Good tire inflator ?

[Roktman]

HI GUYS, what are guys using for an inflator any brand stand out? Thanks much

 

[FrenchieXJ]

The one many people use is the ARB twin air compressor. This is a great compressor! the price shows you how nice it is. They run from between $700.oo to $1,100.oo.

I have used many brands over the years. Another one in the good that they stopped importing from Japan was the Quick Air 2 and Quick Air 3. The problem is they are not selling them in the U.S any more. I still have the Quick Air 3. I have had it for around 25 years and still runs great.

Viair is a good compressor as well they have a large line of different sizes. By for the size tires you want to use it on. Buying the biggest means sure you can fill tires quicker, but your carrying a lot of extra weight with you. For overlanding weight is critical. For local rock crawling it is not so important. they raise and lower tire pressure at least 10 times more then a overlander will.

The better ones will have a 100% run time. You can run it 100% of the time. The bad ones they can run for 20% of the time then need to rest(cool) for 80% of the time.

I have had good luck with some Chinese ones that thy put many different names on. They run from $120.oo to $150.oo. A quick search of some of the ones mentioned; Amazon.com https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0C9CDP2X8/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_plhdr=t&aaxitk=8603249dc7f2efefffdf20d65d538a78&hsa_cr_id=0&qid=1767638029&sr=1-1-f02f01d6-adaf-4bef-9a7c-29308eff9043&ref_=sbx__sbtcd2_asin_0_img&pd_rd_w=xk2Pr&content-id=amzn1.sym.e2c9099f-6964-4dbf-9ce9-8bc2c1a8ec1a:amzn1.sym.e2c9099f-6964-4dbf-9ce9-8bc2c1a8ec1a&pf_rd_p=e2c9099f-6964-4dbf-9ce9-8bc2c1a8ec1a&pf_rd_r=1Z9A6Y9NRHB53HEVY9FB&pd_rd_wg=Rtwn0&pd_rd_r=81a7ce98-4698-43d9-a7fa-a010f814de12
Here is a good Viair on amazon. It does not come with the extra parts.

;https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CTCW0A...p_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9kZXRhaWxfdGhlbWF0aWM

:https://www.autozone.com/p/rough-co...00a/1530582?searchText=12+volt+air+compressor
This is simular with the accessories'

:Harbor freight same as above; https://www.harborfreight.com/12v-125-psi-high-performance-inflator-59624.html

4 wheel parts has the same ones. check prices for your self. I am not happy about harbor freight warranty service. This is from other products I have bought their not the compressor.

First if the 12 volt has compressor has a round 12 volt plug on it do not waist your money Trash, Junk dangerous!!! They need to have alligator clamps on the wires going to the motor and a 30 amp or higher fuse inline. Anything less is a toy and like most toys they break, when you do not want them to.

If it has a battery built in and hand held not good for more then beach balls.

I hope this is some help.

 

[fourfa]

The post above covers a lot of it… OP, you’ll get more useful answers if you provide a little more detail? Inflator for your dirt bike is pretty different than for stock 31” SUV tires, and different again for 37-42” jeep tires. Budget would be a nice hint too, ARB twin can run $1k, but if you can only spend $100 you can still find something that will last (just take longer to fill tires)

 

[AbleGuy]

Budget would be a nice hint too, ARB twin can run $1k, but if you can only spend $100 you can still find something that will last (just take longer to fill tires)

You’re right about the cheaper inflators. I have had several of them through the years and I’ve been satisfied with them, because I usually am somewhat of a tightwad with my spending.

(Geeze I really need to have a few cups of coffee before trying to write in the morning!)

The cheap ones do take longer…lots longer…to air up a tire that needs high-pressure inflation. So you just have to be patient you use them.

Because they are slow, they can also easily overheat, especially if you’re using them on hot day, and they are sitting in the direct sun.

In any event, one thing I would suggest is that whatever you buy you get extra fuses for. I have had a problem with them blowing fuses in the past and if you don’t have any extra fuses and you’re out and you’re out in the middle of nowhere…well, you get the idea.

 

[Cheapskate'sParadise]

We run a simultaneous 4-up and 4-down system with short connectors that bridge a fitting at each wheel well to its corresponding tire, plus a control manifold at the front of the truck near a large Anderson connector. Most of the piping is internal and not seen. Fast and easy. We air up 4 at a time exclusively. The Chinese pump that Frenchie links to (long link to Amazon) is the same pump we've been using for 4 years in this application -- flawless and fast. Ours is the Ironman 4x4 brand -- but it's the same. When I saw the Orange Terror on the horizon, I bought another (this one called "Vevor" but the same) for future-proofing. Less than $100 for each.

Spending more is silly.

 

[PV Hiker]

Been using a 12 volt Puma. 100 percent duty cycle. Have two mounted in two different vechicles. Been working fine for me. Just another option.

 

[IdaSHO]

I run a Viair380C for our setup. Slow, but 100% duty cycle and reliable.

 

[Peter_n_Margaret]

When I finished building our vehiclel, I had no money left, but wanted a decent capacity compressor.
I had solar, batteries and a 1300W inverter installed.
I bought Chinese 240V AC workshop compressor complete with accumulator tank and all the trimmings for under AUD$100.
Used that for 3 years before replacing it with:

PX07 3/4HP Compressor

PX07 3/4HP Compressor - Boss Air Suspension PX07 3/4HP 12V Compressor By Boss Air Suspension Introducing the PX07 12V BOSS COMPRESSOR, a robust and efficient solution for all your air compression needs. With a powerful 3/4 HP motor, this compressor delivers an impressive 3CFM, ensuring optimal...

www.bossairsuspension.com.au

to save some space and weight.
Re-buildable, 100% duty cycle. After 20 years of service, it is better than a Twin ARB, in my view.
Cheers,
Peter
OKA196 motorhome

 

[FrenchieXJ]

In any event, one thing I would suggest is that whatever you buy you get extra fuses for. I have had a problem with them blowing fuses in the past and if you don’t have any extra fuses and you’re out and you’re out in the middle of nowhere…

Where they is a will, there is a way.

If you have a spare tire and the air hose from your compressor. Bring a second air chuck with you. Use your spare tire like a air tank, to inflate any remaining low tires with the air from in the spare. If you have two low tires when the compressor stops working split the air in the spare between the 2 tires. Only put in like 3 to 5 psi into each tire. at a time. this will not get you up to normal psi, but it will get you more air to drive on the highway until you can get a fuse or air for the low tires.

In a remote or emergency situation you may cause problems more problems by bypassing the fuse, but if it can get you out safely sometimes you do what you need to do.

Do not ever over inflate any tire above the max pressure listed on the tire! This is not a replacement for compressor. Warning doing this can cause a tire or explode and kill or injure you.

 

[FrenchieXJ]

Back in the old days of 1970's we had a super air compressor. I did this on many of my vehicles and for friends as well. We used old AC compressors for air compressors.

We would go to a junk yard find a engine that matched what engine we wanted to add the air compressor too. We would buy the air conditioner compressor and the mounting brackets to go with it.

Take this and mount it to our vehicle engine. We would run a radiator heater hose to the vehicle intake this filtered the air intake. The other end went to the compressor intake.

The discharge from the compressor went to the assorted accessories(*1) and a quick disconnect to the tires air line to fill tires or run air tools. We would pick up a 12 volt power and a SPST switch and fuse.

The accessories (*1) could be and should have for safety Pressure relief valve. I also ran a 120 volt tank pressure switch from a home/garage air compressor. This would turn on and off the compressor to maintain pressure.

On some of the setups I did I would get a 1 or 2 gallon air tank, this was if I had room for it.
The tank was good for running air tools.

Remove the Frigidarie 440 psi pressure relief valve with a 125 PSI valve, mounted on the compressor.

I use mainly the GM, Frigidarie or York compressors The Frigidarie at a vehicle engine idle have more volume of air. They both put out way more then you would ever use. Remember that most air hose ran around 250 to 300 PSI maximum limit.

Advantage of these compressor; I00% duty cycle, unlimited volume and over 250 PSI available. What would cause the starting and stopping of the compressor was the Power to the compressor clutch getting to turn off by the high pressure reached switch.

There were other devices we have used over the years. Everything has advantages and disadvantages.

Edited;
These compressors put out more volume then what the schrider valve could let through. (Valve stem (restricting the large volume of flow. Thus building up enough pressure to turn off the compressor until the pressure got below the turn on point)) .

 

[Peter_n_Margaret]

I used an A/C compressor for a number of years. Most need to have a lubrication method which can result in oil in the compressed air. Great air capacity.
There is a commercially available version in Oz which has the necessary mods.

Endless Air - Engine driven air compressor

Powerful & cost effective engine driven air compressor for 4WD, tractor, truck, boat or trade ute. Fan belt driven & minimal power to operate. Deliver worldwide

www.endlessair.com.au

Cheers,
Peter
OKA196 motorhome

 

[FrenchieXJ]

I used an A/C compressor for a number of years. Most need to have a lubrication method which can result in oil in the compressed air. Great air capacity.
There is a commercially available version in Oz which has the necessary mods.

Endless Air - Engine driven air compressor

Powerful & cost effective engine driven air compressor for 4WD, tractor, truck, boat or trade ute. Fan belt driven & minimal power to operate. Deliver worldwide

www.endlessair.com.au

Cheers,
Peter
OKA196 motorhome

Yes, you are correct! Thanks for bringing this up!

I did not want to get into a build thread for the each type compressor. The Frigidarie has the bulge on the body area and this should be at the bottom side when mounted. This is where I would pull the bolt partway out with the hole down the middle of the bolt and a side hole drill into the other hole. With a oil can and put in 1/4 teaspoon of non-detergent oil through the hole.

The York compressors have the sealed bearings. Just a little squirt down the intake.

Both I would every so often once a month to once a year. Depending on use they got. I shot of oil down the intake while running and then drain the tank or keep the line open as it is running, to remove oil build-up.

I did not get into there ability to have the ability with volum to seat a tire bead on a rim.

We have many people in the U.S. who would rather take the easier way since not being a mechanical inclined person and just buy a all in the bag unite.

"There is a commercially available version in Oz which has the necessary mods."
I have had many discussions together about this at many off road shows here in the us when we were both vendors.

Thank you for keeping me on my toes.

Frenchie

 

[Peter_n_Margaret]

These compressors put out more volume then what the schrider valve could let through. (Valve stem (restricting the large volume of flow. Thus building up enough pressure to turn off the compressor until the pressure got below the turn on point)) .

Or with big tyres, remove the valve and get most of the air in before replacing the valve.
Cheers,
Peter
OKA196 motorhome