Tire air inflator any suggestions?
Racer
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 1,846
Likes: 117
From: Sacramento, CA
The VIAIR models are about $50, which is a little higher than I wanted to spend, but if you have any experience with the $20-30 ones from online or Walmart you'll know that the cheap ones can't pump much PSI and take forever to inflate anything and are not durable. The VIAIR 70P we bought in 2013 is still working great, as is the 85P purchased in 2016. Plus, it takes less than 10 minutes to add 3-4 PSI to each tire whereas the cheap compressors took me 30 minutes and were much louder.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 8,580
Likes: 391
From: PA
Because small units are so expensive when compared to a real 3 gal compressor to be kept in the garage, I would suggest just getting an oiless 3 gal one from HFT. Do you really find the need to constantly add air while on the road?
This is not $57, coupons are all over the place it's probably in the low $40's....
https://www.harborfreight.com/3-gal-...sor-60637.html
This is not $57, coupons are all over the place it's probably in the low $40's....
https://www.harborfreight.com/3-gal-...sor-60637.html
ive really been liking this one. It was diffcult finding a dual power 12VDC/120VAC with a digital gauge
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-12-V...tor/1000092575
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-12-V...tor/1000092575
Thread Starter
Pit Crew
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 214
Likes: 9
From: ny
VIAIR compressors have worked great for us. I started with a 70P model and liked it so much I bought a second one (85P) for the other car. I like to keep a portable air compressor and portable jumpstarter in my trunk. It is a cheaper option than a AAA membership and I don't have to sit around waiting for roadside assistance. I assist myself. The combo has ended up helping over a dozen other friends and strangers more than it has helped us, but good peace of mind.
The VIAIR models are about $50, which is a little higher than I wanted to spend, but if you have any experience with the $20-30 ones from online or Walmart you'll know that the cheap ones can't pump much PSI and take forever to inflate anything and are not durable. The VIAIR 70P we bought in 2013 is still working great, as is the 85P purchased in 2016. Plus, it takes less than 10 minutes to add 3-4 PSI to each tire whereas the cheap compressors took me 30 minutes and were much louder.
The VIAIR models are about $50, which is a little higher than I wanted to spend, but if you have any experience with the $20-30 ones from online or Walmart you'll know that the cheap ones can't pump much PSI and take forever to inflate anything and are not durable. The VIAIR 70P we bought in 2013 is still working great, as is the 85P purchased in 2016. Plus, it takes less than 10 minutes to add 3-4 PSI to each tire whereas the cheap compressors took me 30 minutes and were much louder.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 8,580
Likes: 391
From: PA
btw the HFT compressor is $39.99. If you live in NYC and an apartment, that may not be practical. My experience with portable inflators is that it takes forever and a day, to even inflate a snowblower tire. Have you ever considered a foot pump? That can easily be stored in a trunk and used in a pinch.
Thread Starter
Pit Crew
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 214
Likes: 9
From: ny
btw the HFT compressor is $39.99. If you live in NYC and an apartment, that may not be practical. My experience with portable inflators is that it takes forever and a day, to even inflate a snowblower tire. Have you ever considered a foot pump? That can easily be stored in a trunk and used in a pinch.
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Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 8,580
Likes: 391
From: PA
I'm thinking just convenient nothing to plug in, and can be used for other things like inflating soccer *****, bicycle tires, snowblower tires, etc. Meaning might get usage if you spend the money...so not necessarily quicker, but cheaper, and useful too...
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Racer
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 1,846
Likes: 117
From: Sacramento, CA
btw the HFT compressor is $39.99. If you live in NYC and an apartment, that may not be practical. My experience with portable inflators is that it takes forever and a day, to even inflate a snowblower tire. Have you ever considered a foot pump? That can easily be stored in a trunk and used in a pinch.
This guy in the video is annoying, but says inflating a flat tire took his VIAIR about two minutes.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 8,580
Likes: 391
From: PA
How many does ChrisFix have?! That was classy, that guy attacked ChrisFix, who never even responded, and then that guy apologized, and again ChrisFix didn't respond. Hilarious when you don't allow people to drag you down and just keep on keepin' on.
I haven't ordered it yet, but I plan on getting this one:
You can preset the PSI to inflate to and it will automatically shut off when it reaches that preset. It comes with an LED light and two other nozzle adapters, and it has a 10ft cord. It's small and light, and it can take a flat to 35 PSI in maybe 3 mins (based on comments/reviews). And it's only $35.
You can preset the PSI to inflate to and it will automatically shut off when it reaches that preset. It comes with an LED light and two other nozzle adapters, and it has a 10ft cord. It's small and light, and it can take a flat to 35 PSI in maybe 3 mins (based on comments/reviews). And it's only $35.
Moderator
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 9,613
Likes: 4,803
From: GA
+1 for this. Been using a bike pump for my tires. However, if they went totally flat I suspect refilling them would be a tedious process.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 8,580
Likes: 391
From: PA
As mentioned the full blown 3 gal. HFT is $39.99, but then I saw a portable one for $6.99? lol Seriously imagine if it's just as good as one on amazon for $35. That happens all the time with tools. But my thinking was how often will you really use any device you get, so is there a way to make sure you do other than to have mishaps with flats...
having dual power is a big feature, i dont want to have to turn on the car to use a air compressor. I dont risk running down a battery to inflate a tire, especially when Im at the house