We’ve changed the way we add air to our RV’s tires. Before, we used our diesel pusher’s onboard air compressor, but this new way applies to any type of RV, so this tip isn’t just for owners of large motorhomes.
If you’ve seen our previous videos about adding air to high-pressure tires on diesel RVs, you know that using the built-in compressor might not be as simple as it sounds. Besides the problem of the pressure cycling up and then down below our required tire pressures as part of its normal operation, we also try to avoid idling our engine more than absolutely necessary. We hate being an annoying neighbor by polluting a campground with diesel exhaust and noise just because our tires happen to need air. Our new solution not only makes the job easier, but also makes us a better neighbor.
If you’ve seen very many of our videos, you know that we’re all about finding cost-saving ways to solve RV issues, but sometimes a top-of-the-line solution is the best solution, and you get what you pay for.
We discovered Viair, a manufacturer of ruggedized portable compressors, designed to handle more demanding situations, like filling large off-road vehicle tires. We like the fact that they make a model specifically designed for RVers (we use the Viair 400P-RV), which has stellar reviews on Amazon, so of course that’s the one we ordered.
For full-timers, space is limited, so every piece of equipment has to provide value. We made room on our RV for this unit, and we’re sharing it because we think it’s such a worthwhile addition to our rig.
Featured & Related Products:
- Viair 400P-RV Air Compressor (on Amazon)
- Viair Compressors (at MobileMustHave.com – Save 5% with Discount Code THERVGEEKS)
- Flexible Cutting Boards
- Aerospace 303 UV Protectant
- Accutire Digital Tire Pressure Gauge
- Infrared Temperature Gun
- Camco Super Wheel Chocks
- Utility Blocks – Pack of 4
- Utility Blocks – Single
- Double-Seal, Inflate-Through Valve Caps – 4 Pack
Recent & Related Videos:
Mike Griffin
Saturday 8th of October 2022
Peter and John
We are on our first trip in our new (to us) 2021 Tiffin Allegro Red and all is well except for the tire pressure.
I used my Vi-Air to inflate the tires to 110 PSI as the specs require, but I keep getting high pressure warnings.
Happens even driving at low speed. I can't believe it is a weight issue -- we're not carrying any more gear than we carried in our old gas RV.
Pressure goes up to 120 according to the built in TP monitor. I checked with a digital gauge and it confirmed the PSI.
Any thoughts?
Thanks
Mike
TheRVgeeks
Tuesday 11th of October 2022
Hi Mike. Not sure which TPMS system Tiffin is using, but we’d bet that it has manual settings for the high pressure that need to be adjusted. It’s 100% normal for the tires to heat up (and this also have their pressure increase) while driving, but your TPMS should be configured so that it doesn’t alarm. Check with Tiffin (or in the owner’s manual) to see how to adjust it.
John Schretlen
Thursday 28th of April 2022
April 28, 2022
Hi Peter, Hi John,
Had a quick look and like your new eBook.
Is there a way to save it to my computer to read later? I’m thinking of a PDF file.
Take care,
John
leovorwerk
Thursday 18th of June 2020
I am having a lot of trouble inserting the hose tip into the stem and getting it to seal on my RV. Some of the tires are easier then others, but of a couple of them only leak air and my tires are getting way low. HELP!
TheRVgeeks
Friday 19th of June 2020
One other thought... it's possible that your valve stems on some tires are sticking out too far, preventing the foot on the inflation tool from being able to seat itself. You may want to see about having them checked by a tire professional and see if they can adjust them.
TheRVgeeks
Thursday 18th of June 2020
The trick is to get the valve at the correct angle on the stem... specifically square to it. Some wheels, especially the rear duals, can make it difficult to get the angle right. Also, some Viair compressors come with two different chucks. If you have two types, maybe try the other one to see if it's easier to get seated.
kae zulager
Tuesday 13th of February 2018
Hello RV Geeks! We are newer to RVing and bought the Viair at your suggestion. Is it just me or does it take 30 minutes a tire to top them off? What am i doing wrong?
TheRVgeeks
Tuesday 13th of February 2018
Hi Kae! You're definitely doing something wrong, and we have a pretty good idea what, since other friends of ours did the same thing we think you're doing. Before you first use the compressor, you have to put the foam filter element in place. Check the instructions for how to do this. It takes a few seconds, and allows air to flow. Without doing that step, no air can come into the unit, so it won't work. Topping up a large diesel pusher tire takes us all of about a minute or two to add about 5 PSI.
Sue
Sunday 11th of June 2017
Hi! We watched many of your videos as we were preparing for, purchased (Winnebago View) and eventually departed on our great RV adventures 2 years ago. We purchased a Viair based on your recommendation.
We were recently boondocking about 4 miles down a dirt road in Dixie National Forest in Utah. We woke to a nearly flat tire, pumped it up to pressure with the Viair, and drove ourselves out.
So glad we found and watched your videos and took your advice! Thanks!
TheRVgeeks
Monday 12th of June 2017
That is so great to hear, Sue (the "self-rescue" part, not the "flat" part)! ? Thank you so much for taking the time to let us know that our videos have been helpful. Means so much. Safe travels. ?