The majority of experienced drivers will recommend investing in a good compressor to carry with you in case of tire issues. Poorly kept streets, unforgiving landscape, mud, and rocks are inescapable when you are out driving around. Every one of these issues can potentially cause your truck tires to go flat. That means you will need a tool that can help you refill those tires and get them properly inflated again.
However, finding an air machine at a gas station might be difficult. If you are out in the middle of nowhere, it might even be impossible. This is why a compressor can be incredibly helpful to have in the trunk. There are a lot of great options, and that could make your decision-making process a little stressful or overwhelming.
That is why we have used certain criteria to narrow down your choices. In order to choose the best portable air compressor for truck tires so that you get the best value for money and a product that will last you for years to come, we looked at the following:
- Tire Size
- Portability/Storage
- Ease of Use
- Function
- Durability
- Inflation Time
- Downtime Needed
With these features in mind, we looked through a multitude of compressor models and brought them down to these five choices. Each brings with it some amazing benefits and features that will allow for optimal performance from your new air compressor. So, let’s get right into these reviews so you can find the perfect one for your needs.
Comparison Chart
Portable Air Compressor Reviews
1. TIREWELL 12V Tire Inflator
Our first entry is a direct drive metal pump that is perfect for trucks and RVs. This 12V Tirewell compressor has superior power and will have your tires up and ready to roll in no time.
Review
It is all in the design when it comes to crafting a high-quality, superior air compressor. Everything plays a role in whether the unit works for your needs. This goes all the way from the parts used in the build to the features included in the function. The team at Tirewell understands this and has made sure to include the following attributes:
- Max pressure of 150 PSI
- 2-minute inflation time for standard tires
- Built for stability and reduction of road noise
- Designed for direct drive inflation
- Double-cylinder air compressor model
- Includes 5’ power cord & 16’ inflation hose
This 12V tire inflator has a lot to offer the traveler who wants a little more security for their road travels. The power offered by this unit may well be the biggest advantage. Perfect for rapid inflation of tires up to 35” in diameter, this air compressor works for almost any truck. Then, when you look at the durability and ease of storage, there is no question that this is a superb option.
All of those amazing factors aside, there are a few issues that some may take fault with. The unit, though portable, is very heavy in comparison to many of our other choices on this list. You will have to use your car battery, which is not unusual for this type of compressor but may be a problem for some. Other than that, having a light to help in low light situations would definitely be a plus.
Even with those drawbacks, the ultimate performance and durability of the unit makes this one of the best air compressors on the market.
Pros
- Inflates tires up to 35” in diameter
- Length of inflation hose
- Hose rolls up easily
- Durable
- Good power
Cons
- Unit is a little heavy
- Uses a car battery for power
- No lights
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2. GSPSCN Silver Tire Inflator
The next compressor on our list is a heavy-duty, double-cylinder, 12V option. It offers a very powerful way to make sure you hit the road with perfectly inflated tires.
Review
The designers at GSPCN Silver have carefully manufactured an air compressor that comes with all the features you want and more. These features include:
- Crafted with a double-cylinder design
- Max pressure of 150PSI
- Standard tire inflated in a minute and a half
- Fitted with rubber feet for stability
- Comes with a 3M cigarette lighter switch
You are probably looking for an affordable compressor that is easy to use and comes with a lot of great attributes. If that is the case, this could be the one for you. It is built for not only small work but heavy-duty work, as well. This makes it perfect for large trucks or even RVs. It inflates quickly due to the powerful airflow. Plus it is easy to transport, as it all comes in one handy carry bag.
There are some points of consideration we should mention. There have been some reports of issues with the accuracy of the gauge. It is also constructed with some parts that have less than favorable durability. Also, though it is easily transported via the bag, it is a bit on the heavy side. It is not quite as portable as other options on our list.
This model may not be transported as easily as other models. However, the power and ease of use will help you overlook the few flaws in the design. If you can overlook them, we know you will not be sorry with your decision to make this your air compressor of choice.
Pros
- Quick and powerful
- Crafted for heavy-duty work
- Price is affordable
- Easy to use
- Bag for transport included
Cons
- Issues with gauge accuracy
- Durability
- Large (needs more storage space)
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3. VIAIR 00088-88P Portable Air Compressor
This unit optimizes portability with its lightweight, compact design. This is the first entry from this high-quality brand, and it is easily one of the most portable on our list.
Review
VIAIR strives to produce well-made products that offer optimal performance. In order to do that, they try to use the highest quality materials and features to make their pieces stand out. With the 88P model, they do that by including the following features:
- 120PSI max power
- 20-amp draw
- Inflates up to 33” diameter tires
- Includes 10’ power cord & 16’ hose
- 3pc. tip kit
This may be the most portable model on our list. It is constructed to be lightweight and compact, which makes it easily transported and stored. To give you more use, the team also included a bright LED light to help you see in the lowest light conditions. When it comes to power, this unit is small, but it might give you enough power to handle truck tires. Plus, you don’t have to worry as much about your power source, as it comes with a 10’ cord.
Sometimes, the smallest things make the most noise. With this unit, the power you get comes with a loud motor. This may not be an issue if out in the wide-open. However, when in an enclosed space, you can find this to be the biggest problem. Another issue that comes up quite often is the fact that the cord and hose seem to tangle very easily. This will make storage and taking your time with it a vital part of your maintenance process.
Finally, this unit does not come with a carrying bag, which may be enough to take this option off the plate for some. However, these drawbacks may not be reason enough for you to move on. If that is the case, you may want to seriously consider this item as one of your potential choices.
Pros
- Portability
- LED light
- High max pressure
- Uses battery
- 9’ long power cord
- Lightweight, compact design
Cons
- Excessive noise
- No carrying case
- Cords and hose tangle easily
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4. Avid Power Tire Inflator
This entry offers a lot of options and gives you everything you need to be able to handle multiple vehicles. It is certainly built with high-quality components. This air compressor is also one of the best options for dealing with a wide range of tire models.
Review
Focusing on the safety and performance features of your air compressor is key to making a safe, popular model. Avid Power has carefully designed a unit that has several unique features that give it a leg up over the rest. Some of these features are:
- Constructed with two solid metal motors
- Able to be powered both with 12V and 120V socket
- Two settings for both inflation and deflation
- Comes with an automatic shut-off
- Built-in LED light
Versatility is the word that comes to mind when you think of this air compressor. From the power supply, all the way to the inclusion of multiple tips for the compressor, you get many options of use. Power can be delivered via a 12V battery or by simply plugging it into a 120V wall socket.
The unit also comes with multiple hoses that are crafted of sturdy materials. Three separate tips come in the package, which gives you the ability to deal with multiple valve types. Speaking of valves, the unit is designed with a quick-connect valve that helps maintain pressure without losing air as you connect.
There are a few things that we would be remiss if we didn’t mention. The motor, although powerful, produces quite a lot of noise. Other than that, the only other design flaw is that the power cord is shorter than most would like.
These issues are in no way universal. That is why we concentrated on the advantages available by using this compressor. When you focus on that, there is no way we could leave this unit off of our list.
Pros
- Multiple power sources (12V battery/120V socket)
- Comes with 3 different tips
- Multiple types of hoses
- LED light
- Durable hose
- Quick-connect valve
Cons
- AC power cord is short
- Noisy motor
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5. VIAIR 400P Portable Compressor
Our last entry is another compact portable option from VIAIR. It comes fully equipped with a kit that will have you set for any issues that may arise while on the road.
Review
This is another fine example of VIAIR’s devotion to quality products. Once again, the team has engineered and manufactured a unit that encompasses all the features you need for a high-performance air compressor. These features include the following:
- Operated with 12V power
- Max pressure of 150PSI
- Includes 25’ hose
- Comes with heavy-duty battery clamps and 40 amp inline fuse
- Carry bag and anti-vibration tray included
When you want portability, you are looking for a lightweight option that comes with everything you need in one little case. That is what the 400P brings to the table. That is exactly why we knew we had to include this in our rundown. Along with the amazing carrying bag, you also get several tips and a 25’ hose that gives you a lot of mobility. Plus, the air quantity allows for just the right amount of air for your project.
Now, with all these great features, you will find a price tag that is higher than many of the other options we have discussed. Along with that, you will want to be aware of a few of the issues that come with this unit. It’s not very fast, coming in at 5 minutes to fill up a 33” diameter tire. It is also small, which makes it a poor choice for big projects. Other than that, some users have experienced excessive heating of the pump.
Even with those flaws, this unit has a lot to offer and may just be the right choice for you.
Pros
- Easily transported
- Compact design is easy to store
- Not much assembly required
- Good air quantity
- Comes with attachments and 25’ hose
Cons
- Not good for large projects
- Not very fast
- Pump gets hot
- Price is quite high
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Final Thoughts
No one wants to be stuck in the middle of nowhere on the way to an event or vacation destination! That is why investing in one of the best portable air compressors for your truck is a great idea. This will ensure that you get safely to your destination and will decrease the anxiety that comes with travel. Of the compressors above, we are sure that you will be able to find one that meets your needs.
