Small Air Compressor for Tire inflation

[busykngt]

Looking for a small {primarily} tire inflation compressor. Something to throw in the trunk for road trips or to inflate the spare tire, trailer tires, etc. I was thinking about Northern Tool or Harbor Freight type stuff but wasn’t sure about their quality. No need to throw good money after bad if there’s another other brand I should be looking at. Anybody got any recommendations or strong opinions to avoid certain brands?

 

[Axxe55]

the Viair brand carried at Tractor Supply Company is a decent brand to buy.

 

[msharley]

I got a 12v one from Tractor Supply some time ago...

Has a light, and can inflate/deflate air mattress or beach balls etc....

Plugs into cigarette lighter...plenty of cord to reach.

Goes to 100psi?

 

[Sam7sf]

Stanley fat max works. On truck tires it maxes out at 56psi. But it gets the job done

 

[Sam7sf]

Downside is it’s a one pump chump then it needs recharging.

Amazon product ASIN B01DLYQ4DS

 

[BeatTheTunaUp]

I've carried this around for a few years. Luckily I've never needed it, but it moves over 5cfm so getting into almost home compressor flow. It will air up a 35 inch tire in under 2 minutes.

Amazon product ASIN B004K25GMG

 

[MTA]

I had a 12v kobalt one from lowes. It shit the bed after only a couple of years of light use. It was useful while it worked though

 

[Grumps21]

I‘ve got this that I throw in my bike top case if I‘m taking a road trip. It’s cheap and does what it’s supposed to do, albeit slow as one would expect with a tankless compressor.

Robot or human?

www.walmart.com

However, if the OP could ever justify a slightly larger unit, I’d suggest this one. Its super quiet and barely audible when it runs. It has a collapsible handle so it will pack down pretty good. It’s not really heavy - I could lift it myself. It is more costly though. I have one as my main compressor since my much larger oiless compressor is so darn loud to fire up for small jobs. I use this quite compressor for tires, blow gun, air impact and light grinding. It’s not suitable for anything that takes a lot of volume like blasting, chisel, or heavy grinding.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-Quiet-Tech-4-3-Gallon-Single-Stage-Portable-Electric-Twin-Stack-Air-Compressor/1001013970?cm_mmc=shp-_-c-_-prd-_-tol-_-bng-_-LIA_TOL_153_Pneumatics-And-Compressors-_-1001013970-_-Online-_-0-_-0&msclkid=828ea98f81a715703924c851a247f8f9&gclid=828ea98f81a715703924c851a247f8f9&gclsrc=3p.ds

 

[SA_Steve]

The harbor freight one is great and the best deal when it is on sale. Just don't run it dead-head or the fuse pops quickly.

 

[seeker_two]

VacLife Air Compressor Tire Inflator, DC 12V Portable Air Compressor, Auto Tire Pump with LED Light, Digital Air Pump for Car Tires, Bicycles and Other Inflatables, Model: ATJ-1166, Yellow (VL701)

Amazon product ASIN B07MKSP49L

 

[busykngt]

Thanks guys… appreciate the help! I hadn’t thought about Tractor Supply. I’ll look into all the recommendations.

I’ve got one of the home compressors - hate dragging that thing out every time I just need to do some little job. Plus, the thing IS loud; I feel like I’m waking up half the neighborhood every time I fire it up.

Again, thanks for the responses - much appreciated.

 

[Axxe55]

Thanks guys… appreciate the help! I hadn’t thought about Tractor Supply. I’ll look into all the recommendations.

I’ve got one of the home compressors - hate dragging that thing out every time I just need to do some little job. Plus, the thing IS loud; I feel like I’m waking up half the neighborhood every time I fire it up.

Again, thanks for the responses - much appreciated.

Another option would be to buy an air tank, and keep it filled. I probably use my air tank more than my small portable air compressor for airing up tires around my place.

 

[Ryantsg]

Ryobi one from Home Depot is great I use it a ton for tires, air mattresses, kids pool inflatables, and as a bellows starting fires camping. It’s amazing how flexible it is since it can both blow but is great for pulling air out of inflatables and air mattresses.

 

[BeatTheTunaUp]

Ryobi one from Home Depot is great I use it a ton for tires, air mattresses, kids pool inflatables, and as a bellows starting fires camping. It’s amazing how flexible it is since it can both blow but is great for pulling air out of inflatables and air mattresses.

 

[gll]

I really like my Dewalt 20v...

Hit the power button, set the pressure, hit start, and walk away. Stops when pressure setting met, and if you move fairly quick, it will keep that pressure setting for the next tire, or it will power off automatically in a couple minutes.

If you are only adding a few pounds per tire, it hardly uses any battery. Seems really efficient even from 0 psi.

And, it will do low pressure stuff, too.

 

[TxStetson]

Downside is it’s a one pump chump then it needs recharging.

Amazon product ASIN B01DLYQ4DS

Maybe you need to replace the battery. They’re only good for a couple years.

 

[AZ Refugee]

I have a https://masterflowair.com/products/mf-1040 that I keep in my ATV, it works well, also have similar Craftsman one in my truck and suv

 

[Davetex]

I have this one. It's very rugged/durable and powerful for the size.

Amazon product ASIN B08637KCWQ

 

[innominate]

Ryobi one from Home Depot is great I use it a ton for tires, air mattresses, kids pool inflatables, and as a bellows starting fires camping. It’s amazing how flexible it is since it can both blow but is great for pulling air out of inflatables and air mattresses.

I have a ryobi inflator too. I'm assuming other brands have something simular if you have cordless tools. I've had it for a couple years. Use it to keep the car and bike's tires aired up. I throw it in the saddle bag when I run around the hill country. This is the one I have. I think a new model is out now

 

[glenbo]