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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.
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What to Look for When Buying an RV Air Compressor
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.
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. Decide how you will be using your compressor before you narrow down your choices.
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 45053 450P-RV Automatic Portable Compressor Kit
The 450P-RV 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 add more air). It also offers long hoses to reach tires further from the electrical connection, perfect for a Big Rig. The specs offered on this model include:
- 150 PSI
- Duty Cycle: 100%
- Weight: 15 lbs.
- Hose: up to 60’ in length
- Price: Averages around $350
- Compatible with the Viair Winterization Kit that you can use to blow out your water lines
VIAIR 450P-RV Silver Automatic Portable Compressor Kit (45053), 1 Pack
- 12 VOLT - 150PSI Max Working Pressure, engine must be running during use
- 1. 80CFM Free Flow at 0 PSI
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Show LessViair 40047 400P-RV Automatic Portable Compressor Kit
The 400P-RV is our personal choice, and the one we’ve been using, and loving, for years. We’ve been asked why we’d want this one vs the 450P-RV, since it only has a 33% duty cycle compared to the 450P’s 100%, and it’s lower-priced, so must be lower end. There are a few reasons.
First, the flow rate is higher. The 400P-RV produces 2.30 CFM (cubic feet per minute), while the 450P-RV 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 400P-RV 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 450P-RV 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 it’s a great bonus that it’s less expensive than the 450, while even providing faster tire filling. The specs offered on this model include:
- 150 PSI
- Duty Cycle: 33%
- Weight: 11 lbs.
- Hose: Up to 60’ in length
- Price: Averages around $300
- Compatible with the Viair Winterization Kit that you can use to blow out your water lines
Viair 40047 400P-RV Automatic Portable Compressor Kit
- 12 VOLT - 150PSI Max Working Pressure, engine must be running during use.
- 2.3CFM Free Flow @ 0 PSI
Viair 300P Portable Compressor
This model might be a good choice for budget shoppers. At less than half the cost of the 450P-RV model, it comes with the same PSI power. And while it offers a lower duty cycle and a shorter hose appropriate for smaller RVs, it only weighs nine pounds. The specs offered on this model include:
- 150 PSI
- Duty Cycle: 33%
- Weight: 9 lbs.
- Hose: 25’ long
- Price: $152
- Note: NOT compatible with the Viair Winterization Kit
VIAIR 300P Portable Compressor - 30033
- Fit Type: Universal
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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Disclosure Notice
Sometimes we receive products for evaluation at no cost and may use affiliate links to the products and services from which we earn commissions. For example, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. That said, it's important to us to let you know that our opinions are our own. We only recommend products we believe deliver real value and that we can confidently recommend without reservation. You also won’t pay an extra penny by using our links. Thanks so much for supporting RVgeeks as we work to create helpful RVing-related content that we hope enhances your RVing life!
Even though we're handy RVers, we're not professional technicians. So although we're happy with the techniques and products we use, you should be sure to confirm that all methods and materials are compatible with your equipment and abilities. Regardless of what we recommend, consult a professional if you're unsure about working on your RV. Any task you perform or product you purchase based on any information we provide is strictly at your own risk.
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