NOTE: Viair 70p appears discontinued...at least, it’s been out of stock for a couple of months. Need alternatives under $125.
Long version: So, I have a 3 gallon pancake compressor at home, which is fine for winterizing there, but there's a reasonable chance I may be on the road at times this winter in variable weather conditions, and the pancake takes up too much space to haul around on the chance it’s needed. I’d like a more portable compressor so I can winterize on the fly as necessary, but I’m not sure what is out there that’s actually capable of doing the job. I use the “faucets closed, build pressure, open one faucet” method, not “open everything at once”, if that matters.
Are there certain specs or features I should look for? I always carry a small inflator in the car already that doesn’t have the power to handle winterizing but does fine for all the tires, so this literally will only be needed a few times a year at most.
Budget ~ $125 or less. This lets out the RV Viair models and the ARB. Prefer 12v, but will consider 120v as I can run it off the GZ Yeti if necessary. The often recommended Viair 70p hasn’t been in stock in any of the big box stores for a while now. I’m not sure if any of their other models under $100 are powerful enough to handle winterizing? Anyone tried another model (besides their RV ones?)
Comments
https://www.harborfreight.com/12v-150-psi-compact-air-compressor-63184.html
Say what you will about HF quality, but this is a really nice tire inflator, that works for blowing out the T@B's lines if needed on the road.
Plus it's readily available.
Here is a TFL review of it vs. the similarly priced Amazon Basics inflator:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLLOukUCNAg
2023 Honda Ridgeline RTL-E with Redarc Trailer Brake Controller
Former steward of a 2017 T@B S Max
Duracell Portable Emergency Jumpstarter with Compressor, 900 Peak Amps
Thanks, Jerry
2019 Honda Pilot AWD and 2018 T@B 320-CS hanging out on the left edge of Lake Erie.
2018 320S Outback
I was facing this same question a few weeks back when looking for options. I, like you, was initially drawn by the ViAir products, and ultimately decided to spend just a bit more than you have budgeted and ordered the ViAir 300P from Northern Tool + Equipment. It arrived last week, but I had not realized that it had a tire inflator valve vs a quick release connection (yes, it IS truly meant for tires... surprise!!). I had to spring about $20 more for a Schraider blow/out connector, as well as another pressure regulator to ensure limiting the PSI to 50 lbs or less. All in all, with shipping and tax I spent about $190, so this probably doesnt help you much. But I believe I now have a very well made, reliable, portable, and capable system to winterize whenever the need comes up. It’s a point of security that makes me more confident to plan for outings any weekend of the year in Texas, and for me that was worth the cost. There are other available options (most non-ViAir) out there that will work for lower cost, but for me the trade-offs seemed a touch less confidence inspiring... YMMV.
BTW...I just did a double check of the unit I purchased from Northern Tool + Equipment, and it appears the price has gone up by $15. Seems I might have got in just before the rush. So my set-up would now be $200+, so sorry if this provides zero help.
But in case you are curious, this is the link to the ViAir I purchased...
https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200750740_200750740?cm_mmc=Housefile-_-SHIPPED-_-1206-_-CONF
And this is a link to the blowout connector with the Schrader Valve...
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0006IX68O/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
And... this or a similar pressure regulator (for H2O, but should work for air as well)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07VC5Q6XJ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Connections:
ViAir Compressor (hooked to car battery)—>ViAir Hose—>Schrader Valve Connector—>Pressure Regulater—>City Water Inlet on T@B.
Proceed with Winterizing blow out method outlined in other discussion threads.
nüCamp: 2019 T@B 400 Boondock Lite
TV: 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk 4x4
Dream big... work hard... never give up.
That said, I’m continuing to research my possible choices.
2015 Subaru Outback 3.6r (unsafe 200lb tongue weight limit until 2020 models)
2020 Subaru Outback XT
Pacific NW
It is used to rapid inflate mountain bike tubeless tires. You pump up the can with a bicycle pump, and then release the compressed air with a valve. It gives a sharp, fairly low volume burst of air. I don't see how the little 12 volt tire inflators can do the job. They will gradually inflate a tire, but the process is so slow, there is no way to provide a water clearing burst.
I think the 300 will still be just fine, especially if I use the idea I read in another thread and leave a dry length of regular H2O supply line attached to the T@B, then attach the pressure regulator, then the Schrader valve converter, then the compressor line, then the compressor. If I do all that, I’ll have a much larger volume of pressurized air ready to burst through the line when I open each valve.
Anyway... I’m going to try the ViAir method first this year, then hook up the pancake compressor and see if I get any more water out of the system. That way I should be able to get a better feel for how much less effective the portable compressor might actually be.
nüCamp: 2019 T@B 400 Boondock Lite
TV: 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk 4x4
Dream big... work hard... never give up.
I would be curious as to how much air it takes to pressurize the system, and I kind of doubt your bike tire inflator has enough volume stored under pressure to release enough movement. It might, and would definitely be an interesting test to see if it works. I believe you are thinking of releasing it quickly from the inflator side like you can with a pancake compressor, but just a short burst of it. I would be skeptical of how much that small tank could pressurize the entire system with that technique, but let us know as maybe its more than one might think.
I saw someone in another thread hooked up their blow out lines to the spare tire either on the trailer or the TV, and used that as the source of pressurized air. It’s actually a brilliant idea, and I think would probably work depending on how much air flow you can get out of the valve on the tire. You’d be limited to the pressure of the tire, which should be fine, so It’s a very intriguing idea, as the tire could easily be reflated with any cheap 12 volt pump. I think the bigger concern for me with that one is making my entire water system smell like the inside of a rubber tire. Yuck. But that may not be anymore of an issue than the inside smell of a pancake or portable compressor system. I just don’t know.
Anyway, I’ve inadvertently steered a bit away from the OP’s original post, so maybe I better stray no longer. Sorry all.
nüCamp: 2019 T@B 400 Boondock Lite
TV: 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk 4x4
Dream big... work hard... never give up.
Thank you. My wife regularly gives me that same “it’s not a blimp” look when she reminds me how I overthink things like this. Hahaha!
nüCamp: 2019 T@B 400 Boondock Lite
TV: 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk 4x4
Dream big... work hard... never give up.
https://store.lci1.com/floe
I have thought about it, but currently since we are not traveling extensively I don't need it. I can drain and winterize at home.
Brad
2022 Black Series HQ19 aka "Cricket"
2021 F-250 Tremor with PSD aka "Big Blue"
Concord, NC
Tampa FL