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Anyone find a good portable inflator to use with their truck bed outlet?

5.8K views 19 replies 12 participants last post by  bethel95  
#1 ·
It's convenient to have that outlet and it would be nice to not have to rely on a cigg lighter style tire inflator.
 
Discussion starter · #4 ·
18 volt Ryobi Dual Function Inflator/Deflator P731 is a beast and runs forever on battery. Topped of 26 tires on 1 4AH battery and it was only down to about 75%. My FIL even uses it to put 90+ lbs in commercial RV tires. You just set pressure and it turns off when full. I know it's not corded but lithium batteries hold a charge for a long time. You could always carry around a charger and spare battery.
Ha. I literally just charged up my kids bikes with this charger and it's what got me thinking. I will say, I've never used it for vehicle tires yet, so it's nice to know it has that kind of power. As far as spare chargers and batteries, let's just say I went a little nuts in 2017 on BOGO Ryobi days. Perhaps I'll just put this set together a call it a day.
 
Discussion starter · #5 ·
I have heard good things about Kensun air infiltrators
https://smile.amazon.com/Kensun-Per...1_sspa?keywords=120v+air+compressor&qid=1561407562&s=gateway&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1

I use the 120V to 12V convertor to use my 12V cigg outlet air pump at home: https://smile.amazon.com/Cellet-Converter-Cigarette-Lighter-Adapter/dp/B07M6T5FD3/ref=sr_1_19?crid=2RWGCLIXH6Z5T&keywords=120v+to+12v+converter&qid=1561407637&s=gateway&sprefix=120v+to+,aps,134&sr=8-19

I use EPAuto air compressor from Amazong and it has been going great for the last 2 years. They are essentially the same as the Slime branded digital air compressors.

Thanks. I've read good things about a Slime version as well, but this is along the lines of what I was thinking about. Slime, and others make the small adapter for $5. I can't tell at a glance is the Kensun comes with it, but it's a cheap add on: https://www.autozone.com/air-tools-...d=2737283611&ppjmid=43737&cmpid=AFF:US:EN:AZ:NL:1000000:GEN:ppjmid43737-8-11065
 
Discussion starter · #7 ·
All these plug in air compressors come with a screw type Schrader valve outlet and other tips screw on to them. Since all auto tires are Schrader valves, you are set. The images on the Kensun has that in the 5th picture. I use the pump to air up my kid's stroller and our bikes.
Yes, but that's screw on, correct? The adapter screws on to that, then you can just use the latch - not that I'm a huge fan of those either, but it's better than having to screw it on. Or maybe not.
 
Discussion starter · #14 · (Edited)
Just curious, why do you say that?

Seems from later posts you, like many of us, have found a 12VDC inflator that works great and is reliable. IME they usually have long enough power cords to reach all 4 corners from the 12v socket while 120VAC pumps rarely have enough cord/hose to reach all wheels - so add the bulk and hassle of an extension of one or the other.

Not likely that a 120VAC that works reliably within the 400W max rating of that outlet is gonna offer significantly faster inflation than a good 12VDC unit, don't ya think?

Lower risk involved if ya gotta deal with a problem in the rain, too (anyone know if that 120VAC outlet is equipped with GFCI or how long it takes to trip for over-current?).

Me, I'm happy to stick with using the well-proven KISS 12VDC socket feature for this chore rather than dealing with the complications of 120VAC just so I can say I'm using the outlet (there's several other 'features' on my RL that I'll rarely use - no worries).

IMO what would be convenient is another 12VDC socket in the cubby with the 120VAC outlet. Hmmm...;)
IDK, as smufguy wrote, I've never been crazy about relying on cigg outlets. Some also seem to trip fuses and if my hands are greasy, I'm now leaning on my console to get to that outlet, etc. And my dealer told me that light leather shows dirt/grease, implying that if I'd had dark leather the grease they left on my seats wouldn't be a problem. But it's too late for me to get dark leather, soo...

Perhaps you've solved the problem, with a 12V DC outlet in the bed and there is an adapter available that easily converts the existing 3-prong to a cigarette outlet. I wonder how much power loss there is and would it affect these type of units. I'm tempted by that and getting the Kensun, which has both options, or just run with the EPAuto. Also, the more research I do, I'm gaining confidence in these 18V and 12V units.

Your point about rain is partly why I wanted something for the bed outlet. I have a cover, so I open the gate and still cover the bed socket fairly well. But if I use 12V DC upfront, I have to have a window or door at least slightly open, plus I'm leaning in, getting the cabin wet, etc. I'd just rather be working with the exterior of the truck, but it's not a deal breaker, especially since I can't recall ever getting a flat tire, I've only had to top off a tire now and again. I just jinxed myself, but part of my wanting an inflator is that the kids are now driving, so I might be their road service.
 
Discussion starter · #17 ·
I have a Viair portable unit. It has the cig lighter option, but also has the battery clamps option, which is the better option, IMO.

If starting from scratch, I'd seriously consider the 18v or 20v options.
I'm beginning to think that's the cleanest option and these cordless units are becoming serious performers. The Ryobi inflator/deflator is great and I was thinking of something smaller. Perhaps even the Ryobi inflator would due, but I'm getting spoiled with the digital readouts. Not to sound like an infomercial, but the Ryobi wet/dry vac is great as well. I just used it for the first time and the suction is like a commercial vac, it's light and handy enough, and the hose stretches to 6', which I didn't need even for the RL. It doesn't come with a brush attachment, but I had some orphaned ones and 3 of them fit.