What Do You Use... - RV-Dreams Community Forum

TxYellowRose · RV-Dreams Family Member

What Do You Use...

Luvglass · RV-Dreams Family Member

This subject has been discussed a number of times over the years and you should be able to find the threads with a search.

But to recap, the consensus is that the 12 volt compressors are not up to the job and a 110 volt unit is best. The Sears unit that Howard has is very popular.

thebearII · RV-Dreams Family Member

I use one of the portable air tanks. It usually takes filling it 4 times to fill the four tires.

I will find a Gas Station with a big lot and park near the air fill station or air hose and run back and forth with the portable tank. Or most campgrounds have a compressor and I've used it to fill up the tank (with permission).

I plan to get the compressor from Sears like Howard has. I'm going to need it soon because the air tank is close to it's expiration date.

That's right, air tanks, compressor tanks and propane tanks should only be used for a few years. They all come with an expiration date stamped somewhere on the tank (look near the valve or the guard around the valve)

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Betty,

To some degree, it depends on what pressure the tires on your truck and camper calls for. Many say that your compressor should be "significantly" higher rated than the tires call for.

For instance, if your tires call for 110 psi, then a compressor with a minimum of 125 psi capability is required. Many will say to get even larger. We purchased one kind of like Howard and Linda's. Below is a link to what I think is the same compressor at Sears. It is capable of a maximum of 150 psi, which lets the "working pressure" be high enough to air up most tires.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00915309000P?keyword=AIR+COMPRESSOR

Hope this helps.

Terry

Edit: Well, the link didn't go "active", so I guess you will have to "copy and paste" the above into your browser search window.

-- Edited by Terry and Jo on Friday 12th of March 2010 10:24:22 AM

Bill and Linda · RV-Dreams Family Member

I echo what Terry has said and his suggestion from Sears is what Howard has. This model seems to work fine and 150psi is not too much – trust me. If you ever go to “H” range tires you need 150psi to make the 125psi the tires sometimes require. This is also good for “G” tires that run about 115psi. (Depends and we won’t go into that lengthy discussion here.) Nonetheless in my view carrying one of these with you is a very good idea. Sometimes the “service stations” don’t have their compressors set high enough for our “G” or “H” tires and it sure is easier to work at your leisure not to mention having what you need with you.

Some may think its overkill to carry one of these. It certainly is, until you need one. But that’s just me.

BTW, Northern Tools has one of these 150psi units as well from “Porter Cable” which I carry. But the Sears unit is a much better price and is probably just fine for your infrequent needs based on Howard’s experience.

Safe travels

Bill

Delaine and Lindy · RV-Dreams Family Member

We have had the Sears compressor since 2005 and it does the job. Our tires on the 5th wheel require 125 lbs and it will top them off. But you must have electricity. Our Freightliner is all Air and it has a quick connect and I have a 50' air hose and can air up all tires on the Truck and 5th wheel. GBY........