Before setting out on a road trip, it’s important to ensure that your RV’s tires are properly inflated.
If the tires happen to be under-inflated, you cannot wait until you’re at the gas station to restore pressure.
A buildup of excess heat as you drive can cause tire failure. Besides, too little air pressure can negatively impact the tires’ durability and may also affect your RV’s braking and handling systems. Over-inflated tires, on the other hand, can easily sink into loose sand, mud or trail dirt. It’s for these reasons that we review the best portable air compressor for RV tires.
Our Picks: Best Portable Air Compressor for RV Tires
Air Compressor | Price | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Viair 40047 400P-RV Automatic Portable Compressor Kit | $$$ | |
$ | ||
$ |
Scroll down to see our individual review of each product
What you need to know?
The quality of an air compressor boils down to its ratings. The first of these is the Cubic Feet per Minute value (CFM). It measures the speed at which air is delivered to the compressor tool. The higher the CFM rating, the more powerful the compressor. The other important rating is the Pounds per Square Inch (PSI). This gives the force at which air is delivered by the compressor. For RVs, a PSI of 40-90 can get the job done. Lastly, we have Horsepower (HP), which measures the work capacity of the mortar that drives the compressor pump. A higher horsepower translates to a higher CFM.
What to look for in portable compressors?
In addition to ratings, weight should be a major factor to consider before making a purchase. A portable compressor should be light enough to be carried around by hand. Let’s face it! You surely wouldn’t fancy dragging around a 100-pound device even if it has wheels. A compressor weighing 40 pounds or less would be ideal. Besides, lighter units are smaller and easier to store.
Does the tank size matter?
The tank size determines the maximum volume of air the compressor can hold, usually measured in gallons. Although a large tank is desirable, perhaps a smaller unit is preferable for use on RV and motor homes to facilitate transport. However, it’s important to ensure that the compressor has a high PSI. Here’s why. A compressor with a small tank and a high PSI recharges continually, thereby giving prolonged operation time.
1. Viair 40047 400P-RV Automatic Portable Compressor Kit – Best RV Tire Inflator
The Viair 40047 portable compressor kit is one of the fastest devices of its kind. It operates on 12 volts and can inflate 35-inch tires to 30PSI in a matter of seconds. It is equipped with alligator clamps that are connected directly to the car battery for instant pumping. Once switched on, the compressor can work continuously for 40 minutes without getting too hot. It automatically shuts off immediately as soon as it reaches the preset pressure level.
Pros
- Superior quality
- Simple to operate
- Super powerful
- Great value for money
- Vibration-resistant
Cons
- Less affordable than similar options
Summary
If you’re looking for a fast, high-energy compressor fitted with just about every off-road accessory, this model fits the bill. Although you might have to spend a bit more when compared to the other options on this list, you can be sure of getting the most out of every buck. It’s a strong contender for inclusion in your camping or recreational plans.
2. AUDEW Auto Digital Tire Inflator 12V Portable Tire Pump
The AUDEW digital tire inflator features one-touch refilling technology. All you have to do is set the desired pressure level and press the ‘on’ button. The compressor automatically and rapidly inflates the tire while you watch. For safety and efficiency, the model is designed to shut off automatically when the desired pressure level is reached. It also comes with a 3m power cord to facilitate both front and rear tire inflation.
Pros
- A compact design with minimal storage space needs
- 3 different tips to accommodate the most common tire pressure designs
- Cigarette socket for direct insertion
- Easy setup
- High-speed cooling
Cons
- A single fully deflated tire may take up to 3 minutes to refill
Summary
This model is a great option for night travel since it features bright, long-lasting LED lights. 3 different tips make it a versatile pick that can also be used for motorbikes and SUVs. It weighs less than one pound, making it one of the lightest and most portable gadgets of its kind. It is also the least expensive compressor on this list, making it a popular choice for campers on a tight budget.
3. Tire Trek RX-i Digital Tire Inflator Pump
If you’d rather have a more versatile device featuring additional nozzles, the Tire Trek inflator pump might be the ideal pick. It delivers about 40 liters of air per minute, enough to refill the average RV tire in less than 3 minutes. An 11.5 ft cord brings some much-needed convenience reducing mobility when refilling multiple tires. It’s also equipped with two USB charging sockets.
Pros
- Simple to operate
- High-quality
- Great price
- Fitted with LED lights for night operations
- 4 free nozzles
Cons
- You might need some time to master connecting the hose extension to the tire valve
- After refill, you may have to disconnect the device manually
Summary
Most compressors are quite noisy, which can be a problem if you are refilling in the presence of children, family or workmates. This model reduces unwanted noise and significantly minimizes vibrations. Besides reducing inflation time to less than three minutes, its high-quality accessories guarantee prolonged use, making it good value for money.
Conclusion
If you’re in the market for the best portable air compressor for RV tires, it might be safe to say that there’s no model that meets the needs of everyone all the time. The most important factors to consider include weight, tank size, and PSI. Cost may be a factor too, but it should not override other considerations. At the end of the journey, what matters most is your safety and that of your RV or motorhome.
In our opinion the top pick from our list is the ViAir 40047 400P-RV.
Read Also: How often should you replace RV Tires?
Best Sellers
- Price For: Each Item: Hard Start Kit Application: For Use on Residential and Commercial Air Conditioning Units, Heat Pumps and Room Air Conditioners, Provide Additional Starting Torque to all Single Phase 115 thru 288 Volt Units Includes: Lead Wires, Electronic Potential Relay (EPR), 330 V Capacitor Type: Relay and Start Capacitor Voltage: 90-277 HP: 1/2 to 10 Increased Torque (Oz.-In.): 300
- Country of Origin (subject to change): China
- The portable air compressor is proudly made in the USA with Global Materials in Jackson, Tennessee
- PORTABLE: 6 gallon capacity maximizes portability and stored air for CRAFTSMAN air compressor
- NO MAINTENANCE: Durable, oil-free pump of the 6 gallon air compressor is made for long-life and no maintenance
- 【NEW VERSION AC TO DC CONVERTER】New Upgrade 600w converter build with Imported Aluminum alloy shell ,Built-in wire integrated design, Dual power connection methods, Very convenient for 12V devices with clamps, Eagwell's 50 amp power supply come with ul power cord ,12v converter with switch ,wire lugs,metal clip and screw.Super convenient for devices with clamps. You can clamp to the two cylindrical contacts directly. It is a patent design of 12v dc power converter.
- 【ADJUSTABLE VOLTAGE】12 Volt Power Supply is AC to DC 12V Converter.Input voltage Support AC 110V-120V / 220V-240V , Output Range (12V 1A-5A, 12W-60W ) or (12V 10A-50A 120W-600W) ,voltage input will adjust automatically to SMPS Model ,Output current Mainly depends on your device, such as 10A 120W, 25A 300W, 40A 480W, Max current up to 50A,Power 600W.
- 【HOW TO CHOOSE】The peak power is 50A,600W. It does not mean 12v power supply can fit rate power 600W. For motor device, the start current will be much higher that rate power. If use resistive equipment , such like led strips, you can use higher power, such like 40A rated leds will also be OK.
- ✔【Adjustable Input Voltage】 Input voltage Support AC 110V-120V / 220V-240V , Output Range (12V 1A-5A, 12W-60W ) or (12V 10A-50A 120W-600W) ,voltage input will adjust automatically to SMPS Model ,Output current Mainly depends on your decive, such as 10A 120W, 20A 240W, 30A 360W, Max current up to 50A,Power 600W.
- ✔【Upgrade Appearance Patent Design】This Switch Transformer build with Aluminum alloy shell ,Built-in wire integrated design, Dual power connection methods, Very convenient for 12V devices with clamps, all copper nickel-plated terminal material, which has good electrical conductivity and high conversion efficiency , corrosion resistance ; More safe and stable.
- ✔【Effective Cooling System】Item Shell are designed with Many heat dissipation holes, Built-in Cooling fan and dust-proof net, which effectively prevent dust from entering, ensure the stable rotation of the electric fan and prevent the circuit board from burning ; moreover, Anti-skid pads are added to the bottom, which can also make the bottom better heat dissipation and work more stable, Converter Working Temperature Range : 14℉-140℉。
- ☆MEISHILE S-600-12, Universal input voltage: AC 110V/220V, Output 12V, Rated power 100A 1200W,
Portable, Small, Compact:24.5 x 12.5 x 6.5 cm/9.6 x 4.9 x 2.5 inch, weight 1.6 kg [SAFETY: Use must derating: max load cannot exceed 80%] - ☆PSU(SMPS) convert AC to DC, output current depends on the requirements of the power consuming equipment, Power multiple devices with different Currents/ Watts.
[Please set aside sufficient POWER Derating for your type of equipment ] - ☆Used for DC 12V Brushless type motor drive, oxygen/water Pump, semiconductor drive, Atomizer, Winch, Car Jack, Car Stereos, Amplifier, Radios, Air Compressor, LED Light Strip, CCTV Security Camera, Household Appliances, Electronic Devices, Automation Equipment, Computer Project, Servos, City street light sand table toy model drive, etc
- Best Portable Gas Grill for RV – 2024 Reviews & Top Picks - October 14, 2017
- Best Propane Stove Top for RV – 2024 Top Picks - September 27, 2017
- Best Rubber Roof Coating for RV – 2024 Reviews & Top Picks - September 15, 2017
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API