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Thread: What Portable Compressor

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    Default What Portable Compressor



    I think it's time to get a portable compressor. I have a built in 400W inverter (is that enough to do anything with) which adds confusion to my decision. So looking for recommendations from this group. Should I go with something that connects to the battery or the 110v outlet/400W inverter? Any brand/model recommendations would be much appreciated. Thanks for your knowledge.

    -Pat

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    Default Re: What Portable Compressor



    I use this to air back up:
    http://www.amazon.com/Master-Flow-MF.../dp/B000L9AD2U

    It works. It's not super fast, but it gets the job done. It's fairly small and stores easily.

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    Default Re: What Portable Compressor



    Smittybuilt makes a decent one for under $300 that fills a tire much faster than my on-board ARB. A friend of mine uses a traditional pancake compressor that you might find in someones garage, plugs it into his inverter and fills his tires pretty quick too.

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    Default Re: What Portable Compressor



    What is your budget? I have the one Tom posted and it does a fine job, a little slow though. There are better but they get expensive fast. Personally I like my CO2 tank the best.

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    Default Re: What Portable Compressor



    I would like to keep it under $100 but could push the budget if I need to.

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    Default Re: What Portable Compressor



    newracer previously posted:
    "Personally I like my CO2 tank the best."

    Me too, just got mine refilled. A bit out of the price range though worth every penny.
    ___________
    Chris in Florida

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    4runnerPat (August 11th, 2015)

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    Default Re: What Portable Compressor



    Viair 440P for larger tires, under $300

    https://www.google.com/webhp?sourcei...P+for&tbm=shop

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    4runnerPat (August 11th, 2015)

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    Default Re: What Portable Compressor



    For under $100 go with the MF-1050 that has already been posted. For a little over $100 go with the MF-1089 http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...2632_200512632

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    Default Re: What Portable Compressor



    You will want to go with a 12V pump most likely. 400 watts at 120V is only a little over 3 amps of draw that can be used. I have a small pancake 120V compressor that draws about 3 times that. I ended up installing a 5000 watt inverter (roughly double necessary) into mine to run it but I have to rev the engine to about 2K rpm to produce enough power from alternator to maintain it. All in all I would say it is way too much work and effort to use a 120V compressor to save a few minutes of airing up time. I am however a big fan of having a small storage tank on air compressor for the ability to reset the bead on a tire if needed since I don't run beadlocks.
    ___________
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    Default Re: What Portable Compressor



    Another MF-1050 owner here. First time I used it was not on my vehicle, I walked it up the trail for someone else to use it. At that moment, I was extremely happy with my purchase.
    ___________
    The Lost Boys motto: We don't know where we're going, but we'll be there for awhile. :)

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    Default Re: What Portable Compressor




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    Default Re: What Portable Compressor



    I don't really have any recommendations are I use an ARB, which is outside your budget, but I would suggest avoiding the use of the inverter. Reason being any compressor that runs on 110v will be bigger, and take up more space. Also, you are then reliant on 2 different with items to work. If either the inverter or the compressor fails, you don't have air. At least with a 12v compressor you don't have to worry about the inverter failing.

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    Default Re: What Portable Compressor



    I agree re inverter - sizing and more failure points



    After (still using) the MV50/1050 and working to go York engine driven, a CO2 tank is looking quite attractive...

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    Default Re: What Portable Compressor





    tool roll, tool bag, air compressor, recovery bag (front of drawer- can't really see it). Like I said, it's pretty small and stores easy.

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    Default Re: What Portable Compressor



    I also lengthened the cord by adding about 6 feet from some old appliance electrical cord. Getting to my right rear tire (farthest from the battery) was tough. I had to balance it on the cowling before. Now I can put it on the ground.


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    Default Re: What Portable Compressor



    I second everyone's opinion. I got the SuperFlow MV50, which if I've done my research correctly, is pretty much the same thing as the MasterFlow 1050. It does its job, and it's super cheap. I think I recall seeing it at O'Reillys if you want to buy it in store. If not, I'm pretty sure I got mine from Amazon.

    I decided on this compressor because it was dirt cheap; I also searched around on this site and found that it's what a lot of people on here use (with good opinions of it, too). I will say that if you have the room, buy a longer hose that doesn't coil. As Tom pointed out, and as I've found out with mine, it's hard to get the tire furthest away from your battery.

    Just a warning, it gets hot, so you want to let it cool off before bagging it all back up.

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    Default Re: What Portable Compressor



    My harbor freight on gas held up for years

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    Default Re: What Portable Compressor



    MasterFlow MV50 FTW. It's not super fast, but it gets you back on the road. It's small so even my tiny Jeep has room to store it. Don't bag it up right away because it get's very hot. I just throw it in the back and bag it all when I get home. I have 32" tires and usually air down from 39 to about 14-20 psi depending on the trail (although I have gone lower than that and it still works to keep me aired up enough to hit the highway). I air it up enough to safely drive the Jeep to the nearest gas station to air it up properly. Mine doesn't have a quick-release, so I lose air while taking it off. Overfill before you take it off and you will get a result closer to what you wanted.

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    Default Re: What Portable Compressor



    I have a Viair 400P and have been very happy with it.
    Jim

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    Default Re: What Portable Compressor



    I use the larger SmittyBuilt $149 at 4wheel parts I am pretty happy with it.

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