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Who are we all using for a portable 12v car tire air compressor?
February 22, 2026, 06:50 PM
71 TRUCKWho are we all using for a portable 12v car tire air compressor?
My wife and I keep a portable air compressor in each car. It has come in handy several time especially in central Florida when the temperature goes down.
There have been several morning, 5:30am with me standing in our driveway topping off the tires because the cold weather has caused the Tire Pressure Sensors to go off.
With that said this evening we checked the spare tire in her car and it was low.
While using a compressor we have had for less than 2 years it stopped working and started to smoke.
So now we are looking for a new compressor, however I was hoping to get some feed back from my invisible friends here to find out what has been your experience.
Thanks
Joe
Who are we all using for a portable 12v car tire air compressor?
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A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.
As ratified by the States and authenticated by Thomas Jefferson, Secretary of State
NRA Life Member February 22, 2026, 07:28 PM
IntrepidTravelerViair for me. I'm not a fan of the dinky plug in the cigarette lighter pumps.
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SigM4quote:
Originally posted by IntrepidTraveler:
Viair for me. I'm not a fan of the dinky plug in the cigarette lighter pumps.
Same. Works great for airing up after airing down for a trail, even better for regular top offs. Set your desired pressure and it turns off once reached.
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Complacency sucks… February 22, 2026, 07:33 PM
Pipe SmokerAirmoto.
https://sigforum.com/eve/forum...880024915#4880024915It has a USB-C jack for charging, but the USB-C <=> USB-A cable (included) must be plugged into a USB-A power source.
I have one. So does P250UA5.
Serious about crackers. February 22, 2026, 07:38 PM
nhracecraftVIAIR is the way to go!
Get this one -->
https://www.amazon.com/VIAIR-0...ressor/dp/B00CDWJRZWThe VIAIR 87P is powered directly from your battery (NOT the cigarette lighter!), and will inflate an empty tire effortlessly! It's duty cycle is exponentially better than the common/cheaper air compressors that are powered by 12V outlet in your car. The 87P is impressively robust and sounds like a precision 'well oiled machine' (even though it's an oil-free design). You will NOT be disappointed.
IF accessing the Battery is not desirable, I give you the VIAIR 85P with Plug-in Cigarette Lighter/12V Outlet Plug:
https://www.amazon.com/VIAIR-8...ressor/dp/B0036E9VB6All of my vehicles have accessible terminals to connect/power the 87P so it was a no brainer in my case, but realizing that some may not have the most accessible Batteries / Jump Start terminals, the 85P is the one for such applications and/or those that 'prefer' the plug-in configuration.
NOTE: The VIAIR 85P 'can' draw 15A and is Duty cycle rated for 20 min. runtime @ 30 PSI. The 12V power outlet in many (most?) vehicles only rated for 10A, and protected with a 10A Fuse! YMMV
VIAIR also has updated versions featuring digital gauge and preset pressure setpoint w/ automatic shutoff if that's a consideration for you. Definitely NOT worth the add'l premium IMO but again, YMMV.
VIAIR Digital EVC84P @ 97.95 -->
https://www.amazon.com/VIAIR-D...-Press/dp/B0DHYHSGWKVIAIR Digital EVC88P @ $116.99 -->
https://www.amazon.com/VIAIR-D...omatic/dp/B0D92XCJC2
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February 22, 2026, 07:47 PM
bendableP.s.
Mine is a 12v only.
If you choose to purchase a 12v,
Confirm that the power cord is long enough to reach all four tires.
( Before buying)
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February 22, 2026, 08:07 PM
P250UA5quote:
Originally posted by Pipe Smoker:
Airmoto.
https://sigforum.com/eve/forum...880024915#4880024915It has a USB-C jack for charging, but the USB-C <=> USB-A cable (included) must be plugged into a USB-A power source.
I have one. So does P250UA5.
I made sure to grab mine out of my Fiesta before it was towed off.
The Enemy's gate is down. February 22, 2026, 08:07 PM
cruiser68Longtime Viair here. Buy once cry once. All I have purchased are still in use.
February 22, 2026, 08:51 PM
trapper189I have two Viair 87P one in college boy's car and one in the minivan. I have a Viair 400 or 450 in the truck for the 110psi RV tires and 80psi truck tires.
February 22, 2026, 09:06 PM
mrprovyIf you're open to battery operated, the Milwaukee M18 inflator is AWESOME!
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February 23, 2026, 06:47 AM
pootieRidgid - have the batteries for tools.
I had my patience tested... I'm negative.
February 23, 2026, 07:29 AM
shovelheadMilwaukee 18v. I take it with me when I air my tires down while off roading. It’s a lot better that having to search for a gas station with a working air pump or saying “Can I borrow your compressor?” to someone in the group I’m off roading with.
And as a plus, with my recent displeasure with DeWalt battery power tools it’ll make it easier to switch to Milwaukee as I have the charger and two batteries so far.
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February 23, 2026, 08:51 AM
UTsigViair for me, my current one is 12 yo still going strong.
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February 23, 2026, 09:02 AM
PerceptionM18 is great. Mine gets transferred back and forth between vehicles depending on what I'm driving.
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"Because if they didn't vote for a lizard, then the wrong lizard might get in." February 23, 2026, 09:39 AM
71 TRUCKThanks for all the recommendations.
It looks like I am leaning towards the VIAIR compressor.
The Second Amendment to the United States Constitution.
A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.
As ratified by the States and authenticated by Thomas Jefferson, Secretary of State
NRA Life Member February 23, 2026, 09:42 AM
lastmanstandingI have had a Dewalt for about 5 years and it's been great. Runs on my DeWalt 20V batteries. Inflates tires and pool and beach toys as well.
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February 23, 2026, 09:50 AM
ridewvI took the advice from people here when I was shopping for a mini compressor for Barb. For her convenience I wanted one that ran off the 10A power receptacle in her car. She said it worked great topping up her tires recently.
https://viaircorp.com/products...hjD50T_PPyTx971sTtbt
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February 23, 2026, 09:53 AM
lkdr1989Same here...have a bunch of their tools and batteries.
quote:
Originally posted by pootie:
Ridgid - have the batteries for tools.
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MRMATTquote:
Originally posted by pootie:
Ridgid - have the batteries for tools.
Same here.
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February 23, 2026, 02:57 PM
kz1000I bought a cheap Chinese one on Amazon. Still works after 3 years.
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