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What do you think of this portable compressor for your tires?

Does anyone have one of these that you carry in your LD, and if so, do you think they are worth having for piece of mind? Pricey, so is there a good alternative?

Amazon.com: Viair 40047 400P-RV Automatic Portable Compressor Kit: Automotive

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
2006 RB
Re: What do you think of this portable compressor for your tires?
Reply #1 –
"Does anyone have one of these..."

I'm certain that this topic has been discussed here before this, in fact I think that very compressor was included.

Try a 'Search' (upper right corner) and see what you find.   ;)
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: What do you think of this portable compressor for your tires?
Reply #2 –
Quote from: Cebuano54  - 
Does anyone have one of these that you carry in your LD, and if so, do you think they are worth having for piece of mind?

The various reviews seem to rate this compressor as excellent to include RV Geeks.  Viair 40047 400P-RV Automatic Portable Compressor Kit  There are also several Youtube videos about this compressor with similar conclusions.  I don't think you can go wrong.   It is one of the more expensive compression and I won't know if it is worth it or not.   We purchased a compressor from Home Depot for much less and it works just fine.
Re: What do you think of this portable compressor for your tires?
Reply #3 –
I have a smaller Viair which works great for the cars and the LD.  Just don't try and start it against pressure.  IOW start it before you screw it onto the tire.  You'll probably blow a fuse otherwise.
2004 26.5 MB
Enjoying retirement traveling, Rzr riding, photography, and of course the 2 grand girls!
Re: What do you think of this portable compressor for your tires?
Reply #4 –
I have it and I love it. Tire air-ups, water line blow outs, whatever you need it handles.

Yes, it's pricey. The RV life is pricey. There is great comfort in knowing you have the tools on board that allow you to be self-sufficient.
Ruby, the red 2004 26' RK hauling Dave and Kristine hither and yon
Re: What do you think of this portable compressor for your tires?
Reply #5 –
I've carried a Campbell Hausfeld 2-gallon 120 VAC compressor since the LD was new; the compressor is heavy, awkward to carry and store (it lives now in the passenger foot well because its previous location in a rear compartment was usurped by half a Weber grill), it's slow as pitch on the initial pressurizing and since it pressurizes to only about 100 pounds, it has to frequently re-coup its pressure if one needs to add more than a pound or so of air.  And, if one is not plugged in (which I often am not), it requires firing up the generator to use it. But, with the exception of the hose (replaced), it has been very reliable over the years, so I've continued to haul it in and out of the compartment when it's needed.

IMO, most of the earlier incarnations of 12V compressors were puny little things that had leaky valve connections and motors which overheated and burned out; I had no use for any of them. However, from almost all reports, the Viair 400P RV seems to be a well-built, high quality machine that delivers what it advertises.

I think it's time to retire the CH to the garage for home use and spring for the Viair. Oh, goody, another RV cash bleed.  ;) 
2003 TK has a new home
Re: What do you think of this portable compressor for your tires?
Reply #6 –
I too carry the CH 2 gal. compressor for my SOB RV and it has always been handy to check tires before traveling.  I have also used it to blow out the water lines for winterizing.  You will definitely need the storage room for it.  I have had a rear inner tire loose it's extension hose and begin to lose air, pulled off the highway in a safe area, cranked on the genny, and was able to fill the tire to required pressure in about 15 minutes.  Well worth the investment.
Art & Bonny Taylor
Lazy Daze Newbs
2001 Green 30'TB "Maeve"
Re: What do you think of this portable compressor for your tires?
Reply #7 –
We have one and love it.  It comes with everything we need to check tire pressure and add air if necessary.  And, yes, it's expensive. 
Joe
Joe
2015 TK
Re: What do you think of this portable compressor for your tires?
Reply #9 –
Thanks Joan,

I just placed my order for the Viair 400P RV. Total cost $207.75 with free shipping. Best price that I've ever encountered. Pricing for the Viair is all over the board.

We've been carrying a 2 gallon 110 volt oil free compressor in the drivers forward cargo bay since the beginning. Now with the addition of the two stage water filtration system added to the mix, it's getting a bit tight in there. Time to put that compressor to work at building a fence and move the Viair into its place.

I'm curious now whether the Viair can get its power from the coach batteries or if its best to draw power from the chassis battery with the engine running. Just wondering...

Kent

2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: What do you think of this portable compressor for your tires?
Reply #10 –
When blowing out my water lines in the fall I connect my Viair to the converter panel pos and neg posts thus using it off the house batts. I then use the blow out hose purchased from the M'Ship connected to the water line that I unattached from the fresh water tank. In the Rear Kitchen it is all conveniently spaced a few feet apart.

I do the tires off the chassis batts and usually forget to run the engine while doing so and have had no issues. Will try to remember to run the engine!!
Ruby, the red 2004 26' RK hauling Dave and Kristine hither and yon
Re: What do you think of this portable compressor for your tires?
Reply #11 –
"I'm curious now whether the Viair can get its power from the coach batteries or if its best to draw power from the chassis battery with the engine running. Just wondering..."
---
The manual states to always run the engine battery when using the compressor.
2003 TK has a new home
Re: What do you think of this portable compressor for your tires?
Reply #12 –
Regarding the Viair 400P RV 12 volt compressor, I found this YouTube video that covers many questions about the product.

https://youtu.be/Yzv3ymNZ5zQ

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: What do you think of this portable compressor for your tires?
Reply #13 –
If you're going to spend extra for a quality compressor you owe it to yourself to consider this alternative:

Power Tank - - Powertank.com

I've used one of these systems since buying our LD in 2003. I just upgraded it with a new hose and one of their digital gauges. With flow through valve caps on all my tires I can check and adjust the air in all ten motorhome and toad tires in about 10 minutes. I do that the morning of every day that we travel, so that inflation is spot on for the temperature and altitude where we are traveling.

I get the tank filled with CO2 ever couple of years at a welding supply. Larry has said tavern supplies can do this too.

This system is quiet, doesn't require hook-up to power and is very portable, with no power cables to attach or drag around and a good handle for carrying the tank. I use it to easily fill bicycle tires and it can be carried in our Jeep for airing down and up when off on rough roads. I'm considering a mounting bracket in the Jeep to make that easy.

I store the tank on its side in the forward part of the outside storage compartment under the passenger side couch in our RB.

If you're interested and in northern California it's worth a stop at their office/shop in Lodi, where they will give you personal assistance in selecting and setting up your system. But they can do that on the phone too.

Terry
2003 26.5'RB
Gardnerville, NV
Terry
2003 26.5'RB
Gardnerville, NV
Re: What do you think of this portable compressor for your tires?
Reply #14 –
Quote from: Terry Burnes  - 
If you're going to spend extra for a quality compressor you owe it to yourself to consider this alternative:
Power Tank - - Powertank.com
I've used one of these systems since buying our LD in 2003.
I get the tank filled with CO2 ever couple of years at a welding supply. Larry has said tavern supplies can do this too.
This system is quiet, doesn't require hook-up to power and is very portable, with no power cables to attach or drag around and a good handle for carrying the tank. I use it to easily fill bicycle tires and it can be carried in our Jeep for airing down and up when off on rough roads. I'm considering a mounting bracket in the Jeep to make that easy.
I too carry a CO2 tank, keeping it in the Jeep, used for topping off the tires or airing up the Jeep's tires, after a day of off-roading.
It provides volume and pressure adequate to run an 1/2" impact wrench, it will air up a low tire in just seconds, many times quicker than any small 12-volt compressor
Here is a cheaper alternative to the Power Tank and is what I have used for the last 14 years.
Poly Performance CO2 Kit | POLY PERFORMANCE
The tank is refilled at either a welding supply shop or a tavern supply shop.

As a backup to the CO2 tank,  a mid-size 12-volt compressor is also carried.  It is set up to use the same hose and filler as the CO2 tank. It too is still working fine after many years.
Air compressor | Flickr.

Neither the tank or compressor come with a decent tire chuck, so it has been replaced with the following.
Amazon.com: Amflo 126 Straight-On Air Line Chuck with Shut-Off - 1/4" Female...
It allows the nozzle to be pressed tightly to the tire fill valve.

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: What do you think of this portable compressor for your tires?
Reply #15 –
I use this Sears compressor.
Sears.com

So far I've not had to use it on the road.  I've tested it in my drive way on a sunny day as we all know tires never have problems on wet days.
personal fine art photo stuff
TF Mack | Flickr
It's all good .......
2014 Twin King
Re: What do you think of this portable compressor for your tires?
Reply #16 –
Larry, why do you prefer a hold it on air chuck, rather than a clamp-on or screw-on?
I like to put it on and stand back up. Old age suxs.

I have the same 12v compressor, it works OK, but it takes time to air up. It was suggested to me to run the Jeep engine to ensure the compressor gets max voltage.

I would not want a 120v compressor. Yes, I could run the generator and the Jeep has a 120v outlet, but I have never used it for anything more than charging a laptop, so I don't know if it would have the amps for a compressor.

And why is there a 3/8 drill bit in the compressor picture?
Don & Dorothy
Sold our LD in June of 2023

Our boring always non-PC travel blog
Traveling Dorothy
Re: What do you think of this portable compressor for your tires?
Reply #17 –
Two quick questions regarding CO2 tanks to fill the LD tires.

First: Are the tires simply being "topped off" or are they filled from Zero lbs to full inflation?

Second: In Terry's article it states: " RV TIRES PACK EXPLOSIVE ENERGY. Any RV or high pressure trailer that has been driven on at 80% of full pressure or below should not be reinflated by you as the inner cords may be weakened. It should be deflated and removed from vehicle then inspected by a tire expert before being re-inflated. Be very careful while inflating your tires and do not stand in front of the tire during inflation".

Is this statement saying that an RV tire that is normally inflated to 80 psi and driven for a time at 60psi should be removed and inspected? This makes since as any RV Tire that has deflated to that point is in need of repair. It also states that one should not stand in front of an RV tire while inflating it. That could be difficult at best. Am I missing something here?

Just wondering.

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: What do you think of this portable compressor for your tires?
Reply #18 –
Quote from: Don Malpas  - 
why do you prefer a hold it on air chuck, rather than a clamp-on or screw-on?

And why is there a 3/8 drill bit in the compressor picture?
I have had bad luck with the long term durability of clamp-on chucks.
The CO2 fill is fast, so it doesn't take long to top off or fill a tire.
 
The drill bit was used to drill out the original threads, in preparation for the 1/4" pipe thread.
The new quick disconnect used a different thread.

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: What do you think of this portable compressor for your tires?
Reply #19 –
For Kent.

When a tire is driven severely under inflated for any period of time one risks what I think is called a zipper tear or failure, on the sidewall just below the tread, along the circumference of the tire. This is where the tire is weakened when driven under inflated and thus subject to abnormal flex where the sidewall joins the tread. Adding pressure can cause the sudden catastrophic zipper failure along a large opening, with exploding debris, including from steel belts, that can harm anyone standing nearby.

I don't think there is much risk in the normal adjustment of inflation in a tire in good condition checked regularly and within a few pounds of proper PSI. But I think it is wise advice if, for example, you attach an inflator and notice unusually low pressure.

I suspect this is noted for RVs because RV owners are notorious for not keeping tires properly inflated (unlike, say, professional truck drivers, and present company excepted), RV tires carry higher pressures and thus greater risk if "exploding," and it may be harder to notice an under inflated dual tire.

This eventuality is why my system comes with a six foot hose between the gauge and chuck, enough to stand out of harm's way if needed. Of course that requires some sort of clamp on chuck, one of which I carry. But I normally use a push on chuck that I hold in place.

As to inflation with a CO2 system I mostly use it to top off (or reduce) pressure a few pounds. But as Larry said, these systems can air a tire much faster and more easily than any small compressor, provided of course that the tank is not empty or nearly so. Off roaders routinely use these systems to take a large off road tire that has been aired down to less than 10 lbs quickly back up to highway pressure. Like Larry I carry a small compressor as a backup but have never used it.

Back to zipper failure and the like for a moment. I think a lot of the stories we hear about tire failure can be attributed to this sort of thing. For whatever reason an RV owner drives on a severely under inflated tire. Perhaps for several days. The tire holds up. He or someone else finally notices something, he checks the air. "Oh, it's pretty low." He inflates his tire, thinking little more about it, as he might with a flat bicycle tire. Drives another week or month or year. Then suddenly, BLAM! Things have finally caught up with him and his weakened tire has failed catastrophically. He goes about fixing the damage, replacing the tire, etc. noticing that the tire was shredded but not much more. He starts telling folks about his blowout. Human nature being what it is, he's not likely to think too much about his low air incident, if he even remembers it. After all, once he noted low pressure he inflated the tire, right? And he doesn't want to blame himself. The talk turns to tire brands, age, hot weather, high speed, etc. With no real analysis of what actually happened.

This is why I check my tires daily and am a bit skeptical of TPMS. A faulty sensor could lead to driving, say, 10% under inflated until you next do a manual check. Yes TPMS will catch many problems, but it's probably not a fully adequate substitute for frequent manual checks with a quality gauge, and a way to quickly adjust pressure if it is off. That's what I like about my CO2 system. It's quick, easy and accurate. I actually enjoy my moving day tire checks.

Terry
2003 26.5'RB
Gardnerville, NV
Terry
2003 26.5'RB
Gardnerville, NV
Re: What do you think of this portable compressor for your tires?
Reply #20 –
Thanks Terry,

A great deal of thought went into your response to my inquiry. For that, I am grateful.

Currently I use the Tire Minder TM66 on our LD. Prior to taking a journey, I do a physical check of all my tires and carry the monitor with me as I make my rounds. I carefully monitor the TM before I top off each tire. I also use an analog tire pressure gauge manufactured for Tire Minder that is rated at +/- 1 psi accuracy (per their manual). This I use to gauge the overall accuracy of the TPMS itself and go from there.

My TPMS sensors are not the "flow through" design. This may soon change. With the purchase of the Viair and installation of the flow through sensors, a predeparture check for the return trip home will be a bit easier to accomplish.

I completely agree with you that running any tire low, especially an RV's, and not getting it looked at by a pro or replaced most certainly can spell disaster. I've seen too many images of the fatal tire failure that can result from poor tire maintenance. The price of failure in these instances is unacceptable. "Hello Coach net".  

Back in the day as a youth I repaired tires on company trucks out in the yard. I was told to stand back as I inflated the tires and watch out for the "split rim" or I might loose my head. That was a scary thought and I was extremely cautious and was happy when the tire was mounted. To this day I can't imagine that the owner would put me at risk when a tire service could have done a more professional job than some 18 year old swinging a sledge out on the blacktop. Quitting that job was the smartest thing I have ever done.

Nowadays, I leave the critical repairs to the professionals and do my part to keep everything in proper working order by having a team of experts on whom I can rely.

Perhaps a CO2 system will be added to the rig. They don't appear to take up undue space. LD life is all about choices and often upgrades. It's good to put cash to work in a positive way.

Safety first. Thanks again.

Kent

2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: What do you think of this portable compressor for your tires?
Reply #21 –
I have no place to carry a CO2 system in the LD, and I don't tow, but some might find the offerings on this site  worth checking out.

Power Tank - - Powertank.com
2003 TK has a new home
Re: What do you think of this portable compressor for your tires?
Reply #22 –

Another Viair user, I bought a model less well accoutered than the RV setup, the 400P, as I have a set of chucks and gauges already. I wish I had bought the better model- Viair 450P Automatic Function Portable Compressor Amazon.com: Viair 450P Automatic Function Portable Compressor: Automotive

I use the compressor to blow dust off, winterize, and air bikes and the LD. It is a well made tool that works very well and saves weight on our old chassis. 

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Paul
'92 Mid Bath
Re: What do you think of this portable compressor for your tires?
Reply #23 –
Quote from: paul banbury  - 
Another Viair user, I bought a model less well accoutered than the RV setup, the 400P, as I have a set of chucks and gauges already. I wish I had bought the better model- Viair 450P Automatic Function Portable Compressor Amazon.com: Viair 450P Automatic Function Portable Compressor: Automotive

I use the compressor to blow dust off, winterize, and air bikes and the LD. It is a well made tool that works very well and saves weight on our old chassis. 

Paul, looking at the 400P and the 450P I'm not clear on what the difference is. Do you know?

And, for anyone interested VM Innovations is selling the 450P for 199.99 with free shipping on ebay.
Viair 450P Automatic Portable 12V, 150 PSI Air Compressor Kit for Vehicle...

Jim
As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Re: What do you think of this portable compressor for your tires?
Reply #24 –
the 450p i think has a 100% duty cycle, which means you can run it continuously. several tests show though, that the 400p is faster, and being that i use my 400p mostly for my 4 wheeled bronco, and i can air 4 tires before i need to give it a rest, it is overall better, for me, than the 450p. also, i got mine from the amazon warehouse deals (open box/return) for under $100, and the parts were still in the sealed bags. whatever version you get, make sure you get the "automatic", i think the 400 has a lesser version that you have to physically shut off the pump every time you want it to stop....

if you have the space for it, this 100% duty cycle compressor has a tank, and can even be used for small air tools. it's pretty popular in offroad crowds.
1999 MB