BajaNomad

... best TIRE COMPRESSOR...(and bathroom graffitti) <;~O

micah202 - 12-20-2017 at 08:04 PM

...What are recommendations for a reliable, economical compressor for re-inflating tires? ;D


[Edited on 12-22-2017 by micah202]

JZ - 12-20-2017 at 08:26 PM

https://www.amazon.com/Master-Flow-MF-1050-MasterFlow-Compre...

kk6mbh - 12-20-2017 at 08:28 PM

I've been using a MasterFlow MF-1050 Air Compressor I got off Amazon for about five years and it hasn't skipped a beat. Lots of options, just not one that plugs into your 12V lighter. You want it directly connected to the battery.

kk6mbh - 12-20-2017 at 08:30 PM

Ha - @JZ beat me to it.

MMc - 12-20-2017 at 08:33 PM

Viair is also very good. I've been using them for 20 years. What ever you get, get a good one. A cheap one will fail when you really need it.

ehall - 12-21-2017 at 04:49 AM

http://store.arbusa.com/ARB-On-Board-High-Performance-12-Vol...



The best I have seen but way out of my price range.

chippy - 12-21-2017 at 06:29 AM

http://www.smittybiltdepot.com/Air-Compressors-Air-Tanks-Air...


This has worked well for me.

pacsur - 12-21-2017 at 06:46 AM

All compressors are not created equal, your decesion should be made based on how large your tires are, what pressures your trying to achieve, how long you want to wait to refill tires, and how much you want to spend?
There are plenty of off road forums out there that give breakdowns on duty cycles and specifications for different size tires, like jeepfourms.com.

John Harper - 12-21-2017 at 06:56 AM

I bought a Viair 85P compressor and it works great. Used it several times and it reinflates very quickly, the same as the Masterflow. I got the largest one that plugs into the accessory port, seems to work fine. You are instructed to keep the motor running when using, I assume the same as MF.

John

pacificobob - 12-21-2017 at 07:20 AM

Quote: Originally posted by ehall  
http://store.arbusa.com/ARB-On-Board-High-Performance-12-Vol...



The best I have seen but way out of my price range.


85LPM [3CFM] @ 6Bar [90PSI] is impressive preformance

mtgoat666 - 12-21-2017 at 07:49 AM

Viair 450P

Some of the compressors have very short duty cycle, meaning you might operate them for 10 minutes then have to let them cool for 30 minutes (or risk destroying the compressor)

Viair makes a number of models, check them out.

Spend $150 to $200, the $50 compressors are pretty junky and most won’t last very long.

JZ - 12-21-2017 at 08:23 AM

Quote: Originally posted by pacsur  
All compressors are not created equal, your decesion should be made based on how large your tires are, what pressures your trying to achieve, how long you want to wait to refill tires, and how much you want to spend?
There are plenty of off road forums out there that give breakdowns on duty cycles and specifications for different size tires, like jeepfourms.com.


MasterFlow goes up to 150 psi and 20 mins run time. Will inflate from 15 to 35 in under 2 mins.

Best affordable compressor out there. I use it on my E rated tires (65-75 psi).

Use it to inflate my Zodiac as well.


[Edited on 12-21-2017 by JZ]

AKgringo - 12-21-2017 at 08:28 AM

Quote: Originally posted by John Harper  
You are instructed to keep the motor running when using, I assume the same as MF.

John


Good advice! Sort of like "Start your engine before you pull the anchor"

David K - 12-21-2017 at 09:04 AM

I have had really good experience with the MV-50.
Only when I wasn't careful and kinked the hose (while it was running I was going from one side of my truck to the other), did it fail (blew out the valve). So don't kink the hose!
I got another and works great... I think it goes for about $85?
Not quite the speed advertised on the box, but here are my observations:

It fills a 265/75-16" (32") truck tire from 15 psi to 32 psi in under 3 minutes (6 psi/min.). My old Coleman cigarette lighter powered pump took 9 minutes (2 psi/min.)!

Howard - 12-21-2017 at 09:21 AM

Pricing for the MV-50:

E-Bay: $81.14 including shipping and taxes

Amazon: $73.95 including shipping and not sure about tax

PaulW - 12-21-2017 at 09:27 AM

Best has to be qualified on the intended use.
* Just a backup then low cost relates to low reliability, but for that one time flat its probably the way to go. 12v with cable to the batt.
* For regular use like in a Jeep with big tires that has to get re inflated each use, then get an expensive 100% duty cycle unit. Like expensive Viair, ARB, or low cost CO2 setup.
* In between like for a 3/4 ton truck that gets occasionally re inflation then something in between the two above with a strong bias to above average price.
What I have:
* Jeep is a 20# CO2 with a fixed reg. Cheap
* For the big truck I have low cost internal lead acid battery and a very slow compressor. Nice because it can also be used as a jump start. Cheap. I hope I don't need it. A bad choice that was a gift. Best choice would be CO2. For my two trips up Matomi and back I grabbed my CO2 setup from another rig and it took care of re inflation each time and still had a bit left in the tank.
* For the Honda daily driver I have a small 12v Viair. Moderate/Cheap
* For the Bronco a HD 100% duty Viair with a 2.5 gallon tank. Expensive.

JZ - 12-21-2017 at 10:17 AM

Quote: Originally posted by David K  
I have had really good experience with the MV-50.
Only when I wasn't careful and kinked the hose (while it was running I was going from one side of my truck to the other), did it fail (blew out the valve). So don't kink the hose!
I got another and works great... I think it goes for about $85?
Not quite the speed advertised on the box, but here are my observations:

It fills a 265/75-16" (32") truck tire from 15 psi to 32 psi in under 3 minutes (6 psi/min.). My old Coleman cigarette lighter powered pump took 9 minutes (2 psi/min.)!



This is the same compressor as the MasterFlow, just branded differently. They are supposedly discontinuing the brand.


[Edited on 12-21-2017 by JZ]

del mar - 12-21-2017 at 11:27 AM

I carry two MV 50's....pump up 4 tires in half the time and if one poops out you have a spare. I don't see a need to have the engine running but it helps to start the pumps before screwing the nozzle on.
at least this is what works 4me.:D

micah202 - 12-21-2017 at 11:34 AM

Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo  
Quote: Originally posted by John Harper  
You are instructed to keep the motor running when using, I assume the same as MF.
John

Good advice! Sort of like "Start your engine before you pull the anchor"

....reminds me of the old bathroom graffitti.. 'here I sit broken hearted,, took two bennies and my truck won't start!'' ...same goes for using all your battery on the tire inflation I spose. I'll actually be carrying a spare battery and ~2x3' solar panel,, so should be okay for the longer stops! ;D


..loving all the opinions and advice to consider,,, reminds me of the saying... ''opinions are like nomads,,, everyone's got one!'' ...or something like that :tumble: :spingrin:
I really appreciate all your answers to consider once I get past the overwhelm.

.

imlost - 12-21-2017 at 11:39 AM

Anyone else (besides me) using the Harbor Freight 12Volt 150 PSI Compact Air Compressor? So far, it's been working pretty well for me.

mtgoat666 - 12-21-2017 at 11:52 AM

Quote: Originally posted by micah202  
Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo  
Quote: Originally posted by John Harper  
You are instructed to keep the motor running when using, I assume the same as MF.
John

Good advice! Sort of like "Start your engine before you pull the anchor"

....reminds me of the old bathroom graffitti.. 'here I sit broken hearted,, took two bennies and my truck won't start!''


that doesnt rhyme :!:
the bathroom graffiti rhyme i most remember: here i sit on the pooper, giving birth to another state trooper :lol:

David K - 12-21-2017 at 12:15 PM

Quote: Originally posted by imlost  
Anyone else (besides me) using the Harbor Freight 12Volt 150 PSI Compact Air Compressor? So far, it's been working pretty well for me.


Yes, I had one (actually still have it).
It was the first one I owned that clipped onto the battery directly and was super fast compared to what I had before. It was the price, $50 (in 2006) with a recommendation by Aridologist Neal Johns.

I used it for several years, but the fuse holder/wires got so hot, it melted the fuse (but did not pop it). The large, hard plastic case made it a bit bulky compared to the MV-50.

Here they both are:





imlost - 12-21-2017 at 01:27 PM

The Harbor Freight compressor now comes in a nice, petite cloth/canvas carry bag. The only thing I'm concerned about is the longevity of the hose. I had another spiral air hose from HF, and it disintegrated over the course of a few years. Hope this one has been improved.

JZ - 12-21-2017 at 01:58 PM

Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666  



Spend $150 to $200, the $50 compressors are pretty junky and most won’t last very long.


You shouldn't troll on serious topics. And if you weren't you are just being ignorant and giving really bad advice.



[Edited on 12-21-2017 by JZ]

basautter - 12-21-2017 at 02:38 PM

I have gotten a lot of quality use from my Viair. They make a variety of sizes with different features and flow rates.

Ken Cooke - 12-21-2017 at 10:01 PM

I run the Viair Extreme dual 350c compressors with a 2 gallon air tank. I have run this setup since 2005 in my Jeep.

Maderita - 12-22-2017 at 12:25 AM

I have a Viair 350C (the "C" is for continuous duty) bolted inside a "fat 50" ammo can. Just enough extra space in the ammo can for the power cord, air hose, tire gauge, and patch/plug kit. Fitted it with a power switch, fuse, and pressure switch/solenoid. Makes it easy to toss in the back of the Jeep or swap between my vehicles. Lots of use over the past 10+ years.

Also have a Viair portable compressor kit in my daily driver, which I have yet to use.

The 4x4 van has ARB onboard air with tank, plus fore and aft air couplings. Rebuilt the ARB compressor twice with a new piston/cylinder kit. Seems that everyone hits me up for air...

I'd recommend a Viair if you are looking for reliability. For my purposes, that is extremely important. Solo, and 30 miles from pavement, tools and equipment must do their job!
For $125, you could get a Viair 300P portable kit.
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_sacat=0&_nkw=viair+port...

A couple tips:
Keep in mind that the ambient temperature affects duty cycle; in the desert summer, airing all 4 tires from 10 to 35 psi, then you want a high % duty cycle or continuous duty.
Leave the engine running. A 12V compressor runs much faster with the extra voltage.
Any 12V compressor that plugs into a cigarette lighter is weak sauce.

woody with a view - 12-22-2017 at 08:31 AM

Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666  
Quote: Originally posted by micah202  
Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo  
Quote: Originally posted by John Harper  
You are instructed to keep the motor running when using, I assume the same as MF.
John

Good advice! Sort of like "Start your engine before you pull the anchor"

....reminds me of the old bathroom graffitti.. 'here I sit broken hearted,, took two bennies and my truck won't start!''


that doesnt rhyme :!:
the bathroom graffiti rhyme i most remember: here i sit on the pooper, giving birth to another state trooper :lol:


here I sit all broken hearted tried to sh!t but only farted.
here I sit with buns a flexin' giving birth to one more Texan.
here I sit all tired and dirty trying to hide until 3:30.
:?:

chippy - 12-22-2017 at 11:18 AM

Quote: Originally posted by woody with a view  
Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666  
Quote: Originally posted by micah202  
Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo  
Quote: Originally posted by John Harper  
You are instructed to keep the motor running when using, I assume the same as MF.
John

Good advice! Sort of like "Start your engine before you pull the anchor"

....reminds me of the old bathroom graffitti.. 'here I sit broken hearted,, took two bennies and my truck won't start!''


that doesnt rhyme :!:
the bathroom graffiti rhyme i most remember: here i sit on the pooper, giving birth to another state trooper :lol:


here I sit all broken hearted tried to sh!t but only farted.
came back again and took a chance tried to fart and sh!t my pants.
here I sit with buns a flexin' giving birth to one more Texan.
here I sit all tired and dirty trying to hide until 3:30.
:?:



Finished it for you:yes:

micah202 - 12-22-2017 at 11:27 AM

...''Roses are red,, Violets are green,,, Loggers are a has-been!''
....in a logger bar, frequented by treeplanters.

tobias - 12-22-2017 at 11:55 AM

In ski resorts in New Mexico in the 80s , you would often see "flexin" made to rhyme with"Texan" with scatalogical implications.

[Edited on 12-22-2017 by tobias]

abitterclinger - 1-7-2018 at 09:19 AM

http://www.powertank.com

been using this for 10 years. As with any inflating system they each have their shortcomings. It's fast, powerful and gives you a compressed gas source for other needs.

daveB - 1-7-2018 at 09:33 AM

I use the motor home's AC power for big tires and air bags. An older purchase of an expensive 12 V. compressor, didn't last. This last one, running 115 volts from a Xantrex 2000 W inverter / charger has been working for me for six or eight years. Never gets hot. I carry a cheapie in the towed car, used once in 12 years.

Best? Reliable? Or Economical?

Gscott - 1-7-2018 at 06:27 PM

Quote: Originally posted by micah202  
...What are recommendations for a reliable, economical compressor for re-inflating tires?
[Edited on 12-22-2017 by micah202]


Best would be to install a compressor pump to your engine, run by an accessory belt. Like a York AC pump out of an old volvo, pretty popular with the 4WD crowd. I put one in my land cruiser. You could install a small tank somewhere and even run small air tools and air up tires all day.

Edit: It's called a York 210. Videos on youtube. OnBoard Air.

You might scoff, but I used a cheap 12v cigar lighter pump for several years, and it still works to this day. Even airing down 33" tires to 13 psi and using it to air up for highway travel it never let me down. I would air up a couple tires before it would overheat and sieze (if I didn't let it cool down) but it kept working after it cooled. It looked just like this: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Biltek-NEW-Portable-Mini-Air-Comp...

[Edited on 1-8-2018 by Gscott]

JZ - 1-7-2018 at 06:40 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Gscott  
Quote: Originally posted by micah202  
...What are recommendations for a reliable, economical compressor for re-inflating tires?
[Edited on 12-22-2017 by micah202]


Best would be to install a compressor pump to your engine, run by an accessory belt. Like a York AC pump out of an old volvo, pretty popular with the 4WD crowd. I put one in my land cruiser. You could install a small tank somewhere and even run small air tools and air up tires all day.

You might scoff, but I used a cheap 12v cigar lighter pump for several years, and it still works to this day. Even airing down 33" tires to 13 psi and using it to air up for highway travel it never let me down. I would air up a couple tires before it would overheat and sieze (if I didn't let it cool down) but it kept working after it cooled. It looked just like this: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Biltek-NEW-Portable-Mini-Air-Comp...


A tank is way overkill unless you are airing down a ton.

12v cigarette lighter type is just begging for trouble and super slow.

Gscott - 1-7-2018 at 07:02 PM

I knew the scoffing crowd would be along immediately.
I think I addressed both issues in my post.

Overkill? Good luck seating a bead with one of those little pumps.



[Edited on 1-8-2018 by Gscott]

msteve1014 - 1-7-2018 at 07:26 PM

I have had a viair of some type and a small tank hard wired under the bed of my F-350 for 12 years now. Have used it to run a die grinder and an air wrench many times. Can not do that without the tank. Great for changing tires, not just airing up.

Sr.vienes - 1-8-2018 at 08:48 PM

I have used the Oasis Off Road 12v compressor, it's big and heavy and expensive. It is also heavy and noisy and gets really hot. However it is fast and usually wins the mines bigger than yours contest. I really miss the old one from Sams Club but I told the wife we really needed this one.

woody with a view - 1-10-2018 at 06:49 AM

Economical?

https://www.airhawk.com/?mid=8712547

bkbend - 1-10-2018 at 09:51 AM

Quote: Originally posted by woody with a view  
Economical?

https://www.airhawk.com/?mid=8712547


Go ahead and get one, then let us know how it works out for you.

AKgringo - 1-10-2018 at 10:18 AM

Quote: Originally posted by bkbend  
Quote: Originally posted by woody with a view  
Economical?

https://www.airhawk.com/?mid=8712547


Go ahead and get one, then let us know how it works out for you.


But wait! If you order right now, you will also get free air for life! (or until the tool melts down)

First post of this thread.

woody with a view - 1-10-2018 at 08:25 PM

Quote: Originally posted by micah202  
...What are recommendations for a reliable, economical compressor for re-inflating tires? ;D


[Edited on 12-22-2017 by micah202]


I've got my air taken care of...

micah202 - 1-26-2018 at 11:52 AM

Quote: Originally posted by JZ  
https://www.amazon.com/Master-Flow-MF-1050-MasterFlow-Compre...


...ended up getting a knock-off of this one,, was next to it on the Amazon page,,,, a Superflow HP-35...... and glad I did!
$35 buy price suit my budget,, hopefully the longevity is good., but it's already paid it's worth, with a desert camping flat,,, finding the spare to be low too! ...then airing up after going low pressure to escape the sharp rock zone!
I thought it was a bad joke when I saw it's 6" size,, but it's got an amazing kick to it, very impressed so far. <;~}

David K - 1-26-2018 at 12:01 PM

Quote: Originally posted by micah202  
Quote: Originally posted by JZ  
https://www.amazon.com/Master-Flow-MF-1050-MasterFlow-Compre...


...ended up getting a knock-off of this one,, was next to it on the Amazon page,,,, a Superflow HP-35...... and glad I did!
$35 buy price suit my budget,, hopefully the longevity is good., but it's already paid it's worth, with a desert camping flat,,, finding the spare to be low too! ...then airing up after going low pressure to escape the sharp rock zone!
I thought it was a bad joke when I saw it's 6" size,, but it's got an amazing kick to it, very impressed so far. <;~}


That's good to hear, as the ones that plug into a cigarette lighter are generally quite slow. Is this the one?: https://www.amazon.com/Industries-MF-1035-Santa-Portable-Com...

micah202 - 1-26-2018 at 12:44 PM

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000WG951W/ref=oh_aui_deta...

...this be the one,,, I brought some battery clips, 'just in case',, but so far so good.
Inflated 4 tires from 20 to 32 lbs in 10 min, engine running makes it go stronger,, not at all an issue for overheating. <;~}

John Harper - 1-26-2018 at 01:49 PM

Quote: Originally posted by micah202  
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000WG951W/ref=oh_aui_deta...

...this be the one,,, I brought some battery clips, 'just in case',, but so far so good.
Inflated 4 tires from 20 to 32 lbs in 10 min, engine running makes it go stronger,, not at all an issue for overheating. <;~}


That's almost identical to my Viair 85P. Mine works great too!

John

micah202 - 1-28-2018 at 02:38 PM

...wowwww,, I'm a conver David.... was having 'challenges' with soft sand at my beachcamp,, went from 32 to~20lb tire pressure,, and my daily outings have become... ohhh,, soooooo EASY!!!

I'm a convert! <;~]

David K - 1-28-2018 at 04:01 PM

Quote: Originally posted by micah202  
...wowwww,, I'm a convert David.... was having 'challenges' with soft sand at my beach camp,, went from 32 to~20lb tire pressure,, and my daily outings have become... ohhh,, soooooo EASY!!!

I'm a convert! <;~]


Oh yes, it is all about tire pressure! 2WD vehicles can drive the sand if the air is low enough. 20 psi is usually the high end of sand driving pressure. If the sand is still not easy, drop more air. I have run at 10 psi often. Just no high speed or sharp turning or quick braking when deflated.

micah202 - 1-29-2018 at 06:04 AM

....^^... heh,, got a bit overzealous returning to camp yesterday, got good'n stuck,, will follow your advice on this,,,,, not so much on the {non} global warming though. :P

Stuck, or delayed?

AKgringo - 1-29-2018 at 09:19 AM

I have never been stuck in Baja, although I have been delayed a few times! If you got moving again without being towed, you weren't stuck.

micah202 - 1-29-2018 at 09:36 PM

Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo  
I have never been stuck in Baja, although I have been delayed a few times! If you got moving again without being towed, you weren't stuck.


...potatoes, potato AK,,, needed 'mechanical assist', by way of my jack (and bed planks),, stored deepest in the nether regions. <;~}


One item of note with the air pumps,,, mine came with a 'cute' little fabric case,,, AND I notice now that some of the plastic housing is broken, must have packed things too tightly one day,,, in any 'case',, I'd suggest it's a MAJOR selling point if there's a hard case included ,, looking for something like that now. Luckily tape and glue take care of it, but almost damaged the switch. <;~\

micah202 - 1-30-2018 at 03:53 PM

Quote: Originally posted by David K  
Quote: Originally posted by micah202  
...wowwww,, I'm a convert David.... was having 'challenges' with soft sand at my beach camp,, went from 32 to~20lb tire pressure,, and my daily outings have become... ohhh,, soooooo EASY!!!

I'm a convert! <;~]


Oh yes, it is all about tire pressure! 2WD vehicles can drive the sand if the air is low enough. 20 psi is usually the high end of sand driving pressure. If the sand is still not easy, drop more air. I have run at 10 psi often. Just no high speed or sharp turning or quick braking when deflated.


...went to 15,, works well on sand, but really affects driving -anywhere- else,, even at very low speeds., Guess that's why I got the pump. <;~l

David K - 1-30-2018 at 04:37 PM

Well, yes... almost like being on a flat tire if on pavement.
I am glad you found bliss in the sand at 15 psi!

[Edited on 1-31-2018 by David K]