What Portable RV Air Compressor/Tire Inflator Should I Get?
We all worry about that moment when we step out of our RV, trailer, van, or skoolie and see that a tire is flat or close to it.
A lot of us only have one mode of transportation. If a tire gets low, it means trouble.
So you take off the flat tire and put on the spare, but you discover the spare hasn’t been filled in years and is also flat.
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A heavy-duty portable air compressor or tire inflator that can reach the high psi of truck, trailer, and RV tires takes away that worry.
Getting a portable air compressor not only saves you when you get a flat it also makes maintaining the proper psi easier.
No more having to squeeze into a crowded gas station and getting the hose from the sketchy air compressor to reach, only to find that its max psi is 65.
Most tire inflators can’t reach a psi past 65, most heavy duty truck, and RV tires require more than that.
Even if the psi rating is high enough that doesn’t necessarily mean the pump is hefty enough to put out the volume of air needed for large weighed down RV tires.
See Also: Best Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) For RVs
All the portable air compressors in this review are heavy-duty and rated for trucks, RVs, vans, and even busses.
They are reliable, tough, and powerful enough to get the job done in any low tire situation.
A small word of warning. Heavy duty tire inflators are very slow and need to be taken care of properly to work.
That means not letting them run for so long that they overheat.
If your tires require a psi that’s on the high side, expect the tire inflator to take a long time, and take lots of breaks to let it cool.
Summary (Links to Amazon)
- Tirewell 12V Tire Compressor
- Most Versatile – Viair 400P-RV Portable Air Compressor Kit
- GSPSCN Silver 12V Tire Inflator
- Best for Up to 80 PSI – Slime Heavy-Duty Tire Inflator
- Best Overall & High PSI – Smittybilt Portable Air Compressor For Tires
- ALL-TOP Portable 12V Air Compressor Kit
Most Versatile
Best For Up To 80 PSI
Best Overall & High PSI
Last update on 2024-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best RV Air Compressor/Tire Inflators Reviews & Info
1. Tirewell 12V Tire Compressor
Tirewell’s 150 psi heavy-duty 12V portable air compressor is the perfect no-nonsense way to maintain the air in the tires of your SUV, truck, RV, travel trailer, van, or bus.
It will get the job done even if the tire is completely flat.
It has a maximum air pressure rating of 150 psi, which is plenty for most RV tires.
The air compressor has two cylinders that drive the motor at the same time for powerful airflow.
4 rods are connecting the cylinders to reduce vibrations and noise.
The CFM is around 2.12, which is not the highest rate of airflow from an RV air compressor in this review, but it’s not the lowest.
It will not inflate tires super fast, but it will get to the higher psi ratings commonly found on campers (80 psi).
Some features of the Tirewell RV air compressor include a 1.8 foot long 5M hose that screws onto the tire stem for a secure air tight connection.
There are also 3 adapters included. You can inflate things as large as RV tires but also smaller things like scooters, bicycles, balls, and even pool floaties.
This is the type of tire inflator that has a pressure gauge built in the body of the compressor.
You don’t have to remove the inflation hose to make sure you have the correct pressure. It’s analog and uses a dial to show the current PSI.
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The Tirewell is a 12V air compressor that uses a 12 volt plug with an inline fuse for protection.
You can plug it directly into your vehicle’s 12V outlet or use the alligator battery clamp adapters to connect it directly to a 12 volt battery.
The power cord is 11 feet long, giving you a lot of distance to work with.
For large tires with a high PSI, I suggest using the alligator clips to power the tire inflator directly from the battery.
When using a lot of power, 12V appliances sometimes trip the fuses in 12V sockets. Not all 12V outlets are made equal. They can range from 5 to 20 volts.
Using the alligator clips to connect directly to the battery is a good way to avoid any problems with the 12V outlet and fuses.
There is a convenient carry bag included to protect your RV tire inflator when not in use.
The entire thing weighs only 8.36 lbs and is the perfect size to keep in any size of vehicle.
Once taken out of the carry case, there is a built in handle with a rubber coating on the top so you can easily carry it around.
The Tirewell 12V Tire Compressor doesn’t come with as many frills as other portable tire inflators, but it’s tough and heavy-duty enough to fill almost any tire to the max psi.
It will be there when you need it. It’s great for maintaining tire pressures and filling flat tires.
PROS
- Alligator Clamps & 12V Plug
- Long Power Cord
- Built-In Pressure Gauge
- Reaches 80 PSI
CONS
- Long Inflation Time
- Needs Lots of Breaks
- Not For Large Class A RV & Bus Tires
2. Viair 400P-RV Portable Air Compressor Kit
Viair is on top when it comes to portable air compressors and their features are unmatched by other companies.
The 400P-RV air compressor kit has everything you need to inflate the tires of an RV, truck, bus, van, or trailer.
The max psi of the Viair is 150 with an automatic shutoff function when you use its tire fill gun.
When the trigger is released, the pump will turn off as you move from tire to tire. This extends the time the pump can run before it needs to rest.
The 400P-Automatic draws 30 amps and can output 2.3 CFM.
Because of the high air output, it needs to rest after 20 mins of continuous running.
If you need something that can run longer but won’t put out as much air, the Viair 450P-RV is a more heavy duty option.
All the features are the same except the 450 runs on 23 Amps puts out 1.8 CFM of air and can run 1 hour before needing a rest. Perfect for filling completely flat tires.
The CFM is actually kind of low for a premium option like the Viair. But slow and steady wins the race.
You can trust the Viair to get to the high psi levels often found in Class A RVs and converted camper buses like skoolies.
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Viair has made this heavy-duty RV compressor kit custom to the needs of RV and camper owners.
It comes with an inflation gun with a built-in pressure gauge, 3 adapters for bicycles and inflatables, a 90-degree twist on chuck, a 45 degree extended reach chuck for dual wheels, and a heavy-duty carry bag.
It also comes with two 30 foot air hoses that connect for an extra long reach of 60 feet.
The Viair is run with 12 volt power that connects directly to a battery using alligator battery clamps. The power cable is 8 feet long.
The engine must be running while the portable RV air compressor is on.
Alligator battery clamps are better for 12V electronics like these since it’s easy to blow the fuses on the 12V outlets inside vehicles.
The Viair 400P-RV Portable Air Compressor Kit is perfect for RV, bus, and dually truck owners because of the added adapters made specifically for large dual tires.
It’s also fantastic for any other tire and vehicle.
Viair is a fantastic option for those who need a dependable portable 12V air compressor that will fit every need.
PROS
- Includes 2 Air Hoses
- Air Gun With Gauge
- Auto Shut Off
- Extended Reach Chuck For Dual Tires
- 20 Mins Continuous Run
- Best Option For Large Class A Or Bus Tires
- Built To Last
- Tire Inflator With Gauge
CONS
- Very Premium Option
- Accessories Are Lower Quality Than Tire Inflator
3. GSPSCN Silver 12V Tire Inflator
The GSPSCN is a heavy-duty RV air compressor that doesn’t come with a lot of frills, but it can reach up to 150 psi on RV, bus, truck, van, and most other sizes of tires.
The CFM is 2.5 which isn’t bad for a 12V tire inflator in this range.
There are two cylinders for maximum pressure output.
For minimizing vibrations and movement, the tire inflator has rubber feet sits on rubber feet.
The air hose is coiled for easy storage but when fully extended, it reaches 11.5 feet.
There are 3 nozzle adapters included for inflating bicycles tires, balls, and other inflatables.
The RV air compressor is strong, but light, weighing only 6.8 lbs and there is a carry bag included.
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It runs on 12 volt power and can be plugged into a 12 volt outlet or directly to a battery using included alligator battery clamps.
The power cable is 11.5 feet long. There should be plenty of cables and air hose to work with.
It’s a tire inflator with a pressure gauge built directly into the pump, so there’s no need to stop and check the pressure with a different instrument.
The handle on the compressor is a metal bar that extends across the entire compressor.
Included with the RV tire inflator and all of its accessories is a nice canvas storage bag.
The GSPSCN Silver 12V Tire Inflator is a more basic portable air compressor with just the necessities included for any tire and other inflation needs.
It’s lightweight, which is a pro for full-time campers and a great addition to any emergency kit.
This is an excellent option for maintaining tire pressure on smaller RVs, vans, trucks, or camper trailers.
PROS
- Lightweight
- 12V Plug & Alligator Battery Clamps
- Tire Inflator With Gauge
- Rubber Feet
CONS
- Long Inflation Time
- Will Need More Breaks While Inflating Large Tires
- Not Good For Large Class A RV & Bus Tires
4. Slime Heavy-Duty Tire Inflator
If you own a bicycle, you’ve probably used slime in your tires to stop small leaks.
The company that makes tire slime also makes a heavy-duty tire inflator for trucks, camper trailers, or small RV’s.
The portable air compressor has dual cylinders connected with 4 rods to reduce vibrations and noise.
The max inflation is 150 psi, and the CFM is 1.9. That means can reach high pressures but inflates tires slowly.
It’s a powerful portable tire inflator with a pressure gauge built into the hose.
If you own a big Class A RV or bus, it may not have quite the power you need to inflate a large tire from flat to the max psi.
The Slime is a great option for truck, van, trailer, and small RV owners.
I use it on my own Dodge 2500 and travel trailer that both have 80 psi tires and it’s had no problems.
It can definitionally reach higher pressures than 80 PSI, but it would probably take a little time and need a few breaks in between.
To see my full review of the Slime 2X Heavy Duty Tire Inflator With Gauge check out this post here.
The coiled inflation hose is 22 feet long.
There is a pressure gauge included that is placed inline with the hose so you can see what pressure the tires are at without having to remove the inflation hose.
3 adaptors are included for different inflatables, bike tires and balls.
Something unique to slime portable air compressors is the LED light on one side of the pump.
It’s perfect for emergency lighting and it’s great for when you’re stuck inflating tires in the dark.
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The power source is a direct battery connected via alligator battery clamps.
Everything fits neatly in a hard plastic case which is more durable than the nylon bags most other portable RV air compressors come in.
The Slime Heavy-Duty Tire Inflator has some nice features, like the built-in LED light and the hard carry case.
The only downside is it’s not as powerful as some of the other portable tire inflators in this review.
That being said, it’s still heavy-duty enough for large trucks, camper trailers, and small motorhomes.
PROS
- Lightweight
- Tire Inflator With Gauge
- Long Air Hose
- Hard Storage Case
- Built-In LED Light
CONS
- Long Inflation Time
- Needs Lots of Breaks
- Not For Large Class A RV & Bus Tires
5. Smittybilt Portable Air Compressor For Tires
The Smittybilt 2781 RV tire inflator is one of the most powerful and heavy duty in this review.
If you have a larger RV like a Class A or a bus camper, this is going to be the best choice for you because it can easily reach very high tire pressures.
It’s also a fantastic option for trailers with lots of tires, like toy haulers.
The integrated pressure gauge is on a separate hose, making it easier to access and read while inflating tires. It’s analog and goes up to 150 psi.
The CFM on the Smittybilt is really high at 5.65. The only other RV air compressor in this review that beats it is the All-Top reviewed below.
It outputs more than twice as much air as the Viair, which is considered the most premium option for portable tire inflators.
The Smittybilt 12V tire inflator was built for adventurers who like to travel off-road.
It can not only inflate heavy duty tires to a specific psi, it can also deflate them as well.
This is useful for OHV use and off-road vehicles like Jeeps.
For RV and camping, it doesn’t get much better than the Smittybilt 2781.
It can easily inflate over 100 psi and it’s perfect for RV tires of all sizes, including large Class A RVs, camper buses, and big trucks.
See Also: Best Weight Distribution Hitches With Sway Control
If you have airbags on your tow vehicle, this RV air compressor can also be mounted and hard wired.
The unit is powered using alligator battery clamps that attach directly to a 12V battery via a 10 foot cable. There is a 30 amp inline fuse for added protection.
The 24 foot coiled air hose uses quick connect brass ends. The pressure gauge is a separate part that connects to either end of the hose depending on where you want it.
There are more adapters included for smaller inflatables and a thick canvas storage bag.
This is an extra heavy duty RV tire inflator that’s extra heavy, weighing around 20 lbs.
It has a cleanable air filter, which is a unique feature you won’t find with many other portable air compressors.
For added protection, there’s an automatic thermal cut off to protect the motor from overheating.
The Smittybilt Portable Air Compressor For Tires is honestly one of the best made and strongest RV tire inflators on the market today.
It can easily reach psi levels well past 100 on large tires.
It’s heavy, but it’s going to be the best portable tire inflator for large RV tires and rugged outdoor use.
PROS
- High 5.65 CFM
- Long Continuous Runtime
- 24 Foot Air Hose
- Reaches PSI Levels Over 100
- Good For Class A & Bus Tires
- Heavy Duty Build
- Tire Inflator With Gauge
- Rubber Anti-Vibration Base
- 30 Amp Fuse
CONS
- Heavy
- No Dual Tire Accessory
6. ALL-TOP Portable 12V Air Compressor Kit
The All-Top is another fantastic heavy duty RV air compressor made for all sizes of tires and pressures up to 150 psi.
The CFM is the highest in this review, at 6.36. It can inflate tires to a high pressure, and it can do it fast.
The inflator casing is built to take a beating.
It weighs 16 lbs and has a hollow metal case with an aluminum shell for extra protection.
For motor protection, there is a thermal cut-off switch to keep the RV tire inflator from damaging itself by overheating.
The unit is mounted on a platform on rubber feet to reduce vibration. There is also sand proof power switch to keep to insides safe from debris.
See Also: Best 5th Wheel Hitches (Reese, B&W, Curt, Andersen, Blue Ox)
Included with the RV air compressor is a 26 foot rubber air hose and alligator battery clamps with a 6.5 foot cord for connecting directly to a 12V battery
There’s also an inline pressure gauge with a built in deflator (a button you press to release air), 3 adapters for small inflatables, and finally a nozzle with a thumb lock you can use to start and stop inflation.
A thick nylon bag is also included to store everything in one place.
The ALL-TOP Portable 12V Air Compressor Kit is made to be used outdoors in any temperature.
It works well in hot climates and it has no problem inflating large RV tires to 100 psi or more.
It’s another fantastic choice for a premium RV air compressor that can do it all.
PROS
- High 6.36 CFM
- Long 26 Foot Air Hose
- Reaches PSI Levels Over 100
- Good For Class A & Bus Tires
- Strong Aluminum Outer Shell
- Tire Inflator With Gauge
- Rubber Anti-Vibration Base
- Lots Of Accessories
CONS
- Pressure Gauge Is Low Quality
- Needs Lots Of Breaks
What To Look For In An RV Air Compressor/Tire Inflator
Pressure Gauge
Pretty much every portable tire inflator on the market today comes with either a digital or analog pressure gauge that is connected to the air hose or built into the body of the compressor.
The air hose pressure gauge is the easiest to use since it’s normally right next to where you connect the hose to the tire.
You can monitor the connection to the tire and see the pressure at the same time.
The included pressure gauges are a great thing to have, but one thing to note about them is they aren’t always the most accurate.
Even the high end RV air compressors sometimes have faulty gauges that are a little off and won’t tell you the exact psi.
I recommend always having a separate high quality tire pressure gauge like this one by JACO (click to view on Amazon) to measure the psi after inflating with a portable air compressor.
That way, if the built in gauge is off, you will know by how much. You’ll also have a quick and easy tool to test the psi of your camper or vehicle’s tires regularly.
Thermal Cut Off Feature
Overheating is a big issue for any portable machine with compact parts in a small casing.
A regular air compressor has lots of space between parts to help release heat, but a compact tire inflator doesn’t have that option.
If you run a 12V tire inflator for too long in high temperatures, there’s a risk the inner parts will break or even melt.
Many portable air compressors have a thermal cut-off that will automatically turn off the inflator if it reaches dangerous temperatures.
Not all of them have this feature though, and you should still be careful not to run a portable tire inflator for too long.
Being patient and giving a portable RV air compressor lots of breaks is a great way to make sure it never overheats and to keep it running at full capacity for longer.
See Also: Best RV 5th-Wheel & Travel Trailer Tires Review/Buying Guide
Airflow
The airflow on an RV tire inflator is measured in CFM (cubic feet per minute). The higher the CFM, the more air the compressor puts out.
A high CFM is great for low psi inflatable and filling tires from flat to full,but it isn’t always the best thing for reaching high pressures like 80 or 100 psi.
You may have noticed that the more basic RV air compressors have a very low CFM.
This is so the motor can actually reach a high psi but it’s going to take a while.
If you want a faster RV air compressor, you are going to have to go with a more premium option like the Smittybilt or All-Top reviewed above.
Actual PSI Capabilities
Every RV air compressor in this review has a built in pressure gauge that goes up to 150 psi, but that doesn’t mean the inflator can get that high.
This is a good example of getting what you pay for.
The more basic options like the Tirewell and Slime are heavy duty and can reach at least 80 psi.
But when you try to reach the 100’s they may stall, overheat, and get damaged.
If you have a large Class A RV or bus tires, getting a high quality 12V RV air compressor you know can reach those pressures is the safer way to go.
Conclusion & My Recommendations For RV Air Compressors
Portable RV air compressors/tire inflators are a must have for full-time RVers and adventurers.
Maintaining tire pressure is key to reducing the risk for flat tires and blowouts.
Most gas station tire inflators only go up to 65 psi, which isn’t enough for most campers, RVs, and trucks.
You will need to have your own portable tire inflator to get to 80 psi and up.
There are a few different RV air compressors in this review.
Some are more basic and best for tire pressures up to 80 PSI.
The more heavy duty options are perfect for tires over 100 PSI but they are in the more premium range.
See Also: Best RV Wheel Chocks (Plastic, Rubber, Metal, X-Chock)
The RV tire inflator that is best for you largely depend on how often you plan on using it and what kind of RV you have.
No matter what you end up getting, understand that these small machines are made to be very portable, which means the parts inside are pressed together and can easily overheat.
Portable tire inflators aren’t like regular air compressors, and it takes time for them to work.
With that being said, here are my recommendations for the best RV air compressor/tire inflators for different applications.
Best For 80 PSI Applications – Slime Heavy-Duty Tire Inflator
This is the RV air compressor I use with my camping set up.
So far, it has been a real life saver in some of the flat tire situations I’ve gotten into.
I mostly use it to maintain the 80 psi pressure in the tires of my travel trailer, but it’s also been helpful in keeping my 3/4 ton truck at the right pressure as well.
I’ve even used it to top off a low spare tire I had to use when I got a flat tire one day while driving around in the desert.
It inflates slowly, but it has no problem reaching 80 psi and it seems like it could go even higher if needed.
I normally let it run for about 10 minutes before giving it a break to not let it overheat.
For truck and camper trailers, the Slime tire inflator is a fantastic choice.
Most Versatile (Also 100 PSI & Over Applications) – Viair 400P-RV Portable Air Compressor Kit
The Viair 400P-RV is one of the most versatile tire inflators because of its RV focused accessories.
A lot of large RVs, buses, and trucks have dual tires that need a special inflation chuck to reach the inner tire. Viair includes one of these in its RV tire inflator kit.
The gas stations style inflation gun that makes it quick and easy to go from each tire and to reach the inside dual tire.
It’s also one of the best tire inflators for over 100 psi tires commonly found on Class A RVs and buses.
Viair is known for its durable compressors that last for years.
If you go with the 400P-RV tire inflator, you’ll get high-quality parts and unmatched dependability.
Best Overall – Smittybilt Portable Air Compressor For Tires
While the Viair is one of the most versatile RV air compressors because of its accessories and heavy duty build, the Smittybilt still overtakes it in overall performance.
It puts out a ton of air,which makes inflating tires from flat to full psi much quicker and easier.
Also, it can easily reach tire pressures well over 100 psi.
The outer cover is extra heavy duty and made for outdoor and camping use.
It’s the heaviest option in this review, but it still has a small portable body.
I also like that you have to option to mount it to your vehicle or RV and hard wire it to the battery.
People change camping set ups often. You may go from a small travel trailer with 65 psi tires to a large Class A with 100 psi tires.
An RV air compressor like the Smittybilt will be the only tire inflator you ever need, and it’s my top choice.
Frequently Asked Questions About RV Air Compressors/Tire Inflators
Why do portable RV air compressors take so long to inflate?
To make portable air compressors portable, they need to be small, but powerful.
Because of their small size and rapidly moving parts, they can overheat fast.
Normally, the lower the quality of the tire inflator, the shorter the run time it has before needing a break.
Also, portable tire inflators that release larger amounts of air need to rest more than slower working inflators.
When you turn on a portable air compressor, it will start by inflating quickly, then slow down as pressure builds.
That’s why extra large tires on buses and RVs can take a while to fill to the correct PSI.
How long can my 12V tire inflator run before needing to rest?
The time your portable air compressor can run before needing a rest depends a lot on the quality of the parts and how hard it’s working.
Check the instructions that came with your portable compressor to find the max continuous runtime the manufacturer recommends.
If you don’t have the manual, a standard run time at a low psi is 20 minutes. The higher the psi gets, the shorter the safe run time gets.
To be safe, make sure you are aware of how hard your portable air compressor is working and how hot it’s getting.
When it’s getting hot. Turn it off and let it cool for 10 minutes.
What makes a small air compressor RV compatible?
Most small air compressors only have one cylinder and less power than the larger dual cylinder RV air compressors.
Because RVs have large tires, air compressors need a lot of power to get the large volume of air to a high pressure.
That’s why you won’t be able to use just any small air compressor for your RV, bus, truck, or van.
How to use a portable 12 volt air compressor.
You can connect 12 volt air compressors to the battery of your vehicle or sometimes the 12 volt outlet located inside your car.
Connecting directly to the battery gives you the most power and is the recommended way to get the most out of your small air compressor.
Always have your engine running to supply the proper amount of electricity to the tire inflator.
Once the compressor is hooked up to power, attach the inflation hose to the tire and let it begin inflating.
Keep an eye on the pressure gauge and don’t leave the compressor running unattended.
How do portable RV air compressors work?
Small air compressors for filling tires don’t have an air tank like standard air compressors.
Instead, they create air flow using a spinning rotor that slowly pushes out a small amount of air.
This style of air compressor is perfect for tire inflators because they can be very compact and easy to store.
The only drawback is the slow air output can make inflating a tire a slow process and the small air compressor can overheat quickly.
For more information on centrifugal compressors like tire inflators, check out this article here.
How to use the Slime Tire Inflator.
The RV tire inflator I know the most about is the Slime 2x Heavy Duty.
I use it with my truck and travel trailer set up.
I’ve done a full review and how to instructions in this article here (click to view).
Have any more questions about RV air compressors? Leave a comment below.
