LittleGreenAvocado
New member
Hi all! I want to inflate all 4 tires at home in the garage or the driveway because I hate driving over to the gas station. What is the best and most efficient tire inflator out there?
Inflating Tires at Home
- Thread starter LittleGreenAvocado
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1engineer
Moderator
ic0517
New member
I bought a small 120VAc compressor at HD for filling tires, maybe it could be used for air brushing, no way for air tools, and my wife b!tches about the noise.
Then I found this "Slime" brand (I'm not making this sh!t up) at Walmart, its one that plugs into the cigarette lighter, and you can set the shut off pressure, and dang that thing is nice for the price. And if it breaks, screw it, get another. It also fits on the right hand pocket in the rear of my 2013 TE. The cord is long enough to reach the rear tires while plugged into the front lighter, but you do have to go out left door for left tire etc.
I could snag some pics if you want.
Then I found this "Slime" brand (I'm not making this sh!t up) at Walmart, its one that plugs into the cigarette lighter, and you can set the shut off pressure, and dang that thing is nice for the price. And if it breaks, screw it, get another. It also fits on the right hand pocket in the rear of my 2013 TE. The cord is long enough to reach the rear tires while plugged into the front lighter, but you do have to go out left door for left tire etc.
I could snag some pics if you want.
Intruder
New member
Ok, you went more over the top than I was going to. Why don't people just carry a compressor in their vehicles to begin with?
LittleGreenAvocado
New member
How well do the portable 120v inflators work? Are they able to inflate all 4 tires in a short period of time? I don't want to spend several hundred dollars on a big air tank.
chiz45
New member
I got this model from Costco:
Walmart: Masterflow 12v High Volume Air Compressor / Inflator
It's not very fast, but gets it done. It's portable enough to leave in the truck full time. When you say fill all four tires, I'm assuming seasonal topping off, so this should work well and help on the road/trail.
1engineer
Moderator
This is what's in my garage. He asked what the best and fastest is for a driveway or garage. Well, not exactly this model as I purchased mine 23 years ago and it still works great. 20 Gallon is about all I need for my garage.
Smittybilt Part 2780 - 2.54 CFM Air Compressor - 4 Wheel Parts
This is what I use. Serves it's purpose just fine.
This is what I use. Serves it's purpose just fine.
Most are junk. Designed for soccer moms to inflate their kid's beach toys....not automotive tires.
Like [MENTION=66316]1engineer[/MENTION] said, if you want the "best and most efficient" solution for your garage, then get a real air compressor (no, it doesn't have to be the 20 gallon like he showed), but it should be a real air compressor just the same.
now, like [MENTION=66300]Intruder[/MENTION] mentioned....if it's for vehicle tires then why not get one you can carry in the vehicle with you? There are a million threads on this forum with suggestions for high quality 12v units. Do your tires usually wait until you're in the convenience of your own garage to go flat? Mine never do. Much nicer to have a compressor in the vehicle so you can air up that tire that has a nail in it and drive to the nearest service station instead of having to change a tire on the road in many cases. YMMV
BTW - I recommend the ViAir products if you're looking for a good portable compressor.
nevada
Senior Member
do you want something to use while out on the "road" also? if so, then you want a portable compressor.
this.
there are hundreds, if not thousands of "shop" compressors out there. if its only for airing up tires at home, pick one you can afford and fit, and forget about it.
even a small pancake compressor will be enough.
ive got the big brother to that, the 2781. 5.6cfm.
Amazon.com: Smittybilt 2781 5.65 CFM Universal Air Compressor: Automotive
I have yet to use it, but I expect it will work just fine.
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LittleGreenAvocado
New member
Thank you all for the replies! 
I am going to get a real compressor.
I am going to get a real compressor.
1engineer
Moderator
If you want best and most efficient (like you said in your first post) go with a 20 gal as anything over that is three phase...
If you want portable (BTW mine has wheels and a handle lol) then go with a ViAir.
Engineer
New member
Now that we have ruled out the "keep in truck" compressors. I would strongly reccomend a pancake compressor if you are only using this infrequenly for tires.
You can find them dirt cheap on CL as many people buy them with the nailgun/combo packages at HD/Lowes and then get rid of them. They are also easier to store then the larger units.
You can find them dirt cheap on CL as many people buy them with the nailgun/combo packages at HD/Lowes and then get rid of them. They are also easier to store then the larger units.
Compressor options
I have a large compressor in my shop (120psi, with enough output to power small air tools), and a portable tank, which will hold 120 psi when full. I fill the tank, and carry it to whatever I need to fill with air (I use it for filling my bush airplane tires most of the time, which only uses 15psi each tire, but it works for my road vehicles with higher pressure as well).
That said, after reading this thread, I think I will get a small battery powered compressor for carrying in my T4r. Less cumbersome than the tank.
Note that it is not a good idea to run cars and trucks with low tire pressure on roads, because it lowers the speed at which you will hydroplane if you hit a wet spot. It is best to pump the tires back up before heading home.
I have a large compressor in my shop (120psi, with enough output to power small air tools), and a portable tank, which will hold 120 psi when full. I fill the tank, and carry it to whatever I need to fill with air (I use it for filling my bush airplane tires most of the time, which only uses 15psi each tire, but it works for my road vehicles with higher pressure as well).
That said, after reading this thread, I think I will get a small battery powered compressor for carrying in my T4r. Less cumbersome than the tank.
Note that it is not a good idea to run cars and trucks with low tire pressure on roads, because it lowers the speed at which you will hydroplane if you hit a wet spot. It is best to pump the tires back up before heading home.
txbonds
Senior Member
For an option available in most towns locally, I've been really happy with my 30 gallon Husky twin cylinder compressor so far. It seems to have enough capacity and can refill fast enough for all of the tools I've used across my builds like impact guns, air ratchets, straight and 90 degree die grinders, drills, etc. Not sure it could handle a paint booth, but other than that it does just fine. Also the twin iron cylinders and motor are very quiet so I can work and talk in the garage while it's running to refill the tank. For reference mine is a 22x20 residential garage, so not a huge space. It also runs on a standard 20 amp 120 volt outlet. Think I paid about $400 at home depot.
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CSix
New member
Thank you all for the replies!
After reading this forum, you'll want to do more than fill tires. Then, you'll start modding stuff... then, you'll break something... requiring air tools...
Yes, definitely get a real air compressor, one that that can run air tools.
12vdc that clip to battery work good for filling one flat tire or just adding a few pounds to all 4 - about $75. range. If you air down for off road and need to go from 15# to 40# in all 4 tires, takes a much better 12vdc pump - lighter duty will often overheat, so probably need to spend well over $100. for that purpose. I think 12vdc are handy. I also have small AC one I use couple times year when I'm setting pressure on 3 cars, lawnmower, motorcycle, 2 garden carts, wheelbarrow. Hundreds of choices on AC and as always, get what you pay for - cheaper are usually noisier.
Nervo19
Member
I got this little Viair compressor from Amazon for $69.99. It hooks to the battery. I've heard complaints that the ones that hook to the cigarette lighter will blow fuses. I can carry this in the 4runner for airing up after a beach ride.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005ASY23I/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
At home I have a tiny Porter Cable pancake air compressor. I really have it to power nail guns but it can fill tires quickly.
If you are in the market for a full size air compressor the things to look for are oiled rather than oil less (quieter). You need 20+ gallons to power air ratchets or a paint gun. Some of the Harbor Freight compressors have good reviews. They often have really good coupon deals, like about $159.99 for a 21 gallon.
Vertical Air Compressor - 2.5 HP, 21 Gallon, 120 Volt, 125 PSI
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005ASY23I/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
At home I have a tiny Porter Cable pancake air compressor. I really have it to power nail guns but it can fill tires quickly.
If you are in the market for a full size air compressor the things to look for are oiled rather than oil less (quieter). You need 20+ gallons to power air ratchets or a paint gun. Some of the Harbor Freight compressors have good reviews. They often have really good coupon deals, like about $159.99 for a 21 gallon.
Vertical Air Compressor - 2.5 HP, 21 Gallon, 120 Volt, 125 PSI
Kennyr44
New member
For an option available in most towns locally, I've been really happy with my 30 gallon Husky twin cylinder compressor so far. It seems to have enough capacity and can refill fast enough for all of the tools I've used across my builds like impact guns, air ratchets, straight and 90 degree die grinders, drills, etc. Not sure it could handle a paint booth, but other than that it does just fine. Also the twin iron cylinders and motor are very quiet so I can work and talk in the garage while it's running to refill the tank. For reference mine is a 22x20 residential garage, so not a huge space. It also runs on a standard 20 amp 120 volt outlet. Think I paid about $400 at home depot.
Im a retired liflong mechanic and I have the Sears craftsman 2 stage unit that looks similar to this. 400bucks and 15 years later it runs all air tools etc. 110 volt also. I built a new house with a tricked out big garage with a lift and put in 220 but never pulled the trigger on a bigger unit. This one does it all. Be careful with bike tires you will blow them up in your face in seconds, very dangerous.
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