Air Compressor - RV-Dreams Community Forum

Darrell and Judy · RV-Dreams Family Member

Air Compressor

Delaine and Lindy · RV-Dreams Family Member

We have the same Air Compressor that Howard has and its works like a Champ. We had to have a 150 psi because the tires on the 5er a 110 psi. A lot of the tank less will not pump up the 110's. I highly suggest if you don't have a Tire monitor system, get one. We were in Goshen at the Factory, and seen many 5er's being repaired because of tire's blowed out, terrible damage to the 5er's. We just got the Pressure Pro System after much research and reading on different forums. Keep those tire's aired up. GBY...

Thanks to Jack Mayer's for the advice on you web site.

-- Edited by Delaine and Lindy at 20:15, 2006-08-24

mikeway · RV-Dreams Family Member

We purchased a Campbell-Hausfield from Costco about 6 months ago. Max pressure 125, so it handles my MH tires. Good part is a 2 gallon tank and adjustable output. It is 110 volts and fits upright in the basement. If I need it on the road, I start the generator. Cost was $79.95. It hangs on the wall when home-based.

Mike

Luvglass · RV-Dreams Family Member

My trailer tires only requires 80# and I bought this Sears model.
http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?cat=Compressors+%26+Air+Tools&pid=02875117000&vertical=TOOL&subcat=Air+Compressors+%26+Inflators&BV_SessionID=@@@@1496648532.1156783702@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccejaddijjmigmhcefecemldffidflk.0
I've used it a number of times and it's more than adequate.
Fred

Luvglass · RV-Dreams Family Member

Well that didn't work too well

Here's the model number.
Sears item #02875117000 Mfr. model #75117
Fred

Howard · Host

Good news! Our wonderful Sears Craftsman air compressor is back on their website!

Sears Craftsman 15239 150 PSI Compact Compressor

I'm a big fan. It's quiet, maintenance free, reasonably lightweight, and works great on higher pressure tire needs.

Readytogo · RV-Dreams Family Member

UPS just delivered the Sears Compact Compressor. My husband is out of town until this weekend. He will be trying it out then. It was cheaper than the 125 PSI Craftsman at the store.

Tmcblane · RV-Dreams Family Member

Howard, that is one sweet compressor and it's on sale. I'm ordering me one up here in a little bit!

Delaine and Lindy · RV-Dreams Family Member

Tmcblane, The Sears Air compressor as you say is sweet. Have had our going on 2 years and is used a lot. It's windy in Corpus Christi today, leaving in the AM going to Mission TX... GBY...

Sonia · RV-Dreams Family Member

Okay guys, I don't know about this "Howard" compressor. I saw the comments here a few days ago and ordered from Sears the compressor Howard provided the link for. It arrived yesterday and it's HUGE. I thought it was going to be the size of a vacuum cleaner, but it's twice that size. Do I need something so huge? Why?

My trailer tires take 80 lbs.; truck tires take 75 lbs. My small compressor I had for car tires couldn't keep up which is why I knew I needed a more powerful compressor. My new HUGE compressor isn't too heavy (good) but it will definitely be a space hog. Someone convince me, please, why I shouldn't cut my loses ($13.00 shipping cost) and return this compressor to the nearest Sears store.

Yoo-hoo, Howard...I must have missed the part where you explained you had to do major space rearrangement to stow this monster. My concern really is that because of the size of this compressor, I won't be able to stow it conveniently, and I find I have to put air in tires weekly. I won't be happy if I have to remove half the storage compartment in order to use the compressor. If this HUGE compressor is greater than others for some reason, I'll deal with the inconvenience, but why is this one so great to others?

Darrell and Judy · RV-Dreams Family Member

Sonia,

The compressor that I started this track with stores under the back seat in the truck. My tires take 80# pressure and the unit does just fine at topping them off. So if space is an issue, there's the alternative.

Darrell

Tmcblane · RV-Dreams Family Member

Sonia, why not find a place that is convenient to store but stretch the hose and leave the cord accessible to power it up when you need? Once you have the max pressure set you really do not need to access the compressor itself.

RVDude · RV-Dreams Family Member

NEED/requirements drives product choice.

Howard NEEDS a compressor that would top off tires with pressures in the 120+psi range (which also means the compressor "cut-on" or "turn-on" pressure needed to be at least that high). That pressure/requirement/NEED is a very tall order in consumer compressor-land and limits choices. Howard's choice for his NEED is excellent.

Sonia NEEDS only 80psi for her truck. At 80psi (which also means a "cut-on" pressure of at least 80psi) this is a very typical consumer compressor requirement. Because this pressure NEED is a very typical capability there are many many many more models (and sizes) available. Add Sonia's "size matters" need to the only need 80psi need and there may be better choices for "Sonia's" needs than the "Howard" compressor model.

Different strokes for different NEEDS.

-- Edited by RVDude at 14:03, 2006-12-05

-- Edited by RVDude at 17:38, 2006-12-05

Skeetshooter · RV-Dreams Community Member

Howard, just ordered the Craftsman air compressor, should be here early next week.

Thanks for the info and tell Linda we said hello.

Ted

Howard · Host

Sorry about that Sonia.

Because the compressor is relatively small and lightweight compared to others I found that were capable of doing our 110 psi trailer tires and 95 psi, I didn't even think to mention the size.

You don't need one with the same capabilities, so there are many more alternatives in your PSI ranges. But for my PSI ranges, this is relatively small, it is relatively lightweight and easy to handle, it is relatively quiet, it is relatively maintenance free, and it is relatively inexpensive. For tire pressures over 100 psi, it is the best combination of all those things that I have been able to find.

Sonia · RV-Dreams Family Member

You're forgiven, Howard : You have a BIG house; I have a little house.

I already have the one Darrell spoke of. I find it very slow and have to give it a break before I complete 8 tires. A neighboring camper watching me use it, slow that it is, loaned me his compressor with a tank. It was so much faster, just zip, zip, and my tire was filled. That's when I decided I had wasted my money on the AirXpress. I had already blown up another comparable compressor because they aren't supposed to be operated longer than ten minutes without giving them a break.

I don't know anything about air compressors. I looked at Lowes yesterday but all they had were very huge, didn't look appropriate to carry in a trailer. I will go to a Sears store to see if there is anything else. I hate it when I want to buy something that I know nothing about.

dunwurkin · RV-Dreams Community Member

Howard, (or anybody with the answer)

perhaps you might know... what is the smallest generator need to power this compressor?

thanks,

gomer

Howard · Host

Well, on the size question for the compressor I linked to earlier, I noticed that Sears conveniently leaves the dimensions off its Specifications information. So I measured the thing myself.

I may be off a 1/4" in any direction, but the compressor is 20" tall X 13.5 inches wide (face on) X 11 inches deep. It's not a monster, but it may not fit in smaller compartments.

As for the minimum generator to power this compressor, I have absolutely no idea. Gonna need some help with that one. All I know is that it has a 3-prong plug and it works plugged into a 20 amp outlet.

RVDude · RV-Dreams Family Member

Generator Size:

Look at the label on the compressor for the amps (or watts) rating. If amps multiply by the voltage rating (120v) to get (approx) watts. This will be the RUNNING watts for the compressor and MUST be the bare minimum for the generator output to power just the compressor. Running watts is what it takes just to keep the thing running. HOWEVER there is a thing with motors called starting load (watts) which is very much higher than the running load (watts). Some gensets have a "surge" capability to handle these starting loads, some do not. It will be stated on the genset label - usually as two output watt ratings for running/surge. If you do not have a genset with a surge rating you should add maybe 50% to the running watts to cover it. Otherwise when the compressor tries to start up you'll either overload the genset and trip it's breaker-or worse, or you'll brownout the voltage to the compressor and possibly damage it, or the compressor simply will not start.

All of the above also applies the same to an inverter if you chose to go that route instead of a genset.

Delaine and Lindy · RV-Dreams Family Member

We have the same Compressor as Howard, we have had it since Sept 05 because the 5er we have requires 110 lbs of pressure for our tires. We also have the same 5er as Howard and Linda.. Howard we are replacing all our Tredit wheels with the Alcoa Aluminum wheel. We have had two crack in the last month. Without the Pressure pro system we would have had serious damage to our 5er we think. Sorry about getting off topic. But if space is a problem you might want to get another type Compressor. We have lots of storage. Good Luck....GBY...

flyone · RV-Dreams Family Member

RVDUDE, great answer--- lets take it a little farther with some assumptions made. Howard said it had a 20 amp plug, one might assume 15 amps would not be sufficient therefore it must use between 15 to 20 amps, (even at start up), but lets assume (to be on the safe side) that we need all 20 amps, 20a x 120v= 2,400 watts. So I would not try running the compressor with a genset rated for anything less than 2,400 watts. To be safe if I were looking to buy a genarator to run this compressor I would go with a 3,000 watt minimum.

Flyone

dunwurkin · RV-Dreams Community Member

RV DUDE; FLYONE,

It appears to me that the amp rating on the label is 8 amps. (It says 120 v, 60 hz, 8A) If that is so, using the formula from RV DUDE... 8 X 120= 960 watts. That would be the "running load", right? Going further, adding 50% of that, roughly 1000 x 1.5= 1500 watts to cover the "starting load"..... correct? auusuming no other loads, don't you think that a honda 2000 would run it just fine?

thanks,

gomer

Tmcblane · RV-Dreams Family Member

I would expect a Honda 2000 to start and run it with no problem. Your math is a fair assumption of what would be required.

flyone · RV-Dreams Family Member

Gomer, looks like you have it covered, good luck.

RVDude · RV-Dreams Family Member

That be a bingo Gomer. Your 2000 watt genset more than covers running and start loads.

From www.hondapowerequipment.com
Honda 1000i specs: 1000W max.(8.3A), 900W rated (7.5A) surge/running
Honda 2000i specs: 2000W max.(16.7A), 1600W rated (13.3A) surge/running

The formula Volts x Amps = Watts is known as the power law. Technically applies to DC as written here but approximates AC closely. The AC approximation comes from that RMS stuff if you've ever seen that before.

Also note that Honda i-series gensets use a pure-sine technology meaning they make properly formed house-like AC. This further ensures trouble free operation of all your appliances. Many inverters and some gensets create a modified sine wave (much cheaper to do) which can, but not always, wreak havoc with some sensitive electronics or some small battery chargers causing them to overheat or malfunction or cause loss of power for some larger appliances (motors, heaters, etc.).

Happy inflating...

-- Edited by RVDude at 13:22, 2006-12-10

-- Edited by RVDude at 22:22, 2006-12-10

-- Edited by RVDude at 22:23, 2006-12-10

Sonia · RV-Dreams Family Member

I'm still trying to decide if I should return "the Howard compressor". I may have to actually try it out to see if it inflates faster than my Air-XPress inflator, but I read the manual and I have a feeling the time I would save inflating tires would be taken by the mechanics of using the compressor. The directions said after each use let the air out of the compressor and drain water out of it. Also it sounded like it takes several minutes to acquire air after it is plugged in.

I'm simply trying to make my life easier because the list of things to do to get ready to depart already takes me at least an hour. My goal is to shorten that time. It sounds like the large compressor takes up time just using it. Do I understand this correctly?

-- Edited by Sonia at 20:03, 2006-12-10

sfischer · RV-Dreams Community Member

Well it seems as though the discussion on the "Howard" Sears compressor is now mute. Sears has removed it from their site and it seems to be no longer available. It was marked as a "Clearance" item for a few days, then removed.

Oh well, I guess I'll have to wait for the next "latest and greatest" one.

Tmcblane · RV-Dreams Family Member

Sfischer, maybe you can buy the one that Sonia is thinking of returning.

ahoweth · RV-Dreams Family Member

Well I don't know why they call it discontinued. I am in north Houston TX and stopped by a local Sears store. They had 4 of Howard's compressors sitting on the shelf priced at $79.95, ea. I asked about them being discontinued and the people there said they had no knowledge of a discontinuance of the item. Perhaps the discontinuance is only on the web?

I would check a store in your area and see if they have one on the shelf.
Just a suggestion.

Be Well.

Tmcblane · RV-Dreams Family Member

We had gotten a flyer from Sears weekend before last and it stated clearance sale at 79.95. I had just bought one the week before at 89.95 off the web. Sent them an email asking if I could get a refund for the $10, still waiting on that answer.

sfischer · RV-Dreams Community Member

Already checked all of the local Sears stores. None to be found on the shelves. Also, Howard's link won't get you anywhere now. I had selected one of those compressors from the Sears site and placed it into my "shopping cart". Well, left it there to search until the next day and was told that it was "unavailable" when I attemtpted to check out.

I picked up a 2006-2007 tool catalog while in the store. The closest compressor to "Howard's" is a 125 max. PSI model. The strange part, however, is that when you attempt to locate it on Sear's website the item cannot be found.

-- Edited by sfischer at 19:02, 2006-12-11

RVDude · RV-Dreams Family Member

I think this might be the ultimate RV air compressor. It is a new DeWalt product, model 55140. You might have to hold on to your wallet, but take a gander... About the size of a couple of telephone books (14"x19"x9") cut in pressure of 120psi and cut out at 135psi so it can handle some pretty high pressures - handles my 125psi fills with ease. The size is astonishing, the sound level is exceedingly low, oil-free compressor so no spills and can store at any angle, and there are no pieces and parts extending beyond the frame to catch up and break off in our tight storage compartments. At 2.6amps it is not even a problem to run off a small inverter! A very solid and compact package. A bit pricey at retail $170 though and it might be hard to find in retail as it is pretty new... Lowes/HD will order it for about $190. News flash - it is availbale on Amazon.com - keep trying there and you'll eventually get a $170 price...

-- Edited by RVDude at 09:35, 2007-07-31

SoCalToolGuy · RV-Dreams Family Member

I will add this to the conversation. I am having a PacBrake installed on our tow vehicle and it is pressure system rather than a vacuum system. It includes an onboard compressor and a small air storage tank. It comes with a coil air hose and fittings so that it can be used to air up tires and other air necessities. I can't give any feedback at this time but after talking to the rep from PacBrake in Canada he told me that the compressor has enough capacity for tire filling and can be hooked into an airbag system to give you on-the-fly control of your airbags. If all this proves out it will kill two birds with one stone. Please keep your fingers crossed. I will report back.
Ray
P.S. Camping World is having a pretty good sale on this item. The whole thing including installation is $1525.00.

-- Edited by SoCalToolGuy at 14:00, 2007-08-01

RVDude · RV-Dreams Family Member

The question that gets all the "hot air" is: Will the PacBrake develop enough pressure (psi) for your tires? That seems to be the real sticking point for some folks as they have tires (myself included) that exceed the psi rating of on-board air systems and most "typical" compressors. If your tires need less than 90psi or so, the world is a whole lot simpler and cheaper.

Stan and Trudi · RV-Dreams Community Member

http://www.offroadwarehouse.com/Store_ViewProdDetail.asp!ProdID!16676!Cat!646

This is the compressor I just got last week. It is made for RV tires and claims it will air up about any RV tire. I tried it on our pickup and it aired one from 70psi to 80psi in just a couple of minutes. It runs on 12 volt so I just cliped to the pickup battery. I assume it will air up a 110psi RV tire. It has 58 feet of hoses. It is very small and comes with a case. OK I just called where I bought it and they said it will air a tire up to 110psi with no problem. Price $249.00 so it is not cheap.

-- Edited by Stan and Trudi at 14:58, 2007-08-01

SoCalToolGuy · RV-Dreams Family Member

Yes, I looked at the Viair and it is a great unit. As far as the PacBrake is concerned I asked the rep at PacBrake and he assured me that it would deliver that kind of pressure. My 5er tires take 110 psi cold so I have only been able to air them here at home where I have a large stationary compressor. I do check them when we are on the road but have never experienced any loss so I haven't had to air them up. I know that the day will come though that I will need to add air and I am hoping that the PacBrake is what they told me it was. If not I guess I will look again at the Viair.
Ray

Doncat · RV-Dreams Family Member

RVDude wrote:

I think this might be the ultimate RV air compressor. It is a new DeWalt product, model 55140. ........

A bit pricey at retail $170 though and it might be hard to find in retail as it is pretty new... Lowes/HD will order it for about $190. News flash - it is availbale on Amazon.com - keep trying there and you'll eventually get a $170 price...

-- Edited by RVDude at 09:35, 2007-07-31

i just ordered from www.factoryauthorizedoutlet.com for $159.99 and free shipping. biggrin

karebear · RV-Dreams Community Member

So, RV Dude, since you've had the DeWalt air compresor for 6 months now, how is it holding up?? Need to purchase one for our very small mh and this is a great size....Thanx to all.

RVDude · RV-Dreams Family Member

Not a lick of trouble and not a single snag or broken component due to the design of this model - everything is within the fame, nothing hanging out. Uber-small size, no parts hanging out or exposed, oil free, and 100% duty cycle - can't ask for any more.
Here it is, hiding on top of a cooler...

-- Edited by RVDude at 14:08, 2008-02-17

igotjam · RV-Dreams Family Member

I have the same Dewalt. Do you have any problems getting 125 PSI? Its supposed to be a 150 LB compressor and will bring the guage up to 125 or so but I can't get more than 115 in the tires.

RVDude · RV-Dreams Family Member

The cut-in psi is about 120 - cut off about 135. This model is not set to go to 150. Hence, the trick for a 125 fill is to bleed a little air from the tank (valve already there) forcing the compressor to start and then let it run while filling the tire. Make sure the pressure regulator knob is screwed all the in for max pressure. My fronts need 125 and I never have a problem. Get those locking air chucks and let it fill while you check the other tires. Takes just a few minutes.

igotjam · RV-Dreams Family Member

RVDUDE...Thanx I'll try that

karebear · RV-Dreams Community Member

Just ordered the DeWalt compressor with the free shipping. We only need 80 psi in our mh tires and our old compressor is heavy and sounded on its last legs when I used it last Fall. Nice to have one bigger than we need in case it can be of service to others while out and about in our great country......thanks for the information.....and if we like the lifestyle after our initial 8 month adventure, we may be upgrading to a different and defiantly bigger rig of some sort. Karen

Lynda and Bob · RV-Dreams Community Member

We just ordered the Dewalt from Amazon for $139.89 with free shipping 5-9 days. Thanks for the recommendation.

bjoyce · RV-Dreams Family Member

I have been buying the $40 120 volt compressor that Target sells and says is a 125psi unit. I need it to go to 105psi and it works for that if you treat it well by shutting it off every few minutes if the tires are really low. They seem to last about 3 years before dying, but they are small and I have room for one so I don't mind spending the money every few years. It is a black rectangle about shoebox size.

Jack Mayer · RV-Dreams Family Member

I went through all the issues discussed here over the years. Had lots of different compressors. Ended up tapping the air system on my truck, which worked OK, but not for everything.

I finally broke down and bought a Powertank. In my case, primarily because we Jeep offroad and lower the tire pressure down to about 14psi. The powertank works faster and better than any air compressor and has some other advantages - like easy portability. However, it is very expensive, and has to be recharged from time-to-time.....do a google on it if interested. If you have questions I'll answer them. All the money I spent on different compressor solutions over the years would have bought me that powertank....:(

Fordiesel250 · RV-Dreams Family Member

I know this is an old topic but while researching the compressor I believe the model number has been changed to #15309. I think this is the compressor that Howard is talking about.

Weaverworks · RV-Dreams Family Member

Anyone still looking for Howard's compressor, I believe this is it....$99

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00915309000P?keyword=air+compressor

Weaverworks · RV-Dreams Family Member

I just bought the same compressor Howard uses. Sears for $99. Anxious to try it out. Tomorrow is a travel day, so I'll check my tires today!

Paul and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Doncat wrote:
RVDude wrote:
I think this might be the ultimate RV air compressor. It is a new DeWalt product, model 55140. ........
A bit pricey at retail $170 though and it might be hard to find in retail as it is pretty new... Lowes/HD will order it for about $190. News flash - it is availbale on Amazon.com - keep trying there and you'll eventually get a $170 price...
i just ordered from www.factoryauthorizedoutlet.com for $159.99 and free shipping.

Currently available on-line from Home Depot for $119 + S&H but ... I have one question.

It does not seem to have an air line to get to tires. Do I have to get that extra and, if so, where from?

Paul