Air Compressor Viair 300P & Tire Repair Kit Assembled

[HaulingAss]

what is the advantage of having this setup vs a portable tire inflator? i have this in my bed when i will be traveling:

https://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DCC02...ocphy=9004483&hvtargid=pla-2281435180058&th=1

I've had a 20V DeWalt inflator for a few years now, it's a good unit. Some of the advantages of the TC-BL compressor:

1) A lot faster inflation. The DeWalt will work hard and take forever to add 15 psi to 4 tires.
2) Doesn't use batteries, it runs natively on 120V without using a power adapter.
3) Sounds better. The DeWalt sounds like it's struggling. The TC-BL is direct drive, the DeWalt is gear driven. They sound like plastic gears.
4) Will fill a lot more tires before the mechanical parts will wear out. This could be an issue for someone who off-roads and/or tows on a regular basis.

Advantages of the DeWalt

1) Considerably lighter weight (and slightly smaller).
2) Built-in pressure gauge and auto shut-off at desired pressure, TC-BL has a built-in pressure gauge and auto-shutoff that is designed to work as a compressor, not for tires (only 5 psi increments on the high-pressure shuto-off , it pumps too fast to have an accurate auto-shutoff due to back-pressure), the DeWalt fills slow enough to have a built-in algorithm designed to compensate for a little backpressure between the inflator and the tire valve.
3) Can be run on multiple power sources if you have the power adapters.
4) Comes with air hose and chuck (but it is a screw-on air chuck).


While the DeWalt would work for re-inflating a tire after an emergency flat repair, it would be slow if the tire had actually gone all the way flat. It's totally unsuitable for reinflating all 4 tires after airing down or to air up for towing a trailer. Given enough time (and potentially pauses for cooling) it would work, it would just take longer than 99% of people would want to wait. A lot longer.

Different tools for different tasks. The TC-BL can do it all, but you will want to add an air-hose setup with a built-in pressure gauge. And it will weigh a lot more. Both take up similar amounts of room.

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[NormalSpeed]

I wanted an alternative to the Tesla tire repair kit without the sealant (“tire goop”). Finding a 120 VAC portable compressor proved difficult, so I focused on 12 VDC automotive options. After some research, I chose the Viair 300P because of its positive reviews and reputation for quality.

Current Draw and Power Supply

• Measured Current Draw: The Viair 300P pulls about 2.2 amps at steady state.
• Power Supply Attempt #1: An 8-amp DC power supply didn’t work because the compressor’s locked rotor amperage (LRA) likely exceeds 8 amps. It actually short cycled.
• Power Supply Attempt #2: A 30-amp unit (found on Amazon resale) worked perfectly.
  
  

Enclosure and Setup

I like the idea of a battery or kayak box with lights and power outlets, but I wanted everything—power supply included—to fit in the Viair 300P’s storage bag. The power outlet box gives the added benefit of a USB charger while tailgating. I caught the 300P on sale for $150 and found the 30-amp power supply on Amazon resale for $34.

PVC Conduit Box:

• Perfect for the socket connectors once you notch them.
• Using a heat gun softens the PVC enough to mount USB and cigarette lighter sockets into the conduit connector posts.
• The posts help accommodate the length of the sockets.
• I mounted the switch is on the cover (it requires minimal depth).
• Cut the hole slightly small so you can screw it in.
• I wired the switch only to the lights.

Viair 300P Set-up:

• You will need to cut and splice an SAE connector to the end of the Viar cord.
• Reuse the alligator clips to splice back onto a male SAE connector so you can use this with any other vehicles battery posts.
• Pay attention to polarity with these type connectors.

Overall, the project was straightforward, and everything fits neatly into the Viair 300P bag. The final setup cost me around $256 and provides a portable, sealant-free air solution for the Tesla Cybertruck (or any vehicle you choose since it DC). The live links as of this writing cost about $289.

I’m sure there could be some improvements to this.

Parts List

Air Compressor (Viair 300P)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000X90YUO

View attachment 84887

Power Supply (30 Amp)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B092LYYZ3X

USB/Cigarette/Voltmeter Socket

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CJZM8JR6

SAE Quick Connectors

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09MKPRHPS

12V LED Dome Cargo Lights

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07W69TDPV

RV Aux Power to SAE

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DL51VTLC

PVC Conduit Body

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Carlon-...VC-Type-LB-Conduit-Body-E986E-12-HD/100404084

Can’t you just plug a 12v compressor into that power supply without all of that work?

 

[hemiarch]

This is a quiet, compact 120V compressor that packs a real punch (turn it down to half speed to fill one tire at a time). When used with a 4-way tire inflator hose it will fill all four Cybertruck tires simultaneously from 30 to 50 psi in 4 minutes;

It has a brushless two speed motor and integrated controller for efficiency. The air output is a standard compressed air quick release. It fits neatly in one of the smaller side compartments of the smuggler's bay under the truck bed (for those who have the OEM dividers). It will run circles around the single piston 12V Viair inflator.

I would be surprised if the Tesla branded inflator runs natively on 12 volts inside. That would be a real disappointment. You would need 75 amps at 12 volts to match the 900 watt rating of the TC-BL compressor.

Do you perhaps have a pic of it in the smugglers bay?

 

[cyberos]

Do you perhaps have a pic of it in the smugglers bay?

Buyer beware, “frequently returned item”:

I bought the below GSPSCN one which does fit in the smuggler’s bay. It’s good up until about 50-55 psi, but then struggles hard to reach +60 psi. Maybe it’s my fault for over inflating my tires but I put on a lot of highway miles. Also the little compressor is so noisy that I have to wear earplugs while using it. It’s only $50 though, so definite an excellent value for the money.

 

[HaulingAss]

I bought the below GSPSCN one which does fit in the smuggler’s bay. It’s good up until about 50-55 psi, but then struggles hard to reach +60 psi. Maybe it’s my fault for over inflating my tires but I put on a lot of highway miles. Also the little compressor is so noisy that I have to wear earplugs while using it. It’s only $50 though, so definite an excellent value for the money.

That's a 12V DC compressor. 65 psi is the correct inflation pressure for the OEM AT tires for towing so any compressor that struggles at higher pressures gets a "no-go" from me.

For the Cybertruck, I would also reject any compressor that can only run on 12V.

Those who want a really cheap, relatively lightweight 120V solution for re-inflating a tire after plugging, WalMart carries one (runs on 12V too). This is a really cheap unit (both in price and build quality) but it looks like a reasonable solution for those wanting something in this price range (for emergencies only, not for airing all four tires back up after deflating to lower pressures).

Hyper Tough Dual Power Digital Inflator for P195/65R15 Car Tire, Car-DC 12V or Home-AC 120V - Walmart.com

The only reason to buy this one, instead of a more substantial unit, is that it's quite lightweight and costs very little.

 

[HaulingAss]

Do you perhaps have a pic of it in the smugglers bay?

This is the TC-BL 120V compressor in the left compartment of the smuggler's bay. That is a spare tow-strap over the rear cylinder. The rubber feet of the compressor are on the floor of the smugglers bay and there is room for the MorrFlate 4-way hoses seen on the right side to be slid all the way left, on top of the TC-BL compressor. The hatch will still close normally.

 

[65SoYoLO]

This is the TC-BL 120V compressor in the left compartment of the smuggler's bay.

I think the issue is that if you set it at 50 psi, when it stops, it is measuring the psi in the hose so it drops to the actual tire pressure. It keeps cycling on and off. Very annoying. I set it to 70 and watch it... Small inconvenience but annoying.

 

[HaulingAss]

I think the issue is that if you set it at 50 psi, when it stops, it is measuring the psi in the hose so it drops to the actual tire pressure. It keeps cycling on and off. Very annoying. I set it to 70 and watch it... Small inconvenience but annoying.

Yes, I've noted this repeatedly on this forum before. The cut-off pressure switch can only be adjusted in 5 psi increments. It's a suitable cut-off for using as a compressor but not for inflating tires. That's why you want an integral pressure gauge on your hose setup.

Whenever you have an inflator that can fill the 35" tires on the Cybertruck so quickly, it's going to build up significant backpressure between the pressure source and the tires valve stems (even when filling all four at once). That's how it fills them so fast (by forcing the air past the Schrader valves under a larger pressure differential than a less powerful compressor would create). A much slower compressor would not have the same issue because the pressure in the hoses would be almost the same as the pressure in the tires.

I've noted about a 5 psi differential when approaching the target pressure so I simply shut it off at 55 psi. (assuming not towing a trailer). If it's a bit over after the compressor is turned off, it's a simple matter to bleed a small amount of air out of the system (or turn on the compressor for a few more seconds if the pressure is a little low). No other comparable solution is this fast. I don't find this annoying, what would be annoying (to me) is having to stand around for half an hour (or even 10-15 minutes) waiting for the tires to get inflated. This setup brings all four tires from about 30 PSI up to 50 PSI in only ~4 minutes!

 

[hemiarch]

This is the TC-BL 120V compressor in the left compartment of the smuggler's bay. That is a spare tow-strap over the rear cylinder. The rubber feet of the compressor are on the floor of the smugglers bay and there is room for the MorrFlate 4-way hoses seen on the right side to be slid all the way left, on top of the TC-BL compressor. The hatch will still close normally.

That is absolutely awesome.

 

[RdgRob]

So, it seems like the compressor you reference is no longer available on Amazon. All they have is a version with a 5L tank -- weighs more and I doubt will sit in the smuggler's Bay. anybody else found a better 120V solution? I just got my CT recently so hadn't looked into this yet but I love your set up HaulingAss -- I just can't seem to find that exact compressor any more.

A friend of mine carries one of those Stealth compressors, but they seem larger and heavier than needed....

 

[hemiarch]

So, it seems like the compressor you reference is no longer available on Amazon. All they have is a version with a 5L tank -- weighs more and I doubt will sit in the smuggler's Bay. anybody else found a better 120V solution? I just got my CT recently so hadn't looked into this yet but I love your set up HaulingAss -- I just can't seem to find that exact compressor any more.

A friend of mine carries one of those Stealth compressors, but they seem larger and heavier than needed....

I’ve been using the morflate 4 hose setup recommendation from him with a Milwaukee tire inflator like Tesla uses and it works great. I just charge the m18 batteries as needed off either my power station or the vault plugs. Ran into the same problem you did which is that I couldn’t find the tankless version of the TC-BL
Surprisingly the inflation is quite a bit faster with the 4 hose setup because of less resistance I think.
Morrflate sells the adapter for the m18 inflator.

 

[RdgRob]

Good to know. I might try that. Naturally all my cordless tools are DeWalt and I've been carrying the DeWalt portable compressor around along with a charger and 2 20V MAX batteries. Sounds like the MorrFlate setup is the way to go for airing up / down. I have a ViAir compressor for my jeep (12V), and I tried their trailer plug in, but it "blew the fuse" on my Beast, probably just from a huge startup current. Which is a bummer because the Viair compressor is great.

 

[RdgRob]

Just found out my DeWalt compressor can run on 120v! There is an adaptor available. Need to figure out if it will adapt to the Morrflate system (willing to cut the hose... 8^)) but that may be the ticket.

 

[HaulingAss]

So, it seems like the compressor you reference is no longer available on Amazon. All they have is a version with a 5L tank -- weighs more and I doubt will sit in the smuggler's Bay. anybody else found a better 120V solution? I just got my CT recently so hadn't looked into this yet but I love your set up HaulingAss -- I just can't seem to find that exact compressor any more.

It looks like the tankless TC-BL is out of stock even with eBay sellers and AliExpress! My guess is it's either a victim of quickly growing demand, or tariffs, but will be back eventually, how long is anyone's guess. That just makes me sad. Hopefully it's back in stock in 30-60 days. I wish American manufacturers still made good stuff like this. Almost all compressors are imported now!

 

[HAL GALLUS]

So, it seems like the compressor you reference is no longer available on Amazon. All they have is a version with a 5L tank -- weighs more and I doubt will sit in the smuggler's Bay. anybody else found a better 120V solution? I just got my CT recently so hadn't looked into this yet but I love your set up HaulingAss -- I just can't seem to find that exact compressor any more.

A friend of mine carries one of those Stealth compressors, but they seem larger and heavier than needed....

try the husky H120N it has worked well for me. I got it at home dpot.

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