Best sub $100 air compressor?

[DaveM]

I know this has been gone over many times, but I can't find anything recent and I'm sure a lot has changed in terms of models and prices. I have been convinced of the MV50 air comps quality, but prices have risen to around $60 (from $25 a couple years ago). So that puts it closer to some other decent sub $100 compressors.

I have 33x10.50 BFG ATs on my DC Taco. I don't wheel that often and even less where I need to air down, but I want the option.

Is the MV50 still the best value, or are there other choices I should consider?

dave

 

[hillbillyjake]

i have know other experiences with other compressors but my mv50 has worked flawlessly on sevral occasions.

jake

 

[mountainpete]

MV50 is the best value for the money. No question about it.

 

[fetus]

Tsunami Air Compressor (also available at Pep Boys). I'm assuming its the same design/build as the MV-50 above?

http://www.amazon.com/Master-Flow-MF-1050-Portable-Compressor/dp/B000L9AD2U

 

[mrstang01]

I'm interested in this too, as I missed the $25 days of the MV-50.

 

[HenryJ]

MV50 hands down. I aired side by side with a Viair system in Moab. I was faster. I had less to air though, but even then it was at best a tie and I have enough $$ left in my wallet to buy more stuff :wings:

I picked up the one I am using in Bend, OR as an open box return for $12.50
I still have a new one (paid $25) in the box as a spare waiting for this one to die. Right now I don't see it happening, so the spare may find its way into the wife's car.

Costco has the twin cylinder version right now. It is priced at $149 , so that puts it just outside the price range.

Sam's Club has the Super Flow MV50 High Volume Compressor for $51.12 right now. That would be my first choice, if I were in the market.

 

[getlost4x4]

I HAVE a harbor freight model.

it works pretty good. it looks exactly like a viair compressor.

it takes about 2 minutes to fill my 255/75/17 (32") from 15 to 30 psi.

they are usually on sale for $50.00

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=93186

 

[motomech]

Used my MV-50 today worked perfect.

Aired my 37" tire from 10psi to 35psi in like 3 min.
I bought 2 of them off amazon few weeks ago and plan on connecting them together with a air tank under the hood.

 

[sdjeep]

I am one of the few who has had problems with the MV50. I have had 2. The first one never did work, so it was exchanged for another. The second one works when it feels like. Sometimes getting such a poor connection it actually deflates the tire even when on. These were both from a few years back, so they may have gotten better since then. If i could find one for the old $25 price, i might give the newer model a try. I'm still using my $15 Kragen Auto Truck Air Compressor that i have had for 8 years. It's slow, but has never let me down.

 

[sandalscout]

I have an MV-50 also, and it seems like a good compressor, but I don't care for the connector on it much, I plan on changing it for a standard chuck. Still, the compressor and hose/chuck change is still under $100.

 

[pcampbell]

I'll also vote for the MV50. Very impressive compressor for the cost.

 

[rusty_tlc]

I HAVE a harbor freight model.

it works pretty good. it looks exactly like a viair compressor.

it takes about 2 minutes to fill my 255/75/17 (32") from 15 to 30 psi.

they are usually on sale for $50.00

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=93186

X2 very happy with mine as well.

 

[KG6BWS]

ill throw in my vote for the mv50 too. considering its price, its a helluva little compressor!!

heres a link with some pretty good info, to help choose a compressor. something for every price range.

http://www.parksoffroad.com/prodreview/inflatortest/inflatormain.htm

 

[Tumbleweed]

I have two MV-50's bought at the $25 price. One has never been used and is in my dd pickup. The other one, I spent some time on-put on a new hose and chuck, rewired and resoldered all connections, put a better fuse holder in it. It is my trail truck spare as I have OBA from a larger Thomas compressor.
Think they are fine as long as you put a bit of time in the electrics and plumbing to beef them up. I run 37's and the MV50 will air up four of them in about 15 minutes or less. The Thomas is faster, but it is now a $700 compressor.

 

[soonenough]

...I spent some time on-put on a new hose and chuck, rewired and resoldered all connections, put a better fuse holder in it...Think they are fine as long as you put a bit of time in the electrics and plumbing to beef them up...

Couldn't agree more. I have the Tsunami version, and it's a great little compressor, but the wiring leaves something to be desired. I had a wire come out of the fuse holder while I was airing up after wheeling, and had to patch it up as best I could to finish airing back up. Not to mention it was like 100+ degrees out and the wiring was scalding hot from 10 minutes of constant use. Maybe I should add a soldering iron to my toolkit?