Can anyone recommend a good portable tire inflator?

[Shepherd]

I bought a Slime brand 12V inflator with a digital display at Walmart a decade ago. Still works.

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[NorCoMetaller]

Unless you have leaks in them, tires don't drop from 39 to 32PSI in a short period. That's months of not checking the air pressure. You aren't relying on the car to tell you when to add air to the tires, are you?

You're exactly right on all counts; that is precisely what I was doing. Bonehead move on my part, for sure. I just spaced on regularly checking the pressure, which I won't do again. But, having learned my lesson, thought it might be good to have a good portable charger on hand for regular maintenance.

 

[NorCoMetaller]

Ya, I was thinking I'd be more concerned about why/how the tires got that low instead of which inflator to use. That's a BIG drop - especially in summer (when higher temps generally mean higher pressures to start with).

You and Rick identified the root cause: the owner. But having learned my lesson, I'll be staying on top of it regularly from now on. Appreciate the help!

 

[ack154]

You and Rick identified the root cause: the owner. But having learned my lesson, I'll be staying on top of it regularly from now on. Appreciate the help!

I assume then that there wasn't actually anything wrong with the tires, right? That would be good news for sure. Still strange they would have dropped so much in the middle of summer, but it's probably hard to figure out how long they were low (based on my own experience with a slow puncture, I don't think the Mach-E alerts on tire pressure until it gets under 30 psi).

 

[Mike G]

Since I'm invested in the whole Dewalt 'ecosystem' and have a shedload of their batteries that came with the tools, I bought the Dewalt inflator as well. You can also get a 'renewed' one for a little less.

I like the fact that I can throw a 5Ah battery on it and it will run for hours if need be.

 

[FordMachEGo]

I received the low tire pressure alert this morning and was surprised to see that the 3 tires were down to 32 and one is at 29. Was going to run over to Home Depot to pick up a portable charger and thought I'd check to see if anyone had any recommendations. Thanks!

This is a newer version of the one i bought. It’s great quality, produces a low frequency sound unlike cheaper models and does not heat up as fast as some cheaper models. Very wood quality in my opinion. VIAIR 85P - 00085 Tire Inflator Portable Air Compressor for Car, Truck & SUV 12V On/Offroad Tire Pump Air Compressor Portable Heavy Duty 60 PSI, Cigarette Plug, Twist Chuck https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0036E9VB6?psc=1&ref_=cm_sw_r_ud_ct_QN90WEP4D6XCS4H0PMT8&language=en_US

 

[tuminatr]

I bought one of these years ago works great. It's a very good deal at $29.99

https://www.harborfreight.com/12v-100-psi-high-volume-air-inflator-63745.html

 

[Peugfan]

Husky Brand at Home Depot: 12v or 120v Rugged but might be too large for some people to carry in car.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-12-Volt-120-Volt-Home-Auto-Tire-Inflator-H12120N/325791554

 

[AliRafiee]

I bought one of these years ago works great. It's a very good deal at $29.99

https://www.harborfreight.com/12v-100-psi-high-volume-air-inflator-63745.html

Again, why buy a cheap one when one comes with the car? I don’t get it.

 

[tuminatr]

Again, why buy a cheap one when one comes with the car? I don’t get it.

I have owned that for 5 years. So it predates the car plus it actually fills considerably faster then the factory one.

Have you considered that the factory one is actually a cheap one too.

 

[AliRafiee]

I have owned that for 5 years. So it predates the car plus it actually fills considerably faster then the factory one.

Have you considered that the factory one is actually a cheap one too.

Maybe. I wouldn’t replace a cheap one with another cheap one.
I’m just confused about this whole thread.

 

[RickMachE]

I have owned that for 5 years. So it predates the car plus it actually fills considerably faster then the factory one.

Have you considered that the factory one is actually a cheap one too.

A cheap one with a warranty on it. Use it, break it, they give you a new one. I'm also confused as to why this is a thing.

 

[tuminatr]

A cheap one with a warranty on it. Use it, break it, they give you a new one. I'm also confused as to why this is a thing.

Considering it's five years old I have used it a bunch and have had no issues. I don't think quality is necessarily expensive in a portable compressor. Typically harbor freight is known for middle of the road quality though.

For me I have a aftermarket subwoofer and have reconfigured the trunk it's nice to have a physically smaller compressor.

 

[Stanmckinney]

Worx

 

[DonkeyFarmer]

Unless you have leaks in them, tires don't drop from 39 to 32PSI in a short period. That's months of not checking the air pressure. You aren't relying on the car to tell you when to add air to the tires, are you?

Why is this a problem? I rely on the tire pressure feature on the main display. Is it inaccurate?

Also, the car comes with an inflator. Can't believe all the people in here apparently buying more inflators.

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