It is essential to maintain the air pressure of your RV tires to have a smooth experience on the road with your vehicle. The best 12-volt air compressor for RV tires ensures that your tires never go flat, thereby causing an accident or damage to them.
The EP Auto 12V DC portable air compressor has a myriad of applications and is not limited to inflating RV tires alone. Moreover, the auto shut off feature prevents against any chances of over and under-inflation of your vehicle’s tires. You can quickly move it from one point to another without a hassle.
#Table of Contents
Comparison Table of The Best 12 Volt Air Compressor For RV Tires
How We Decided
--We researched every product, we review with our own.
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Research Sources
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Research Duration
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Expert's Opinions
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Customers Reviews
What Are The best 12 volt air compressor for RV Tires?
Here are some of the Best 12 Volt Air Compressor For RV Tires we found:
01. EP Auto 12V DC Portable Air Compressor Pump, Digital Tire Inflator
Salient Feature
- Flow rate: 30LPM
- Color: Blue
- Warranty: 2 years
- Manufacturer: EP Auto
- Voltage: 12V
- Weight: 1pound
- Dimensions: 13.5’x8.1’x5.6 inches
Various Applications
It is not limited to inflating car tires alone but also midsize SUVs, bikes, sedans, or any motor with an engine size below 3.5 liters. This top-rated off-road air compressor also has additional adapters for inflating basketball balls, kayaks, and swimming pool accessories.
Flow Rate
It can output pressure at a speed of 30 liters per minute, which is equal to 1.06 CFM.
Cord
Its cord measuring about 9 feet long and a hose of 2.5 feet make it easy to feed pressure into your RV’s tire. Further, it is flexible; hence you can move it around in any direction you want.
LED Light
You can comfortably use this tire inflator in low light conditions because it comes with an in-built bright LED light for optimum illumination.
Auto-shutoff feature
This portable inflator has an auto shut-off and overheats protection feature to ensure that no pressure overload onto your tires occurs. Once your tire's maximum pressure is reached, (167 degrees Fahrenheit) output is cut out by the auto shut-off feature.
Easy to read display
There is a backlit digital display that shows the amount of pressure to feed. It is very easy to read, hence user-friendly. Some of the units on this display include BAR, PSI, KPA, and KG/CM.Pros
Cons
02. Helteko Portable Air Compressor Pump 12v DC- Digital Tire Inflator- Auto Tire Pump
Salient Feature
- Flow rate: 35LPM
- Color: Red
- Warranty: 18 months
- Manufacturer: H Helteko
- Voltage: 12V
- Weight: 2.58 pounds
- Dimensions: 9.8’x6.5’x4.5’ inches
Durability
The Helteko portable air compressor features durable ABS plastic and stainless steel construction. These two heavy materials work to extend its life span, thus serving you for a long time.
Auto-shutoff feature
To prevent inflation from taking place, it comes equipped with an auto shut-off feature. It turns off the air compressor automatically once the desired temperature that you set is reached.
Digital Display
With the large high precision and bright display, it enables you to calculate specific display units such as KG/CM, BAR, PSI, and KPA. This makes it easy to use.
Wide Applications
Not only can this air compressor inflate the tires of your RV, but also SUV tires and any other standard car types, motorcycle and bicycle wheels, balloons, pool toys, and sports balls, among others.
Flow rate
It can comfortably give out 35 liters of pressure per minute, inflating a medium-sized car tire within 3-5 minutes at 150 PSI.
LED light
In case of any emergencies or driving in dark areas, there is a compact design LED light to help out with this, thus reliable.
Portability
It comes with a heavily built carrying case that protects it from any harsh environmental conditions. This case also makes it easy to carry from one point to another.
Pros
Cons
03. Viair 40047 400P-RV Automatic Portable Compressor Kit
Salient Feature
- Flow rate: 2.3CFM
- Color: Brown
- Warranty: 1 year
- Manufacturer: Viair
- Voltage: 12V
- Weight: 10.75 pounds
- Dimensions: 10.87’x5.83’x7.48’
Application
It is the fastest filling RV compressor among the other Viair products and has a maximum pressure of 150PSI. This Viair 12V air compressor can quickly inflate 35 inches tire down to 30PSI within 5 minutes or less. It is perfect for RVs and trailers.
Auto-shutoff Feature
It is very simple to set the pressure you desire for your tire without monitoring it. The auto-shutoff feature ensures that no over-inflation occurs as it will switch off the compressor once you attain the set pressure.
Hose andPower cord
It boasts a power cord measuring 8 inches together with two 30 inches air hoses, one primary and an extension. You can use the extension air hose when you need to reach far places other than the tire you are working on.
Accessories
Moreover, it has a 45-degree chuck and a 90-degree twist on the chuck to help you access the tires at the back with ease. Additionally, there is a built-in pressure switch for pressure adjusting, a tire inflation gun, a carrying case for storage, and alligator clamps for connection.
Flow Rate
Its high flow rate of 2.3 CFM at 0 PSI makes it perfect for heavy weight vehicles. At 150 PSI, it can generate a flow rate of 0.71 CFM.Pros
Cons
04. Tirewell 12V Tire Inflator+ Heavy Duty Double Cylinders Direct Drive Metal Pump 150PSI
Salient Feature
- Flow rate: 2.12CFM
- Color: Black
- Warranty: 1 year
- Manufacturer: TW2003
- Voltage: 12V
- Weight: 7.63 pounds
- Dimensions: 9.88’x4.26’x8.26’ inches
Working pressure
This best 12-volt tire inflator delivers a maximum pressure of 150PSI with an airflow rate of 2.12 CFM at 0 PSI, which increases its performance. Inflation of a tire of a standard vehicle may roughly take 2 minutes or less, thus reliable.
Stability
It boasts of rubber feet that ensure it stays in the same position during use, thus increasing the compressor's rate of performance.
Low Noise Levels
Similarly, its fuselage has a four-rod design that reduces the vibration and noise, giving you a noiseless operation.
Extension hose
Its extension hose measures 11.5 inches, thus allowing for ease of access to your RV tires without moving your compressor around your vehicle.
Powerful Cylinders
It has two cylinders in the motor's direct-drive that are very powerful hence fasten inflation and make it easy to control the air compressor. Besides, there is a high-quality battery clamp that connects your vehicle’s battery to the inflator.
Versatility
The Tirewell inflator is ideal for inflating car tires, motorbikes, carts, ATVs, SUVs, Pickup, trucks, and scooters. Besides, it comes with three adapters that make it suitable for inflating bicycles, pool toys, and sports balls.Pros
Cons
05. GSPSCN Silver Tire Inflator Heavy Duty Double Cylinders with Portable Bag, Metal 12V Air Compressor
Salient Feature
- Flow rate: 37LPM
- Color: Black-white
- Warranty: 1 year
- Manufacturer: GSPSCN
- Voltage: 12V
- Weight: 6.6 pounds
- Dimensions: 11.9’x9’x6’ inches
Airflow rate
This tire inflator is the fastest 12v air compressor and features double the speed of other air compressors with the use of only one cylinder. It can deliver up to 70 liters per minute of air pressure. This ensures that your tire gets inflated at a faster rate. Any standard vehicle tire can be inflated in 1.5 minutes at maximum.
Versatility
It is suitable for inflating tires of RVs, SUVs, trucks, vans, crossovers, MPVs, trailers, and campers. Moreover, it comes with different sizes of nozzles that allow it to inflate motorcycle and bicycle wheels, sports balls, swimming rings, and any other inflatable toys.
Stability
It features rubber feet to position it steadily during operation, thus preventing it from falling over. This, in turn, improves the compressor’s power and reduces the noise and vibration that it may produce.
Air hose and power cord
Both the air hose and cigarette lighter power cord measure 11.5ft each to provide maximum flexibility during operation.
Pressure dial
There exist a pressure dial that allows you to monitor and control the amount of pressure inflated into your tires. This enhances its convenience.
Portability
Because of its compact design and an attached heavy carry bag, you can quickly move it from one point to another. Besides, you can simply store it in your RV.Pros
Cons
06. ALL-TOP 12 Volt 150PSI Air Compressor Portable Heavy Duty Air Pump Kit 4*4
Salient Feature
- Flow rate: 6.36FPM
- Color: Red
- Warranty: 2 Years
- Manufacturer: ALL-TOP
- Voltage: 12V
- Weight: 20.4 pounds
- Dimensions: 15.2’x11.5’x11’inches
Durability
This 12-volt onboard air compressor is sure to give you long service because of the aluminum alloy cylinder block construction. Also, it provides its optimum heat dissipation performance, thus increasing its efficiency.
Wide Applications
It can inflate not only the tires of your RV but also any inflatable equipment available in the market. These include balloons, pool rings, sports balls, and kayaks, among others. Three nozzle adapters come with it to make this possible.
Stability
Moreover, it features 4 anti-vibrate rubber feet that ensure it remains stable during use and does not fall over. Also, there will be less noise produced.
Safety
An auto-thermal cut off switch automatically switches off the compressor once you achieve the desired temperature. This prevents over inflation. Additionally, a safety valve ensures your car does not experience any damages.
Powerful motor
Its powerful 540W motor is designed to be an oil-less direct drive motor which highly improves its performance and efficiency.
Warranty
With a 2 year warranty and lifetime customer support, you can easily replace any parts of this compressor in case you experience any troubles with it.
All-terrain
Whether you are using this air compressor on rough or smooth terrain to fill up your tires’ pressure, it does not disappoint. This makes it a suitable choice for off-road lovers.Pros
Cons
07. Viair 450P-RV Silver Automatic Portable Compressor Kit (45053), 1 Pack
Salient Feature
- Flow rate: 33LPM
- Color: Brown
- Warranty: 1 year
- Manufacturer: VIAIR
- Voltage: 12V
- Weight: 18 pounds
- Dimensions: 10.9’x5.8’x7.5’ inches
60 Ft. Hose
There are two 30ft hoses, one primary and the other an extension. They serve to reach the other tires without having to carry the inflator around. This length is perfect for trailer, RVs, or any off-road vehicle.
Tire Attachments
It is easy to access the inner tire’s valve system on the rear tires because of a 45-degree chuck and a 90-degree twist on the chuck. Besides, there is a gas station-style inflation gun with a 160 PSI gauge for pressure monitoring.
Automatic shut-off feature
Using this feature lets you set the desired pressure for your flat tire while checking the other tires' state of pressure. You do not have to worry about inflation occurring because this feature will switch off the compressor once you attainthe limit.
12-volt motor
This inflator gets its power from a 12v motor that ensures it delivers high-performance inflation to your RV tires at a maximum 150 PSI rating.
Portability
It only weighs 18lbs, which enables you to move around with it in a storage bag and also for easy storage. There are alligator clamps that connect this inflator to the battery of your RV so as to fasten the inflation process.Pros
Cons
Buyers Guide on the Best 12 Volt Air Compressor
Purchasing a 12V air compressor without having any knowledge about them is difficult. You may rarely make the right decision. There are certain essential factors you need to consider. This part of the article discusses them in depth. Below are some of them.
CFM and PSI
CFM simply means cubic feet per minute and measures the rate of airflow per minute. It shows you how much pressure an air compressor can pump out at a given time. If CFM is high, then it means the compressor is able to inflate your tire at a faster rate.
Usually, a bigger air compressor will have high CFM rates. So if you want to save time, you will consider this factor. On the other hand, PSI means pounds per square inch. It measures the amount of pressure output by an air compressor. Most tires have their maximum PSI indicated on them.
Generally, 12V air compressors have their PSI rating ranging between 30-80PSI and others reaching up to 150 at maximum. You should not use high pressure if you want to achieve optimum performance. Also, using less pressure is not viable, so you need to be careful.
It is essential to know the pressure requirements of your vehicle before buying the right air compressor. In this case, RVs need higher PSI for their tires to function, between 60 to 90PSI.
Level of Noise
Working in a quiet environment favors many of us. No one wants to get an air compressor that produces lots of noise and vibrations during use. It may later lead to you having trouble with your hearing. It can also distract your neighbors, and this is not what you want.
Therefore, we recommend getting air compressors that produce at maximum noise levels below 60dB.
Auto-shutoff feature
If you do not have enough experience with 12V air compressors for RV tires, you will need to get one feature. It works to prevent any over or under inflation onto your tires. So if you do not know the maximum pressure to feed your tires, this comes in handy.
Once you set the pressure you desire for your tires, you can walk around and observe the other tires. You do not need to monitor it. Once the maximum pressure is achievable, the air compressor automatically switches off.
Source of Power
Air compressors normally have different sockets for powering them so as to inflate your tires efficiently. It may either be a cigarette lighter socket or a standard plug socket. Depending on how you plan to use your compressor, there are sources of power options to choose from.
But because you are using the compressor for your RV tires, you will use the cigarette socket in your RV, which is convenient. Moreover, some have rechargeable batteries, which means you do not need to plug it onto a power source during use.What size of air compressor do I need to fill RV Tires?
As an RV owner, you basically need to own an air compressor in case your tires go flat, and you are out there, and there are no gas stations nearby. But what is the appropriate air compressorsize for my RV tires? This is a common question among RV owners.
The answer is wide. There are several factors that you ought to consider and be familiar with first. One of them is the HP rating, which measures the amount of power needed by an air compressor so as to operate. It is obvious that you will go to an air compressor with higher HP.
Air compressors usually come with storage tanks that store the air pressure. There are those with large capacity and small capacity. If you need to move your air compressor from one point to another with ease, you need one with a small tank that has a high PSI rating, thus convenient.
On the other hand, large tanks are usually bulky because they weigh much more. It may not be practical to carry them around in your RV. But depending on your tire needs, they may be helpful as they have a higher PSI than those with smaller tanks.
Also, CFM is an essential factor to consider. It measures the rate of air flow into the tires per minute. A higher CFM rating shows that the air compressor can inflate your RV tires fast enough. PSI and CFM ratings work hand in hand to deliver high performance.Step by Step Procedure of Inflating an RV Tire with a 12V Air Compressor
Step 1: Identify the amount of pressure needed by tire
Before anything else, you first need to know how much pressure your RV tire needs. Most RV tires are okay with a pressure rating of 90PSI onwards. Besides, you need to consider the axle load and number of tires each axle has. Usually, tires have their maximum pressure indicated on them. But this is not entirely accurate.
Step 2: Remove the valve cap
There has to be a valve cap on each tire of any type of vehicle. Its function is to prevent air from escaping and any foreign particles like dust from getting inside the valve.To inflate your tires, you will need to remove it to allow the air compressor access to them.
Carefully store the valve cap after removing it because you will have to use it after. It is essential to remove the cap only when the air compressor is ready for use to curb against air escaping.
Step 3: Connect the air compressor
Determine the source of power for your air compressor. It could either be a standard power socket, cigarette lighter socket, or rechargeable batteries, which does not need any connection. But for an RV, the most convenient would be a cigarette lighter socket.
Anyway, its motor will get to work and air will start accumulating in the compressor after connecting it. The next thing to do is get the air hose and attach it to the compressor without forgetting to include a coupler at the end. The coupler’s function is to push air into the stem of the valve.
After this, you can set your desired pressure and start monitoring using a pressure gauge to ensure no over or under-inflation. Those compressors that have the auto switch-off feature do not need close monitoring.
Step 4: Remove the hose
When your tires have inflated to your satisfaction, you can detach the hose from the compressor. Return the valve cap to its position immediately. You are good to go.Benefits of 12V Air Compressor for Tire Inflating
Multifunction
These air compressors are not only suitablefor inflating car tires alone. There are other varieties of functions that they carry out efficiently. You can use them to inflate balloons, pool rings, basketball ball, or any recreational tool. It also helps to spray paint over your walls.
Easy to use
RV air compressors are easy to use, making them popular among vehicle and RV owners. They are simple to install. You only need to attach its hose to the battery of your car or cigarette lighter socket and boom, and it starts working. No complications that arise when operating this tool as long as you follow the instructions.
Portability and ease of storage
The main advantage of these compressors is that you can carry them from one point to another. Thisis an added advantage for you as a frequent road user. Their lightweight design makes it easy for you to carry in your RV. Also, you can simply store them away conveniently after use.
Accurate Results
High-quality air compressors are created to deliver excellent results in order to avoid under inflation or over inflation of your car tires. Usually, a monitoring gauge allows you to set the desired pressure for your tire, and an auto-switch feature that switches it off once they achieve maximum pressure.
Suitable for emergencies
In case you experience a flat tire, and you are out in the wild, and there are no gas stations nearby, an air compressor will come in handy. Therefore, it is a must-have for any off-grid lover. It saves you from any potential emergencies.Top Brands of 12V Air Compressor for Tires Inflating
- Tirewell
Due to their domination in the industry for 20 years, theyoffer the best air compressors and air accessories solutions to both off-road and on-road users. Their main goal is to deliver safety to you while on the road. Besides, durability is among their best concerns because their products withstand harsh environments.
- EP Auto
The EP Auto brand focuses on durability and safety to give you the best inflators for the price. Additionally, all their products come with a manual that outlines the instructions necessary for operating them. It is a familiar brand for people owning standard vehicles but not light or heavy trucks.
- VIAIR
It is rather apparent that most of the inflators on our list are from this brand. It is the best manufacturer of compressor products as it prioritizes quality, efficiency, and reliability. Moreover, their customer service is fantastic. Their inflators boast of unique features that ensure they deliver to their best ability.
- HELTEKO
Conclusion
As an RV owner, the best air compressor for RV tires is necessary for you as it plays a significant role in extending your tires’ lifespan. Considering the factors above, you will not experience any difficulties in making the appropriate purchase decision. Choose quality over anything else.
We are sure that this article will give you enough insight into 12V air compressors. You can comfortably choose between the 7 best compressors highlighted above for top-notch performance.
However, if you have any interest in knowing more about the best 12-volt air compressor for RV tire, feel free to visit our website. On our website, you will find more information that will enable you to make the right decision on which product is the best. Welcome.
FAQs
What is the best 12 Volt air compressor?
The best 12V air compressor should have durable construction, good quality features, high PSI and CFM ratings, low noise levels, powerful motor, and auto switch-off features. Any 12V compressor having these features is worth the money. Also, check on their portability and brands. Some of the best brands include EP Auto, Viair, Trowel, and Porter-Cable.
What PSI should RV tires be?
Averagely, the tire pressure of most RVs and trailers is between 40 and 65PSI. This depends on the load of the axle and the axle on each wheel. The higher the load, the more the PSI rating of the tires.
How much should I inflate my RV tires?
Usually, the amount of pressure needed by your RV tire is indicated on their sidewalls. Measure the weight of your RV and the weight of the axle. Both of these measurements will help you determine the amount of pressure needed by your tires.
What is a good compressor for inflating RV tires?
There are several brands of suitable compressors to choose from for inflating your RV tires. Always consider quality, CFM and PSI ratings, durability, and runtime. Most importantly, choose among the 7 brands in our list above.
How do you inflate a dual RV tire?
You can choose to use an extender to get access to the inner valve stem. After that, you need to attach a chuck to the valve stem and use a high PSI rating air compressor to inflate the tires.
What is a good CFM rating for an air compressor?
General use air compressors need between 0-5 CFM at 70 to 90PSI. On the other hand, compressors that operate large projects have a higher CFM of 10 at 100-120PSI rating.
What is the best onboard air compressor?
The best onboard air compressor can inflate your tires efficiently without any leakages, over inflation, and inflation. Choose among the best brands in the market that offer quality performance.