Best Air Compressor for truck tires
Owning a reliable air compressor for your truck tires is indispensable. Not only do you need to maintain proper pressure in the tires for improving the fuel efficiency, but it can also help in the handling of your truck.
This article reviews three of the best air compressors for truck tires. These three air compressors make it to our list because of their proven track records over time.
Best three air compressors for truck tires:
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If you don’t have an inclination to do a full reading or are in a rush or simply prefer glossing over this article, just check the key features of the air compressors below to choose the suitable one for you. The key features below form the technical aspects of the air compressor which tells you how powerful and efficient the air compressor is.
1. VIAIR 400P air compressor
Key features:
- Duty cycle of 33% at 100 PSI.
- Maximum of 150 PSI.
- CFM output is 2.3 CFM.
- Max Amp Draw stands at 30 Amps.
- Motor voltage of 12 V.
- Suitable for tire sizes up to 35” in diameter.
2. VIAIR 88P air compressor
Key features:
- Maximum PSI of 120 with CFM of 1.47.
- Car battery power source operates at 12 V.
- Can inflate tire size of up to 33” in diameter.
- Duty cycle of 45%
- Max Amps at 20 Amps.
- Also has an LED work light.
3. Air Armor M240 air compressor
Key features:
- Maximum working pressure at 120 PSI with 2.11 CFM.
- Impressive duty cycle at 50% or 100% duty cycle for fifteen minutes.
- 12 V car battery power source.
- Can inflate tires up to 35”.
- An arsenal of accessories not found with any other compressor.
Review of the Best air compressor for truck tires
1. VIAIR 400P
VIAIR 400P Portable Compressor
1 used from $ 189.47
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Features
- 12 VOLT Operated - 150PSI Max Working Pressure, engine must be running during use.
- 2.3CFM Free Flow @ 0 PSI. The air hose length is 25 feet
- 150 PSI maximum working pressure and 33% duty cycle
- Direct heavy-duty dual battery clamps with 40-amp inline fuse
- Includes deluxe carry bag anti-vibration tray and more
A favorite amongst the air compressors for truck tires, the VIAIR 400P is a no-nonsense air compressor. It does precisely what it promises. VIAIR as a brand of air compressors is also highly reputable which is why it receives a lot of love from experts and amateurs alike.
Approved by off-road enthusiast
The best part about this VIAIR 400P air compressor is that it has the approval of off-road enthusiasts all over the world. This gives a strong message that the VIAIR 400P is a reliable and durable air compressor for truck tires.
Stainless steel valves
This VIAIR 400P air compressor has stainless steel valves with PTFE piston ring which performs exceedingly well.
Moisture and dust resistance
This VIAIR 400P compressor is also built to resist as much dust and moisture as possible.
Easy pressure monitor
You can also easily monitor the air pressure in the VIAIR 400P by using the inline deflator/inflator hose and gauge.
Quick inflation
With the VIAIR 400P, you can quickly inflate 35” tires under 5 minutes. Overall it can operate continuously for 15 minutes at 150 PSI.
Automatic reset
For protection from thermal overload, the VIAIR 400P air compressor also comes with an automatic reset.
Double battery clamps
You also get double battery clamps with 40 Amp inline fuse holder in the VIAIR 400P.
Vibration reduction
There is also an aluminum sand tray in the VIAIR 400P for isolating and reducing the vibration.
Clean Oil-free operation
The oil-free operation of the VIAIR 400P air compressor leaves it clean and durable.
Highly reliable
The reliability of VIAIR 400Pair compressors is that when you are on the go, you will never have to worry about filling up your tires.
2. VIAIR 88P
Viair 00088 88P Portable Air Compressor
3 used from $ 61.37
Free shipping
Features
- 12 VOLT - 120PSI Max Working Pressure, engine must be running during use.
- 1.47CFM Free Flow @ 0 PSI.Max. Amp Draw: 20 Amps
- Portable air compressor powered via alligator clamps direct to battery.
- Good for small ATVs, trucks, SUVs, and sedans with up to 33" Tires.
- LED/Power indicator, 10 Ft. Power Cord, 16 Ft. Air Hose, 3pc Inflation Tip Kit
The VIAIR 88P is a new and excellent air compressor for truck tires. Arguably the best small portable air compressor in its class, this 88P performs impressively from the word go.
Easy pressure reading
The VIAIR 88P air compressor has a direct drive piston with a broad gauge that makes reading easy.
Less vibration
The vibration of this VIAIR 88P air compressor is relatively less because of the long strokes of the piston and the rubber feet it rests on.
Operates at optimum temperature
The head of the piston comes with a heat sink that considerably reduces the operating temperature of the VIAIR 88P compressor, thereby keeping it cool.
Safe operation
The 20 Amp of the VIAIR 88P operates via the battery and comes with an inline fuse which protects the electrical component of your vehicle.
Easy accessibility
The VIAIR 88P compressor has a 16 feet air hose with a power cord of 10 feet enabling you to reach all the four tires of your truck easily. However, one sore point here is that the pump permanently attaches itself to the power cord and the air hose. This means that it may not be possible to replace them if in case they malfunction.
Excellent duty cycle
The VIAIR 88P’s 45% duty cycle is one of the most impressive features. This allows the compressor to run continuously for 20-25 minutes at 30 PSI with 1.25 CFM which is remarkable for a small compressor.
3. Air Armor M240
Air Armor M240 12 Volt
$209.95 in stock
1 used from $ 149.99
Free shipping
Features
- CONVENIENCE: The M240 12v air compressor powers directly from your vehicle's battery and delivers air with a 25' service hose. Included is a box of tire parts, tools, and accessories. All this in a tough as nails steel storage locker to have with you where ever you go.
- MULTIPLE USES: You won't be the operator caught dead on the road because you lost a part in the dirt - the M240 air pump has your back. Packed in the accessory box is an arsenal of 27 tire care and repair parts which includes a tire repair kit, 4-way tire valve tool, 2 gauges and an assortment of commonly lost or damaged tire parts like valve caps and cores
- EASY TO USE: At the core of the M240 is a 12-Volt, direct drive, high volume air compressor with a 10'power cord that clips directly to your vehicle's battery. This 40mm powerhouse provides optimal performance in the critical tire inflation pressure range. Delivering 2.11 CFM you can inflate a full size truck tire in less than 2 minutes and fully inflate a 35" tire from 0-35 PSI in less than 5 minutes. The system boasts an instrument panel with built-in air pressure gauge and type "M" style 1/4" air fitting to attach the unprecedented 25' straight easy-to-coil air hose with lock-on ball foot commercial air chuck. Airing up has never been easier thanks to an extended 50% duty cycle and hose that reaches all 4 tires of even the longest wheelbase vehicles
- GREAT GIFT IDEA: The perfect gift for the rugged off road, outdoor enthusiast, Jeep owner who needs to air up and air down quickly and easily. A popular item with our Military and First Responder customers
The M240 air compressor from Air Armor is a superb gear for any situation where you require compressed air. For any overland travel, the M240 sits on top effortlessly. The casing of the M240 air compressor is also extremely tough that it can withstand any sort of handling.
Solid carry case
The Air Armor M240 air compressor has a carrying case that imitates the style of an ammunition carrying can that provides adequate protection to the kit inside. The can comes with a vast amount of accessories like gauges, tire valve tool, repair kits for tires, cores, valve caps, etc.
Powerful 2.11 CFM
The Air Armor M240 air compressor can generate 2.11 CFM though this claim will depend on the battery unit, the compressor’s heat generation, and to some extent the altitude. Nevertheless, for a single 35” tire, it will only take you less than three minutes to fully inflate. The built-in gauge also allows you to get almost accurate tire pressure.
Workhorse motor
The Air Armor M240 12 V motor can inflate to 120 PSI with a restart pressure at a maximum of 90 PSI. There is also an automatic shut-off system if the compressor is over-heated.
Phenomenal duty cycle
The Air Armor M240 has a 100% duty cycle for around fifteen minutes after which it goes back to 50%. Essentially, this means you can operate the compressor for two minutes and then let it cool for another two minutes and allow the cycle to continue.
Final Verdict
Now that you’ve gone through all the features that you need to know about the three best air compressors for truck tires, we’d expect that you know what you need. However, if you are thinking whether you can inflate tires more than 35 inches with these compressors, then these babies may not be your ideal choice.
A lot of your requirement will depend on the size of the tire. For anything that is up to 35 inches, the VIAIR 400P or the Air Armor M240 can perform efficiently. But if you still want to know which one you should go for, then we’d recommend the VIAIR 400P as the best air compressor for truck tires because of its proven reliability.