Need suggestions for a portable 12 volt air compressor to take on roadtrips.

I think I remember the 12V socket being limited to 10 amps, which is why I never bought a compressor. Most compressors run at 15 amps, and anything less would operate really slowly. So, I bought a foot pump and called it a day.

 

For what purpose do you need the 12V compressor? There are various sizes for various pressure or volume applications.

 

a foot pump will do the job ....

 

Well here is one, not too small, but priced right.

I think I'd be tempted to go with a simple method and throw in a bicycle hand pump. While I don't want to be without a spare tire I only have a flat every 4 to 5 years. I would think a hand pump, although a lot of effort and slow, would provide a temporary solution in some cases. It would be light weight, small, and cheap.

I presume your car does not have a spare tire or this subject wouldn't have come up.

 

Honestly, I got a 12v "bike pump" from WalMart for my motorcycle, and it does great on a motorcycle battery WITHOUT the engine running. At worst, you might need to by a 12v cord extension since you only get a couple feet of cord with the pump itself.

More money for a better pump would only be warranted if you were going to use it a lot.

 

Why not something like this one? You can use it without a cable, and recharge with 120 or cig lighter. Fairly small, easily stored. $59

Air Compressors & Tools | Air Compressors & Dryers | Campbell Hausfeld Cordless Rechargeable Inflator CC2300, 12 or 120V, 300 Max PSI | B880276 - GlobalIndustrial.com

 

better link?

Campbell Hausfeld CC2300 Cordless Inflator & Power Supply

 

Try this
eBay item number:
331661791665

 

I have this one here/
$42.-
more than happy with it/

 

I have an older version (probably 6-7 years old now), of the Sears DieHard Platinum Portable Power 1150. Portable power for jump starts, compressor, gauge and tire pump. It also serves as an inverter. Holds a charge for a very long time, and saved me out on the lake a couple of times. Kind of hard to carry around all the time, but I'd definitely prefer a device like that to one that had to be plugged in to work.

 

I've got a jump pack without compressor, but good power and a 12 volt outlet. Guess I could use a 12 volt compressor with it.

 

We have this:

Very quiet and capable.

 

www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=jump+n+carry+jnc660Highly recommend the Jump and Carry at this link..

I have one and have used both the battery jumper and, the tire pump to save the day with the Prius.. My other primary vehicle is a Toyota 4Runner with onboard air compressor and dual battery system..

I don't even think of taking long trips with the battery and tire pump backup as those two items are the most common on the road issue.