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VIAIR 88P - 00088 Portable Compressor Kit with Alligator Clamps, Tire Inflator, Tire Air Pump, 12V, 120 PSI, for Up to 33 Inch Tires?
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I would recommend something by viair. I have this one and it's been great. Just make sure to pay attention to what the max tire size of the pump is. If you have smaller tires you can get a cheaper pump.
I use this on my Jeep with 32’s. I’ve aired up tires up to 35’s with it and it works really well. It’s faster than any other cheap pump I’ve seen in my off-road club and it’s designed to take the abuse.
Viair 00088 88P Portable Air Compressor
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005ASY23I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_roaFCb1F3WD3W
I have this one for the beach and trails: Viair 00088 88P Portable Air Compressor https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005ASY23I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_ZEY69JTZ19NVFTNZBYN2
No complaints. Run 33s right now and I can get it back up to 37psi quickly. Always under my backseat.
yeah, screw those things. go get yourself a real continuous duty air compressor to keep in the car where ever your go: https://www.amazon.com/Viair-00088-88P-Portable-Compressor/dp/B005ASY23I/ref=sr\_1\_3?crid=T358O6BK0XKR&keywords=viair+air+compressor&qid=1671141091&sprefix=viair%2Caps%2C314&sr=8-3
A portable compressor! This is the one I use.
This compressor is what I use!
It's cheap, simple, and works just fine. :)
It does roughly 1 PSI every ~8 seconds, and it handles all four tires in one go without issue. It also packs up nice and small. (It gets a little hot after use, so we budget a couple of minutes to let it cool down before packing it back up.)
Thanks for all the info!
We just bought this compressor, and it works great. We considered so many options ranging from this $89 to a $500 fancy schmancy store-it-under-the-hood one, and ultimately I'm glad we went with the cheap option. It works just fine. It'll do roughly 1 PSI every ~8 seconds, and it can easily handle airing up all four tires in one go.
The only downside is that it gets pretty hot after use, so we always budgeted a few minutes to let it cool down before packing it back up. But we never had an issue with the functionality of the compressor or the heat melting anything once packed up.
I struggled with this for years. Finally gave in and bought a mobile compressor that I could I run from my car. No more stressful driving around trying to find a working pump.
Worth every penny: https://www.amazon.com/Viair-00088-88P-Portable-Compressor/dp/B005ASY23I/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1661547920&sr=8-1&srs=2603227011
I actually recommend the ones that you hook to the + and - terminals of your battery. The 12V plug ones are not very strong and will struggle to fill up bigger tires (e.g., truck, SUV, van, or even off-road tires for crossovers). They're also pretty slow.
I own two of these. I bought the first one in 2017. They will fill up four truck tires without struggling too much.
And, IMO, it's not really any more inconvenient than the 12V ones. The 12V ones you either plug in, prop open your door, and have a wire coming out of your car, or you open your window and have a wire coming out. With the battery clamp kind, you just pop your hood and attach the clamps. There aren't sparks, or anything, because there's a power switch which should be turned off before you attach the clamps. I usually keep the car running so I don't drain the battery.
You don't have to spend hundreds on a compressor unless you have massive tires. If you can afford massive tires you should be able to afford a compressor to go with them. The VIAR 88P is probably the best mid level compressor option out there. It will serve you well for tires up to 33".
Airing down and then having to drive slowly to a gas station is going to put you in a lot of bad situations and possibly damage your tires.
Just an FYI most portable air pumps have a chance of blowing a fuze in your car. They are also generally pretty slow and not designed to last or do more than one tire and can struggle with higher pressure tires. I recommend this one: https://smile.amazon.com/Viair-00088-88P-Portable-Compressor/dp/B005ASY23I/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=viair+88p&qid=1654029757&sprefix=viair+88%2Caps%2C175&sr=8-1 I've had mine since the beginning of 2014 and have never once had an issue. I've used it in all weather conditions, from blizzards to heat warnings and it has never once even struggled. (It can get hot if you're inflating all your tires in the dead of summer but that doesn't affect performance at all) It also has it's own fuze so you don't have to worry about blowing yours and can inflate tires up to 120 PSI. I've probably used this over 250 times and lent it out on various occasions to other people when they were having tire troubles, it has not been babied and holds up like a tank. It doesn't seen to care if you are just topping off a few PSI or totally inflating a tire and it's stupid fast compared to the competition. This is very much a "you get what you pay for" category of Item. I have never seen another portable air compressor that comes close to the build quality and performance of a Viair. They also regularly go on sale for around $60.
If you're looking to do some offroad adventuring, I recommend you get a decent recovery kit, which should include:
- Jump starter (either cables or a lithium battery powered jump pack)
- Tow strap
- A couple soft shackles
- Tire plug kit
- Air compressor
- Folding shovel
For air compressors, I recommend one that hooks directly up to your battery rather than a 9v outlet plug. The 9v compressors are really slow, and can overheat which can make them even slower. I have this compressor.
The above will let you at least have some control over your own ability to get yourself out of a situation even if you don't have cell reception. The jump starter/compressor/plug kit/shovel will let you patch tires, or deflate a little for extra traction, or dig yourself out. The tow strap and soft shackles will let you hook up to any kind stranger who is willing to give you a tug.
All of this will fit inside your spare tire well (I have everything above and more tucked in there).
Try the leash inside first, to get them used to it, and never just tie them to something--they will get out of the harness if given the chance to do so. I like these. Fairly hard if not impossible for them to back out of quickly.
The 450 is total overkill but I literally clicked in to recommend a Viair. I use a Viair 88P ($80 on Amazon) and it is more than I will ever need for the RV and for the tow vehicle.
I would avoid the DeWalt and go with a Viair 88P. It connects to your car battery for power so you don't have to worry about charging, has a better flow rate than the DeWalt, and costs half the price.
Viair 88P is what I carry and use often. I air up 32s from 15 psi to 36ish in around 10-15 mins. Never really timed it. A bunch of my wheeling buddys have the same compressor. It's not fast, but it gets the job done, and it's cheap. ($60-80 ish depending)
I will upgrade eventually but for not this is great for the price as someone who uses it a lot. For someone who just wanted to have it just in case, I wouldn't spend any more on one.
I have this one that hooks up straight to the battery. It'll take all 4 tires on my Z71 from ~15 PSI to 36 PSI in about 10 minutes. My only complaint is the metal gets hot enough to burn your hand mid way through the second tire.
If you need a compressor and don't want to spend a lot, just get the Viair 88P. One persons experience with their hose popping is not a good representation. I've used my 88P for 6 years, a dozen or so times a year, and it has worked flawlessly every single time. 4.5 stars on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/Viair-00088-88P-Portable-Compressor/dp/B005ASY23I/
While I don't recommend a pump that plugs into the dash outlet (too low amperage), I highly recommend keeping a portable pump in the trunk.
I keep a Viair 88P pump in my truck. It requires too much amperage to plug into a dash port (you have to clamp directly to the battery, ideally with the engine running) but it's a great little pump. Saved my ass out in the Red River Gorge once.
Viair 88P. The price ranges wildly throughout the year so if you don't need it soon, I'd place it on your wishlist and check it regularly. I think I picked mine up for just under $50, but it doesn't come with a bag. I think some do, so it's worth to do a little research.
I actually just used mine again since someone dropped something off to me Weds, and I noticed their tire was flat.
This is the one that I use. Fills up from low pretty quickly. I even use it on my off road rig when I go on back trails and have to air down. Only caveat is the car has to be running since it connects to the car battery. Otherwise it drains it and you'll need a jump.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005ASY23I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_dG7YFb4363PX1
If you get a portable one, make sure it's the kind that directly connects to the car battery, not the 12v plug inside the car. The ones with the plug don't pull enough amps to be effective. It'll get the job done eventually, but they're mostly crap. I use a Viair 88p for airing up my tires after Jeep trails. It'll do each 35" tire in a few minutes from 10 psi to 40psi. I've had it for 5 years and has never failed me. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005ASY23I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_.g7NFbRWJFXV0
This is the one I've got link. I took my Ryobi 18V to test the 2 side by side and the time to pump up 1 tire with that was the same as filling up the other 3 with the Viair. Probably would have been close to that 30 minute mark with just the Ryobi
Viair makes some really good portable air compressors. I have the Viair 45043 Automatic, it's more expensive but the automatic part is really nice. The Viair 88P is more affordable but still extremely nice. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005ASY23I/ref=cm_sw_r_em_apa_i_zYLCFbEBK3N0V
> Ultimately, what you want is a compressor made for filling up offroad tires after a run. Not just any 12v compressor. Most of the cheap ones that plug into 12v sockets and have fancy features like auto-shutoff are meant for filling a low tire once or twice a year. Not filling 4 big tires that are all down 20 psi.
That's definitey something I'm seeing and kinda what brought me here. I've been looking at all kinds of compressors, including the VIAIR. I've watched a couple of reviews on YouTube. But it seems there's the weird gap between "slow, cheap, fills a tire a couple of times/year" and "monster, ubercompressor that can fill 3 full sets of 40s simultaneously with no breaks - and also powers your air lockers."
I was actually looking at this one: https://www.amazon.com/Viair-00088-88P-Portable-Compressor/dp/B005ASY23I/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=tire+air+compressor+viair&qid=1587149148&sr=8-3. It has pretty good reviews on Amazon & YouTube.
Agreed! I've had this one for four years and it's been great. You have to connect it to your battery vs. the 12v plug but it does the job every time. I keep it in my car kit.
I have a Viair 88p that gets the job done. It's an little slower than some other options but compact, reliable, and priced right for someone who isn't using it routinely. A 45% duty cycle is enough to get all four tires aired up from 20 to 35 PSI in about 20 minutes.
I got the 88P. It's just shy of $60 and their smaller models drop down under $40.
No explanation necessary, I totally get it! When I first started driving on the beach, as a teenager, getting stuck was the biggest fear one could have. And we always dabbled with getting stuck, because no one ever told us to air down your tires or any other little tidbits required for driving on sand. Obviously being in 4x4 HI will always make for an easier drive. However, 4x4 LOW could really start digging unnecessarily with all that torque. All those great features us Jeep owners love are for off-road trails, most of them will not be required for driving on sand.
All that being said, the absolute key for driving on sand is low tire pressure, allowing you to "float" on the sand. If your local outer beaches don't have air stations, you'll have to invest in a air pump or drive with the hazards to the closest gas station. I use a Viair 00088 88P Portable Air Compressor and love it - takes about 2 minutes a tire on my stock KL Trailhawk Destination A/Ts.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005ASY23I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_UjmMxbM96HK7H
TLDR: Air down to 15psi for beach driving.
He's right. A battery clamp model is not significantly less convenient or much more expensive than a cigarette lighter compressor and it will fill your tire 3-5 times faster. That outlet is just limited on the amps it can pull.
I can go from 20 to 40 PSI in about 4 minutes per tire with mine. I run 45 highway but those extra 5lbs take too long and the compressor is burning hot by the time I finish the 4th tire. I've seen people put 5-10lbs in a tire with cigarette socket models (and have tried as such myself) and decided that was enough to get to the nearest gas station and finish the job.
Onboard air of course does not make sense for most people, but for regular offroaders it does. Especially if you have air locking differentials than need it anyway. Another popular option is actually using a CO2 tank. You get that filled up beforehand and it works very fast with no power required. They're usually good for 3-4 complete fill-ups.
I'd suggest the Viair 88P. The first review gives a comparison of all the new Viair models. I use mine nearly every weekend in the summer to air up my F250's tires (315/70/17) from 12psi to 50psi when leaving the beach, and it can do all four in 15-20 minutes. Pretty good for a 12v inflator.
I had the Harbor Freight 150psi 12v inflator before that, which worked slowly...for about the first two trips. Took like 30 minutes to air up. Then it just lost pressure. Guessing that a seal blew out.
This is the pump I bought, so I think it would be strong enough to pump it without lifting the car but Im not sure (I don't know jack about cars...this is my first one in a very long time!).
I also bought a bottle of Slime!
VIAIR. They make them with either a 12V DC power plug or clamps to go directly to battery.
​
The 150 is the better bet because it's clip on, instead of cigarette lighter. But if you're gonna pay retail prices, might as well just go this route https://www.amazon.com/Viair-00088-88P-Portable-Compressor/dp/B005ASY23I
Indeed. The problem is on the road you want a higher air pressure for higher speeds and fuel mileage, but offroad you want a low pressure for more traction. So there is no magic number to roll around in that will accomplish both of these.
I bought this $65 Viair pump from Amazon and its very fast/powerful and works great:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005ASY23I
And then the ARB deflator kit (I think I paid about half this price for mine):
https://www.amazon.com/ARB-ARB600-Deflator-Recovery-Gear/dp/B004P9DQHQ/
Hey folks - wanted to share a few of the things that I've (mostly stolen from /r/4Runner) added to my truck! None of these ideas are original to me, so I'm not taking any credit.
Cargo Area
Sleeping Platform (Plywood/Carpet Pad/Exterior carpet) - I just leave this in there all the time. It levels the back so there isn't a hump when you've got the seats folded down. Took me a trip to Home Depot and about 2.5 hours to build.
Victory Molle Panel - Mounted a flashlight, ARB Tire Deflator, Tow Strap, Jumper Cables, and a Maxpedition pouch with random stuff. Purposely left space so I can hang/mount my overnight pouch when we're camping.
FrontRunner Wolf Packs - Ratchet set, First Aid Kit, Paper towels, water, Viair Compressor, Fix a flat, Gloves, etc...
Back Seat
WeatherTech Seat Cover - Not in love with this - it doesn't allow for the middle seatbelt to function. Protects the leather well enough from car seats.
Front
AJT Design Shift Knobs - Freaking love these. Might be my favorite addition.
Dividers for the console and glove box. Nothing fancy, just random ones from Amazon.
Extra note - the tissue holder is great for disposable masks!
I highly recommend this one. It's a little pricey, but well worth it. You connect it straight to your car battery to avoid possibly blowing a fuse if your cigarette lighter can't handle the load.
Add a plug kit and watch this video to familiarize yourself on how to plug a tire if you don't already know.
Good luck and have fun!
I can recommend the Viair 88P
https://www.amazon.com/Viair-00088-88P-Portable-Compressor/dp/B005ASY23I
This is the guy I've got link
It's a lightweight workhorse
I have a viair 88p only complaint is it is difficult to get back in the bag https://smile.amazon.com/Viair-00088-88P-Portable-Compressor/dp/B005ASY23I/ref=sr_1_1?crid=D84WGHJGT4ED&keywords=Viair+88p&qid=1668293702&sprefix=viair+88p%2Caps%2C149&sr=8-1&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.006c50ae-5d4c-4777-9bc0-4513d670b6bc
Some basic tools (screwdrivers, pliers, knife, zip ties, adjustable wrench) and/or upgrades to things like tire iron, tow strap, etc. An oil-free compressor is small and comes in very handy when you have low tire pressure or a slow leak, or your spare is flat. Paper maps or a road atlas, portable chargers, Dramamine, these wet wipes are a lifesaver at times, cash, water. Good luck!
Viair 00088 88P Portable Air Compressor https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005ASY23I/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_1EG0HN8ZTVRVB1KJKGBJ
Here is a picture from BB this past January.
I have this compressor. It works well and is not too expensive. I also keep a Tacklife car jump starter handy (about $80), deflators, and a plug kit.
If you are not going to carry a full size spare, you should be much more conservative with your road choices (and if it was me, I would just suck it up and buy one). The 2020 will fit a full size spare in the trunk cut-out. That's where I have mine. I believe that will not work in the 2016. If I had this issue and I had space in my trunk, I would use a ratchet strap to secure it upright to save room. Not a fan of the hitch as the Subaru is underpowered and adding weight just makes that more of an issue. Roof would be ok as well.
Traction boards are nice to have but if you plan to stay off the tougher roads, it would be highly unlikely you would use them at all. I never have.
I would still recommend you drive Old Ore from the south entrance up to Ernst Tinaja. It's very mellow and a cool short hike to the tinaja.
If you've got a vehicle with larger tires, a compressor that you clamp to your battery terminals while your car is running is a good option, as well.
I would say this is thr best you can get under $100.
Viair 00088 88P Portable Air Compressor https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005ASY23I/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_NZNZ1R2D5ESANERCZBHB
It's a tank. Not fast but it will air up 33s from 12 psi.
I use a Viair and its worked for years without fail. For what you are describing an Viair 88P will more than do the job.
I have an $80 Viair model which I carry with on trips. It is much better than any small compressor I've had before.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005ASY23I/ref=
I also have a pancake compressor which I use to blow out the water to winterize, and will also use to top off the tires at home or in storage. The Viair says you should have the engine running when connected to power, and I'd rather just connect this to power, pump it up, and then use it without power.
I carry Viair unit too. I've not used it more than 3 times, but it works very well for a portable air pump.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005ASY23I/ref=
I also have a pancake compressor, but I don't bring that with me. I do though use it for blowing out lines (it has a pressure regulator) and it stores enough air that I can top off all the tires without power.
If you plug that into the DC cigarette adapter in your car, you run the risk of blowing a fuse. Much better to hook up directly to the battery with something like this: https://smile.amazon.com/Viair-00088-88P-Portable-Compressor/dp/B005ASY23I/
I bought this unit a number of years ago. It is high quality but still very compact.
I use a Viair 88P and it has been great for a few years now
I've gone on loose sand in a 2WD truck plenty of times. Just remember to not slow down when you hit loose sand. And when you park, stop on compacted sand or something that will give you a bit of traction later. Airing down will definitely help, just make sure you have an air compressor to air back up once you get on paved road. I use this compressor with this quick chuck for autocross and 4wheeling. You can also invest one some traction boards as others have said. I've helped get people out of the sand before with only traction boards. Just don't forget to take a small shovel in case you dig yourself in and land your axle on the ground.
> a compressor
ya, forgot that one. Here's a cheap one that I've seen recommended before: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005ASY23I/?coliid=I1QF2RGBSV11MH&colid=1Z0A8VY86J4PH&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it
This air compressor. Will take your tire from 15psi to 35psi in 3.5 min. Used mine about 35 times with no issues.
https://www.amazon.com/Viair-00088-88P-Portable-Compressor/dp/B005ASY23I This deflator is also pretty handy.
https://www.amazon.com/Grit-Performance-Deflator-Offroad-Pressure/dp/B078T18YMC
I use this brand, but the one that connects to the battery terminals, not the 12V. Had the 12V one blow the fuse for the connector in my old BRZ.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005ASY23I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_BT7YFbCN2G6ZS
I keep a Viair 88p in my car. There’s cheaper options too.
I had heard good things about Viair and decided to get this one after buying my trailer.
I've used it numerous times to top off my trailer and truck tires but never had to fill a flat (crosses fingers that I don't have to) so far it's great seems quality built and nice compact with a carrying case keep it in my truck behind rear seats at all times just in case.
I use a very similar one I got off Amazon for my off-roading needs, and it does a great job as well:
Viair 00088 88P Portable Air Compressor https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005ASY23I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ZKNEEbZQ9NTZ6
Not sure about the other guy, but I've got one of these in our Jeep's recovery kit, and it works perfectly.
https://www.amazon.com/Viair-00088-88P-Portable-Compressor/dp/B005ASY23I/
I have this one in my shopping cart but haven't pulled the trigger yet. Any opinions?
Okay so here is the part thats included
Its kinda pricey. Its a pretty beefy compressor and it has a replaceable fix-a-flat style sealant canister.
Now you can get a beefier, similarly sized compressor for less money, like this one but thats going to actually be more than you need. Ive seen a few complaints from that brand that if you are over ~80 psi they will pop the fuse in your car, rather than the one in the compressor (which can take a pretty hefty amperage.)
Cheaper still, something like what I was using before I bought my volt would be a small hand held affair This isnt the exact model I had but its similar, and a comparable price. This is going to be slow to inflate your tire, but the benefit is it takes up virtually no space at all.
This is actually the sort of thing I would recommend. Its medium sized, reasonably powerful but not a monster, and it has a built in flashlight (which is SO helpful.)
A decent compressor can be got from walmart for $20, but if you want to spend more there are a ton of good options of all shapes and sizes and at any price point you can imagine.
Last but not least, if you dont get the GM one, you should include a can of fix-a-flat in any car, whether you have a spare or not.
PS a good alternative to the GM one might be the fix-a-flat brand compressor which also has a canister, and is a good price.
Yeah, this is the compressor I use. You just plug it onto the battery terminals, turn the car on, and then pump away. It's very powerful, so it gets my tires filled in just a few seconds.
If it were me, I'd buy a Viair 88P. The first review gives a comparison of all the new Viair models. I use mine nearly every weekend in the summer to air up my F250's tires from 12psi to 50psi when leaving the beach, and it can do all four in 15-20 minutes. Pretty good for a 12v inflator.
I had the Harbor Freight 150psi 12v inflator before that, which worked slowly...for about the first two trips. Took like 30 minutes to air up. Then it just lost pressure. Guessing that a seal blew out.
Before that I had an all-in-one jumper box. Didn't really like it because instead of a good jumper box, tire inflator, and flashlight, you get 3 crappy versions, all in one case! First the flashlight broke, then the inflator, then the plastic clamps on the jumper box cracked and broke. Only thing good was the 10Ah SLA battery, which I still jump cars with, using a quality set of jumper cables.
If you want to step up from an inflator, I'd recommend getting either the Harbor Freight 6 gallon oil-less compressor or a 3-gallon oil-lubricated compressor.
The 6-gallon tank means that the compressor won't have to cycle as often when filling up high-PSI tires. Three-gallon oil-less compressors generally don't have the duty cycle or the CFM output to even keep up. For comparison, the HF 3 gallon oil-less does 0.6CFM @ 90psi, while the HF 6 gallon oil-less does 2.5CFM, and the Craftsman 3 gallon oil-lubed does 2.7CFM.
As for me, I use the Viair 95% of the time to air up. On longer trips, or when I know that we'll need more air, I'll bring my 3-gallon oil-lubed compressor. But those things are power-hungry...I have to rapidly flip the switch on and off a few times so that a Honda eu2000i has time to step on the gas.
One of the other guys has the Harbor Freight 6 gallon oil-less, and since it requires 10 amps instead of 15, an eu2000i can handle it with ease. Just I'm fairly confident that my oil-lubed compressor will last forever, while the teflon-coated piston in his oil-less one has a finite life before it no longer seals.
Another guy had the Harbor Freight 3-gallon oil-less, and I aired up my truck with the Viair 88P in less time, then started airing up his other tires. Sure it holds 3 gallons of air and it's so power-conservative that he can run it off of a 12v inverter, but I can air up one tire in the time that it takes to pressurize the tank. And when the tires are close to full, it's running constantly to keep the tank at near-max pressure.
Viair 00088 88P Portable Air Compressor https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005ASY23I/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_rvWlvb1T4802Y
This pumps tires up fast. Highly recommended. I keep it in the car year round.
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