Log In | Register
Skip to main content
Topic: On board air compressor (Read 18 times) previous topic - next topic
0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.
On board air compressor
Yahoo Message Number: 148934
We want to be as self contained as possible and I've looked high and low for a 120v air compressor that would easily air up tires and still fit in one of my 2014 MB compartments (9 1/2" opening height except for the one under the dinette at 11 1/2" high X only 17 1/2" wide). Does anyone have any experience with a small one that will readily air up tires. What about the small 12 volt options? Any with enough juice to do the job? We are newbies still learning the rules of the road. Would greatly appreciate any opinions.

Thanks
Mark
Re: On board air compressor
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 148935
We use this nifty little item for this purpose:

http://www.amazon.com/VIAIR-Automatic-Function-Portable-Compressor/dp/B000X9EGFS/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1413088280&sr=8-5&keywords=viair>

It is quite portable, and does a good job.

Brand Viair Item Weight 12.7 pounds Product Dimensions 12.5 x 7.2 x 6 inches Item model number 45043 Exterior Smooth Manufacturer Part Number 45043 Special Features Stainless Steel Valves, High Performance PTFE Piston Ring, Moisture & Dust Resistant, Gearless Direct Drive Motor, Automatic Reset Thermal Overload Protector, Dual Battery Clamps with 40-amp Inline Fuse Holder, Gas Station-Style Tire Gun with 200 PSI Gauge, 3-pc. Inflation Tips Kit, Dual-Stage Metal Air Filter, Aluminum Sand Tray with Vibration Isolators, Anodized Aluminum Alloy Cylinder, Deluxe Dual Compartment Carry Bag, Oil-less Design, 25 ft. Quick Connect Extension Hose with Heat Shield

Virtual hugs,

Judie http://dorrieanne.wordpress.com
As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Re: On board air compressor
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 148936
I use a portable air pump from Home Depot for this purpose. It runs on 110vac. Made by Husky its like $40.00 at home depot. Can easily air up tires and fits in storage compartment no problem. In my experience the 12V models burn up after a few uses.

Bob 01 23.5 TK with toys
Re: On board air compressor
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 148938
When we bought our 2004 MB a couple of years ago, it came with a small 120v compressor in the left forward storage compartment.  I tested it and it does the job but, I have found that for adding a few pounds of air, the small 12v compressor does the job and it is easier to set-up and use.  In reading the reply from Judie, it sounds like the 12v compressor I have is similar to what she describes.  Actually, I was surprised at how well the 12v did in comparison to the 120v.

You can find inexpensive 12v compressors online and at places like Harbor Freight.   Some, not all, of the items sold by Harbor Freight and other "discount" tool dealers are practically duplicates of a name brand.  I think that is where I purchased mine several years back before we bought the LD.  If spending more gives you more confidence, there are several on the market to choose from.  I think the prices range from about $30-$200.

Jim, 04 MB, NC
Re: On board air compressor
Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 148939
This website offers many choices of air compressors of all types. Even if one doesn't buy from them (they do offer free shipping), there's a lot of "how to choose" information on the site:

http://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/

I have carried a small 120V Campbell-Hausfeld compressor for more than 10 years; it's the old version of this "oilless inflator":

http://www.chpower.com/productdetail/2-gallon-air-compressor_fp2048

It's not fast, but it works. I put an inline, straight foot chuck on the hose, not because that chuck configuration is needed with "long" valve stems, but because it's easier for me to hang on to.

http://www.amazon.com/Milton-693-Dual-Straight-Chuck/dp/B001O2ZKN0

My rig is a TK, so the compartments are also 9.5" high; the compressor rides on its side, but well-supported and the "mechanics" padded with terry shop towels. It doesn't shift. I carry 12 ga. and 14 ga. extension cords.

Just my personal preference, but 12V compressors have never worked for me. The 12 V compressors with which I've had experience had plastic "snap on" valve connectors which were flimsy and leaky, the cords were far too short to reach all the tires from the 12V connections, and the things went from slow to burn-out in short order. Perhaps the quality and efficiency of 12V compressors have improved, but I'll stick with 120V.

As ever, YMMV.

Joan
As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
2003 TK has a new home
Re: On board air compressor
Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 148942
Years ago, I found a 2 gallon "Hot Dog" style compressor that I have been using.  It goes to 100 PSI on 110v.  It fits (barely) in my lower rear right compartment on my MB.  It works well for tires, as well as an air jet nozzle for cleaning dust and dirt from spaces such as my window tracks, around spark plugs, etc.  It climbs fairly fast up to about 60 PSI, then slowly to 100 PSI.

Mine is a UST Power System Plus.  One that looks similar is at http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/UST-1-3HP-2.6-gallon-Tank-Air-Compressor/4099977/product.html

The black part on this looks a bit higher than the older model I have.  The dimensions listed are 17 x 8.5 x 18.

Ken F in NM
'08 MB
Re: On board air compressor
Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 148945
I do keep the small 12 volt compressor for the ATV but they are useless for the MH tires.
 I did get this unit from Harbor freight for the MH tires. It is some what fast up to 60# but then slows down for the 80 PSI. But then 60 will get you on the road and few carry 80# in there tires. I have the 24' front dinette MH and that and the 1000 Honda fit nicely in the front storage unit next to each other. It takes up much less foot print then the same unit in a pancake style. They quite often football it at $40. When I got mine the pancake was the one on sale. I asked the clerk about that and they gave me the up right unit for the same price.
 3 gal. 1/3 HP 100 PSI Oilless Hotdog Air Compressor
Re: On board air compressor
Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 148948
After a fair amount of research, I bought this 12V compressor 4+ years ago:
 Viair 00073 70P Heavy Duty Portable Compressor

I've probably used it 8-10 times - a few times for bicycle tires and the rest for topping off the MH tires. Yes, it takes a little longer to add a few pounds of air to the MH tires, but it's just a minute or so per tire, which isn't bad. I even filled up a flat tire once - not recommended, takes too long. It's a very compact, handy little compressor and has been serving me well.
As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Re: On board air compressor
Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 148949
For a 120V model, I'm really happy with the Senco PC1010 we bought last year.  It's compact, easy to carry around and can top up the RV tires without issue.  Height (when upright) is about 11-1/4" to the top of the handle so its likely to fit in your compartment.

Senco PC1010 1-Horsepower Peak, 1/2 hp running 1-Gallon Compressor
As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Re: On board air compressor
Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 148950
Height (when upright) is about 11-1/4" to the top of the handle so its likely to fit in your compartment.

--- This compressor will fit upright in models with the "large" compartment, but it's too tall for those models with compartments with 9.5" openings. Can this Senco be carried on its side if it's braced and supported well?

Joan
2003 TK has a new home
Re: On board air compressor
Reply #10 –
Yahoo Message Number: 148951
While the subject is open, two questions:
1. Power.  When I use my 120v compressor on back tires I drop an extension cord out of a window.  Do the 12v units come with enough cabling to reach, or does it take a portable power pack?

2 Connector.  Do the 12v units still come with lock-on connectors? Do some work better than others?
Re: On board air compressor
Reply #11 –
Yahoo Message Number: 148953
Most of the 120-VAC compressors are too big for our 23.5's exterior storage bins. Instead, we use a big 12-volt compressor that fits much better. Several of member here bought  these several years ago.. It has the capacity to air up the LD's tires, as well as the Jeep.
MV50 SuperFlow High-Volume 12-Volt Air Compressor http://www.amazon.com/Industries-MV50-SuperFlow-High-Volume-Compressor/dp/B000BM8RT8/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top I modified it to use standard quick disconnect air chucks. Not necessary for most people.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/lwade/sets/72157602104743143/show

In addition, we carry a 10-lb CO2 bottle in the Jeep for quick airing of the Jeep's tires, after a day of off-roading.  It will also fill the LD's tires.
http://www.polyperformance.com/shop/Poly-Performance-CO2-Kit-p-57.html Beside rapid airing of tires, it has the capacity to run a 1/2" air impact wrench, useful for road and trailside tire changes and repairs.

Since installing a TPMS, I almost never add air on the road anymore, just a bi-annual check and top off, if necessary. The Michelin's are very air tight. The BFGs on the Jeep, not so airtight.

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: On board air compressor
Reply #12 –
Yahoo Message Number: 148954
George, others report different experiences and I respect their opinions! And, I have not tried the one that Judie and Nancy listed; it may be a vast improvement over previous 12V inflators. But, the "YMMV" thing is definitely in play here! ;-)

In my case, I had two 12V inflators before switching to a 120V; I'd never go back to a 12V.  The cords were far too short to reach the all the tires and, frankly, the "snap-on" connectors were flimsy, leaky junk. The 12V inflators were slow as pitch and not up to the job of even topping off a motorhome tire. Both of the 12V inflators I had burned out after minimal use. Personally, I think 12V inflators are fine for airing bike tires and balls, but I want "MORE POWER". The old CH isn't fast, and it takes a bit to recoup its pressure, but it has never failed to get the job done. (It tops out at a bit over 100 pounds, but I think the newer ones can be set for 125 pounds.)

Good luck with the choices.

Joan
2003 TK has a new home
Re: On board air compressor
Reply #13 –
Yahoo Message Number: 148955
Joan,

On its side the compressor is even taller (about 11-1/2"), so this wouldn't fit in the smaller compartments.

Dale
Re: On board air compressor
Reply #14 –
Yahoo Message Number: 148958
Nancy and I listed two separate models by the same company.

Ours is a

http://www.amazon.com/VIAIR-Automatic-Function-Portable-Compressor/dp/B000X9EGFS/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1413088280&sr=8-5&keywords=viair>

and Nancy's suggestion is

Viair 00073 70P Heavy Duty Portable Compressor

I have heard no complaints from the Minister of Tire Filling, so assume that ours has proven acceptable.

Virtual hugs,

Judie

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Re: On board air compressor
Reply #16 –
Yahoo Message Number: 148963
Thanks for the clarification, Judie! Obviously, I just looked at "Viair"; my mistake!

Joan
2003 TK has a new home
Re: On board air compressor
Reply #17 –
Yahoo Message Number: 148969
The 12v compressor I keep in the MH is most definitely better quality than those retailers typically market for autos.  It attaches directly to the starting battery, sits on the ground next to a front tire and the coiled air line reaches the rear wheels on either side.  As I stated before, I am pleased with it for adding a few pounds of air.  For any significant demand for air, I would pull out the 120v Campbell Hausfell.  It is slow above 60 psi but, it will eventually bring the tires up to 80 psi if needed and, it fits upright in the front left storage compartment of the 04 MB.

I agree with others; nothing goes in my tires but "air".

Jim - NC
 
Re: On board air compressor
Reply #18 –
Yahoo Message Number: 148979
Thanks to all for the replies. You've all led us to make an informed decision. Found a small (fits in compartment) 120v that will run up to 135psi. No more concerns (real or imagined) about air incidents in the boonies.
We're heading up to the Eastern Sierras next week for the tail end of fall color.