Not sure if this is the right place to start this thread, but, I want to get a 12V air compressor to top off my tires at the track. I have seen some guys using the cigarette lighter ones, but it can take a long time just to get a few lbs of pressure, and they don't last long, heat up to quick. I am looking at a couple from Super Flow, and the two I like are 30A & 40A. You need to have the car running to use them, and I do not see that other functions, i.e. stereo, heated seats and such will be on at the same time. So, what can I run? Thanks, Tom
When I swapped out the run flats for real tires I got the MINI/BMW Mobility kit (tire goop and compressor) I just got new tires and apparently they didn't quite seal the bead on the rim so I was met with 0 psi in my right rear at 5P earlier this week That compressor running off the 12V cigarette lighter filled that tire to 35psi in no time
I just picked one up from Harbor Freight: 12 Volt, 100 PSI High Volume Air Compressor Pretty quiet, doesn't get too hot and is fairly quick. But, I have also found that a $12 manual foot pump I got from Big 5 is just about as fast.
I would go cordless, much more convenient for track use, I am starting to see a lot of these at the track. Fifty bucks will get you a pretty good one.
I just use the 12v compressor in my slime kit.... Its slow and noicey as hell but it gets the job done and I carry it in the car anyway....
[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Schumacher-IP-95C-Jump-Starter-Compressor/dp/B0012MYI8U/ref=sr_1_20?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1290436960&sr=1-20"]Amazon.com: Schumacher IP-95C Jump Starter & Air Compressor: Automotive@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41FpaB7QkDL.@@AMEPARAM@@41FpaB7QkDL[/ame] This one is at Sam's for 49.99 [ame="http://www.amazon.com/Stanley-J5C09-Jump-Starter-Compressor/dp/B002X6VXL4"]Amazon.com: Stanley J5C09 500 Amp Jump Starter with Compressor: Automotive@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51bLiPz-4dL.@@AMEPARAM@@51bLiPz-4dL[/ame]
I've had this one for over a year and it's served me well. I picked it out b/c our flatbed trailer requires 60 PSI and our 2500HD requires 80. Plus, the LED light is nice for adding air early in the morning. Here's an Amazon listing, but I got mine from Northern Tool. [ame="http://www.amazon.com/Goodyear-i7000-12-Volt-Heavy-Duty-Inflator/dp/B001D5HP40"]Amazon.com: Goodyear i7000 12-Volt Direct Drive Heavy-Duty Tire Inflator: Automotive@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/217MhQ1mPwL.@@AMEPARAM@@217MhQ1mPwL[/ame]
Another alternative I use and see folks using is the small air tank. Easy to fill before leaving the house and easy to get refilled at the track if needed from a fellow that has a trailer and a big compressor.....lol [ame="http://www.amazon.com/Portable-Air-Tank-5-Gallon/dp/B000FNA700"]Amazon.com: Portable Air Tank (5 Gallon): Home Improvement@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/21vQkSDVi6L.@@AMEPARAM@@21vQkSDVi6L[/ame]
I have an airman that fits inside the side cubby hole in my boot. That's for emergencies. However, when I need to pump a lot of air into my tire fairly quickly, I use a manual pump and get some exercise doing it too. If it's to the track, I would throw this in the boot and us it instead of an electric one.
I have something like this: Bought it for my bicycles, since I like my tire pressure to be about 60 psi, and the 12v I had was not getting it there. Found that it works pretty well and pretty quickly on car tires as well.