.
Steve and Annette
2019 TK 24
Re: Portable Air Compressor
Reply #16 –
I also purchased a Viair unit, but havent used it yet.  Probably should at least open the box before it is stored on the LD.  However, I just bought a small 18v Ryobi compressor with 1 gal tank that uses my 18v batteries for my drills, impact wrenches and lights.  It fills the tank to 120psi and then shuts off. I tried filling my tires with it and it works very well.  Might be selling the viair unit.
Re: Portable Air Compressor
Reply #17 –
"I tried filling my tires with it and it works very well."
----
The LD's tires or car tires? What kind of a chuck do you use?
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Portable Air Compressor
Reply #18 –
I used the flexible screw on valve for the rear duals and the rigid extension for the front tires. I’m going to add a valve extension on the front tires. I also tried another air valve and pressure reading gauge off my garage compressor, it worked well with the Viair.
2005 MB
Re: Portable air compressors and dually tires
Reply #19 –
Would a 120V tire inflator (powered by the LD generator when on the road) works just as well (or perhaps better) then a 12V inflator?  Does anyone have a recommended 120V inflator that can be carried in a LD?
Paul
Paul
2010 MB (2011-present)                                                                                        
1994 Multiplan (1997-2010)
Re: Portable air compressors and dually tires
Reply #20 –
Paul, this website offers a large number of compressors of all sizes, types, and capacities and provides information on how to choose.  The 'Portable' tab opens several pages of small compressors; I suggest starting with 'tank size' as a filter. 1-gallon (or 2-gallon) tanks are plenty for tire airing.

Air Compressors Direct | Your Online Air Compressor Store

Keep in mind that even if the compressor has a small 'footprint', it may still have a handle or frame that increases the size and also be heavy to lug in and out of a compartment. For example, I have a California Air Tools 1P1060S; it's a very good small 'hot dog' unit, quiet and fast, but it lives in the garage because it weighs about 30 pounds, and its framework/handle prevents it from fitting in any compartment of the TK.


2003 TK has a new home
Re: Portable air compressors and dually tires
Reply #21 –
To Joan's question:  I used the Ryobi to air up my trailer tires to 50 psi that had gone flat and to add air to a couple of tires to 75 psi in rear and 60 psi front.  It is not as good as my 120v small nailgun air compressor. But that unit is very heavy and bulky.  I like the fact that the Ryobi uses the same 18v batteries that fit my impact wrench and shoplight, both of which I carry on the LD. The Ryobi unit does fit into the side compartments.   I also use a Vondior combination inflator and digital gauge.  It is a great tool for inflating tires.
Re: Portable air compressors and dually tires
Reply #22 –
Thanks for that information. I have only one of the Ryobi 18V One+ tools, a hand vac; maybe time to add to the family!  ;)
2003 TK has a new home
 
Re: Portable Air Compressor
Reply #23 –
Quote from: parussky  - 
I just bought a small 18v Ryobi compressor with 1 gal tank that uses my 18v batteries for my drills, impact wrenches and lights.  It fills the tank to 120psi and then shuts off. I tried filling my tires with it and it works very well. 

I had not seen the Ryobi 18=volt compressor before, what a nice portable device, perfect for a pneumatic nailer or other small air tools. I have a large compressor in the garage and a smaller, 120-volt nailer compressor that was used for side jobs. 
Today, when a small job needs doing and it's too far away to run an air hose, I grab the CO2 tank. The Ryobi would be good replacement.
If our LD had the room, a would carry a Ryobi compressor to go along with the Ryobi 1/2"drill, 3/8" impact driver, 1/2" impact (in the Jeep) and the dustbuster already carried . The Ryobi leaf blower goes with us much of the time too, it's good for blowing the dust and dust off a concrete or blacktop parking slabs was well as blowing out a dusty Jeep interior, it always goes to Morro Bay where the sites are often covered in blown sand.

Ryobi also sells two other small compressors that uses the ONE+ 18-volt battery, anyone one here use them?
18V ONE+â„¢ HIGH PRESSURE INFLATOR WITH DIGITAL GAUGE | RYOBI Tools
Amazon.com: Ryobi P731 One+ 18v Dual Function Power Inflator/Deflator...

Since I rarely add air while traveling, a small compressor is appealing and we already carry several ONE+ batteries,

Larry
 
As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Portable air compressors and dually tires
Reply #24 –
Larry, I've never had any luck with getting an air-tight seal on the valve with a clamp-on, so, please be the lab rat to test the little Ryobi 'high pressure' inflator and let me know how well its clamp-on valve attachment works!  Thanks heaps!  ;)
2003 TK has a new home