timregan21

I was thinking of buying an inverter and a compressor. Does anyone use an inverter and compressor to inflate their tires? I was looking for a quick and easy way to deflate and inflate my tires when I'm going to the beach. When there is no outlet available wouldn't that be an easy way to get power from your battery? Can anyone share how they do this. Thanks a lot

- Tim

arjeeper

I just use a 12v compressor. Little unit I bought a few years back for maybe $50. Has it's own storage bag. Uses alligator clips to connect to the battery when you need it. Quite powerful too.

jedg

+1 on using the air compressor with alligator clips to the battery. I purchased one from Harbor Freight for under $50. It inflates my tires (33") without much trouble.

crusaderJK

Just buy a 12v compressor. I have a Viair 400H mounted under the hood, but portable is also a good option. You'll have to look at the CFM and the duty cycle of the compressor. I've heard people had compressors overheat after inflating only one tire.
And you shouldn't buy any compressor that plugs into the cig lighter, at least not for tire inflation.

Mark Doiron

What everyone said above. Let me also add that not all inverters are good for compressors. The cheap ones do not usually put out a well-shaped sine wave. Motors, such as in a compressor, tend to overheat quickly when fed the dirty product that cheap inverters put out. If you really wanted to use an inverter to power a motor (drill, impact wrench, etc), then get one with "pure sine wave output". Expect to pay at least a couple hundred dollars or more. It, too, would need to be connected directly to the battery to provide more than about 150 watts of power.

Twinkydog

I have to agree with everyone else. I have both a 12vdc MV50 compressor ($50) and a 2gal 110vac compressor ($90). The air output between the two doesn't even compare. That little MV50 kicks the 110's butt in how long it takes to fill my tires, not to mention the additional cost and trouble of installing an inverter big enough to handle even this small compressor. My MV50 is starting to wear out after about two years, so now I'm putting together a portable Viar Dual 444C setup to toss in the back.

timregan21

Thanks guys....so what your all saying is that one of those 12 volt air compressor does the job quick enough? I was worried about time I didn't want to sit there for 30 minutes to pump up 4 tires.

crusaderJK

Speed depends on the compressor's air flow and the pressure in your tires. My Viair 400 is rated at 2.54 CFM @0 psi, and I fill my 4 tires (245/75/17) from 14 to 38 psi in about 13-15 minutes.

Rob 12B1P

Very happy with my Vair 400P. Actually thinking about installing the 400 hardmount and tank further down the road.

timregan21

Alrighty thanks again everyone the Viair sounds like a good idea I am going to check them out