Battery powered air inflators

[DavidBT]

I’ve got the Ridgid portable air compressor. Runs on batteries or plug in. Works great!


https://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-18V-Cordless-Digital-Inflator-Tool-Only-R87044/313257505

^this^

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[Jteakus]

One of my friends uses the Milwaukee M18 inflator and really likes it. I agree with the vehicle battery powered compressors though.

https://www.amazon.com/Milwaukee-28...cphy=9025438&hvtargid=pla-1661700213240&psc=1

 

[IPRoutes]

This has been serving me very well.

https://a.co/eF7PtaL

 

[alpineovernappa]

I purchased a Viar 90P two years ago after using a box store black and decker 12v compressor for about ten years. The B&D was alow quality but lasted nearly a decade before the pump rings must have worn out, and it started taking longer and longer to fill a tire.

@alpineovernapa posted a $400 ARB but I'll say, frankly, unless you are using the compressor day in and day out year after year, I'd bet a $100 the $100 Vair I bought will match it.

You vehicle has a built in charging system and battery (x2) so it makes sense to leverage that power to run a compressor. If you are concerned about draining the battery just make sure the engine is running before using the compressor and you can take advantage of the high-output alternator that comes with the gladiator. Adding the additional complexity and cost of rechargeable batteries doesn't benefit you much. 120v is handy, but if you are mostly inflating your vehicle tires, it doesn't take much time to pop the hood and attach two alligator clips to the battery terminals. Especially since we don't need to open the jeep to pop the hood if you just need a few psi each.

Check reviews on wirecutter or another reliable site and see who makes a decent-quality compressor. From my reading, Vair is well-regarded in the space and makes decent-quality products. While we are all tempted to go for the best, if you end up spending more on equipment and upgrades than you do going out on the trail and enjoying the world you may be missing the point. There is something satisfying about finding the solution that fits the need to spec, nothing more, nothing less. Kind of like the 3.6 pentastar.

Viair makes a perfectly good product for most people (myself included). I was lucky enough to grab the ARB for less than a viair costs, so that’s why I went that way. If I was shopping full priced 12v compressors today I’d buy the viair.

On a sidenote, I personally prefer compressors that are not hard mounted to the vehicle. The constant vibration/exposure to under hood heat tends to kill the less expensive ones faster. Unless you use it weekly, just throw it in a bag or box and only take it with you when you need it

 

[Prescottmojave]

I’ve got the Ridgid portable air compressor. Runs on batteries or plugs into your vehicle. Works great!


https://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-18V-Cordless-Digital-Inflator-Tool-Only-R87044/313257505

I also use the Ridgid compressor. I use mine to adjust my air pressure for the temperature swings we get here. What I like is the automatic pressure setting which has turned out to be exactly what my tpms reads. I used a 12volt compressor for my 4 tire system when inflating back up.

 

[Almost]

A few years ago I purchased the Milwaukee M12 version that I could take to the beach with me and it did the trick just fine. Wasn't fast by any means (about 20-25min), but was able to air up all 4 of my tires back up on my JK no problem with 1x 4amp battery.

The m18 version was not out at the time, but if you are filling up anything bigger than 33s I would 100% go that route. You could get by with a 12v I'm sure, but you better have a backup battery and more time.

 

[GRAN1TE JT]

I use the Milwaukee m18 inflator and I love it. I keep a 9.0 battery in it so it lasts me a while. I timed inflating one of my 38” patagonias from 15-35 psi and it took around 3 minutes if I remember correctly?

 

[Griff21]

I've got a craftsman air compressor that runs by plugging it into the DC adaptor or runs on their 20V batteries its ok in an emergency. I bring it for camping to air up mattresses, beach toys etc. I have it as a back up if I run out of Co2 on the powertank.

I've tested it before and it took me nearly an hour and a half to bring my 37" tires from 18 psi to 33 psi lol.

 

[okiesnake]

I've got a craftsman air compressor that runs by plugging it into the DC adaptor or runs on their 20V batteries its ok in an emergency. I bring it for camping to air up mattresses, beach toys etc. I have it as a back up if I run out of Co2 on the powertank.

I've tested it before and it took me nearly an hour and a half to bring my 37" tires from 18 psi to 33 psi lol.

I use the Milwaukee m18 inflator and I love it. I keep a 9.0 battery in it so it lasts me a while. I timed inflating one of my 38” patagonias from 15-35 psi and it took around 3 minutes if I remember correctly?

I just ordered the Milwaukee M18. I have lots of M18 tools and batteries. Here is an interesting YouTube video on the M18 inflator for off-road use.
Similar results as you are describing.

 

[PuddleJumper]

Has anyone used one of these for airing up? Any good?

I use a Milwaukee M18 2848-20. Works great paired with a 5ah battery or bigger. Fills up my 37s in under 15 mins. And it'll do multiple rigs worth of tires on a single charge.

 

[LOSTSOS]

Ryobi fan here as well. I have quite a bit of their stuff including both of the inflators listed. The 747 does deflation (air mattresses, pool toys, vacuum sealed bags for packing) and works great for adjustments. I do have a Viair under the rear seat when needed. I like the 18v platform from them as they offer a lot of niche solutions that others don't have. One of the latest purchases was the 18v jump starter that uses the same batteries. https://www.homedepot.com/p/RYOBI-O...ith-LED-Work-Light-Tool-Only-P7101A/324885429

I haven't tried it on the Gladiator yet (knock on wood) but it worked great to start an old tractor. Price is a little steep but if you buy "tool only" and catch a HD deal or coupon, it can be had for 150 ish. Both pack down nice with a plug kit and impact to create a decent road trip box.

 

[HooliganActual]

I plan on not using cheap clips, but putting a plug on the end that would take advantage of the power at the trailer plug. There's 12v + and - back there at all times.
I would also up the idle speed a bit if using a large compressor. This can be done with tazer, or jscan.

Hey Papa,
Just as "extra input", I've been running the ARB twin compressors on all 3 of my Jeeps for 7, 5 & 3 years respectively and never really needed to increase the idle. It couldn't hurt but I'm not so sure you would need to...for what it's worth.

 

[whiteglad]

I like this one
12V, 125 PSI High-Performance Inflator (harborfreight.com)

 

[Jefe1018]

A $150 option, my buddy just bought this and he can do all 4 in roughly the time it takes me to hook up my ARB/Kraken combo and air up.

https://a.co/d/47liBRZ

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