12V clip-on (not cig lighter) or 120V compressor

[youdontwannaknow]

Looking for a basic 12V compressor for household duty (inflatables and bike tires). What I would like is a 12V compressor that has clip leads that I can connect directly to the car battery instead of the cig lighter plug. The main reason for that is to avoid blowing the 10A car accessory fuse and most compressors that have atleast a reasonable psi and cfm capacity pull more than 10A at higher psi. This actually happened. I had a cheap $20 compressor that first blew the fuse and then when I pushed the compressor just a bit harder by putting a higher amp fuse, the compressor blew. And I see that on some good 12V compressors the amp rating goes above 10A for higher psi.

I could get around this by just replacing the cig lighter plug on the compressor with clip leads, or just get one that goes into the ac outlet (120V).

So any suggestions for compressors that come with clip leads, or go into an ac outlet ?

 

[expat]

The problem with those small compressors is that they tend to overheat if run for more than one or two minutes. Great for bike tires, or topping up a car tire. but if you have an inflatable boat, kiddy pool, companion, or whatever, it will soon kill the compressor.
For such Low pressure inflating jobs there are infiltrators (more like a high pressure fan) that are faster and last longer.

 

[johnachak]

Both are good suggestions actually. Depending on your needs, a good 12v compressor (The 12v leads are a great idea BTW!) is always a good idea for emergencies. I don't know your family situation but I have used mine many times for my Wife and kids cars on the road. Once or twice on mine too. They are especially useful for when there is a nail or other debris in the tire and it is leaking slowly. Many times I have been able to fill the tire enough to get to a place to have the tire repaired by refilling it on the road. I also have a small 120V for the house. Topping up car tires, bike tires etc. I prefer to use that one whenever possible as it is faster and I don't know how durable a 12v unit is. I'd hate to need it (12v) and have it worn out from doing bike tires in my garage.

If you can only have one, the 12v clip on is the most versatile in my opinion. Good luck on whatever you decide.

 

[wrcsixeight]

Masterflow mv 50. There are a bunch of knock offs of the Viair compressors. Harbor fright has one too.

Ciggy plugs are worthless for anything over 8 amps, unless they are on a dedicated 10 or 12 awg wired directly to the battery

 

[The_Jeff]

I have a few adaptors for alligator clips to cigarette lighter. Came free with power inverters--- another handy toy.

Advance had/has a 120v "tire inflator" on closeout for $30 that might make better CFM than a cheapie but come in at a good price point for you.

 

[JHZR2]

The smallest 120V portable tank comporessor from HF probably works as well or better than anything else.

About $50 too.

Wont necessarily run from 12V without a big inverter, but that is more of a specialty item, IMO. These little compressors are easy and fast.

 

[youdontwannaknow]

Thanks. I eventually decided on this - http://www.viaircorp.com/OffRoad/88P.html for $70 .
This had the most cfm, psi and duty cycle even better than the 120V ones I found at this price point. and comes with the battery clips already.
I did find an interesting one that I’d like to share with you – http://www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2639574 . If only the hose was longer I might have bought this.