Recommendations for Tire Inflator w/ Gauge

Hi All,

Just wanted to reach out for any recommendations for a tire inflator w/ gauge. Been looking through Amazon, Canadian Tire, etc. just wanted to get thoughts on a reliable brand, model, etc.

 

I have a Husky 120v inflator. Has a gauge that in my experience is only off by a couple PSI (although sticker on the unit says +/-6PSI)
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-120-Volt-Inflator-HY120/301753174

Online price is $32 at the moment but when I got mine a few weeks ago in the store it was just $22.

It's slow compared to a full size compressor but OTOH it's very portable and handy. No messing with air hoses, just grab an extension. Use it all the time, we have 5 vehicles, 3 bikes and one motorcycle to maintain. Highly recommended.

 

Hard to beat any of the Viair compressors. I have the 300p. Very happy with it. Avoid the ones that plug into 12v cigarette type outlets. Connect directly to the battery

 

I paid $59 for this one last year on Amazon through their Used Amazon Warehouse. It was brand new, likely opened and sent back.

$77 VIAIR 88P - 00088 Tire Inflator Portable Onroad/Offroad Air Compressor for Car, Truck, SUV & RV | 12V On/Off Road Tire Pump Air Compressor Portable Heavy Duty 120 PSI, Alligator Clips, Twist Chuck

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B005ASY23I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_VDW6EM7K92YXRWJY1M5Q?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

@gladecreekwy I've had a Husky that plugs into the 12v adapter and they are super annoying. Most require ACC to be on and not long enough to reach our big truck tires, let anyone if you had to fill a trailer tire up.

The one above has great reach in terms of hose and cord.

 

I, too, am impressed with the Viair compressors. I carry a

$61 VIAIR 85P - 00085 Tire Inflator Portable Air Compressor for Car, Truck & SUV 12V On/Offroad Tire Pump Air Compressor Portable Heavy Duty 60 PSI, Cigarette Plug, Twist Chuck

Viair 85P in my truck and both cars. It's an excellent unit. Small, portable, fast and capable of airing up a P265/70R16 without any problems.

 

My wife got me a Smittybuilt for Christmas, along with an ARB deflator. The deflator is the bomb for being fast. The Smitty works well. I have 275/70R18 tires and I can inflate all four from 22 to 37 psi in about ten minutes or so.

 

I have heard good things about the Viair compressors - i plan on picking up one of those soon with a plug kit.

 

With the small Viair compressors, take note of what size tire they are intended to inflate.

That being said, carried over from our 4Runner I used our Viair 400P to air up my 35"s as well as the GF's 32"s after a day of wheeling with no issues (other than letting it cool for a while before packing it up). For what it's worth, the inflator that came w/ the Viair seems to read 2-3psi low.

Since we have switched to separate on board air compressors, I have an ARB Twin on a SDHQ mount on the Tundra, and she has an ARB Single on her Tacoma; both w/ the ARB digital inflator hose/gun kit.

 

Since you said inflator. I’ve been using the Milwaukee one since about the time it came out. It does pretty well. I bought a dedicated 6ah battery for it. The smaller ones depletes pretty fast.

 

I am pleased with my Viair. It is very dependable and reasonably priced.

 

I am very please with this one, especially for the price. No problem pumping up big E load LT tires!

Air Armor M240 12Volt Portable Air Compressor In Ammo Can By Special Ops

https://www.amazon.com/Air-Armor-M240-Military-Compressor/dp/B00VROSSKM

 

Masterflow tsunami is a good choice too.

 

(DON'T Recommend) I use this Cat Air compressor/jump pack. Its tough an durable easy to use , just charge it up after use or before a trip/ every 30 days to top it off. Does air pressure set by digital gauge , also will read out the original air pressure. Has a built in led light for in the dark , a bunch of usbs and 120v out let. Its been the best thing I've purchased, I've filled so many tires and jumped so many vehicles and for the price of $99 usd it was a no brainner purchase for me. It comes every were-with me ... the one pictured looks to not have the 120v outlet didn't realize it when I snatched the picture off of online but mine does have it on the front.

Edit: so after having snow and having a reason to air down to 20psi on 33x12.50R20's after using the compressor function to air back up to 35psi I felt it toke kinda long so I timed it with a stop watch and it came out to 10 minutes and 8 seconds a tire I do not recommend this as air back up device. But its other functions or putting air in small tires/or a couple pounds when needed is fine.
Edit: Update I burnt out the compressor don't recommend, didn't last long as Compressor, I guess the other functions still work.

 

Another vote for Viair. Pumped 315/70/16s from 12 psi back to 34 psi on my Land Cruiser with no problems.