A tire inflator is a must-have for road trips as it can save so much trouble. But choosing the right one is not so easy. Considering the different shapes and sizes they are available in both online and offline platforms, finding the best tire inflator for RV is not an easy quest.
Since RVs are large vehicles, you need to get a tough and heavy-duty tire inflator. There are also other factors to consider before buying, such as their power source, portability, length of accessories, ease of use, etc.
Product | Name | Editor's Rating | Check Prices |
---|---|---|---|
EPAUTO 12V DC Portable Air Compressor Pump | 5 out of 5 | ||
AstroAI Air Compressor | 5 out of 5 | ||
VacLife Air Compressor | 4.5 out of 5 | ||
FORTEM Portable Tire Inflator | 4.5 out of 5 | ||
Craftsman Air Compressor | 4 out of 5 |
In this article, we will be giving our top 10 recommendations and will also be listing the factors you should be looking out for before making a purchase decision.
Our Recommended 10 Best Tire Inflator for RV
For large vehicles like RV, trucks, vans, etc. you will need a heavy-duty, portable RV air compressor with a sufficient psi rating to get the work done. All the tire inflators listed below are best suited for RVs.
1. EPAUTO 12V DC Portable Air Compressor Pump
If you have already tried and tested a few portable RV air compressor pumps, you would still be surprised by the EPAUTO 12V DC inflator. It is quieter than most other portable tire inflators, almost too quiet that you would barely notice when it is done.
The pump is built heavier than average and has a premium feel to it. You can easily work on other parts of your car as the auto pressure button as the pump stops working on your pre-selected PSI rating.
To make this RV air compressor work, you will need a 12V DC 10 AMP power source or cigarette lighter jack. Do not try using your home wall outlets or use an AC to DC converter, as it can mess up your product.
The EPAUTO compressor has some other features that you cannot help but appreciate. Even the way that cords wrap up nicely and remain snug due to the quick connect clips can increase ease of use.
It also has intuitive controls which keep the pre-set pressure the same throughout, but you can sometimes lose ½ to 1 psi when disconnecting the screw on attachment to the valve.
Pros:
- Bright LED flashlight to ensure visibility at night or in dim-lit situations
- Auto shutoff feature prevents overload and allows to work on other parts of the car
- Digital gauge to show you all the details clearly
- Quieter than most other similar products
Cons:
- Display light always stays on
Verdict
The EPAuto 12V DC RV air compressor pump does everything you would expect from a portable inflator and is fast, efficient, and very quiet. Its attachments are well-sized and have intuitive controls and displays to ensure ease of use.
2. AstroAI Air Compressor
If you are looking for a good RV air compressor pump that can not only help inflate the tires of your RV but other small things as well, then the AstroAI inflator pump may serve you best. It can inflate bikes, balloons, pools, balls, and of course, car tires as well.
If you are not tech-savvy at all, you would love how easy this pump is to use. The display is bright and easily readable, even in the dark.
Once you connect the device to your RV tires, it will immediately read the pressure, and you just have to change it to what you want by pressing the + button. But before that, you need to press the M button and select your desired tire pressure.
Since it is very lightweight and compact, it is very easy to carry around during both short and long road trips. It has an upgraded cable design and multiple nozzle attachments, which you need to change for different applications. And that is quite easy too.
Pros:
- Multiple nozzle attachments for a wide range of applications to ensure proper inflation
- Faster inflation speed to save time
- Smart control features to increase user convenience and prevent accidents
- LED lights and backup flashlight to ensure visibility during emergencies
Cons:
- No wall-outlet accessibility
Verdict
The AstroAI is a high-quality air compressor available at an amazing pocket-friendly price. It features a 100-psi rating with other user-friendly features to increase convenience and versatility of use.
3. VacLife Air Compressor
Travelling may have its perks and feel relaxing, but it does have quite a few hassles. So, to deal with them, you need solid and well-made devices, and very few inflator pumps are as tough as the VacLife RV Air compressors.
To inflate tires with this pump, you need to plug it into a power outlet. And while it requires a 12V DC power outlet, you can also use an AC converter to attach it to your wall sockets. Once you do that and connect the stem to the tire valve, the digital screen comes to life and displays the current pressure.
However, the VacLife tends to heat up quickly and get very noisy. To avoid ruining your device, allow it to rest and cool down completely before using it again.
But one of the best things to love about this device is its 11.9 feet power cord that can be so helpful to reach both the front and rear tires of large vehicles, like RVs, vans, and busses. It also saves the trouble of the need to plug and unplug it for every tire.
Pros:
- Additional attachments plus the standard one for versatile applications
- Includes a long power cord to inflate all four tires with ease
- Easy to set and fill up your tires with the desired pressure
- Compact and light for easy storage
Cons:
- Heats up fast
Verdict
Overall, the VacLife air compressor is a reliable portable product that is strong and fast and has well-thought attachments. It has excellent features and is well worth the excellent price, which is a lot cheaper than similar products.
4. FORTEM Portable Tire Inflator
In your search for the best RV air compressor reviews, the FORTEM portable air compressor should be a common name in every list. It has all the features you must be looking for and fortunately comes at a very reasonable price.
This FORTEM 12V unit can be plugged into the cigarette lighter jack while your car is running. It will instantly display the current air pressure, and just like other similar pumps, you need to press the + sign to set the desired pressure.
These are all written in the instruction manual. But what it fails to mention is that you need to wait for a little after setting the psi and for the display to stop flickering before turning on the device. Most users have been unsuccessful because they did not do so.
As soon as the compressor starts running, the pressure increases by o.5 psi until it reaches the set value. Afterward, it continues for a few more seconds before automatically powering down.
Pros:
- Lightweight and can be easily carried around
- Cords can be stored at the back so everything stays nice and tidy
- Wide selection of nozzle attachments to fit almost all kinds of inflatables
- Sufficient air hose length and is designed to be durable and resists high pressures
Cons:
- Need to cool down after every 8 minutes
- Short power cable and cord
Verdict
It is a small, portable air compressor pump that can be stored in almost any available space. The features are similar to most digital compressors but are fortunately priced reasonably well.
5. Craftsman Air Compressor
This Craftsman air compressor is a USA-made tire inflator kit that contains 13-pieces of accessories.
You do not need to set a time, as the auto-shutoff feature automatically powers the pump once the tires have reached their pre-set pressure. So, you do not need to worry about overinflation or overheating.
If you have parked your RV near a nice scenic view, you can even enjoy a nice outdoor picnic or take a small nap. You do not need to stop in an ugly gas station.
Their oil-free pump takes at most 5 minutes to reach a psi of 35 and can reach a maximum of 150 PSI. The recovery time is quick as well, with 2.6 SCFM at 90 PSI which considerably reduces any downtime.
However, many RV owners have found that the pressure drops in the second hour and have lost a lot of PSI. Some even say that it is not suitable to blow out a sprinkler system as it does not push much air. However, if you run the compressor for 30 seconds at a time 3 times, you will find that the pressure stays high enough.
Pros:
- Reasonable recovery time allows for lower downtime
- Reduced maintenance because of the lack of oil use
- Budget-priced and comes with a low shipping charge because it comes as a kit
- Portable and has a handle design for moving around
Cons:
- Does not include instructions for the use of small accessories
Verdict
It is a pocket-friendly priced air compressor kit that is highly efficient, suitable for smaller garages, less noisy, and requires minimum maintenance.
6. Kensun Portable Air Compressor Pump
For RV owners looking for a portable tire inflator to use both at home and during road trips, look no further than the Kensun air compressor. It is a little expensive but easily earns its place on the best portable tire inflator list.
Despite its small built, it can pack a maximum pressure of 100 PSI. While most air pumps are only restricted to DC outlets and occasional AC converters, this pump has a unique switching feature. It allows you to use your 12V cigarette lighter receptor and 110V wall socket without any additional adapters.
Unfortunately, some customers have complained that this unit overheats quickly and even smokes. To avoid this problem, you need to let the device take frequent breaks and to let it cool down completely before using it again.
There is a classic built-in digital gauge and an LCD. You can easily read or convert your preferred measurement units directly from it. It even has some pre-set psi values set for fast pressure delivery.
While it comes with various nozzles, attachments, and a standard DC cord, there are two AC cord length options available to choose from. There are several compartments to store them in to keep everything nice and tidy. And it even comes with a handy dandy zipped bag too.
Pros:
- 30L/min fast inflation speed to save time
- Compatible with both AC/DC for both indoor and outdoor use
- Digital pressure gauge and LCD for easy unit conversion
- Easy transportation and storage due to separate compartments and zipper bag
Cons:
- Expensive
Verdict
The Kensun RV tire inflator offers incredible versatility not only for its multi-purpose nozzle attachments and different cord lengths but also because it runs on both AC and DC power sources. All of the features are worth the high price.
7. VIAir 00088 88P Portable Air Compressor
VIAir produces the best portable RV air compressors and has released a variety of inflator units that are well-loved by all. This unit may seem small and dainty at first, but it provides great value.
The design and materials used in this compressor are of high-quality grade. It makes the air compressor's hose slightly heavier, but it is completely leak-proof and eliminates the need to hold onto the hose while pumping.
With the secure alligator clips and long electrical leads, it is easy to connect the RV battery and compressor sitting on the opposite ends of the car. Both the wiring and clips remain cool after use while the compressor gets slightly warm.
The unit earns points for its reduced noise and vibration but loses a little because of the power light indicator. It is situated in the back and can be difficult to see in the dark without an external light source.
Pros:
- Has an extended reach chuck to attach to all tires
- Does not overheat easily and have a longer runtime
- Extra-long reach with two thirty-feet air hose length
- Connects directly with the car battery besides using cigarette lighter jack
Cons:
- CFM, or Cubic Feet per Minute, is low for such a premium unit
Verdict
This heavy-duty compressor kit is specially designed for camper and RV tires. It is one of the best RV air compressors and includes all the accessories you would need.
8. TEROMAS Tire Inflator Air Compressor Pump
The TEROMAS air compressor works both indoors and outdoors and is quite popular for its versatility. It is a well-built unit that comes with a 12V DC power plug alongside a 110V AC adapter.
This unit is incredibly powerful and is easy to use as well. Having the AC/DC switch is the cherry on top. In the upgraded model, they have also increased the hose length to improve its range and ease of use.
When you are done pumping, you can even pop the hose into the back of the unit to keep it out of the way. You might have to wiggle it a little to get it in, but it does not take too much effort. Moreover, due to the precise lever snap on the connector, the amount of air lost is kept to a bare minimum.
It is also to be noted that the auto shut off feature powers down the gauge 1.5 psi below the set value. To work around this problem, you may have to slightly increase the desired pressure during the initial set-up.
Pros:
- Digital display is backlit and has integrated LED light to offer visibility
- High pumping speed which can go from 0 to 35 PSI in less than 5 minutes
- Compatible with both AC and DC power outlets and can be used almost anywhere
- Good length cord with additional inches provided by the hose increases accessibility
Cons:
- Gauge shuts down before reaching set PSI level
Verdict
The TEROMAS is an excellent RV tire inflator to have at hand for inflatables of almost all kinds. It has a high ease of use, compact value, fit, and comes at an excellent price.
9. GSPSCN Silver Tire Inflator
The GSPSCN is another air compressor best suited for RVs and other large vehicles. It has a simple design and build. It has a maximum air pressure of 150 PSI which is perfect for heavy-duty usage.
To inflate tires and ensure such pressure output, the unit employs a double cylindrical design. The body is also enclosed with rubber feet to keep the vibration to a minimum. It is well-made and tough but is comparatively lightweight.
When it is coiled, the air hose length does not seem too long but can extend up to 11.5 feet. It does get slightly warm after a few minutes, but fortunately, the compressor and stem remain much cooler.
You can connect it to a 12 V outlet as well as to a battery using alligator clips. With the built-in pressure gauge, you can read the current pressure without using an external device.
Pros:
- Lightweight and has high portability and transportability
- Rubber feet enclosure minimises vibration
- Built-in gauge reduces the need to stop the inflation and use an external device
- Long air hose for added reach
Cons:
- Requires longer break time
Verdict
This is a basic automatic portable compressor kit that is perfect to pack in your RV for your road trips. It includes all the necessities without any of the frills.
10. Tirewell 12 V Tire Compressor
In the list for the best RV air compressor kit, the Tirewell easily makes the cut with a maximum air pressure of 150 psi and a 2.12 CFM air flow rate. It will only take a couple of minutes to fill up the tire pressure of your RVs, SUVs, campers, trailers, etc.
You will notice its reduced vibration and noise right from the very first use. The pump employs a direct drive motor with a four-rod fuselage design to maintain a low rotating speed and high efficiency.
Most customers argue that the CFM is not the best, but it is not the lowest and is good enough to work on most RV tires. The fact that it can get to higher PSI ratings to pump more air without breaking down or losing its efficiency is why we included Tirewell in our list.
Of course, there are other features to expect from this high-rated Tirewell RV air compressor. The 1.8 feet long 5 M hose can resist high pressure to create a secure connection.
Pros:
- Alligator clips to directly connect larger tires from the battery
- Sufficient power cord length which gives a lot of distance to work with
- Comes with a convenient carry bag to protect your inflator
- Built-in pressure gauge measures air pressure and gives an accurate read
Cons:
- Takes a long time to inflate RV tires
Verdict
The Tirewell 12V tire inflator is not as fancy as other portable air compressors but is tough and well made and can inflate almost all tires to the max. It is also very tiny, so you will not have any trouble storing it.
RV Tire Inflator Buying Guide
As we have said before, you would need a heavy-duty inflator for your RV tires. And to ensure the longevity of the devices, they should be able to handle the pressure without overheating and breaking down. These are the different types of tire inflators with different air compression methods available in the market.
Battery Powered Air Compressors
These compressors are very lightweight and are mainly used for smaller items that do not require much air pressure. They are restricted to entertainment and sports items.
Portable Tire Inflators
While some portable air compressors can pump up to 100 PSI, they are limited to small to mid-sized vehicles. Usually, they are DC powered and require a cigarette lighter jack to connect.
Heavy-Duty Portable Air Compressors
Just as you would expect, these types of inflators are compatible with larger vehicles such as RVs, trucks, campers, trailers, vans, and busses. They are slightly larger but are still light enough to take it wherever you go.
Once you have narrowed down your search to the type of inflator you find, you will also need to consider the following factors.
Performance
The first and foremost feature that you need to check for is the specs. Since RVs have larger tires, you need to find a pump with a max of 150 PSI. PSI stands for pounds per square inch which is a metric unit to measure the air pressure. A higher PSI rating means the higher the amount of inserted compressed air.
You will also need to ensure that the compressor has a sufficient CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute). It is the rating to denote the filling speed of your pump. Since you intend on mostly using this pump for emergencies, you do not want to spend ages waiting for your tires to fill up.
Size and Weight
For any portable object, the size can directly impact the flexibility and ease of use. While RVs have larger baggage space, you still do not want it to be consuming too much of it.
There is also the matter of the air compressor's weight. You also do not want it to be too heavy to move it around to where you need it. Breaking your back during your vacation is the last thing you need.
Accessories and Attachments
While you would mostly use the pump to inflate your tires, it does not hurt to have multiple attachments for versatile applications. Try looking for kits that include several multi-purpose nozzles.
You should also consider the length of the accessories to help you reach all your tires easily without having to unplug and plug them in. This can save you so much time and energy.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How Long Should I Use My RV Air Compressor Before Letting It Rest?
It depends on the quality of your compressor, the lower the quality, the shorter the runtime. With most standard inflators, the runtime is about 20 minutes.
2. Can I Use A Small Portable Compressor For My RV?
RV tires are slightly larger and need a lot of air volume and high PSI. Smaller air compressors would be unable to fill them as they have only one cylinder and, thus, inadequate power to fill them up.
3. How Do I Connect Portable Compressors?
You can connect your inflator to the RV's battery directly using alligator clips or to the 12-volt outlet inside your vehicle, which is the cigarette lighter jack. But in both cases, you need to keep the engine running to supply the power.
4. How do I Know the PSI of My Tires?
Manufacturers will list the recommended value on a sticker by the doorjamb. Different brands of tires may have different pressures, so always check the required value before pumping.
5. Can I Skip Using An Air Gauge?
An air gauge is a very important device to check RV tire pressure. Without one, you can underfill or overfill them, which can cause accidents.
Conclusion
Hopefully, we have helped you on your search for the best tire inflator for RV. Now, you will be all set for the next flat tire on the road without having to stop by a gas station.
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