As much as it is annoying to experience a flat tire during a road trip or camping, at times, we do not have much control over this. However, this does not mean that there is no solution. The best portable tire inflator for RV ensures you get back on the road.
An inflator basically maintains your RV’s tire pressure to ensure no flat tires or repair flat tires. The EP Auto 12V DC portable tire inflator is among the best inflators available as it puts into consideration safety, versatility, and efficiency all in one tool. Also, it is easy to use.
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#Table of Contents
Top 07 Best Portable Tire Inflators for RV
01. EP Auto 12V DC Portable Air Compressor Pump, Digital Tire Inflator
Salient Feature
- Brand: EPAUTO
- Item weight: 1 pound
- Voltage: 12 volts
- Manufacturer: EPAuto
- Product dimensions: 13.5’x8.5’x5.6’ inches
- Model: 1
- ASIN: B01L9WATEG
Safety
This portable inflator has an auto shut-off and overheats protection feature to make sure that there is no overloading of pressure onto your tires. Once your tire's maximum pressure is attainable (167 degrees Fahrenheit), the output is cut out by the auto shut-off feature thus making it the best 12 volts air compressor.
Flow Rate
It is able to 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. Moreover, it is flexible; hence you can move it around in any direction you want.
LED Light
You can comfortably use this tire inflator in dark places because it comes with an in-built bright LED light for maximum illumination. There is also a backlit digital display that displays the amount of pressure to feed. It is very easy to read, thus user-friendly.
Versatility
It is not limited to inflating car tires alone but also midsize SUVs, bikes, sedans,or any motor with an engine size that is below 3.5 liters. It also has additional adapters for inflating basketball balls, kayaks, and swimming pool accessories.
Less Noise
Unlike other inflators, this one does not produce much noise; hence you can use it without distracting your neighbors.Pros
Cons
02. Viair 40047 400P-RV Automatic Portable Compressor Kit
Salient Feature
- Brand: VIAIR
- Item weight: 10.75 pounds
- Voltage: 12 volts
- Manufacturer: Viair
- Product dimensions: 10.87’x5.83’x7.48’ inches
- Model: Viair
- ASIN: B004B8XGC
Application
The Viair 400P-RV is a perfect fit for inflating tires of trailers and RVs because of its high rating of 150PSI.
Flow Rate
Its high flow rate of 2.3 CFM at 0 PSI makes it perfect for heavy weight vehicles. At 150 PSI, it is able to generate a flow rate of 0.71 CFM. In short, as the pressure inside your tire increases, the flow rate decreases, and vice versa. This avoids over-inflation.
Auto-shutoff Feature
Do you know you can simply set the pressure you need for your tire and not have to monitor it? TheVIAIR portable air compressor has an auto-shutoff feature which ensures that no over-inflation occurs as it will switch off once the set pressure is reached.
Power cord and Hose
It features a power cord measuring 8 inches together with two 30 inches air hoses. These ensure that you can access all the tires without having to carry around your inflator. Use the extension air hose when you need to reach far places other than the tire you are working on.
Special Features
Further, it boasts of a 45 degree chuck and a 90 degree twist on the chuck to help you quickly access the dually tires at the back. In addition to this, there is a tire inflation gun, built-in pressure switch, carrying case for storage, and alligator clamps.Pros
Cons
03. Viair 85P Portable Air Compressor
Salient Feature
- Brand: VIAIR
- Item weight: 3.8 pounds
- Voltage: 12 volts
- Manufacturer: Viair
- Product dimensions: 9.25’X5.5’X6.75’ inches
- Model: Viair
- ASIN: B0036E9VB6
Ease of Use
This 85P air compressor is most suitable for lightweight RVs. It only weighs 4.3lbs, and hence you can quickly move it around from one place to another. If it is compatible with your RV, then it is the best for the budget.
Working Pressure
It delivers a maximum pressure of 60 PSI, which works well for either class Bs or Cs. There is an easy to read 100 PSI gauge that enables you to monitor the pressure input into your RV’s tire.
Power cord and Hose
With a power cord measuring 10 feet long together with a 3 feet hose, you can access the rear tires of your RV while working on the flat one at the front or vice versa.
Flow Rate
At 0 PSI, it can generate pressure at a speed of 1.26 CFM efficiently to attain excellent results such as inflating a 31 inches tire.
LED Light
You can add pressure to your flat tire in low lit areas or the dark confidently with the help of a bright LED light attached to it.
Other Accessories
Notably, it has a solid brass twist-on tire chuck for convenient accessing of the rear tires of your RV.Pros
Cons
04. Viair 400P Portable Compressor
Salient Feature
- Brand: VIAIR
- Item weight: 10.4 pounds
- Voltage: 12 volts
- Manufacturer: Viair
- Product dimensions: 13’x11’x9.5’ inches
- Model: 40043
- ASIN: B000X9AXR8
Application
The Viair 400P portable compressor is perfect for use by both off-road and on-road vehicles. It can comfortably inflate a 35 inch tire within the fastest time possible, roughly 5 minutes or less hence the best portable air compressor for truck tires.
Monitor gauge
Get to easily monitor the pressure being input into your RV tire using an in-built 5-in-1 inline inflator and gauge.
Open-ended tire inflation hose
This inflation hose has a 100PSI air pressure gauge, which does multiple functions, including; air up, air up intermittently, air down, and air down intermittently. Also, it enables you to check the pressure of your tire.
Warranty
Its manufacturer offers a one year limited warranty for this tire inflator. So in case you buy this inflator and you find out that it has any defects, the manufacturer will sort you out.
Working Pressure
It delivers a working pressure of 150 PSI at maximum. For this to be effective, your RV’s engine should be running as you operate the inflator. At 0 PSI, it works at a speed of 2.3 CFM.
Oil-free Design
Uniquely, this brand of Viair does not use oil. Air from the compressor cannot mix with any oil residues present in inflators that use oil. This improves its performance. Besides, it makes it easy to clean this inflator.
Pros
Cons
05. Viair 450P-RV Silver Automatic Portable Compressor Kit (45053), 1 Pack
Salient Feature
- Brand: VIAIR
- Item weight: 18 pounds
- Voltage: 12 volts
- Manufacturer: Viair
- Product dimensions: 10.9’X5.8’X7.5’ inches
- Model: 450P-RV
- ASIN: B0141KJTKQ
Automatic shut-off feature
Using this feature lets you set the desired pressure for your flat tire while checking the state of the pressure of the other tires. You do not have to worry about inflation occurring because this feature will switch off the inflator when it attains the maximum limit.
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.
60 Ft. Hose
There are two 30ft hoses, one primary and the other an extension. Their purpose is to reach the other tires without having to carry the inflator around. This length is perfect for trailer, RVs, or any off-road vehicle.
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 rating of 150 PSI.
Convenient
It only weighs 18lbs, which allows you to carry it around in a storage bag and also to store. There are alligator clamps that provide a connection between this inflator and battery of your RV so as to start the inflation process.Pros
Cons
06. FORTEM Digital Tire Inflator for Car w/auto Pump/ Shut off Feature, Portable Air Compressor
Salient Feature
- Brand: FORTEM
- Item weight: 1.9 pounds
- Voltage: 12 volts
- Manufacturer: FORTEM
- Product dimensions: 8’X6.5’X3.3’ inches
- Model: FRTM-DAC
- ASIN: B073VB41W3
Multi-purpose uses
The tire inflator by FORTEM can apply to different areas apart from inflating cars, RVs, SUVs, and bike tires. You can use it for inflating sports balls, balloons, and air mattresses, and pool toys.
Ease of Use
Usually, it poses no complications during its operation. First thing to do is start your car engine then connect the car plug to a 12V DC outlet. There is a display that shows PSI readings, so set your desired pressure. Finally, switch on the power button on the inflator to begin the process.
Portable
Its lightweight and compact design allowthe user to carry it from one place to another. This is even made simpler with the available compact zippered case that stores it. Further, the power cable and hose have a unit for storage inside the case.
LED Light
The LED light provides enough illumination when you are inflating your tire in dark areas. Moreover, there is an easy-to-read digital display gauge to enable you to get the correct PSI reading.
Cord and Hose Length
Measuring approximately 9.4 ft, the cord is long enough to reach the other tires of your RV without hassle. The hose measures 1.64ft, which is good enough.
Auto-switch off feature
An auto switch-off feature ensures that there is no over inflation as it will switch off after the compressor has reached the set pressure. This makes it the best 12V air compressor for off-road.Pros
Cons
07. Tirewell 12V Tire Inflator+ Heavy Duty Double Cylinders Direct Drive Metal Pump 150PSI
Salient Feature
- Brand: TW2003
- Item weight: 7.63 pounds
- Voltage: 12 volts
- Manufacturer: TW2003
- Product dimensions: 9.88’X4.26’X8.26’ inches
- Model: 4333087867
- ASIN: B06ZXR9P6R
Applications
The Tirewell inflator is appropriate for inflating car tires, motorbikes, carts, ATVs, SUVs, Pickup, trucks, and scooters. Moreover, it comes with three adapters that make it suitable for inflating bicycles, pool toys, and sports balls thus the fastest 12V air compressor.
Working pressure
It delivers a maximum pressure of 150PSI with an air flow 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. Besides, its fuselage has a four-rod design that reduces the vibration and noise, giving you a noiseless operation.
Extension hose
Its extension hose measuring 11.5 inches, is quite lengthy for ease of access to your RV tires without the need to move your compressor around your vehicle.
Double Cylinders
It features 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.Pros
Cons
Buyers Guide on the Best Portable Tire Inflator for RV
Choosing the best portable tire inflator for your RV may not be an easy to do the task. You have to know what factors to consider and understand so as to make the right decision. We have done the research and come up with important points you need to check for when shopping.
- Type of Compressor
Generally, there are two types of compressors; portable and onboard. Portable inflators are the most commonly used by owners of RVs and trailers. Just as their name goes, they are easy to carry around and can compactly fit in your RV without taking much of your space.
They come with a hose and cord that allows you access to each tire of your RV without having to move the inflator from one point to another. If you are out looking for convenience, then this is a must have for you.
On the other hand, on board compressors are those found on the underneath of your RV. They are put there permanently and cannot move. However, they are usually hard to install and are not compatible with most RVs. This is why most people prefer portable inflators.
- PSI Rating
PSI in full is pounds per square inch. This is what measures air pressure. It determines how much pressure can fill an individual tire at a given time. Notably, your inflator should be able to output higher PSI than that, which is recommendable for your tires.
The PSI rating goes hand in hand with CFM, which measures the rate of airflow. At 0 PSI, air flow tends to be higher. Besides, the higher the rating of CFM, the faster your tires tend to fill.
- Versatility
A good air compressor should be able to serve many purposes apart from only inflating car tires. When shopping, check if the inflator you plan on buying has any other additional functions and does not limit you to car tires only.
It should inflate sports balls, bicycle and motorcycle tires, balloons, and recreational toys. Therefore, it should come with extra fittings to handle other equipment with different nozzles other than those of car tires.
- Length of Hose and Cord
This is among the vital factors to consider as it enhances performance. Having a compressor with a hose that has a pretty good size ensures that it can reach all the tires on your RV when pinned on one location.
You do not have to carry it around with you every time you need to inflate pressure on a tire. This improves the convenience of your inflator and makes it easy to operate.
- Weight
Getting an inflator featuring a compact and lightweight design is the ideal deal for you. Are you able to carry it around comfortably without experiencing fatigue? Is it small enough to fit in your RV’s storage compartment? These are some of the questions you should ask yourself before making a decision.
What is an RV Tire Inflator?
An RV tire inflator is a tool that works to inflate your tires by adding air pressure to them. In the long run, it helps to maintain the strain on your tires, thus preventing the occurrence of any flat tires while you are on the road.
If you fail to have enough air pressure on your tires, it may eventually reduce their lifespan. This is why a portable RV tire inflator must have for you, especially if you are on the road frequently. Use the inflator to check the air pressure in your tires regularly.Benefits of Portable Tire Inflator for RV
- Convenience
Portable tire inflators offer many conveniences because you can use them there and then as soon as you face a tire emergency. You do not have to drive all the way to a gas filling station to access help. Furthermore, there are no costs to incur if you own your own compressor.
- Versatility
These tire inflators not only come in handy when dealing with car tires alone. There are other places where they can deliver efficient performance too. You can use them to inflate balloons or a basketball ball or any recreational tool. It also helps to spray paint over your walls.
- Ease of Use
There are no complications that arise when operating this tool. As long as you follow the instructions, you are good to go. All you need to do is connect the inflator to your car’s battery using clamps and set your desired temperature,then switch it on. And it is done.
- Portability
How does Portable Tire Inflator work?
A portable tire inflator’s primary purpose is to maintain air pressure on your RV’s tires to prevent any damages to them. Such damages include flat or worn-out tires. It is vital to always check your tires' pressure while on the road or even if your RV is parked.
A tire inflator usually has a tank that contains air full to the brim. Most of these inflators get their power from a 12V motor. Nonetheless, some inflators are cordless. Your choice of inflator solely depends on your car tires’ inflator needs, provided there is maximum performance.
The inflator has two main parts that push air into the storage tank; piston and cylinder. To ensure there is the maximum pressure, the piston will continually force more air into the tank. This will cause the inflator to stop pumping air into your tires, thus ready to get back to the road.
The air from the tank transmits to the tires through an air hose. You should always consider a lengthy air hose if you want to achieve efficient results. Connect this air hose to your car’s battery, and air will fill your tank according to the set pressure.
To understand how the inflator works, it needs you to know the CFM and PSI rating. At 0 PSI, the CFM will be higher. A higher CFM rating indicates that the inflator is more powerful and will yield excellent results faster. PSI ratings ranging between 100-150 PSI are the best.
How do you pump a portable tire inflator?
1. Ensure that you have a 12 volts inflator when inflating your tire.
2. Next, plug your inflator’s 12 volts plug into the socket of your car.
3. Now you can connect the inflators air holes to the end of the tire that you intend to fill.
4. Note that some tires may require the use of screw-type connectors in connecting the air hole to the tire's valve while, on the other hand, others make use of a rock lever connector.
5. You can tap your inflator so that you can begin filling.
6. When your inflator gauge reaches the maximum recommended type for that tire, you can turn the inflator off and disconnect the air holes as well as the 12 volts plug.
7. Always use a pressure gauge to ensure that the inflator does an excellent job.
What is the easiest way to inflate RV tires?
Using a portable RV inflator makes inflation of your tires a hassle-free task. The first thing to do is to remove the valve cup utilizing a screw and then store it away safely as you will have to put it back eventually. This curbs against any air leak from the tire.
You then need to attach a pressure gauge on the valve so as to measure the level of pressure on your tires. Most inflators come with pressure gauges, which makes it convenient. In the case that there is none, you will need to buy a separate gauge.
The next step is to start filling the air in your tire according to its needs, such as the type of tire. If you are unsure about the whole process, you can always read a user manual that comes with the inflator or you can google for instructions just to be sure.
After filling in air pressure to your satisfaction, you can then return the valve cap to its initial position on your tire. This ensures no dust enters the valve of your tire, which may eventually cause damage. Your car tire is now ready to go back to the road.
During inflating, make sure you take into consideration the weight of the load and the number of axles of your vehicle. These two factors mainly affect the amount of air pressure you feed into your tires. Remember, you are not supposed to over inflate or under inflate.How to check RV tire pressure
It is essential to regularly check the pressure of your RV tires so as to keep them in check. Each vehicle, ranging from a regular car to SUV to RV, has its own different pressure needs. They can never be the same.
Usually, manufacturers recommend the standard tire pressure or your vehicle, whether new or used. This helps you know the amount of pressure to inflate into your tire. Besides, tire pressure is dependent on factors such as weight of the load, number of axles, and type of tire.
Always check the pressure before and after adding more air so as to avoid overfilling or under filling. One can tell if a tire has enough pressure or not by just looking at it. However, this may not give you accurate results, forcing you to use a tire pressure gauge.
Most portable tire inflators come with an in-built pressure gauge that enables you to monitor your tires' pressure. With this, you are sure to get accurate readings. Most of them have between 3 to 4 readings to enhance their performance.
Thus, you can quickly tell when your car tires need to be inflated and when the desired pressure is reached with the right pressure gauge.How much should I inflate my RV tires?
This is a confusing question that many vehicle owners fail to get the answer. Most assume that the right pressure to inflate into their car tires is the one that has been recommended by the tire manufacturers. If your tire rating is 60PSI, then inflation pressure should be 60 PSI too.
That is never the case as your tires may still not be stable enough. So you have to determine the right PSI or your tire to be on the safe side. Depending on the weight your RV carries, the PSI rating is indicated somewhere on the tires or owner’s manual.
You should use the PSI rating on the sidewalls of your RV, which show the maximum tire pressure. Mostly it is between 40-65 PSI. Ensure that you do not inflate your tires to surpass the given pressure. Also, it should not be less than whatever has been recommended.
The number of axles on your RV and the weight of load largely determine the amount of pressure it will need. There is always a label showing what pressure your RV needs when it is fully loaded or when it is empty.
If you stick to this information on the label, you will comfortably determine your RV's correct pressure.Most trusted RV tires inflator brands
- VIAIR
As seen above, most of the inflators on our list are from this brand. It is the best manufacturer of air compressor products because it prioritizes quality, efficiency, and reliability. Besides, their customer service is top-notch. Their inflators boast of unique features that make sure they deliver to their best ability.
- Tirewell
Having been in the industry for 20 years, this brand offers the best air compressors and air accessories solutions to road users. Their main goal is to deliver safety to you while on the road.Also, durability is critical as their products withstand any harsh environments.
- EP Auto
The EP Auto brand maximizes durability and safety to give you the best inflators for the price. Besides, all their products come with a manual that sets out the instructions you need when operating them. It is a familiar brand for people owning standard vehicles but not light or heavy trucks.
- FORTEM
FORTEM is a famous manufacturer of automotive products and has been in the market long enough. This brand specializes in versatility such that its inflators can be used for various applications and not only on car tires. Its best selling product currently is the portable FORTEM digital tire inflator.
Conclusion
Having gone through this article, we are confident that you can make the right choice on which tire inflator for RV is best for you. With all the information here, you cannot make the wrong purchase decision. We hope that you find the appropriate tire inflator that matches with your needs.
However, suppose you encounter any problem with our products. In that case, you can visit our website to find more information concerning our best portable tire inflator for RV and other related services.
FAQs
What is the best portable air compressor for RV tires?
The best portable air compressor should deliver maximum performance upon use and should constitute useful quality features. Various profitable brands produce the best air compressors, including, Viair, porter-cable, and Tirewell.
What is the best portable auto tire inflator?
You can choose among various them as long as they have the features relevant for your car tire needs. Some of them include Ontel Air Hawk Pro Cordless Tire Inflator, Powerhouse Digital Inflator, Tirewell 12V Heavy Duty Tire Inflator, and Viair 45043 automatic compressor.
What is the best 12-volt tire inflator?
Some of the best 12-volt tire inflators include Avid power inflator, Kensun AC/DC tire inflator, Dewalt 00088 88P 12V max tire inflator, and EP Auto 12V portable inflator. These are just but a few of them.
What is the best tire inflator to buy for RV?
The best tire inflator for RV should feature high performing features such as higher CFM at 0PSI rate. It should also be able to inflate your tires at a fast speed. Moreover, it ought to be versatile in that it can carry out a wide variety of applications. Tire inflators from the Viair brand are the best choice.
What is the fastest tire inflator?
The Ryobi P737 18-volt ONE+ portable cordless power inflator is the fastest tire inflator. It also has an automatic auto-shut off feature that improves its efficiency.
What should RV tires be inflated to?
Most RVs' standard pressure rating ranges between 40 and 65PSI depending on their weight and the number of axles present.
Should I inflate trailer tires to max PSI?