Compressor Question

borninblue · 02-08-2016, 10:44 AM

I have a Ram 2500, and I am new to 3/4 trucks. I see that the tires are supposed to be inflated to 80psi. I went to multiple gas stations where their psi did not even go that high to select. I can only get them filled at the dealer?

Which brings me to my next question. What size air conpressor can I get that will inflate my truck tires, trailer tires, and assist me with blowing out the water system for winterization for the trailer? Would be nice to get something in a case that I could throw in my truck, but not sure if it will be powerful enough? Will a small conpressor be overkill? Product model reccomendations would be great. Thank you all!

BigJohnD · 02-08-2016, 10:51 AM

We have a onboard Viair compressor with tank mounted in our tool box. It has no problem with 150 psi. I have one line run through an adjustable regulator with a QD in the running board. Carry a 50' hose which reaches all tires on truck and whatever trailer we haul. I've used this thing for tires, pool toys, bike tires, blowing dirt off kids Etc. Only way to go. It's wired into one of the dash switches. Of course feeds a large set of train horns underneith. Could also feed additional air bags if I needed them.

tularockstar · 02-08-2016, 11:01 AM

We have Ram 2500 as well. We currently have a pancake style portable compressor that will generate up to 130 PSI with 2 gallon capacity. This will inflate your tires no problem. I would make sure to get a good digital or a dial guage (with reading up to 150 psi), and not the pencil style. I have a digital one that is very accurate to .5 of psi.

Regarding using this on your rig's water system, I would be very cautious. The internal plumbing of most trailers is rated between 40 to max of 50 psi. Using a compressor, without a pressure regulator, could blow your plumbing. Be very careful!

Quote:

Originally Posted by borninblue

I have a Ram 2500, and I am new to 3/4 trucks. I see that the tires are supposed to be inflated to 80psi. I went to multiple gas stations where their psi did not even go that high to select. I can only get them filled at the dealer?

Which brings me to my next question. What size air conpressor can I get that will inflate my truck tires, trailer tires, and assist me with blowing out the water system for winterization for the trailer? Would be nice to get something in a case that I could throw in my truck, but not sure if it will be powerful enough? Will a small conpressor be overkill? Product model reccomendations would be great. Thank you all!

borninblue · 02-08-2016, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tularockstar

We have Ram 2500 as well. We currently have a pancake style portable compressor that will generate up to 130 PSI with 2 gallon capacity. This will inflate your tires no problem. I would make sure to get a good digital or a dial guage (with reading up to 150 psi), and not the pencil style. I have a digital one that is very accurate to .5 of psi.

Regarding using this on your rig's water system, I would be very cautious. The internal plumbing of most trailers is rated between 40 to max of 50 psi. Using a compressor, without a pressure regulator, could blow your plumbing. Be very careful!

Thank you very much! So what would be the minimum PSI you would purchase? Would 100 be OK? Since I know the trailer tires will be less then my truck's PSI? Any other attachments you suggest? Isn't there some in line gauges I could use with the compressor while inflating things?

tularockstar · 02-08-2016, 12:20 PM

Good question. Come to think of it, some of the newer portable compressors do come with an adjusting knob that you can limit the pressure to certain PSI. So, if you only need 40-50 psi, just adjust the knob accordingly.

Quote:

Originally Posted by borninblue

Thank you very much! So what would be the minimum PSI you would purchase? Would 100 be OK? Since I know the trailer tires will be less then my truck's PSI? Any other attachments you suggest? Isn't there some in line gauges I could use with the compressor while inflating things?

Cdash · 02-08-2016, 12:27 PM

I have a Home Depot small compressor that is on the wall in the garage for the cars, toys, etc and use it for the truck and trailer tires. I think it is like a 1 gallon with 120 psi. It has the regulator knob on it and a pressure gauge. I use it to blow out the water lines and set it at between 25 and 30 psi. Done this for 8 years without creating issues.

On the road, I have a portable compressor that clips onto a vehicle or rv battery. It was a high pressure unit I bought at Costco. Kind of like a cheap knock off of a Viair compressor. It's slow, but it does what i need and is easy to haul around.

RedHorse1 · 02-08-2016, 12:32 PM

On-board Air (Viair or similar) would certainly be convenient and could be used to power other things (airbags and air horns come to mind). A pancake compressor would require a 110 AC source to use and may be a bit bulky if you want to take it along and are short of storage. A portable 12V DC compressor is also an option - the upsides are small, inexpensive and 12V capable, on the downside they tend to be slower.
I would like on-board air but most likely wont go that route.
I'm currently in the 12V compressor crowd and all I can say is that it works.

borninblue · 02-08-2016, 12:44 PM

My Ram does have an option for an actual plug on the dash. Does this open my options up for other models?

BigJohnD · 02-08-2016, 12:58 PM

Not enough amperage on dash plug for a compressor.

TWP723 · 02-08-2016, 12:59 PM

I have an electric compressor I used for my pneumatic tools that I take with me. It's more than enough but big and bulky.

Seann45 · 02-08-2016, 01:26 PM

I got a $49.00 pancake compressor from Harbor Freight goes to just over 100 psi and has been great so far but YES you do need a 110 outlet.. but since I have Solar and an inverter no problem.. IF you get a H/F compressor just make sure you read the break in instructions and follow them..
ps it is adjustable so is great for blowing out water lines...

borninblue · 02-08-2016, 01:53 PM

So if I want convenience of travel I will have to go with viar if my only source of power is the vehicle?

borninblue · 02-08-2016, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by borninblue

So if I want convenience of travel I will have to go with viar if my only source of power is the vehicle?

Also anyone know the difference between the 400 and their 450 viar models? Is the 450 worth the extra price?

oldmanAZ · 02-08-2016, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by borninblue

I have a Ram 2500, and I am new to 3/4 trucks. I see that the tires are supposed to be inflated to 80psi. I went to multiple gas stations where their psi did not even go that high to select. I can only get them filled at the dealer? ...snip

I didn't see if anyone addressed your first question:
I believe most tire stores will check your tire pressures. I've used Discount Tire in a number of states and they've always been very helpful.

Another source is automotive service garages - not gas stations. They may have a hose outside their service area. I used air hoses at several years ago, but I'm not sure how common it is today.

borninblue · 02-08-2016, 03:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldmanAZ

I didn't see if anyone addressed your first question:
I believe most tire stores will check your tire pressures. I've used Discount Tire in a number of states and they've always been very helpful.

Another source is automotive service garages - not gas stations. They may have a hose outside their service area. I used air hoses at several years ago, but I'm not sure how common it is today.

Thank you. I just found ot odd that the compressors maxed out at like 65psi. I guess most guys that have heavy duty trucks have compressors at home.

CharlieD · 02-08-2016, 04:04 PM

what I use 3 gal. 1/3 HP 100 PSI Oilless Pancake Air Compressor

jal0710 · 02-08-2016, 06:01 PM

We have a five gallon 125 psi compressor and find that it is totally adequate for inflating the tires on the tow vehicle as well as blowing out the pipes on the FW. It also has a knob that allows me to reduce the pressure. I'm not sure that it makes any difference, unless you were to leave all the faucets closed and thereby build up pressure. I didn't reduce the pressure on my previous FW but after reading some posts on here have done so. My brand of compressor is Campbell Hausfeld and I believe I bought it at Home Depot at least 15 years ago.

**norty1** · 02-08-2016, 06:07 PM

I carry a small 120v tank compressor made for Sears, that will go up to 120psi.

What ever you get just make sure you can adjust the pressure and that it will deliver at least 100 psi just because you get impatient waiting on a lower or small capacity one to get it done.

Fairenatic · 02-08-2016, 07:29 PM

Make sure you go by the tire pressures listed on the sticker inside the door or glove box, NOT what is says on the tire.

Brownie · 02-09-2016, 07:38 AM

Beware of those small 12V compressors that plug into your cigarette lighter or 12V outlet in your TV. (The one from "Slime" comes to mind.) Not only do they take forever to fill your tires, they get VERY HOT! I've burned up 2 of them in a year and a half. I now have a small 120V plug-in model that I plug into either the 120V outlet on the campground pedestal, or into the 120V outlet on the side of my TT. Works for me . . . but secretly, I'd like to pick up a small compressor.

You may also like: