Portable tire inflators

[data003]

I’ve been trying to find a good portable tire inflator to store in the truck. Ideally 120v and compact. Anyone have any recommendations?

I looked at 12v options but I have some concerns.
1. I can’t be bothered to use one of the compressors that require a direct 12v battery connection. Too much work in the lightning to get at it through the frunk, and then opening the cover.
2. All the 12v compressors want the engine running while in use. Given that we have no idea how quickly the truck can charge the 12v battery, I’d hate to drain it accidentally and then be unable to use the truck!

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[FlasherZ]

The Ford electrical guide says the DC-DC converter is rated at 250A of 12V, and that 55A (660W to 750W depending on voltage) are available for aftermarket accessories. The truck will manage recharging the 12V system as required. Of course, we need to see that in practice, but in theory those are the design constraints.

 

[Yellow Buddy]

Only for the purpose of inflating a tire? Head to Home Depot and grab a 120v husky inflator…$30 or so.

 

[data003]

The Ford electrical guide says the DC-DC converter is rated at 250A of 12V, and that 55A (660W to 750W depending on voltage) are available for aftermarket accessories. The truck will manage recharging the 12V system as required. Of course, we need to see that in practice, but in theory those are the design constraints.

Nice that’s good info. In theory I should be fine using the cigarette lighter inflators then.

 

[FlasherZ]

Nice that’s good info. In theory I should be fine using the cigarette lighter inflators then.

I've used cigarette lighter inflators in our Teslas for years without issue. I've used a Kobalt brand from Lowe's and a "Viair" that I purchased off Amazon. The cigarette lighter socket is protected by a fuse that's smaller than 55A, but I wouldn't expect any problems from one that's specifically made for lighter socket.

 

[data003]

I've used cigarette lighter inflators in our Teslas for years without issue. I've used a Kobalt brand from Lowe's and a "Viair" that I purchased off Amazon. The cigarette lighter socket is protected by a fuse that's smaller than 55A, but I wouldn't expect any problems from one that's specifically made for lighter socket.

I have a VIAIR one in my other vehicle that I really like. I’ll probably go with the VIAIR 85P.

 

[Drillerr]

I use this one at home because I hated dragging the compressor and extension cord around the vehicles. Set your psi and let it go, it will stop when it reaches the set number. It will also inflate tires and air mattresses with the included accessories. I already had some DeWalt batteries so I purchased the tool only. https://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-20-Volt-MAX-Inflator-Tool-Only-DCC020IB/305709688

 

[shutterbug]

2. All the 12v compressors want the engine running while in use. Given that we have no idea how quickly the truck can charge the 12v battery, I’d hate to drain it accidentally and then be unable to use the truck!

I don't think that's true. I've been using compressor that comes with Ford for years without having the engine run. The 12V outlet is powered for some time after the engine is shut off.

OTOH, If there is no 12V outlet in the bed, there a good chance the compressor won't reach the rear tires.

 

[Amps]

All that AC power available and still considering using 12V? With all due respect, I don’t get it.

 

[V8BoatBuilder]

It's not 120v, but the Milwaukee M12 inflator is amazing. I'll use it instead of my shop air because you can set the target PSI and it will auto-shutoff. I have a lot of M12 tools already, so it was a natural fit. Worth checking out.

 

[data003]

It's not 120v, but the Milwaukee M12 inflator is amazing. I'll use it instead of my shop air because you can set the target PSI and it will auto-shutoff. I have a lot of M12 tools already, so it was a natural fit. Worth checking out.

I really like this option, but don’t want to be screwed by a dead M18 battery…

 

[V8BoatBuilder]

I really like this option, but don’t want to be screwed by a dead M18 battery…

One of the XC4.0 M12s will inflate several tires. I keep it in my Leaf (no spare) and have taken a tire from 0-40 and only lost one of the four battery indicators.

I plan on keeping an M12/M18 charger in the Lightning anyway, this will be a work truck for me. I plan to keep it plugged into the frunk 120v outlets.

 

[4x4TruckLEDs.com]

I’ve been trying to find a good portable tire inflator to store in the truck. Ideally 120v and compact. Anyone have any recommendations?

I looked at 12v options but I have some concerns.
1. I can’t be bothered to use one of the compressors that require a direct 12v battery connection. Too much work in the lightning to get at it through the frunk, and then opening the cover.
2. All the 12v compressors want the engine running while in use. Given that we have no idea how quickly the truck can charge the 12v battery, I’d hate to drain it accidentally and then be unable to use the truck!

If you want a portable one the ViAIR 400P kits we sell are awesome. I've had a 400P kit for about 17 years now in my other truck. In my Bronco I use an ARB Twin Compressor but it's an on-board system. We ALSO sell the ARB Portable kits which are outstanding, but a bit pricey.

For the $$ the ViAIR kits are hands down the best bang for your buck. Got money to burn and want something fast? Get the ARB Twin Portable Kit.

But the ViAir is what we sell to the beach guys here on Long Island. Portable, easy on the wallet and the kits come with everything you need:

Check them out here: https://www.4x4truckleds.com/air-compressors/

 

[CoyoteJim]

Ok, so this may not be what you had in mind but this thing is great and it will be on sale for prime day I’m sure. This thing can jump my F250 power stroke 6 times before it needs a recharge and the built in air compressor pumped up both rear tires on my tractor and still had 50% battery. It comes with a cigarette lighter adapter to charge it off your 12v system. Yes, you will no longer need the jump capability but maybe you can jump your ICE-owning friends’ trucks?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B082BBJSJK

 

[Mike G]

I use this one at home because I hated dragging the compressor and extension cord around the vehicles. Set your psi and let it go, it will stop when it reaches the set number. It will also inflate tires and air mattresses with the included accessories. I already had some DeWalt batteries so I purchased the tool only. https://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-20-Volt-MAX-Inflator-Tool-Only-DCC020IB/305709688

I have the exact same one, love it and it uses the same 20V max batteries as the rest of my Dewalt stuff..or 120V. I even got the hardshell case for it off Amazon. It lives in the cargo net in my frunk now.

Mike

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