Portable Air Compressor... what does experience tell you?

[gaterose]

I was in your shoes and eventually bought a Viair 300P back in August. I'm very happy with it so far. I was surprised at how quiet it is, I've never used any compressor this quiet. It does get pretty hot if you touch the motor, but I don't think I've overheated it since it hasn't shut off.

One of the reasons I got it was the hose connection. I saw where folks were tapping the MV-50 to use a standard chuck but I decided that I like the extra other extra features of the 300P too - tire chuck, inline gauge, longer reach, and tray that keeps it off the ground. I also found it for around $110 after some searching.

I didn't really consider the 400p since the 300p had all the features I wanted.

 

[Shoey]

I didn't really consider the 400p since the 300p had all the features I wanted.

I agree with that statement. I was leaning towards the 300p, but came to the conclusion that I was going to have to replace the hose and the compressor itself didn't seem enough to justify spending more. It was an odd game, either spend a little and modify, or go straight to the top... everything else seemed not worth my time.

My father is looking around for an AC compressor that can be used and going to find a tank. I'll give the MF-1050 a go, but will have a backup just in case. Through this process I have ultimately decided to mount a tank.

My father was in the HVAC business for quite a few years, trying to talk me into just going with CO2 and he can piece it together on the cheap compared to some of the package prices I have seen. I'd trust him to do it, we will see how it goes.

Lots of options! I may just create a new thread to review them all when the time comes.

 

[VA4Runner09]

Yea, eventually want to get the rear installed. Don't think I want to mess with the front. Front scares me with the IFS. You need to get the solenoid to run the lockers though right?

I have the twin ARB compressor, but in my 3rd gen. It is big and was a tight fit to get it in the engine compartment. I run front & rear air lockers with it. It works great to blow up air mattresses too. I haven't aired up my tires with it yet though.

Expensive, but really nice!

 

[Bandit Runner]

Yea, eventually want to get the rear installed. Don't think I want to mess with the front. Front scares me with the IFS. You need to get the solenoid to run the lockers though right?

Yes, you need the solenoid for the lockers. You can see it in the pic, its the silver cylinder just behind the compressor. I just cut and bent some sheetmetal to make a bracket to mount the compressor and the solenoid to the wheel well.

 

[nevada]

I just ordered one of these.

Amazon.com: Smittybilt 2781 5.65 CFM Universal Air Compressor: Automotive


they claim 5.65cfm. that's impressive if true.
they also sell a smaller one, that is rated about half that, for about half the price.


I was watching this one, and had it in my wish list, then suddenly the price dropped to $130, free shipping. I ordered it last night for $130, the price is already back up.

 

[ToyoTech]

Where do you store it? Did you separate the compressor from the tank? Mounted or loose?

Sorry for late reply. I'm on like 20 different forums and it's hard to keep up.

I got mine from buzzard-gulch on eBay
That is the seller. Same seller I got from 3 plus years ago. I recently got another one from them. I won't be separating them. I did add an extra tank remote to the unit on my 1st puma.

 

[RiFF RaFF]

Onboard air is the only way to go --

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_0_13?url=search-alias%3Dautomotive&field-keywords=viair+onboard+air+system&sprefix=viair+onboard%2Caps%2C313

 

[Ron4RNevada]

I use a cheap (about $30) portable 12V compressor that I bought at Sears about 15 years ago. It takes less than 15 minutes to bring all four tires from 22psig to 40psig. If the nozzle and rubber tubing get uncomfortably hot to the touch I let it rest for a couple minutes.

I recently bought another $30 compressor (that I haven't used yet) to carry along as I'm pretty sure the first one is probably on its last legs.

Also, now with so many years of off roading experience under my belt I air down much less often than I used to. Now pretty much only in late summer when the talcum-like sand around here gets really dry. Tackle the worst sand treks mainly in wint5er and spring when the sand has a bit of humidity in it.....