Air Compressors
 

Does anyone know of a 110V air compressor that would run off the on board inverter (500 Watts) in the F150s? Got lots of tires (trailers, bikes, motorcycles, ATVs) that need attention not to mention airing up after off roading. I do have a 12V compressor/inflator but thinking a real one with a tank would be better to keep in the back.

I just remembered the formula for determining how many watts a device draws and a quick search reveals very few at home 110V compressors would work with a 500 watt inverter. Amp Draw would have to be under 5 amps

Now I am trying to think of a plug in tool or device that could be run with this inverter, and why do I even have one? ;)

I've got a onboard Klein system with a tank. Before that I had a hi performance vi air compressor that came in bag. The vi air out performs the Klein set up even without a tank at airing up tires. I still have the viair system I need to sale but I would recommend looking into one of those. They hook right up to the battery with jumper cables

I'll look into it thanks. I actually had a CO2 set up when I was wheeling my Bronco. I sold it when I got out of 4x4s. My new truck as 4wd but I'm not taking a $45K truck off roading if I can help it. I do however have lots of toys with tires. Seeing the inverter plug in it got me thinking that maybe I could use a regular compressor. Most 12V "compressors" are merely inflaters i.e air pumps not real compressors.

The viar system I am talking about doesn't fall into that category. I have used it to air up my truck on 33s at the time and my friends truck with 35s at the time in 15-20 minutes. They were all at 10 pounds because we were on sand. They flow some serious cfm. The ones you get at like Walmart that plug into a 12v plug are useless. The viar system I have will air up tires faster then my fancy Klein setup that has a tank which I am slightly disappointed about but the viar has more cfm which is why. Definiteatly check them out, it sounds perfect for what your trying to accomplish.

Another thing I like about my viar system is I can hook it directly to my jump box and bam portable air 😎

My experience:

I tried to use a compressor in the 110v from the truck, no go. Reading the manual, motors are not recommended on that system.

So, went to Sears, and bought the compressor that plugs into the lighter, (about $40, if I remember correctly, had a good CFM at 30PSI rating), and used it when I did the Mojave road in december. Aired down at the start, then back up at the end. Filled all the tires in less than 5 minutes, and was as fast as the 4x4's with me who had the dedicated compressor systems under the hoods of the jeeps.

Hope this is helpful.

Mike

PS, I did take this off-roading. An integral part of why I purchased the F150, and it was fantastic. My wife is still not happy about the Arizona pinstriping it received, but I was very pleased with it.

I think you would be better off with a 12V compressor. I have one I bought at costco years ago and it works like a champ. The better ones use alligator clips to connect direct to your battery terminals. The one I have can fill a 35" tire in less than 2 minutes.

Agree that you're better off buying one that's made to connect to a car battery. Just depends on how much you want to spend and how much air you think you're going to use at once.

Decent Viair compressors are around $100. If you want one that airs up tires faster, you should plan to spend more. Though doesn't sound like your airing down and airing up tires.

The Q MV50 is very popular for the price.


If you want higher quality, this Viair 300P would be a good choice.

Has anyone had a bad experience with using Co2 for refilling your tires?

I have a CO2 tank and an air compressor in my Jeep. If I want to be done quickly, I use the CO2. If I have time to spare, I use the compressor.

The CO2 is nice because it is portable and I can use it for other vehicles. My wife had a nail in her tire so I used it to inflate her Prius tire in seconds.

The down side is you do have to pay to get it filled. I pay around $14 for a 10lb tank. Also you have to top off the next day. Some will evaporate. So if I put in 26lbs, I might need to add 3-5lbs the next day.