Portable tire inflator suggestions
- Thread starter NYBODYMAN
- Start date
ace10
Well-known member
Do you have cordless tools... which brand?
Desertskyy
Well-known member
I have had this one for years now with no issues that I have experienced. I did add a alligator clip adapter and a 12v 10ft wire extension so trailer tires can be filled up or to use straight from the battery with the alligator clips
Yes. Dewalt 20V Max.
737mechanic
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jun 2, 2010
- Messages
- 205
I have a Ridgid 18V portable. I did a video on it and so far I am very impressed. I also have a VIAIR 88P Portable Air Compressor which I like also but I have used my Ridgid more, the Ridgid can be used with the 18V battery or connected to the vehicle battery with the included cable.
4xdog
Well-known member
I have an ARB portable 12V air compressor — the single cylinder one mounted in a plastic toolbox. It’s built seriously tough and I’m unlikely ever to tax it the way it gets used.
arbusa.com
ARB four-wheel-drive gear is first class stuff — the Australians know how to equip a vehicle for the bush — but it’s also ALL the money. My compressor came to me barely used and as a great value. I’d gulp before I bought one new, but having owned one of these I’d probably do just that if needed.
Air Compressors for Off-Roading - Onboard & Portable
High-flow, onboard and portable air compressors built for overlanding and off-road. Fast inflation, rugged construction, and reliable performance on any trail.
arbusa.com
ARB four-wheel-drive gear is first class stuff — the Australians know how to equip a vehicle for the bush — but it’s also ALL the money. My compressor came to me barely used and as a great value. I’d gulp before I bought one new, but having owned one of these I’d probably do just that if needed.
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G1GRANDEUR
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- Aug 22, 2009
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- 2,094
VIAIR
Good way to get into the Milwaukee 12 v system. This isn't too bad of a deal for a started kit currently on sale at Home Depot
Milwaukee M12 12-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Compact Inflator with 2.0 Ah Battery and Charger 2475-21CP
Fastest Cordless Tire Inflator. The Milwaukee M12 Compact Inflator delivers fast, accurate, easy inflation with the portability to take anywhere. The inflator has the capability to complete demanding applications like car, LT truck and compact equipment tires, the M12 Compact Inflator gives...
www.homedepot.com
Nosferatu
Well-known member
I use the Ryobi 18v. It does 85PSI in my F350 tires with no problems.
If you are going to keep it in the trunk I wouldn't get a battery operated version. I have a basic one in each car. I don't use them much since I have a compressor for air at home. My only strong suggestion is get one that has an auto off setting. Even the fast ones are typically a minute or two if your tire is really low. It's handy to have the thing auto shut off. I would suggest looking for one that has a place to wrap the cable around the outside vs having to mess with an internal storage compartment. Internal looks nice but is harder to use.
The Project Farm channel did a video on the things a while back. The only issue is so many of the brands and models change so fast.
The Project Farm channel did a video on the things a while back. The only issue is so many of the brands and models change so fast.
javyLSU
Well-known member
I have this one. If the tire is completely flat it’ll struggle but for quick checks and top ups it’s really hard to beat. I’ve also been slowly swapping my m18 stuff for m12. It’s just so much lighter and easier to handleGood way to get into the Milwaukee 12 v system. This isn't too bad of a deal for a started kit currently on sale at Home Depot
Milwaukee M12 12-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Compact Inflator with 2.0 Ah Battery and Charger 2475-21CP
Fastest Cordless Tire Inflator. The Milwaukee M12 Compact Inflator delivers fast, accurate, easy inflation with the portability to take anywhere. The inflator has the capability to complete demanding applications like car, LT truck and compact equipment tires, the M12 Compact Inflator gives...www.homedepot.com
My son bought me the Ridgid for Christmas. I just registered it earlier this AM. It was $49.00 when he bought it. I've only used it a couple times to test it out and it worked OK. if you would need it on the road, the Ridgid comes with an adapter to hook into the car's cigarette lighter plug for power. Here's some more timed test videos:
Ridgid vs Dewalt
Ridgid vs Ryobi
ETA.... for some reason you will have to hit the watch on Youtube link if you want to watch it. Sorry.
ETA #2.... For some reason, now neither link will work.
Ridgid vs Dewalt
Ridgid vs Ryobi
ETA.... for some reason you will have to hit the watch on Youtube link if you want to watch it. Sorry.
ETA #2.... For some reason, now neither link will work.
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alinc100
Well-known member
As Citation touched on above, we've all been told,and know freezing cold is not good on lithium ion batteries. How would one store such a battery in this situation? I have the Makita inflator 18v ,it was part of a Tractor Supply Promo free tool option, works very well is quite handy at the street/in the driveway,not rolling out a hose. It helps I have cordless tools from Milwaukee(M12),Dewalt 12v and 20v and Makita 18v. Short of having a DC fed charger( I know Makita has one) keeping lithium ion batteries in the car has been a challenge/stumbling block.
Lou's Garage
Well-known member
I have an old Black & Decker Air Station.
It is powered by a cigarette lighter style plug with a long cord that will reach around the car or by 120 volts. If worst comes to awful, I plug it into my jumper box. Set the desired pressure for automatic shutoff. It is slow but has otherwise exceeded my expectations including filling my trailer tires at 80 psi.
It is powered by a cigarette lighter style plug with a long cord that will reach around the car or by 120 volts. If worst comes to awful, I plug it into my jumper box. Set the desired pressure for automatic shutoff. It is slow but has otherwise exceeded my expectations including filling my trailer tires at 80 psi.
I picked up the Ridgid 18v a couple months ago and it's really nice. Direct tools outlet had it on sale for $40 with free shipping. I don't have any Ridgid batteries so we use the 12v adapter exclusively. Very pleased with it, and it carries the lifetime warranty too
I have a friend with the Viair, it works well, I've used it. If I had to buy one now, that's what I'd get. I don't know what I have, can't remember, other than it's red LOL, but it's fine also. Keep in mind the budget ones like this are best for emergency use, which is sounds like what you want, and probably won't last long on weekly 4X4 trips airing up
I have a Viair 88P that I keep in the car.
Also have a milwaukee inflator that I use for quick top ups at home 2 cars, pickup truck, bike.
The milwaukee is quick and convenient to use at home, but I will never trust it on the road, just in case the battery runs out in an emergency.
I trust the Viair on the road for emergencies but takes longer to connect the power cords for quick home fill ups.
Also have a milwaukee inflator that I use for quick top ups at home 2 cars, pickup truck, bike.
The milwaukee is quick and convenient to use at home, but I will never trust it on the road, just in case the battery runs out in an emergency.
I trust the Viair on the road for emergencies but takes longer to connect the power cords for quick home fill ups.
joe_pinehill1
Well-known member
I have the Milwaukee and like it
javyLSU
Well-known member
The DeWalt I posted runs off of 3 power sources - 20V Max lithium ion battery, 12V DC adapter (cigarette lighter plug) and 120V AC.
That's the sort of tool that looks like an ideal solution if you have one inflation tool that needs to work on the road, in the garage and in the field.
However, it's relatively large and you pay a lot for the 120v and battery options. It may not be worth it if the objective is to just leave it in the car for an emergency or even the occasional top up. I like the auto off feature so much since for a while I was using a 12V inflator to you off my tires. It took perhaps a minute or two per tire.
javyLSU
Well-known member
I guess I would ask what you’re comparing it to in calling it “relatively large.” I owned the Milwaukee and it’s not much if any any bigger, it’s just a different shape. It’s also more featured and powerful than the Milwaukee.
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The Milwaukee cordless M12 inflator is so convenient to use at home topping up tires to a designated pressure versus dragging the corded 12V or corded 120V inflator which means dragging a cord then wrapping them up to put away. On the road I keep an ARB Twin in the Jeep while the other cars get either the Viair or regular 12V plug in unit.
The one I have my daily driver is about half as large in each dimension vs the DeWalt. That means it's fits in a cubby in the trunk. Something the size of the DeWalt wouldn't. I'm not saying the DeWalt is big like say a pancake compressor but it's larger than other options and that can make a difference. In my case lose in the trunk vs in a compartment back there. Of course your mileage may vary.
javyLSU
Well-known member
Understood. Would you mind sharing what you have in your trunk? Might be of use to OP.
One car has an OEM Chrysler inflator. It's been used one or two times.
One is a Tacklife inflator that was a deal a while back. I think it's this model
https://www.newegg.com/p/0K9-00SD-00001?item=9SIAWR7F555371
I've used one or two times to verify it works. Beyond being a deal, it replaced a previous "tire shaped" that was slow and didn't have auto shut off. I think I paid something like $15 for it so really cheap.
The one I've used the most is a Kobalt model that was a Christmas special a few years back. I think it was $20 after the holidays.
This is the only one I used for things like topping off my tires as winter comes.
I would have no trouble recommending the Kobalt but it was purchased a decade ago and no longer available. The OEM Chrysler one might be good but they are expensive at around $100 (with sealant). I can't say with the Tacklife only because I haven't used it much. It seems no slower/faster than the others. I just haven't used it enough to say it won't break when asked to top off several tires.
Heads up. Viair 88p price dropped to $66.**.
Just bought one. I've already got two 85P I like. This one will go into my Acura MDX. Didn't realize 88P which connects directly to battery which is nice. For 85P, I had to get an adapter so that I didn't have to go through the cigarette lighter.
Just bought one. I've already got two 85P I like. This one will go into my Acura MDX. Didn't realize 88P which connects directly to battery which is nice. For 85P, I had to get an adapter so that I didn't have to go through the cigarette lighter.
CGarage
Well-known member
Any update on this topic?
How has this one held up for you? Any issues on smaller amp-hr battery packs? Seems like it's way more convenient than dragging out an air hose for a bike tire or kids toy.DCC020IB is the best cordless inflator I’ve used so far.
I have kept one of these in each cars trunk for years. My oldest is 7+ years old and I use the snot out of it when I run winter tires because the valve stems seem to leak. It's on clearance so I fear it's getting discontinued. The biggest flaw is that the cigarette lighter adapter is cheap and breaks so I replaced it with a better one. It also pops fuses if you start it while it is connected to the tire because of the pressure on the pump. Mine has been used to help coworkers countless times and it's still going strong. If you need one to keep in your trunk, these are great
https://www.harborfreight.com/12v-100-psi-high-volume-air-inflator-63745.html
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ChevyEFI
Well-known member
The Milwaukee M12 is easy and convenient. If you have M12 batts, great.
Don't expect it to add 6psi to eight 31.5 tires each with a 2.0ah batt.
Mine when new seemed spot on, showing pressure matching the TPMS and a hand pump and cycling gauge. It's now 3 or 4psi off. This was sudden and doesn't seem to affect it otherwise.
I would rather have 18v matching my other batt. platforms. But for being able to hand it to a kid or other adult and "add 3psi more than you want", it's great.
Don't expect it to add 6psi to eight 31.5 tires each with a 2.0ah batt.
Mine when new seemed spot on, showing pressure matching the TPMS and a hand pump and cycling gauge. It's now 3 or 4psi off. This was sudden and doesn't seem to affect it otherwise.
I would rather have 18v matching my other batt. platforms. But for being able to hand it to a kid or other adult and "add 3psi more than you want", it's great.
CGarage
Well-known member
How has this one held up for you? Any issues on smaller amp-hr battery packs? Seems like it's way more convenient than dragging out an air hose for a bike tire or kids toy.
I have kept one of these in each cars trunk for years. My oldest is 7+ years old and I use the snot out of it when I run winter tires because the valve stems seem to leak. It's on clearance so I fear it's getting discontinued. The biggest flaw is that the cigarette lighter adapter is cheap and breaks so I replaced it with a better one. It also pops fuses if you start it while it is connected to the tire because of the pressure on the pump. Mine has been used to help coworkers countless times and it's still going strong. If you need one to keep in your trunk, these are great
What is that and who makes it ?
Whoops. Thought I dropped the link.
Harbor Freight: https://www.harborfreight.com/12v-100-psi-high-volume-air-inflator-63745.html
83VillageRepair
Well-known member
I have been using the Viair 300P since 2018. It has been amazing. It will air up truck and tractor tires (slowly) as well. Probably overkill for a car only application. Recently I have been using the Milwaukee 18Volt inflator more.