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12 volt air compressors

bikeama

bikeama

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Bill Harr
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AMA #: 1097
Looking to get a new 12v air compressor for my van. I have a very old and tiny Coleman 12v compressor. Have only used it maybe 5 times in 20+ years, last time it filled slowly so time for a new one. I use the compressor only for an emergency in my Class B motorhome. I need to inflate to 70psi on the fronts and 55psi on the rear duals. I don't see doing a lot of airing down and airing up for off-road. I know the ARB is top of the line but big $$$. VIAIR is a little less money. And there are lots of low-cost Chinese compressors online.

Does anyone have one they like without spending over $100?
 
The cheapest decent one that I was able to find is the SmittyBilt 2781 at just under $150. But it will inflate four 35" Bronco tires from 20 psi to 40 psi in about 10 minutes. If you'll only ever be inflating one tire at a time, it's fine how it comes in the box. I had to swap the air chuck to fit standard air tools. The inflator/deflator hoses cost me another $150. I use it several times a month.

This is it in action:
Qy2mYdK.jpg
 
Milwaukee makes a compressor in their M12 line. Then you can use the batteries with their other excellent tools.
 
Ryobi air compressor - one-plus 18V systm is what we use

Ryobi air compressor - one-plus 18V systm is what we use for infrequent air down or air up or other fooling around with Jeep and trailer tries.

Buy it at Home Depot if you want a warranty that can be honored (do not buy online other than the H.D site)

We are on our 2nd unit - the first one got used a LOT over the years, and we replaced it in kind when the first unit wore out.

We also have the heavier duty Smitty Bilt #2780 compressor - its a bit of PITA so it only gets used reluctantly on the road.
 
Last edited:
ScottRNelson said:
The cheapest decent one that I was able to find is the SmittyBilt 2781 at just under $150. But it will inflate four 35" Bronco tires from 20 psi to 40 psi in about 10 minutes. If you'll only ever be inflating one tire at a time, it's fine how it comes in the box. I had to swap the air chuck to fit standard air tools. The inflator/deflator hoses cost me another $150. I use it several times a month.

This is it in action:
Click to expand...

that's pretty cool inflating 4 tires at once
 
HappyHighwayman said:
that's pretty cool inflating 4 tires at once
Click to expand...
I learned the trick from the local Jeep club. It's even better deflating them all at once. For the most part, they will all have the same pressure, so no need to tweak them to get them to match. Occasionally one will be high by three or four psi, and I have no idea how that happens, but it's reasonably easy to correct one tire. The Bronco has tire pressure sensors that are reasonably accurate, so it tells me if they don't match. It's quite a bit faster airing back up all together than one at a time. The serious guys carry CO2 bottles with them, at about 1000 psi, and they can air back up in a minute or two.

But back to the original question - the SmittyBuilt 2781 is one of the best deals on a compressor that you can actually buy right now. All of the great deals that I've seen are either out of stock or were a promotional deal that is no longer available.
 
6165vvMPp+L._AC_SX679_.jpg


The Ryobi works well for me also plus it is awesome for topping off the motorcycle tires.

If you allready have Ryobo batterie less than $30 if you need the batterie included then around $90.
 
The VIAIR is pretty popular with the Baja crowd.
 
I don't know which ones are good. I can only tell you what I bought, and why not to buy it.

Look on Amazon, and you will see these. They all look the same, have similar features, and come from the same factory. Different seller names could mean the same seller using different names. Different brand names could mean the same seller, offering different brand names.

Will it work? Yes. But it will take a very long time. It's loud. It's noisy. It will take 10 minutes to add 10 PSI. 4 tires, and you're there for 40 minutes. Once, it actually blew a 20 amp fuse in my truck.

For an emergency, it's fine. You're stuck on the side of the road, in the middle of the night, then this is better than nothing. But this is not the type of tool that you plan on using regularly.

I paid $26. I will not buy another one. I suggest spending more, and getting something better.

81zr9T15mmL._AC_SX679_.jpg
 
I have the handheld and larger dual function Ryobi inflators. Both work great. Cheap and as mentioned above Home Depot runs specials quite often, especially at Christmas.

Have not need to fill a vehicle tire to 70 psi. But have blown up sailboat's dingy, SUPs, Toyota FJ tires, bicycles, etc. No issues and have owned/used for years.

Had the little handheld model get rather hot when blowing up literally a dozen inner tubes and assorted rafts for daughter's friends floating the Sacramento. She scoffed at my gear originally. Borrows it every time hence.

There are chargers that can plug into vehicle's battery or other source to charge the Ryobi 18v.
 
I bought the Viair RV model compressor. I use it to deal with my Land Rover tires, with a similar rig to to Scott’s. I also inflate my tow rig’s tires and occasionally air it down when I need a back seat off road. Additionally, it’s saved me from having to change trailer tires by allowing me to plug them. It’s good to get a trailer tire to 65psi in less than 10 minutes. I can’t count the numerous trail side repairs it’s facilitated for my friends too. From dune buggy tires to 37” crawler rig tires. The double hoses and thread on inflater are super high quality. Lastly, I use it as a blow gun when I’m at black rock to clean the dust off everything in camp. I like the unit so much I swapped my tow rig’s air bag overload unit to a Viair when the Firestone unit died.
When they advertise as 100% duty cycle, they mean it. It’s been reliable for 3 years of frequent use. I can’t say enough good things about it.
 
AdamFiveFive said:
I don't know which ones are good. I can only tell you what I bought, and why not to buy it.

Look on Amazon, and you will see these. They all look the same, have similar features, and come from the same factory. Different seller names could mean the same seller using different names. Different brand names could mean the same seller, offering different brand names.

Will it work? Yes. But it will take a very long time. It's loud. It's noisy. It will take 10 minutes to add 10 PSI. 4 tires, and you're there for 40 minutes. Once, it actually blew a 20 amp fuse in my truck.

For an emergency, it's fine. You're stuck on the side of the road, in the middle of the night, then this is better than nothing. But this is not the type of tool that you plan on using regularly.

I paid $26. I will not buy another one. I suggest spending more, and getting something better.
Click to expand...
Wow, that sucks. How many (fake) reviews did they have? Probably over 1k if they follow the pattern of other shitty products on Amazon.

Personally, I'd go for one of the namebrand ones, preferably cordless. There are some jump starter/inflate ones out there that look pretty cool.

How many people carry one of the new jump starter batteries (small)? I always have on in my goldwing luggage, just in case.
 
Thanks for all the replies. After watching the review video I will be looking for a dual piston 12v compressor or a Viair on sale on Black Friday. I do have a 2000watt inverter and could do a 120v compressor.
Still need to keep what ever I get small.
 
Abacinator said:
Milwaukee makes a compressor in their M12 line. Then you can use the batteries with their other excellent tools.
Click to expand...

Was thinking the same, I use the DeWalt version of the same thing with my camper. That way I can carry a few 18V batteries and have an impact driver, chainsaw, etc. as needed. Changing a trailer tire with a battery 1/2" impact, torque stick, impact socket, and a trailer-aid ramp has been the most enjoyable experience with roadside tire changing I've had yet. Mounted a 12V charger for the 18V battery packs in my truck toolbox and now I've always got a charged spare.
 
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