When you’re driving or hauling an RV down the road and you discover that one of your tires is low on air, it’s not always convenient to find a gas station air hose that’s easily accessible to your large vehicle. Or imagine being camped on the shores of a tranquil mountain lake, and you decide it’s time for a peaceful paddle across the water. You’d probably appreciate not having to spend too much time foot-pumping your inflatable kayak. It might be time to consider adding an RV air compressor to your equipment inventory.
Air compressors are extremely adaptable, both at campsites and on the road. Not only will they help to keep all those tires safely rolling, but they can be used to power pneumatic tools, inflate sports equipment, and even clean the dirt off your outdoor camp rug.
Most air compressors can even enable you to winterize your RV’s plumbing! Click on the photo below to see our complete video tutorial on how we winterize our RV water lines with our Viair 400P-RV air compressor and Viair’s handy winterizing kit:
We’ve collected several tips to keep in mind as you shop for the right RV air compressor for you.
What to Look for When Buying an RV Air Compressor
There are several important considerations to make when buying an RV air compressor. Let’s take a look at the most important features for RVers.
Maximum and Minimum PSI
How many psi (pounds per square inch) of pressure can the compressor generate? First, you’ll want to know the required psi for the types of tires and equipment you have. For instance, the manufacturer’s inflation tables for your RV tires might call for 80 psi based on the weight they’re carrying, but your car tires may need 32 psi, while your bike might need 65 psi. Will the compressor be able to meet all your needs?
Duty Cycle
Most small air compressors need a recovery period to cool down after running for a certain amount of time. This running-then-resting time is called the “duty cycle” and it’s usually expressed in percentages of an hour. For example, a compressor’s duty cycle may be listed at 33%. This means it can run for 20 minutes out of every hour. A compressor rated at a 50% duty cycle can run for 30 minutes out of every hour. A 100% duty cycle means the compressor can run continuously for up to one hour before needing a cool-down period.
Hose Length
Many shoppers forget to take the hose length into consideration when purchasing a compressor, which can be a frustrating oversight. If the compressor runs on 120 volts, the hose may need to be quite long to run from the electrical outlet to your tires or equipment.
Make sure your air compressor offers a sufficient length of hose to allow you to reach all of your RV’s tires!
You may be able to plug it into the cigarette lighter of the vehicle you will be servicing, but in general, a longer hose is always better, especially when the length of your RV is taken into consideration. Bear in mind that even when using 12-volt power, the compressed air may need to reach to the furthest tire on your rig from the battery or outlet you’re using to power it. Many of the best RV air compressors are portable and have 30’ to 60’ long hoses to meet your needs.
Weight
Lighter duty compressors are usually also lighter in weight (and lower in cost). Weight can be a deciding factor when considering where you might be using the compressor and how it’s transported. Some compressors can weigh more than 30 lbs., which could make it difficult to maneuver in and out of an RV. Additionally, it could add some fairly significant weight to your rig.
Power
Most portable air compressors work on 12 volt (DC) power. They plug into a 12-volt plug on a vehicle or attach directly to a battery with clamps. 120 volt (AC) powered compressors are usually more stationary and are great for use in garages. Both types of air compressors can be useful for filling up footballs, bike tires, kayaks, etc. Know how you’ll be using your compressor before you narrow down your choices.
Some air compressors allow you to connect directly to your vehicle’s battery for power!
How Does an RV Air Compressor Work?
Taking in the air from the atmosphere and pressurizing it is an air compressor’s job. It does this by creating a vacuum to draw in air. Using a motor run by electric, gas, or diesel power, the air is forced through an opening in the compressor to build up pressure. This compressed air is released through a hose that’s used to fill tires, power paint sprayers, inflate toys, etc.
To learn how to inflate your RV tires the easy way, watch our complete video tutorial!
Best RV Air Compressors
Let’s have a look at some great RV air compressors for motorhomes and trailers, as well as a bonus budget-friendly option.
Viair 450P-RV EF
The 450P-RV EF is an updated version of Viair’s popular 450P RV. It features Viair’s new EF (Enhanced Flow) technology that delivers up to a 10% faster fill and 20% more performance. The 450P-RV EF is the big boy of portable air compressors and a good choice for large motorhomes. It’s capable of the high pressures often needed by big diesel pushers and has a 100% duty cycle so it can run longer to provide more air for those big tires (or for duallies).
Viair’s EF compressors offer a 2-pin SAE power connector that allows you to use different power attachments, and an updated head for better heat dissipation. The 450P-RV EF is compatible with dually tires, has 60 feet of total hose reach, and comes with a 40″ twist-on chuck so you don’t have to crouch while inflating your tires.
- Up to 150 PSI
- Duty Cycle: 100% at 100 psi
- Weight: 13 lbs.
- Hose: up to 60’ in length (primary hose = 30′ and extension hose = 30′)
- Price: Averages around $410
- 45-degree extended-reach chuck
- 90-degree twist-on chuck
- Compatible with the Viair Winterization Kit that you can use to blow out your water lines.
- PORTABLE *AUTOMATIC* COMPRESSOR for RVs & TRAILERS (Model: 45157, 150 PSI, Class A Tires) - From the VIAIR Enhanced Flow line, this model features an...
- VERSATILE POWER OPTIONS: With a pre-installed 2-pin SAE connector, this compressor is compatible with a variety of power adapters, including VIAIR’s...
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Show LessViair 400P-RV EF
The 400P-RV EF is an updated version of Viair’s popular 400P RV (our personal choice, and the one we’ve been using, and loving, for years). Also featuring Viair’s new EF (Enhanced Flow) technology, the 400P-RV EF delivers up to a 10% faster fill and 20% more performance.
Like the previous EF model, you’ll have a 2-pin SAE power connector that allows you to use different power attachments, and an updated head for better heat dissipation. The 400P-RV EF is also compatible with dually tires, has 60 feet of total hose reach, and comes with a 40″ twist-on chuck.
A lot of people wondered why, when we had our 43′ diesel pusher (a big rig with big tires!), we chose the 400 model instead of the 450, especially since it only has a 33% duty cycle as opposed to a 100% duty cycle offered by the 450.
First, the flow rate is higher. The 400 model produces 2.30 CFM (cubic feet per minute), while the 450 model produces only 1.8 CFM. That means the 400 adds air faster. The 400 also weighs slightly less than the 450.
Since we only use our compressor to top up pressures as needed, rather than fill an entire tire from empty, we don’t need a 100% duty cycle. And since the 400 model tops up tires at a faster rate (higher CFM), we spend less time at each wheel position, with the compressor having some time to cool down as we move from tire to tire. And it can still handle the same high 150 PSI pressures that large diesel pushers demand, just like the 450.
The one instance where we’d suggest switching to the 450 model is if you do a lot of off-roading, and need to drop your Jeep’s tire pressure way down to give them extra traction in sand or other loose material. Filling each tire back up from very low can require a large amount of air volume, and being able to run the 450 for an entire hour uninterrupted gives that model the nod for off-road enthusiasts.
The 400 does everything we need, and of course it’s a bonus that it’s a bit less expensive than the 450, even though it provides faster tire filling. The specs offered on this model include:
- 150 PSI
- Duty Cycle: 33%
- Weight: 10.35 lbs.
- Hose: Up to 60’ in length
- 45-degree extended-reach chuck
- Price: Averages around $375
- Compatible with the Viair Winterization Kit that you can use to blow out your water lines
- PORTABLE COMPRESSOR for RVs & TRAILERS (Model: 40144, 150 PSI) - From the VIAIR Enhanced Flow line, this model features an updated head design for...
- VERSATILE POWER OPTIONS: With a pre-installed 2-pin SAE connector, this compressor is compatible with a variety of power adapters, including VIAIR’s...
Viair 300P-RVS
This model might be a good choice for budget shoppers. At around half the cost of the 400P-RV EF model, it comes with the same PSI power (up to 150 psi) and duty cycle (33%). It also has a shorter hose (30′) appropriate for smaller RVs, and it weighs under nine pounds. The specs offered on this model include:
- 150 PSI
- Duty Cycle: 33%
- Weight: 8.70 lbs.
- Hose: 30’ long
- Price: $190
- Note: NOT compatible with the Viair Winterization Kit
- Inflates tires from 80 PSI to 90 PSI in less than 44 seconds
- Includes extended 30 ft. air hose, 5-in-1 braided coil hose, and an inline gauge that reaches 150 PSI
Conclusion
Adding an RV air compressor to your lineup of dependable tools is a smart move. It gives you peace of mind regarding safe travel while providing the functionality you need for both work and recreation. The portable models are lightweight and small, making them the perfect stowaway equipment for any sized RV. And they might come in handy when you least expect it!
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AK Fish
Wednesday 6th of November 2024
I was looking for replacement inflator hose with 150 psi inline gauge to replace my 3+ year old VIAIR 300P-RVS portable inflator hose that sprung 2 tiny pinhole leaks this year. What the ????
I had little to no luck online trying to locate a replacement hose (part# 00026). Any hose I did locate were either at exhorbitant shipping rates to Alaska or not at all. I commented about the lack of shipping options to Alaska from the VIAIR website and to my surprise, VIAIR contacted me and then stepped up to provide me a FREE hose and mailed to me within a week on their dime. Great customer service from VIAIR!
The 300P-RVS (with extension hose) is doing a great job for topping off my four 80 psi travel trailer tires and 3/4 ton Silverado's tires. If and when I replace this model, it will be another VIAIR RV model.
Jay
Tuesday 27th of August 2024
Motorhomes with air brakes usually have a compressed air fitting that can be used to air up the coach should it need to be towed or to air up the tires. But it requires that the air system to be pressurized and, usually, the engine running. Instead, we have carried a small, portable,120V compressor for years. At first, it was a Harbor Freight model that they no longer sell. It died after a year of infrequent usage and so did its HF replacement. We looked elsewhere and found at Lowe's the Metabo HPT 6-gallon 200 PSI pancake air compressor. We purchased it 2 years ago. It fits in an outside compartment. It works very well other than being very loud, as most of them are. It weighs 41#. It is currently on sale for $179 ($70 off) until September 25, 2024. If you have the room and can handle the weight, you might want to consider this compressor. Naturally, you will need an air hose and fittings. We like the AstroAI digital tire pressures gauge with inflator, curently on sale at Amazon for $22.99.
The little 12V compressors are suitable for bikes and cars, but not RVs due to their higher tire pressures and volumes. They will get super-hot. Some will pull more amps than your accessory outlet's fuse can handle and then you have to locate that blown fuse. If you manage to inflate even one tire with it, it will likely be your last.
Bob
Thursday 22nd of August 2024
As a full time RVer I faithfully read your column. Some of the most helpful and easily understood subjects. Just finished your remarks on air compressors. I own the ViAir RV450 and love it. I wanted to be able to use it anywhere so I purchased an Anbull 120vac to 12vdc converter. At 600w and heavy duty posts for the ViAir clamps it has allowed me the flexibility of not having to get into the battery bay of the RV or open the truck hood. Thought I would share.
Dan
Saturday 26th of November 2022
My DP has onboard compressed air for the brakes and a connection point for an air hose up near the generator. Is this type of air safe to winterize with or does it have a lot of contaminants?
John
Sunday 23rd of January 2022
A quick observation for offroaders on the Viair 40047 400P:
We bought this compressor on the Wynn’s recommendation (I bet they talked with y’all! :-) ), and have been very happy with it.
Since we don’t have bead locks, we only air down to 15PSI or so. In our experience, this compressor works well when it’s time to air back up, and the duty cycle has never been an issue. For someone airing down to 10PSI or less, it might be.