Air Compressor - RV-Dreams Community Forum

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

RE: Air Compressor

Texas TomT · RV-Dreams Family Member

While I appreciate all of the Forum posts on this topic, most are "Old" info and part numbers might be outdated. I really need some questions answered about SCFM vs. TIME for inflating RV tires. Then I can make a better educated decision on what compresser I need. My RV tires requred 50-60# of pressure (x4). I have noticed that those last 15# can take forever and I am not that patient...LOL.
Cost is not an issue at this point-I want a compressor that will fill a tire to 50# in a very short time (a few minutes is acceptable).

Thanks in advance for the information.

smile

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Tom,

The last post I made with the Sears compressor is still a valid model. The information on it is that it has a higher SCFM than the Dewalt that was mentioned in the previous posts. The Sears model is 2.0 SCFM at 90psi while the Dewalt is more like .75 SCFM at 90psi.

I added volume to my Sears compressor by rigging up an older 20# LGP cylinder that was originally on an outdoor bar-b-que unit. With the way I set it up, instead of having a 1.5 gallon tank, I have closer to 6.5 gallons when both are hooked up. Our Mobile Suites tires need to be aired up to 125psi, so with the extra volume, it is a little easier.

Now, not everyone wants to deal with the extra tank and I can understand that. It involves extra storage plus handling more "stuff" to just air up a tire. It seems to me to be a little difficult to address how much time would be involved with airing up a tire to 50 or 60 psi. Without going to a much larger compressor (thinking small shop compressor with, say, a 21 gallon tank, I don't know what to tell you to go with.

In one sense, you are lucky that your tires don't require so much air. In order to get my tires up to 125 psi, I need to make sure that the compressor itself is running to reach it because the working pressure is 125. That requires me to let air out of the storage tanks to get the compressor running again. The closest thing I have to need to air up at 50 to 60 lbs would be car tires, and they arent' even that much.

On the other hand, while I'm not full-timing yet, as an RV'er, I'm not usually in that big of a hurry to get some things done. (Unless it is cold as he** out.) I do like the Sears and if it will air up my 125 psi tires, yours shouldn't be too much of a problem.

Terry

Texas TomT · RV-Dreams Family Member

I appreciate the information, thanks. That gives me multiple choices and I am more inclined to go with Sears or DeWalt units that are 150psi max. pressure, Oil-less (low amperage) electric, and 2.6 to 5.2 SCFM @90psi. I think the tank sizes are 3-12 gallon range and they are under $180.00.

I am still open for 'proven results' comments if anyone else has one.

Thanks again,

Almost Gonnabes
tom and donna

NorCal Dan · RV-Dreams Family Member

In our travels so far every Escapees park we have stayed at had air available. Flying J also has air, but we have not stayed overnight with them and I only fill/check my tires when cold. I rarely need to add air to my tires. I don't know why, but they seem to hold the pressure. In the 3 years we have been full-timing I don't think I've added more than 10 lbs of air to any tire. I'd like to know how often others need to add air to their tires? My coach has an on-board air compressor for the suspension and air brakes that I can use to air up the tires but it's not quick by any stretch...

Luvglass · RV-Dreams Family Member

I've never had to add air to the truck in almost 5 years and had very good luck with the trailer also until this last set of tires, which has needed regular additions, until I had some stems changed. Seems to have settled down now though.

-- Edited by Luvglass on Monday 6th of December 2010 08:31:29 PM

Blars · RV-Dreams Community Member

I have a 3 gallon "pancake" compressor, a cheapo I bought at harbor freight for $40 on sale, with $15 extra for a cheap set of hose, connectors, etc. I've only used it for my car and bike tires so far, so I don't know how well it will do with the 80psi LT tires on my class a.