Tire Inflator I’m using

[oisiaa]

This 3 gallon harbor freight pump looks like the best choice of anything in this thread for real world use (not off roading). All-in cost would be <$100 including hose and tire inflator with gauge.

It should hold pressure for months-to-years so you'd have 110psi available for a quick 5-10psi top off before the pump even kicks in.

Even if you're inflating multiple tires, the fact that the pump can run continuously to recharge the tank during the 10-30 seconds it takes you to move to the next tire means it will save time...plus it's A LOT faster than the typical portable automotive pumps (0.6 CFM @ 90psi is a lot for this use case).

The manual does not have a listed duty cycle...so I'm assuming a continuous duty cycle. It even says to run for 15 minutes straight to break in and includes a thermal protection switch.

It's on sale for $50 so I went ahead and bought one. I'll let you know how it performs.

https://www.harborfreight.com/3-gal...urce=go&utm_medium=app&utm_campaign=shortener

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[oisiaa]

I received the McGraw compressor today. It fits like a glove in the center compartment. I used a piece of the cardboard it came packaged in to securely shim it so that it is snug front-to-back.

Here are the stats from 36psi with the tank charged to its cutoff of 110psi:

0:00 - 36psi
1:00 - 45psi
2:00 - 50psi
4:00 - 55psi (my preferred cold inflation)

Probably not fast enough if you are looking to inflate all four tires after offroading, but excellent for a roadside inflator. The 110 tank psi makes quick work of a low tire to boost it 10 psi quickly.

I'll check the tank ~weekly to see if it is losing pressure.

 

[Alto]

I warned you within a day of the OP's original post with this:

What would you think about one of these? The Alkin 32 Mariner. It will put 4,500 psi in your pre-charged pneumatic rifle, 3,000 psi of breathing air into your scuba tanks and 50 psi into the Cybertruck tires while being plugged into the 220 v outlet in the bed of the truck.

 

[HaulingAss]

What would you think about one of these? The Alkin 32 Mariner. It will put 4,500 psi in your pre-charged pneumatic rifle, 3,000 psi of breathing air into your scuba tanks and 50 psi into the Cybertruck tires while being plugged into the 220 v outlet in the bed of the truck.

The outlet in the truck is 240V. I'm familiar with high pressure compressors, but not that one in particular. I'm guessing it's about $6,000 and 75 lbs. That should end this discussion right there. Also, high pressure compressors need a lot of maintenance and moisture management.

You would be better off to leave this compressor at home and fill up a high pressure carbon fiber tank with a regulator to inflate your tires. But I don't like that method because when you are out of air, you are out of air. And high pressure air poses a risk unless the tanks and fittings are maintained, inspected and disposed of when appropriate. It's overkill for the simple problem of filling your tires back to 50 psi. Simple is better. I might get a smaller unit for use with my PCP air rifle, I won't use it for my tires because I have this:

Amazon.com: TC·BL Portable Air Compressor 110V,Ultra Quiet Air Compressor Oil Free and Lightweight Small Air Pump : Tools & Home Improvement

MORRFlate Quad+: 4-Tire Hose Kit, Up to 155" Wheelbase • MORRFlate by My Off Road Radio

My $189 120V inflator has been working super well in conjunction with MorrFlate Quad+ hose system. Very fast and convenient. I use the Quad+ hose system for fast and accurate deflation too.

 

[mdcoleman]

After seeing the price tag and lack of availability for the Tesla spare kit, paired with the less-than-ideal storage for said spare (taking up half the vault), I decided to go the portable inflator/tire plug kit route. Haven’t used it yet, but went with this inflator unit on sale, and this plug kit to throw in the smugglers bin.

Without testing to confirm fill-up duration or battery life, so far I’m impressed. Its a sleek unit, compact design and nice hose storage incorporated into the casing. Comes with a storage bag and a number of different air fittings/needles that are not necessarily needed for my intended use, but great to have in the truck for game day with the nephews, biking trips, etc. Fit is perfect in the vault bin, so that’s where she’ll live until an alternate storage option for the full spare peaks my interest.

2,500 miles and I already grabbed a screw in the drivers front tire. No leak yet, but I know it’s coming and don’t want to deal with roadside assistance in the event it goes down. Probably going to use that screw for my plug/inflator test!

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