Air Pressure

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by kstock11

I went to 2 gas stations before finally able to pay to get them filled. One station took pressure out instead of in!

It is possible that the station had an inflation hose supplied with air at a pre-set pressure such as 35 psi, or that if the "filling" was done manually the employee incorrectly assumed a lower than desired pressure.

Any service station's air pump should be able to provide the 50 PSI recommended by Escape, but that is a bit higher than most private vehicles use; the vast majority of cars and light trucks only need about 35 PSI or less. I needed a minimum of 85 PSI (and wanted at least 90 PSI) for my motorhome tires and found that typical gas station coin-op pumps could not provide it. The only place that I could find (in the city I was in) which could provide that was a tire shop. They offered to do it for me, and I had them put in 95 psi so I wouldn't need to go through that again for the entire trip. If necessary, I would have used my portable 12 V compressor.

[rjbny]

Originally Posted by kstock11

I ordered the Slime40026 air compressor. Hooks up directly to the batteries, but then lots of power. I never leave home without it now! I also recently added the TireMinder Solar TPMS. It is really nice to be able to see what the pressure is in the 4 tires on the Escape 19.

Was looking at this hand held air compressor:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075TZM6N6/

[cpaharley2008]

Originally Posted by rjbny

Was looking at this hand held air compressor:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075TZM6N6/

I would try to find a battery tool for multipurpose, like compressor, stabilizer, drill vs single purpose.

[rbryan4]

I've never found any of the hand held "inflators" to be worth a darn when it comes to vehicle tires - unless you want to be there all day. I know it's bigger, heavier, more bulky and more expensive, but I carry a Porter Cable 1.5 gallon compressor in the back of the truck, outfitted with a trigger that has a built in pressure gauge. Powerful, quick and accurate. You could probably inflate 4 vehicle tires from near empty to full pressure in less than 4 minutes. And for those who winterize, it can blow out your water lines PDQ.

[cpaharley2008]

I too carry a 120v compressor, small and compact Sears craftsman oil free model with my full sized spare in the truck bed.

[tractors1]

Toyota offers an optional 400W AC socket in the truck bed. Gave away my 12V and now pack a 120V myself; works super.

[Brian B-P]

Just to clarify the options for those finding ideas in recent posts...

Robert's Porter-Cable compressor appears to be their CMB15. It takes up to 10 amps at 120 volts AC, which would require a 1200 watt inverter. It also lists 0.8 hp while running; that's 600 watts if correct (but air compressor manufacturers are notorious for false power ratings).

A small 120 volt AC powered air compressor can certainly work, and a small enough one can work with a small (e.g. 400 watt) inverter, but if you use the size of compressor shown you're only running it on shore power, a generator, or a large inverter.

[cpaharley2008]

Yes, Brian is correct, most 120v compressors will dim a 15 amp circuit when running, always good to plug direct into a 120v outlet that exceeds the amp draw of the appliance.

[gbaglo]

Originally Posted by rjbny

Was looking at this hand held air compressor:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075TZM6N6/

My cheapo air compressor takes forever to raise tire pressure from 60 psi to 65. Actually, I've never had the patience and usually give up at 62 psi.
While at work, it's vibrating like crazy, sitting on the ground, bouncing up and down. If this hand held compressor does the same, I'd probably use the handle to throw it as far as possible.

[Iowa Dave]

What an idea for a rally activity. “Compressor king” . Stopwatch on a a tire inflation from 0 to 60 Psi. Categories for 12 v, 120 v, and bicycle pump. Winner gets a tire plug and patch kit.
Iowa Dave

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by gbaglo

My cheapo air compressor takes forever to raise tire pressure from 60 psi to 65. Actually, I've never had the patience and usually give up at 62 psi.

There's a fix for that... run 50 psi, which is more than sufficient and entirely suitable. Even 60 psi, since the compressor gets there without difficulty.

[Little Richie]

Some notes:
1. I have both types of gauges- stick and digital. Ford recommends digital. I do not think they are more accurate. I do think that digital is easier for many people to read. I do compare them and they give the same read,.

2 I have a pump and use it a lot, especially when changing altitude or when there are big swings in ambient temperature.

3. For slow leaks you can rei-inflate the tire and drive to a repair shop.

4 When I was buying the little compressor I read a lot of Amazon reviews. I noted that those that inflated faster seemed to get hot quickly and had more complaints about pump failure.

[steve dunham]

I have a Slime 12VDC air compressor . I made up an extension that is long enough to reach all 4 truck tires and all 4 trailer tires . One end of the extension cord has a 7 pin connector which is the same as the trailer . All I have to do is plug the air compressor into my vehicle
A lot easier than jacking around with putting clips on the battery
The Slime compressor has no problem with inflating my trailer tire to 65 psi
Cost of compressor was under $30