Battery Powered Air Pump - Recommendations

[DiploStrat]

Looking for recommendations for portable battery powered air pumps, suitable for inflating truck tires. Ideally would like something heavier than the pumps that just plug into cigarette lighters, perhaps something that uses heavy alligator clips. Need something that can be packed for bush trips - not a built in.

Most of the tire shops in the bush use Chinese bicycle pumps and they take forever.

 

[UK4X4]

The Overland journal did a nice write up on a selection of them,
all higher powered- higher speed and equivalent pricing.

My mid line favorite from the tests was the ARB version, really for size and world support...even though not that many places sell spare parts these day's.

I seem to remember it had a high head temperature, but being as it was black V's the other reflective silver heads I ignored that fact as it was an infrared thermometer.

At work now and would have to check the magazine pile at home.

 

[DiploStrat]

Tanx!

Really hate that "working for a living" gig.

 

[michaelgroves]

What size tyres, and how many at a time? (I mean, is it for occasional pumping up a repaired tyre, or for airing up and down?)

For a biggish compressor, I highly recommend the Extreme-air from Extreme Outback. Has croc-clips, and draws 30A, as I recall.

 

[DiploStrat]

7.50x16

We run Land Cruisers, all with 7.50x16 tires. This is for flat fixing, not specifically airing down. (I have the devil of a time convincing my drivers that they won't all die if they run less than 45 gazillion psi!) The concept of matching tire pressure to load is not well developed.

 

[Lichen]

I purchased this Extremeaire from Sierra Expeditions for about $300. It works great and all fits inside an ammo can.

 

[RHINO]

if you really want something awesome, capable of any tire size and self oiled last-a-lifetime reliability check into one of these.

http://oasismfg.thomasnet.com/category/air-compressors?

you dont HAVE to mount these in vehicle, they can be mounted in a box or on a plate, but it needs to be substantial.

 

[UK4X4]

Listed in OJ were

extreme outback magnum
extreme otback expedition air
warn air spi
ARB CKMA 12
Viair 4550P-A
Sun performance quick air 3

editors choice was the magnum, but at $675- 78 amps draw
fast it was at 2.20 for 1 tire

but for half the price the ARB did it in 3.55 mins 32 amp drawer

7.lbs weight

the three faster ones were 13.8 lbs up to a whopping 34lbs

So size and power does matter.......:costumed-smiley-007

when you need air.

Me I'll wait the extra minute............


All data stolen from the excellent article in the Overland Journal Spring 2008 edition..........available at ........you all know the rest !





But just in case you thought you could win the I've got the biggest one competition.............

maybe need to check the mitsu FG section..

 

[winkosmosis]

There is a popular red one that some auto parts stores sell. I have one and it works well... much more powerful than the dinky ones. But the alligator clips are a PITA. I tried wiring it to a cigarette lighter plug, but it blew the fuse... which I guess means that it would meet your standards of needing alligator clips in the first place.

 

[winkosmosis]

Here is what I'm talking about
http://www.amazon.com/Industries-MV50-SuperFlow-Hi-Compressor/dp/B000BM8RT8

Pretty popular on Jeepforum. Some people permanently mount them under the hood. The ammo box storage is a good idea.. I may have to do that. The soft case doesn't provide much protection.

 

[Scenic WonderRunner]

There are multiple threads about this here at ExPo.

This seems to be the most popular one. I have it and love it.

The Superflow MV-50.

FYI......

http://www.parksoffroad.com/prodreview/inflatortest/mv50/mv50.htm

.