Influencer II
There are so many portable compressors out there, and until I have real money to buy a proper one, Im looking for something under $100. Any suggestions? I will not be using it a lot but the few times I do, I want it to at least work.
Compressor Recommendation for under $100?
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Influencer II
You get what you pay for... sounds like you know that though.
Just grab one that you can afford... a $50 one should work for a bit. I melted mine down but it lasted a few months (almost a year), then I got an ARB one.
Good luck.
Just grab one that you can afford... a $50 one should work for a bit. I melted mine down but it lasted a few months (almost a year), then I got an ARB one.
Good luck.
Influencer II
ya I want an ARB one but have other larger projects on the list first! ha
Pathfinder I
I was actually thinking about giving this HarborFreight one a try...
https://m.harborfreight.com/12volt-150-psi-compact-air-compressor-69285.html
It's $60 but with a 20% coupon it'd be about $50.
https://m.harborfreight.com/12volt-150-psi-compact-air-compressor-69285.html
It's $60 but with a 20% coupon it'd be about $50.
I run the pep boys version of the MF-1050 compressor. https://www.pepboys.com/product/details/9357343/00871
The main reason these get bad reviews is because they don't like to start against pressure. If you turn the compressor on and THEN attach it to the valve stem, it works fine. I've used mine about a dozen times and it still works fine. I got my $60 out of it.
The main reason these get bad reviews is because they don't like to start against pressure. If you turn the compressor on and THEN attach it to the valve stem, it works fine. I've used mine about a dozen times and it still works fine. I got my $60 out of it.
I bought the Viair 88P. Does my 32" tires (235/85/16s) quite well.
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I guess it depends on what you're going to use it for. If airing down "big tires" and then using it to air back up, you'll be hard pressed to find a sub-$100 compressor that won't take all day and suffer failure due to overheating. I bit the bullet and bought a Viair 440P 10 years ago and it's still going strong. It's had so much use I had to replace the rubber gasket in the chuck due to wearing it out. As with everything, especially with gear, you really do get what you pay for.
I've got 285/75/16's and have never been the last person to air back up with my MF-1050, so, YMMV...
Influencer II
Good to know. I might have to go with the viair 400p or something close to that. more than $100 but sounds like it can do the job. (ill use it maybe once a month)
I saw someone use one of the harbor freight ones a couple days ago and it seemed to get the job done. Probably won't last long but if it's for very occasional use, it's good enough for now. I had a Costco compressor that worked ok for $50 the name started with a Q? Spending a little more for a Viair would probably be better though if it's going to get used too much without spending the big $
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I have both the cheapest $9.99 Harbor Freight compressor and a VIAR 88P I got on Amazon for $46.
I've used the HF one about 20 times over the year I had it. Worked great, super cheap, super slow, needed to cool down between tires. It never failed me, yes the internal heat switch on and keep it off for several minutes. Always came back on when cooled down. Has a handy carry bag. Packs small. Plugs into 12V port in the rear trunk area or front seats for simple airing of front or rear tires.
The VIAR 88P can air up 3 tires to the HF 1 tire. Takes up more space. Runs cooler. Only runs off the battery clamps. Vehicle has to be running.
Granted, I'm much happier with the VIAR now... still keep the HF in my spare tire compartment as a spare or to pay it forward someday.
Pic shows HF freight on back tire and VIAR on front tire of my lifted '05 Forester on 30"s.
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I've used the HF one about 20 times over the year I had it. Worked great, super cheap, super slow, needed to cool down between tires. It never failed me, yes the internal heat switch on and keep it off for several minutes. Always came back on when cooled down. Has a handy carry bag. Packs small. Plugs into 12V port in the rear trunk area or front seats for simple airing of front or rear tires.
The VIAR 88P can air up 3 tires to the HF 1 tire. Takes up more space. Runs cooler. Only runs off the battery clamps. Vehicle has to be running.
Granted, I'm much happier with the VIAR now... still keep the HF in my spare tire compartment as a spare or to pay it forward someday.
Pic shows HF freight on back tire and VIAR on front tire of my lifted '05 Forester on 30"s.
Sent using telepathically controlled dolphin fingers.
I used this Smittybilt for a few years and have had good luck with it. Used to fill up my 315/70r17s. Takes about 2min to go from 20psi to 35psi. I know it's a little more than a $100 but I got mine on sale for right around $100 back in 2014.
https://www.4wheelparts.com/Air-Compressors-Air-Tanks-Air-Accessories/Smittybilt-5-65-CFM-Air-Compressor-2781.aspx?t_c=89&t_s=566&t_pt=100437&t_pn=S/B2781
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Pathfinder I
Great info! I guess if they're lower powered, it's nice to have 2 rather than 1! ;)I have both the cheapest $9.99 Harbor Freight compressor and a VIAR 88P I got on Amazon for $46.
I've used the HF one about 20 times over the year I had it. Worked great, super cheap, super slow, needed to cool down between tires. It never failed me, yes the internal heat switch on and keep it off for several minutes. Always came back on when cooled down. Has a handy carry bag. Packs small. Plugs into 12V port in the rear trunk area or front seats for simple airing of front or rear tires.
The VIAR 88P can air up 3 tires to the HF 1 tire. Takes up more space. Runs cooler. Only runs off the battery clamps. Vehicle has to be running.
Granted, I'm much happier with the VIAR now... still keep the HF in my spare tire compartment as a spare or to pay it forward someday.
Pic shows HF freight on back tire and VIAR on front tire of my lifted '05 Forester on 30"s.
Sent using telepathically controlled dolphin fingers.
Advocate III
I also have the Viair 88P (since January) and am happy with it so far. Granted, I have only used it to air up twice, but had no issue getting all 4 tires from ~17 psi to ~35 psi in just a few minutes each (35/12.50/17).
Don't do it. I got one as a gift several years back for airing up the tiny tires on my Miata race car, and the thing would overheat often when bringing the pressures from 25 to 35 psi. With the 31" tires on one of my Jeeps, it'll bring one tire from 20 to 45psi before having to stop and wait for it to cool down. Airing up all 4 31"s would take an hour or more with the cooldown times. On top of that, the switches would constantly burn out, so I had to repair it often.
I replaced the Harbor Freight compressor with a Viair 88p and have had no problems since. Ive aired up the 35" tires on one of my Jeeps from 20 to 35 psi several times, and it has performed well.
Influencer II
Thanks all for the help, I ended up going for something slightly more than $100. Vair 300p. Got good reviews and right about the amount I was willing to spend. Knock on wood I got a good one. It is nice that it is still small enough to fit under my back seat, barely.
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Influencer II
I almost went for that but the valve on the 300p is the standard quick release one you see on big air compressors. I thought I might be able to attach some nicer hoses to it one day or figure out a small nail gun possibly? Idk
I was thinking about the 300p but it was only rated up to a 31" tire and the 88p was rated up to a 33" tire. Which is odd since the 300p looks like a better built compressor. What size tires are you running on your rig?
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Advocate III
100% guaranteed best investment for up to 33" tires, Viair 88P. $50! 15 lbs - 44 lbs in 3 minutes (265/75 16 = 31.5") with a 25 minute run time. I spent weeks comparing them all. I could not be happier.
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