macgyver35

Hey all,

Tried searching but most hits are for AC systems...

I'm trying to find a 12v air compressor that's worth a crap without it costing an arm and a leg. The $25-$40 ones are loud as hell, and I can wash and wax the whole XJ in the time it takes one to air up a tire. Then there are the $200-$400 ones that will do it in roughly 3 minutes.

Isn't there something in the middle ground? Around $75-$125? If I could get a 30" tire aired up to 35 PSI in about 6 minutes I'd be happy. Some I've looked at claim they can do it, but when you read the reviews (EX: on Amazon and elsewhere) they are very mixed, with apparently high failure rates and short lifespans. Also, I'm not sure about trusting reviews from soccer moms and other folks that might have only used it once for all of three minutes. I want info from you guys, the ones that would really know!! Who has used (and used, and used some more) a unit and can give a real assessment of it?

I know some of the high heat and crappy performance of the portable units is because they are oil-less. Is there a portable that has some kind of lubrication for better performance and longer life?

Thanks everyone. Now I'm going to ease my boss off the ledge since he just realized that my $40 ProComp fogs are about 90% as good as his $180 PIAA's that he just had installed

billulsund

Your best bet in that price range is the Smittybuilt Q89 compressor. They typically retail for about $200, but I have seen them for as low as $150. I have never used one but I know people who have and like them. The Smittybuilt site says it can completely fill a 35" tire in 2.5 minutes.

okcjeeper

Move to chat since there really isn't a tech question in the post.

buckshot500

I have an MV-50, & like it pretty well. I haven't really used it to air up all 4 tires though.

smeltmaster1

i just did the ac conversion and that could be in your price range if you think it out good and i LOVE that i have air on the jeep now it is amazing

AoA

The wolo " turbo" compressor and tank set up was decently priced and works amazingly, pumps up the tank that comes with it to 110psi in litteraly 2min, its got my vote

mr white

MV50 ftw. Airs up all four of my 33x14 tires in about 15min from 10psi to 25psi. Paid $60 from oreilly.

macgyver35

Well, it looks like the Smittybilt Q89 has been discontinued. I may find one somewhere, but if it's no longer an active product for Smitty (and obvioulsy made for them by a third party) I hesitate to jump on one.

I can't do the A/C compressor conversion. I'm in Texas, where it was over 100 degrees for 3 straight months last year, and my XJ is my daily driver and family hauler. I'll give up power steering, 4th gear, and rear brakes before I give up AC!

I've been tempted by the MV50, but it gets really mixed reviews. One guy outlined in his review all of the modding he did to his right out of the box just to keep it from failing. This added a few hours of time and about $15 to the price.

My goal was to mount it under hood and have it hardwired. However, I would mod the mount bracket and add quick-release electrical leads so that it could be removed quickly and used elsewhere is needed.

I may just go with the MV50 unless someone has a better suggestion.

ct67_72

The true flow pumps (mv-50) are awesome. They are fast, have a great duty cycle and seem to last a while. They can be had at pep boys for 60$

BotakBeng

(cheaper) but = .

Here is a good review and mod.

macgyver35

Thanks for all of the replies, everyone. I'll probably give the MV-50 a shot. Anything has to be better than the compressor built into my portable jump starter. I think I could blow up a tire with my own lungs in half the time that thing takes.