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Topic: Tire Inflators - Air Compressors (Read 847 times) previous topic - next topic
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Tire Inflators - Air Compressors
Hi group,

Seeing that a TPMS discussion has morphed into air compressors and inflators, I thought I would start another new thread on inflators. I think there was a similar discussion last December.

I ended up buying a DeWalt dcc0201b inflator that can run off their 20volt battery system, 12vdc. or with ac power if you purchase an optional power cord. The bare unit does not come with a battery but I already had 2 of their 20volt lithium batteries from another DeWalt power tool.

This tool is AMAZING. Check it out on Amazon; I think over 1000 reviews and I think they are 5 stars too. I have not used it on our Lazy Daze yet, but on my truck and our Forester it has handled topping off tires with ease. I like that it would not need to be connected to our rig's electrical system too. I got mine on sale at Home Depot for $89 during their holiday sale.

Thread on the air hose, dial in the pressure you want and hit the start button. You can do something else while it inflates; it turns off at the set inflation, seems to agree with my gauge too. And there is minimal drain from the battery. Can you tell I like this tool?!

Steve K. (Wondering if and when we uncover our LD this year....)

Steve K

2003 Mid-bath

Re: Tire Inflators.
Reply #1
Hi group,

Seeing that a TPMS discussion has morphed into air compressors and inflators, I thought I would start another new thread on inflators. I think there was a similar discussion last December.

I ended up buying a DeWalt dcc0201b inflator that can run off their 20volt battery system, 12vdc. or with ac power if you purchase an optional power cord. The bare unit does not come with a battery but I already had 2 of their 20volt lithium batteries from another DeWalt power tool.

This tool is AMAZING. Check it out on Amazon; I think over 1000 reviews and I think they are 5 stars too. I have not used it on our Lazy Daze yet, but on my truck and our Forester it has handled topping off tires with ease. I like that it would not need to be connected to our rig's electrical system too. I got mine on sale at Home Depot for $89 during their holiday sale.

Thread on the air hose, dial in the pressure you want and hit the start button. You can do something else while it inflates; it turns off at the set inflation, seems to agree with my gauge too. And there is minimal drain from the battery. Can you tell I like this tool?!

Steve K. (Wondering if and when we uncover our LD this year....)


Amazon.com: DEWALT DCC020IB 20V Max Inflator (Bare): Home Improvement
As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Formerly: 2002 30' IB

Re: Tire Inflators.
Reply #2
Thank you Chris. I will learn to post links before I turn 100.

Steve K
Steve K

2003 Mid-bath

Re: Tire Inflators.
Reply #3

I think that this is the best price on the De Walt inflator with a battery pack and charger; if anyone finds a less expensive package or separate components, please post a link:

DEWALT DCC020IB 20V MAX Inflator with DCB230C 3Ah Battery/Charger Kit - -...

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
2003 TK has a new home

Re: Tire Inflators.
Reply #4
Hi Joan,

Look through the DeWalt packages on Amazon. Not sure if you have use for a drill or impact driver but there is a package with a impact driver, drill, charger and 2 batteries for $149. Buy the bare inflator for $99 and you would spend around $50 more and get 2 batteries and two tools for $50 more than the inflator with battery and charger. Also another package of 2 higher cap batteries, charger and carry bag for $50 more than the combo pack. I love DeWalt tools.

Steve K.
Steve K

2003 Mid-bath



Re: Tire Inflators.
Reply #7
Larry, I checked that Ryobi out at HD when this thread first appeared several weeks ago. JMO, but I thought it was poor quality, flimsy, and with a ‘Mickey Mouse’ hose and valve connection. The DeWalt appears to be a real tool; the Ryobi inflator is a ‘pretender’! (Too bad, because I already have a couple of Ryobi tools and batteries!)

2003 TK has a new home

Re: Tire Inflators.
Reply #8
So, did you buy either? or both?
Steve

Neither, we already have three sources of compressed air, a small 12-volt compressor in the LD,  a bigger 12-volt compressor in the Jeep, and, on most trips, the CO2 bottle.
AIr is covered.

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: Tire Inflators.
Reply #9
Neither, we already have three sources of compressed air, a small 12-volt compressor in the LD,  a bigger 12-volt compressor in the Jeep, and, on most trips, the CO2 bottle.
AIr is covered.

Larry

CO2 bottle? There has got to be a good story there.
2001 MB

Re: Tire Inflators.
Reply #10
CO2 bottle? There has got to be a good story there.

CO2 can be compressed into a liquid and stored at room temperature. A ten-pound bottle holds enough volume of gas to refill our Jeep's large tires about ten times from 14-psi to 28-psi.
Another plus is it fills at the same speed as what a big compressor can supply, enough to run a mechanic's 1/2" impact, the type used to remove and tighten lugs nuts.
CO2 air systems have been used for a long time by off-roaders, it's nothing new.
I bought this kit 16 years ago.
PPI-2302 | POLY PERFORMANCE
If you want the big brand name kit, get a Powertank.
PowerTank Package B Portable CO2 Air System & Tire Inflator 10 lb Bottle...



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: Tire Inflators.
Reply #11
Based on this thread, I purchased this product this week. 

I rely on the good information I get from this forum. 

We are relatively new to RVing and we are grateful for this website.

Thanks!

Thomas and Debbie
Thomas and Debbie
2014 MB

Re: Tire Inflators.
Reply #12
"I purchased this product this week."
----
De Walt? Ryobi? CO2 bottle? Other?  ;)
2003 TK has a new home


Re: Tire Inflators.
Reply #14
I've been very happy with the DeWalt 20vMax family of tools.   I have 3/8" and 1/2" drive impact wrenches, drill, oscillating tool and a compact vacuum.  While the 1/2 impact wrench is very handy for lug nuts, I do carry a cheater pipe and FOMOCO lug wrench just in case.  

I did buy a ViAir 12v compressor because DeWalt had not produced a good 20vMax compressor at the time.  To Larry's point, though, if I were to use my Wrangler for rock crawling or on the beach, I'd need to get the CO2 inflator set-up. 

Warren
Warren
2019 MB “Dream Catcher”
Jeep Wrangler JL

Re: Tire Inflators.
Reply #15
I have the Dewalt 20V tire inflator and like it a lot. I like all cordless tools. Dewalt 20V happens to be my current favorite group. I am one of those behind the curve who doesnt have valve extenders. I still remove the wheel covers and use my conventional chucks to top off my tires. Has anyone been able to find or make a flexible extender for one of these inflators? I have been unable to find hardware to match "valve threads?

Thanks in advance.
Randy
Randy

2019 MB

Air Compressor
Reply #16

I understand this isn't really a new topic. I have also spent the last hour researching posts on compressors. Being on SSDI, my funds are limited. I have decided on this model, Amazon.com: VIAIR 300P Portable Compressor - 30033: Automotive and wonder if anyone has experience with it. Thanks for your patience.

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
LD 22', 1989 Custom Build. Chassis 1990 Chevy Van G30, 5.7l.

Re: Air Compressor
Reply #17
I have decided on this model, Amazon.com: VIAIR 300P Portable Compressor - 30033: Automotive and wonder if anyone has experience with it.

The listed Viair will work fine, almost any decent 12-volt compressor will work.
I rarely use our compressor, prefering to add an extra 5-psi over the recommended pressure to allow for leakage and air lost manually checking the tires.
This allows infrequent adjusting of the pressure, doing it my leisure, at a service station or at home.

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: Tire Inflators - Air Compressors
Reply #18
VIAIR makes a good air compressor.  It needs to be hooked up directly to the battery in your vehicle with the vehicle running to work.  We have used one for the last 5 years both for motorhomes and off roading in our jeep.
Ross Taylor
2017 MB

Re: Tire Inflators - Air Compressors
Reply #19
I have a brand new viair 45043 compressor that I have never used that I would sell.   After I got my ryobi battery powered air compressor I use it everywhere.  Thinking about buying a second one.

Re: Tire Inflators - Air Compressors
Reply #20
Amazon.com: VIAIR 300P Portable Compressor - 30033: Automotive and wonder if anyone has experience with it. Thanks for your patience.
.
This is the compressor we use on the road - got it when we had our Foretravel 40’...  a very good unit, easy to use.
As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
2006 24’ TK
570 watts solar, 300Ah lithium
SKP Lifetime member #105622
Land of Enchantment

Re: Tire Inflators - Air Compressors
Reply #21

We have a Viair 400P-RV compressor. 400P-RV

Since it has a Max. Amp Draw of 30 Amps I do not use the included Battery Clamps and instead directly connect to the chassis battery via 10 AWG wire and ATC Style 10 AWG Fuse Holder with gold plated 1/4" Ring Terminals on one end and 45 amp Powerpole connectors on the other with 40 Amp fuses. Battery connection

I also upgraded the compressor wiring to 10 AWG with a Powerpole connector and use a 5' 10 AWG extension cable. Extension-cable

I also rewired our macerator pump with a Powerpole connector so it can also connect to the chassis battery by a 10 AWG extension cable.

Charles


As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Harvest Hosts + Boondockers Welcome #23975
Escapees SKP #138195
2007 23.5' Twin King

Re: Tire Inflators - Air Compressors
Reply #22
Here is a direct link to the Powertank Web site:

Power Tank Online Store and Blog

Use their search window to search for "RV" and you'll get a display of their RV systems.

We've used a Powertank system for tire inflation since our LD was new 17 years ago, upgrading it with a few items over the years. I'm glad we bought it back in 2003 as it has gotten progressively more expensive. But it's an excellent way of keeping tires inflated. Very quick and quiet. In use it mimics the inflation experience in a professional tire shop where there are ample pressure and quality inflation tools. No having a cup of coffee while your compressor struggles to add five pounds of air.

If you're interested in a Powertank system I suggest stopping by their shop in Lodi, CA. They can sell you a stock system or assemble one for you from the many different components they stock.

In lieu of a TPMS I simply take a few minutes to check tire inflation before we move the motorhome, say to our next destination. For that I used a simple long truck type tire gauge with an angled two sided chuck. Then if inflation is needed I get out the Powertank system, which is carried in the outside storage locker under the passenger side couch in our RB.

My theory on TPMS is that it is not likely to warn you of the worst scenario, a sudden tire blow out, say from a tread separation. What it will warn you of is a slow leak from, say, a screw or nail, which the movement check will usually catch just as well. I had this situation on our last trip. Checking pressures before moving to a new campground one tire on our Jeep was at about 15 instead of the usual 30 lbs. There was a screw through the tread, picked up sometime during the last four days of exploring the area where we were camped. I switched to the spare but I think I could have just added air to the leaking tire periodically and gotten by. Nothing was happening suddenly.

To make inflation checking and filling quick and easy I have installed flow through tire valve caps on eight of the ten wheels I check (6 on the LD, 4 on our Jeep). There is a clearance problem on the other two, so they just have standard valve caps.

For the possible need to make my own tire repairs I carry a fairly robust tire plugging kit. I've plugged tires on motorcycles but never a car or motorhome. In fact, in our 17 years of LD ownership we've never had any tire problems with the LD, not even a slow leak. Knock on wood.

The downside of the Powertank system is the need to refill the tank occasionally (in our case perhaps every two years) and the need to have the tank recertified every ten years or so. And of course the cost.
Terry
2003 26.5'RB
Gardnerville, NV

Re: Tire Inflators - Air Compressors
Reply #23

That's an interesting system, Terry. I understand from reading their site that the Power Tank is filled with liquid (not compressed) CO2. That will fill a lot of tires, but I'm wondering where you get it filled when the time comes. (Assuming you're not within driving range of their shop in Lodi, that is.) Is this something that's available at truck stops?

For now, I get by with a Viair 00088 88P portable compressor. It's very compact, comes in a small carrying bag, and does the job in a reasonable time (although not as fast as a Power Tank).

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"

Re: Tire Inflators - Air Compressors
Reply #24
I'm wondering where you get it filled when the time comes.

Andy,
I agree, it looks like a very interesting system.  The answer to your question is in the description...

When it's empty, take your tank to a fire extinguisher service shop, welding supply store, or beverage carbonics shop across the country, and have it refilled for about $15-$25.

- John
Fulltimer with a 2021 MId-Bath “Babe”, 1996 Cherokee “Scout” and “Bandit” the wonder dog 🐶