Air compressors are machines that help users derive potential energy from fuels like diesel or petrol and store it into a tank in the form of cool compressed air. There are various applications for this compressed air such as powering tools such as nailers and inflating tires, inflatable pools, mattresses, etc.
Owning a good air compressor can truly be a lifesaver if you own an RV because you never really when your RV tires might give up on you in the middle of the road. However, it’s not a good idea to invest in just any air compressor. Don’t worry because we did the research and testing on your part and finally put together a list of the top 10 best portable air compressors for RV tires. Read on to know all about these amazing machines.
Top Pick
Why is it important to get an air compressor for your RV?
Carrying an air compressor while traveling in an RV will help ensure that your tires are at proper pressure levels at all times. You can quickly fill them up to the right level before you leave home and this will help you stay safe throughout the journey. This means that you no longer have to make trips to the service station before you plan on hitting the road.
RV tires may blow out if they are filled enough or if they are overfilled. A portable air compressor will allow you to prevent that from happening. This is also quite useful if you get an unfortunate flat tire in the middle of nowhere.
Portable air compressors also have uses other than just filling up RV tires. They can also help you winterize your RV. Instead of putting antifreeze through the water lines of your RV, you can also opt for clearing the waterlines using a portable air compressor. This will help avoid any damage to your RV during winters and will help get your RV ready for the next trip on the road.
Before Buying Consider these features:-
- Tank size
The tank size of an air compressor helps you determine how much air it can hold at a time. This affects the overall performance of the machine. Therefore, air compressors with bigger tanks can hold more air and they can help deliver longer run times.
However, bigger air tanks mean a bigger size which will be difficult to store in your RV. If you don’t need to use your air compressor for heavy-duty jobs then we suggest you get a smaller air compressor with a small air tank because you don’t need a lot of compressed air anyways. It will be smaller in size and hence, it will be easier to store and carry around in your RV.
- CFM and PSI
PSI and CFM of an air compressor are two other important features that help determine the operating power of this unit. PSI helps measure air pressure while CFM is the measure of the airflow rate of the unit.
The PSI rating of a unit tells you much air pressure it can deliver and you can just match it with the air pressure required by your tires to ensure that it is enough. On the other hand, a higher CFM helps ensure that you will be able to complete your job quickly.
- Noise levels
Air compressors can be a little noisy because you are working with pressurized air which can surely create a lot of noise. If you plan on using the unit indoors, make sure you get one with low noise levels something around 60 decibels or so.
- Cord length
While working with an air compressor, there will be two kinds of cords that you have to deal with. If your air compressor is not battery operated then you will have to deal with a power cord that will help power the unit. Along with that, all air compressors come with an air hose.
It is better to go for an air compressor that comes with a long air hose as well as a long power cord. This will allow you to move around more and will expand the working diameter for your job.
- Weight
When it comes to the best air compressors for RV tires, the weight of the air compressor is a very important factor to consider. You will have to move around the air compressor a lot so make sure you get one that does not weigh too much because otherwise, it is going to be too much of a hassle.
- Price
Finally, make sure you consider the price of similar models before you decide on one. Don’t buy a very cheap product because otherwise, you’ll have to frequently change your air compressor because it will be of cheap quality. However, don’t overspend either, and make sure you set a budget before you begin hunting for the right product.
Best Portable Air Compressors for RV Tires – Detailed Reviewed
Key Features
Featuring a user-friendly LED display, this unit allows you to easily read the air pressure in the units that you prefer be it a bar, kPa, PSI, or even Kg/cm. This means that you can easily monitor the air pressure without having to read from a pressure gauge. It’s a 12V air compressor so you can just quickly plug it into the cigarette lighter in the car and you will be good to go.
This unit also comes with various safety features which help make protect the user as well as the machine itself. The auto shut-off feature is designed to automatically switch off the air compressor once the desired air pressure has been achieved. This saves you from the trouble of having to keep an eye on the air compressor while it is operating. Also, it prevents overfilling of the RV tires.
The overheat protection feature helps maintain a set temperature by automatically switching off if the temperature reaches around 167 degrees. This is because overheating can be harmful to the unit. Compact size and lightweight design help make the unit portable for the users.
Available at an affordable price, the EPAuto 12V DC Portable Air Compressor is truly the best portable air compressor of all time for your RV.
Reasons to Buy
Reasons to Avoid
Key Features
This unit works very quickly. It can easily fill up tires in under 5 minutes and that’s the best part about it. This means it is not only powerful but it is also quite efficient. Featuring a 40-minute runtime, it can easily fill up all 4 tires in one go. This makes the job so much easier to complete.
The high PSI rating is also more than enough for RV tires and helps make the unit compatible with RV tires. Featuring a lightweight design, this unit is quite portable which allows you to carry it around with ease and easily store it in your RV for use on the road. It comes with multiple accessories which help make the whole operation so much easier.
We are quite satisfied with the operation of the Viair Automatic Portable Compressor Kit and we would surely recommend it to you for RV tires.
Reasons to Buy
Reasons to Avoid
Key Features
Being lightweight, this unit can easily be moved around in your garage and it will be easier to carry along for your road trip or camping trip. The air hose isn’t very long so it is great that the unit can easily be picked up and taken from one tire to the next. Just plug it into the cigarette plug of your vehicle to power it and it will deliver an efficient operation.
This unit comes with a direct-drive motor that helps reduce the noise levels while increasing the efficiency of the air compressor at the same time. It works with two cylinders operating at the same time which ensures greater speed despite a slower rotating speed which in turn leads to lower noise levels.
All in all, the TIREWELL 12V Tire Inflator is among the best portable air compressors for RV tires.
Reasons to Buy
Reasons to Avoid
Key Features
All the accessories and parts of this unit can easily be attached to the shroud so it will not be difficult to keep the spare parts safe. It offers a good CFM and PSI rating which allows the unit to easily take care of tire inflation jobs. The low noise levels mean that you can also use the unit indoors without disturbing everyone else around you or giving yourself a headache.
With a higher PSI and CFM rating, this air compressor can recover quicker than many other models on the market. The air tank is attached inside the shroud which means that you can easily carry it around while also providing longer runtimes so you won’t be interrupted by recovering breaks very often.
The low wattage motor helps cut down on power costs and also allows you to plug in the air compressor anywhere you want. Featuring a long air hose, you can keep the unit in one place and just carry around the air hose for an easier operation. It comes with an 8-piece accessory kit which helps make the unit compatible with various inflatables.
With a compact design as well as an easier operation, the PORTER-CABLE (CMB15) Portable Air Compressor is another amazing portable air compressor on our list.
Reasons to Buy
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Key Features
It can easily fill up an RV tire in under 2 minutes and comes with the dual-cylinder operation of a direct-drive motor which allows for a more efficient operation at reduced rotating speeds with lower noise levels. As two cylinders are compressing air at the same time, the motor can provide the same operation at lower speeds.
Manufacturers have designed the unit in such a way that it has a lower center of gravity which means that it will not tip over easily when inflating tires. In addition, the rubber feet help improve the unit’s grip on the floor and help make it more stable. The rubber feet also help in reducing noise levels by absorbing vibrations.
In conclusion, the GSPSCN Silver Tire Inflator provides the best operation and that too at a great price. It is truly the best portable air compressor for RV tires.
Reasons to Buy
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Key Features
This unit is capable of much more than just onboard installation. It also provides the best airflow with a high PSI and CFM rating which allows for quick and efficient inflation of RV tires. This amazing airflow is achieved with the help of the dual-cylinder twin motor. This motor is also safe from any damage due to high temperatures with the help of its thermal protection.
For individual circuit protection, manufacturers have used an in-line heavy-duty maxi fuse along with brushless fans which help in preventing overheating or any kind of wear or tear. This also helps in making the unit much more durable. It comes with an IP55 ingress protection rating which helps make the unit resistant to water and dust.
The ARB (CKMTP12) 12V Portable Air Compressor is a great onboard air compressor and it deserves a place among the best portable air compressors for RV tires.
Reasons to Buy
Reasons to Avoid
Key Features
Low noise levels of this unit are another one of the appealing traits which surely makes it the best air compressor for RV tires. This means that you can easily operate this air compressor indoors without having to use earplugs or disturbing the people around you. You can easily complete your job and not even give yourself a headache unlike the operation of most other air compressors.
The amazing PSI rating of this unit ensures that users will not have any trouble filling up RV tires. Tire inflation will surely not take up too much time as the motor of this unit is quite efficient and powerful. Being oil-free, this unit is low maintenance which means you will not have to spend too much time tending to its needs.
Featuring a 1-year limited warranty, the BOSTITCH Pancake Air Compressor will surely do wonders for your RV tires.
Reasons to Buy
Reasons to Avoid
Key Features
Featuring a 24-foot quick-release coil hose, this unit does not need to be dragged around all the time. You can just keep it in one place and just pull on the hose to get the job done even at a distance from the unit.
This unit is also quite lightweight and features an easy-to-read pressure gauge which makes it easier to keep track of the pressure values. With a great PSI rating, the Smittybilt Universal Air Compressor has become worthy of being called the best air compressor for RV tires.
Reasons to Buy
Reasons to Avoid
Key Features
Manufacturers have ensured a very robust yet aesthetic design for this unit which has been appreciated by many. The durable design of this unit helps make it reliable so you know you are making a good investment by buying this air compressor.
Despite its amazing design, this product is still quite affordable which truly makes it very attractive for most users. If you’re looking for a high-quality air compressor at an affordable price, the PORTER-CABLE C2002 Pancake Compressor is definitely the one for you.
Reasons to Buy
Reasons to Avoid
Conclusion:
We have provided you with a comprehensive review of all our picks for the best portable air compressor for RV tires. Make sure you properly go through the article before picking a unit for yourself. Still, have more questions? Send them to us and immediately get answers. Good luck!
FAQ’s
1. What is the best air compressor for RV tires?
Most RV compressors have a PSI rating of about 90 PSI. However, most of the air compressors that we have picked for you come with a PSI rating of around 150. Air compressors with a PSI rating higher than 90 will be able to fill up your tires much faster. The drawback that comes with a high PSI air compressor is that it will be bulkier and heavier. This will make it a little difficult to store in your RV and to carry it around.
2. What size air compressor do I need?
You might be buying an air compressor just for your RV tires but it can also help you achieve many other tasks. You can run power tools, complete a paint job or just fill up inflatable beds and pools. Make sure you pick an air compressor with a PSI rating greater than the requirement of your RV tires.
3. Can I Use an Air Compressor to Winterize My RV?
You can use your air compressor to winterize your RV. You can clear out all the water from the lines using the air compressor. Don’t use too much PSI to do this because it may cause harm to the lines.
What Is the Biggest Danger to The Life of My Compressor?
Your air compressor will be badly affected by moisture so make sure you keep it away from any kind of moisture or humidity. Make sure you completely pack your air compressor when it is not in use and keep it away from the rain.