Tire inflation?

[Kingfish58]

How do you experienced campers inflate (and keep inflated) the tires on your trailer and tow vehicle? I have a cheap 12V inflator that came with an emergency road kit that I hooked up to the 12v plug in the trailer and it showed no increase in tire pressure after running for at least 3 minutes, so I'm thinking it's junk. I've been airing up from my house with a home compressor before each trip but that's a hassle since I need to run an extension cord to the street, and it isn't practical on the road. Gas stations are an even bigger hassle. Are most of you using portable units, and if so what can you recommend?

[Stan]

I would think you would need to wait longer than 3 minutes. The air flow is not much on those but they do pressurize after a while. The higher the pressure the longer it takes. Normally I inflate the tires to the sidewall rating before a trip and it lasts till I get home.

[Tim D]

Like you...I check all tire pressures before I pull out of the driveway. I do carry a portable tank in the back of the truck. I make sure it is "topped" off and carry with me.

[Lloyd]

I had one of these -- years ago, and it worked great.
Campbell Hausfeld 120V Inflator - Walmart.com
I see they have decent reviews.
It finally died and I bought another one---not so great.

The problem is -- space to carry anything that will perform adequately.
I now have a small oil less (I think that's what they call them)
It does the job, but it takes awhile.

[Chateau Duke To Go]

Have you guys considered a CO2 or Nitriogen tank? Check this website.

POWERTANK - CO2 Air Systems

[lizardman]

I Installed an "onboard air system" on our tow vehicle from 4 wheel parts.com.This has provided us the ability to air up or down the truck & trailer at any time. In cab we have an pressure gauge & control switches & Air horn setup that commands attention. No worries @ an reasonable cost.

[harley]

I have never had to add air while travelling. But do keep a 12 v small compressor in the back . You have to check to see if it will pump more than 35 lbs (average for a car). See if it will do 50 or 65 lbs for a trailer at home before you need it on the road.

[stormseeker]

I'm about to try a 'poor man's onboard air system' by putting waterproof 12 v receptacles in each trailer wheel well for my little plug in compressor so I don't have to move the truck around to air up. I wouldn't try it with 125 psi tires but should be ok with 80 psi.

You do need patience but should see some pressure increase after 3 minutes of pumping.

[geondebi]

I like all above inflate the tires before leaving the house and check before pulling out of the campsite. I carry a small air compressor in the basement to top off if needed. I tow at the max pressure noted on the side of the tire and like Kingfish said it is very hard to find a gas station the has that high of pressure avail. These compressors cost a little over a $100

[r2millers]

image.jpg

I use this Ryobi unit. Great for inflatables and works well on both my truck and trailer tires.
Granted, it's not commercial compressor by any means but it does the job pretty quickly.
It does work with plug in type batteries and having two batteries are ideal.
I have had others that just end up in the trash because they don't work well.
I like not having to plug it in to operate.

[johnboytoo]

I fixed the tires so they don't leak and need air

but since I go to the truck lanes at truck stops when traveling I just use their air if I need it...

I used to carry this compressor, but got tired of moving it out the way as I never needed it !
(Now just watch, I'll have a low tire this weekend - thankyouverymuch )

[LeBo]

I have the same type of little compressor in TV and they do take a long time to change5 psig and about a hour if your almost flat. Mine says you need to stop and cool every 15 minutes on then off repeat and repeat but if your in a pinch it will work.

[r2millers]

Originally Posted by johnboytoo

I fixed the tires so they don't leak and need air

Really. What's your secret?
Nitrogen or Oxygen still has a tendency to lose pressure over time through the membrane.

[englishmatt]

Originally Posted by r2millers

Attachment 1065

I use this Ryobi unit. Great for inflatables and works well on both my truck and trailer tires.
Granted, it's not commercial compressor by any means but it does the job pretty quickly.
It does work with plug in type batteries and having two batteries are ideal.
I have had others that just end up in the trash because they don't work well.
I like not having to plug it in to operate.

+1 on this device. EXCELLENT product that has taken all the effort out of keeping tire pressure at 75-80PSI. Considering the size, it works very quickly too.

I like to "Set Pressure" feature too. Simply set the pressure on the digital read out, turn on, walk away and the device will turn off once the tire is inflated.

Also, since I have 18V drill in my 5'er I get two tools, for one (although I have 3) battery.

Another great feature is the "deflate" tool for things like air mattresses or inflatable floaty things. With the deflate setting, it literally takes all the air out of the inflatable making it much easier to fold up and put away.

I also have the 30min charger that works great too.

100% positive report for this little pump.

[r2millers]

Originally Posted by englishmatt

+1 on this device. EXCELLENT product that has taken all the effort out of keeping tire pressure at 75-80PSI. Considering the size, it works very quickly too.

I like to "Set Pressure" feature too. Simply set the pressure on the digital read out, turn on, walk away and the device will turn off once the tire is inflated.

Another great feature is the "deflate" tool for things like air mattresses or inflatable floaty things. With the deflate setting, it literally takes all the air out of the inflatable making it much easier to fold up and put away. :

You named two very nice features I didn't add. Thx.

Also, plenty of air line, good system for tying up the air ones when not used including needle and adapter, keeping it compact.

I also like the accuracy of the air gauge. When they're not close, it drives you crazy.

[Kingfish58]

Thanks to all, lot's of good ideas here.

[drcook]

Harbor Freight has a small pancake air compressor on sale that would not take up too much room. This coupled with a small generator would cover you anywhere you go.

3 gal. 1/3 HP 100 PSI Oilless Pancake Air Compressor

[Lloyd]

That is exactly the size I would like to get. Unfortunately, it doesn't have much for CFM.

[Tim D]

Originally Posted by Lloyd

That is exactly the size I would like to get. Unfortunately, it doesn't have much for CFM.

That is a problem with all small compressors.

[rgbeach]

I have that compressor. It really struggles to inflate tires to 80psi.