When experienced drivers were asked for advice, most of them said that truckers should get the best portable air compressors.
There are many things that will always happen on the road. Most of them can cause your truck tires to lose air quickly, which will force you to get back on the pavement.
But you know that in some places, it’s not easy to find out where the air stations are that need to be re-inflated. This is why an air compressor in the back of the truck is so important. Let’s see if this article is helpful for you. It tells you everything you need to know to choose the right air compressors.
Table of Contents
What is a truck tire portable air compressor?
While an air compressor is just a pump that gathers air and pumps it directly, a portable air compressor squeezes the air so that it goes into the tire at a certain pressure.
A portable air compressor strikes a good balance between power and efficiency. It also comes in a small package that makes it easy to store anywhere, like in the trunk of your car, a shed, or a garage.
There are many good reasons to install a certain type of truck tie. Well, because pumping up truck tires is a heavy-duty job that requires a motor that is strong enough, which not every standard portable air compressor can do.
What to Look for in a Truck Tire Portable Air Compressor
LCD Display
With an LCD screen, portable air compressors will be a powerhouse. With this screen, you can see how much air is in the balloon. An LCD screen is an important part of any modern model.
But if yours is older, it will have the traditional dial and needle to use.
The main reason people choose an LCD screen is that the backlighting makes it easier to read the indexes in the dark and gives users a more accurate reading.
Cord to Charge a Cigarette Lighter
There is a chance that drivers will get stuck far from home with flat tires and a broken air compressor, but don’t worry, this problem can be fixed with a special light. In that case, a charging cord for a cigarette lighter will save your life.
Auto-Shutoff
One of the most important parts of a portable air compressor is that it automatically turns off when your tires reach the desired PSI. This is possible because you can set your desired PSI.
Also, an air compressor with an automatic shut-off will be much easier to use because you won’t have to worry about over-inflation or a dangerous tire bursting.
Lights Already There
Built-in lights will help you a lot if you get stuck on the side of the road at night. Most LED-based air compressors have this feature, which is easy to find. It not only gives you light while you’re inflating your tires, but it also lets other drivers know you’re there.
Tank Size
This factor tells you what kind of job you will be doing with the air compressor since the tanks are where the air is compressed and stored. The amount it can hold is measured in gallons.
For heavy-duty tasks like sanding, inflating truck tires, or other work that needs constant power and pressure, your air compressor will need larger tanks.
The SCFM and PSI
Power is another important thing to think about when looking for an air compressor. We use pounds per square inch (PSI) to figure out how much pressure an air compressor can make.
The SCFM is like the standard cubic feet per minute, which is the flow value of the pump. Both SCFM and PSI work together. The flow value is low when the PSI index is high and vice versa.
If most of the work you do is heavy-duty, make sure that the SCFM index of your compressor is at least 1.5 times the value of the truck tires. First, check your tires, and then choose a product that will work.
dBA
Noise is something that users sometimes care a lot about. When having a conversation at home, it’s best to have an index between 60 dBA and 85 dBA. The less noise there is, the more likely it is that you will be able to relax.
Weight
If the model isn’t too heavy, it will be easy to move from one place to another. But the ideal weight should be able to be adjusted to a level that will hold your air compressor back and keep it in place.
Because the legs are small and thin, the machine is easy to tilt, and the lighter the unit, the easier it is to set up and move.
If you get a model that is heavier, it will be more stable and reliable. But as technology has improved, many companies now make machines that are small and light but do a great job.
Source of power
The motor is what gives the air compressor its power. Compressors that run on fuel will be easier to move around, while those that run on electricity will be harder to move.
Some units are strong, have a large capacity, and can be used in harsh conditions. These machines will give you a motor that starts with a low amount of amps.
Before buying a portable air compressor for truck tires, there are a few things to think about.
Tire size
There are many types of air compressors on the market that can be used to fill tires of different sizes.
You’ll need a certain kind of air compressor based on the size of your tires. Getting the right size will help you in many ways.
How to Move Around and Store
Portable air compressors need to be easy to move from place to place. It’s clear that what you buy has to reach all of your truck’s tires without any trouble.
Regarding storage, it should be easy and good to put away when it’s not being used. Your air compressor should be small enough to fit in your trunk without taking up too much room.
Convenience
Convenience is also a factor, and high-quality units usually have this. Most of the time, the one that costs more ends up being easier to use.
It’s easy to find cheaper models, and most of the time, they come with some benefits. As you do the job, the process moves along at a steady pace, which means that you’ll need to spend more time on it.
Automation
It’s great to have a tool that already has what you need. It’s much better to get an air compressor with a few pre-programmed settings than one with manual PSI settings.
Also, buy a unit that will turn off automatically when the pressure is just right. It’s much easier than doing it by hand. Even though they cost a lot, we think it’s a great deal.
Strength and dependability
High-end and low-end portable air compressors are also different in how well they work over time. When you get a cheaper one, their motors are also smaller.
Yes, they can be broken, and the plugs or cases can come apart easily or break after being used for a long time. They don’t have protection against overheating, so they can burn out or melt quickly. You can only make them live longer if you change how often you feed them and take good care of them.
The more expensive models have a bigger, more powerful motor that lets them work faster and comes with a cooler. This is also why they last so much longer.
They also have thermal overload protection to make sure that the motor turns off by itself if it looks like it’s being overworked.
Time for Inflation
When you’re looking for a portable air compressor for your truck, you’ll need to know how long it will take to fill the tires. This will give you an idea of how long it will take to fix your truck and get it back on the road.
If the inflation time is short, you’re lucky because you won’t have to wait as long.
Duty Cycle
This is how long it will take for the inflator to cool down completely after each use. Write down the time because knowing the exact time can be very helpful. If your air compressor’s duty cycle is 50%, you can use it all the time without stopping.
How to Fill Your Tires Correctly
You have to get your portable air compressor if you want to pump up your truck tires on the go. There are many of them on the market. Some come with a 12-volt cigarette lighter, while others use a regular power outlet.
If you want a fast and effective air compressor for truck tires, look for one that you can hook up to the battery of your car.
Most 12-volt inflators take longer to do the job, but they are much easier to use, and the best part is that you don’t have to pay to use one at a gas station.
If you don’t have a portable air pump, you can get one at a number of gas stations. Some will charge you, but others won’t. Follow these steps to make sure your tires are full once you’ve decided which way to go.
First, users have to put the air compressor as close to the car as possible so that they can get to all of the tires without moving the car.
Then, quickly take off all of the valve stop caps and put them in your pocket or somewhere else so you won’t lose them.
Now is a good time to start the air compressor and cover the valve stem with the hose. You can quickly see and tell if the process of blowing up is happening or not.
If you buy a good air compressor, it will have a built-in gauge that will help you keep track of the tire pressure as you fill them.
If you have a digital air compressor, you can pre-set the tire pressure you want, and the air compressor will shut off when it reaches that pressure.
When you use an air compressor to fill your tires, you should pump it a bit more and add a bit more air. This is a good tip that you should remember.
Also, make sure all the tires are set up the same way. If your tires were already warm when you went to fill them up, you should add 3 PSI more than what is recommended. Check the pressure of the tires when they are cold.
After you’re done putting air in all of your car’s tires, use the digital gauge to check the pressure again when all of the tires are cold.
Best Portable Air Compressors For Truck Tires You Must Know
1. Portable CABLE Air Compressor PCFP02003
This air compressor is very strong and can handle up to 135 psi of pressure.
This product can be used again quickly, and it also has more outputs than others. Also, because it has no oil at all, it lasts a long time.
Even better, this unit is a reliable air compressor with two gauges and a coupler that is already built in. So, it’s easy to set up and doesn’t take much work to keep up.
It is also one of the most portable air compressors because it is one of the lightest ones on the market. The downsides, on the other hand, are the loud noise and the lack of a roll cage to protect the outside.
2. PORTER-CABLE Compressor Kit CMB15
CMB15 is known as one of the portable air compressors that won’t break the bank. With a small tank, the machine is much easier to move around. Also, it has a water drain valve that makes it easy for people to get rid of water.
Also, the durable oil-free pump is a standout feature. Because it doesn’t need oil, you won’t have to do much, or as some might say, you won’t have to do any maintenance. With a psi of 90 and a capacity of up to 2.0 SCFM, this air compressor lets users get back to work faster.
But it does have some problems, like a short power cord and a high chance of falling.
3. VIAIR 400P Portable Air Compressor
When you’re on the road, this baby lets you hook up to the battery so you can quickly pump up your tires.
But this unit’s real potential comes from its great features, like its heavy-duty dual battery clamps, tire inflation gun, automatic shut-off, 60-inch hoses, three inflation tips, vibration-resistant diamond-plate sand tray, and heat-shielded quick connect coupling.
Even though it’s small, it can do any job perfectly, and the storage couldn’t be easier to get to. When you’re on the trail, it helps make sure your trip goes smoothly and gives your tires more grip.
Its limits, though, are that it can’t fill tires bigger than 35 inches and that its small size makes it less stable.
4. EPAuto Air Compressor Pump 12V DC
Even though it comes in a small box, it is one of the most powerful and best air compressors you can find. This machine weighs only 3.8 pounds, so you can even put it in the back of your truck when you go out.
Also, the strong motor makes sure that the airflow is steady and strong, and the LCD screen is easy to read. The built-in auto cut-off works great to keep the tire from getting too inflated.
Still, it can’t handle tires that are too big, and the fact that there are no adapters for a wall socket might make it seem a little cheap.
5. Helteko Portable Air Compressor
This one is a digital tire inflator that meets modern standards and has a design that stands out. At the same time, it comes in a sturdy package. Don’t be fooled by how small and handy it is. All of the important parts of a good air compressor can be found in one unit.
Indeed. It does a great job of inflating your truck tires if you choose to use it for that instead of something else. Stainless steel and high-quality plastic are also used to make the construction strong and reliable.
But it might be hard to store because it doesn’t come with any bags or cases. On the other hand, it’s strong enough to carry heavy things.
6. Kensun AC/DC Portable Air Compressor
This is one of the most dependable portable air compressors that are also very easy to use. It gives users access to advanced features that help them find gas stations without having to worry about where they are.
It’s also very useful because you can use it anywhere, at home or on the road. Also, the fact that it can work with AC or DC is a great feature. The problem might just be that it doesn’t work as well as it should and that it’s hard to screw on.
7. AstroAl Air Compressor 150PSI
If you are crazy about this portable compressor, you should know that its PSI and CFM numbers are high. You can easily refill all kinds of balls and tires, as well as do light-duty pneumatic work, like hammering nails.
With a longer runtime of 30 minutes, it’s the best choice if you want to use the air compressor for a lot longer without losing pressure or having to wait for it to cool down.
One of the biggest problems is that the machine’s pressure can sometimes go too high, even though it has a built-in safety feature to stop it.
Conclusion
Imagine that you have the best portable air compressors in your truck and that it is on the road.
Every problem will be solved quickly and easily, making our lives so much easier.
I hope you won’t forget this important friend if you want your trip to be safe and fun. If you know of any great products, let’s talk about them.
