12 volt compressor

Hi
We are looking for a good compressor that will pump our 17" tyres at a realistic speed to 75 psi.
We don't want to pay a fortune---weight is (as always) an issue--------so a light/cheap/good performing one would suit us very well   --------------any suggestions ??????
Thanks
Nigel & Pamala

Thinking I was saving a few bob at the time, I've bought dozens of cheap versions in the past, and they all have one thing in common - they all take an eternity to pump up 16" tyres (typical Yank Tank, yours would have to be bigger), they all last 5 minutes before giving up, basically they are all rubbish.

When I was running Landy Rally though the Alps & Pyrenees I felt I had to have a decent compressor on board to help out the teams when required, so to avoid embarrassment I invested in a sturdy metal double motor T-Max costing £80. It was and still is brilliant, so no more concerns about tyres, it works perfectly every time.

Only down side is its obviously heavier than a plastic version, but that's okay as I can be assured it is going to work when I need it. Until I can find a lighter plastic version, I'll stick with the reliable T-Max.

BTW, when buying it my theory was that should a motor burn out or whatever, at least myself (or at least somebody with some electrical knowledge) still had a fighting chance of getting it working again by by-passing the faulty motor. Just a thought.

As it happens, the latest 4x4 Magazine just out that was mentioned t'other day (the December issue with the report about ADVENTURE OVERLAND), has an article by the well-respected Matt Savage about fitting a 12v 'mobile compressor'. You'll find it on page 70.

Me I simply hook my T-Max up to the vehicle's battery with the crocodile clips provided, but if you were thinking of a permanent fitment complete with an air tank, then Matt's installation could well be useful.

Personally, unless you're wanting to use air tools over a prlonged period, I can't see the benefit of a fixed compressor with an air tank, as it can only be used on the vehicle its fitted to or one directly alongside - not much cop when your mate is a few vehicles back along a jungle track who needs a compressor ... or any other situation where you can't get to somebody. My double-motor compressor is truly portable, BIG difference I'd say.

The benefit if a fixed installation with air receiver is that you have air on demand, personally I prefer them as one of the major causes of compressor failures is the poor electrical connections in the cigarette lighter types which overheats the lighter and plug as well as blowing fuses and damaging wiring.

By having a fixed installation you automatically get overload protection with most decent compressors, no dodgy wiring connections, and stored air on tap as and when you need it, you can install a relay to ensure the wiring is up to the job.

If you install a 1 way valve on the compressor outlet you can use a variety of bottles for receivers as many are tested at working pressures in the thousands of PSI rather then the 150psi the highest output compressors produce. I often use refillable gas bottles as receivers for more capacity of stored air and most come with 1/8 th BSP fittings so you can make a simple manifold and connect as many receivers as you need. Recently I came across the cylindrical types used in Soda Stream drinks makers in quantity and used these for a mates expedition vehicle, several manifolds were made and connected with flexible hydraulic hose, he simply bolts them in, screws the bottles to the manifolds, opens the valve and 12 bottles acting as receivers in places in his vehicle you couldn't get a commercial air receiver.

As it happens, my double motor T-Max does not come with a cigarette lighter plug at all (otherwise I would not have even considered it), but with crocodile clips for the battery. Works a treat, does not need a permanent fixed tank, is totally portable, fairly lightweight, will blow up a flat 16" tyre in roughly 2 minutes, does everything it says on the box.

Unless you're running air tools where a tank would be vital, I really can't see the point of a fixed compressor.

As it happens.........I've got a Matt Savage compressor.  I bought it at one of the Donnington shows in my old Land Rover days, and yes, it has crocodile clips not a cigarette socket plug.  Think it was around £175 in them days, obviously not off the Chinese production line  

Anyway, as I now have an onboard comressor it has become redundant!  If you're around the Essex area anytime or if you can wait till the next meet I'm sure we can come to an amicable agreement.

John.

Darn, they have only just left for Morocco, which is why I believe they needed it. Oh well.