Advertisement

12 volt air compressors

Started by goutoe, March 20, 2021, 09:45:40 AM

Previous topic - Next topic

goutoe

Do any of you use a 12volt air compressor to keep aired up while parked? is there any good brands out there? I have heard of Thomas compressors ,I dont know if they are OK for this application, I would like something fairly quiet and dependable. Thanks. >>> John.
John & Linda 1977 AM General 6V92 turbo Detroit 3 Speed allison, 40 ft.

Advertisement

luvrbus

My Country Coach has the Thomas compressor for the HWH leveling system,they are a good quite compressors but pricy,never saw any compressor other than a Thomas on the HWH system on Country Coaches  FWIW   
Life is short drink the good wine first

richard5933

I see that Grainger has a few 12v/24v compressors on their site intended for use on a service truck. They are also quite pricey, but maybe a smaller version of one of those would be a good option.

https://www.grainger.com/category/pneumatics/air-compressors-vacuum-pumps-and-blowers/air-compressors/portable-electric-air-compressors?categoryIndex=4

Cheaper on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Oasis-XD3000-Heavy-Duty-Compressor/dp/B006RHNU7K

Might be overkill - looks like you could almost drive your bus using this thing along for brakes.
Richard
1974 GMC P8M4108a-125 Custom Coach "Land Cruiser" (Sold)
1964 GM PD4106-2412 (Former Bus)
1994 Airstream Excella 25-ft w/ 1999 Suburban 2500
Located in beautiful Wisconsin

Ed Hackenbruch

I have a Westward model 3JR85D air compressor that i bought to have on the bus. Fairly quiet, i think the cost was $450? I see that Grainger doesn't have them any more but you might be able to pick up a used one online?
Used to own a 1968 MCI 5A and a 1977 5C.

chessie4905

If you are going to have an inverter, consider a 110 volt small one. Some are pretty quiet.
GMC h8h 649#028 (4905)
Pennsylvania-central

Nova Eona

I've found that 12v compressors are either too light a duty for any real work, too slow, or too expensive for my taste.  Eventually took the compressor assembly off a cheap California Air Tools unit and built it into my bus; it can air up the whole system from 0psi in about twenty minutes, and it's quiet enough that I wouldn't hesitate to use it for a top-up even in the middle of the night.

goutoe

Thanks for your thoughts, I guess what I want to accomplish is to keep the air topped off, I am not looking to use a lot of air in a hurry just to add as needed to keep the tanks full, I think the Thomas compressor looks like the best one for this and I have found new ones on EBay for around $400 I may check out amazon. Thanks again for your input! >>> John.
John & Linda 1977 AM General 6V92 turbo Detroit 3 Speed allison, 40 ft.

sledhead

when my hwh compressor craped out I put in a Thomas 400 12 v unit and it works ok but I now use a California compressor and is a lot quieter and builds a lot more air . I kept the Thomas 400 as a back up . should have bought the 120 v California compressor first

like this one or similar
https://www.amazon.com/California-Air-Tools-2010ALFC-Lightweight/dp/B00ZF8Y97M

dave
dave , karen
1990 mci 102c  6v92 ta ht740  kit,living room slide .... sold
2000 featherlite vogue vantare 550 hp 3406e  cat
1875 lbs torque  home base huntsville ontario canada

Advertisement

RJ

John -

I have two compressors on board my Prevost, a Thomas and a HF Fortress 4gallon. The Thomas is used to keep air in the Level Low leveling system, the Fortress is used for anything else that needs a bunch of air - tires, etc. I think I got the Fortress on sale, then they (HF) generously accepted the 20% off coupon, too!

I've included a pic of the model label of the Thomas for your reference.

FWIW & HTH. . .   ;)
1992 Prevost XL Vantaré Conversion M1001907 8V92T/HT-755 (DDEC/ATEC)
2003 VW Jetta TDI Sportwagon "Towed"
Cheney WA (when home)

goutoe

Quote from: RJ on March 20, 2021, 03:51:28 PM
John -

I have two compressors on board my Prevost, a Thomas and a HF Fortress 4gallon. The Thomas is used to keep air in the Level Low leveling system, the Fortress is used for anything else that needs a bunch of air - tires, etc. I think I got the Fortress on sale, then they (HF) generously accepted the 20% off coupon, too!

I've included a pic of the model label of the Thomas for your reference.
RJ sounds like you have the right combination, I had no idea that the HF Fortress was that quiet! I watched the video pretty impressive for the price.
FWIW & HTH. . .   ;)
John & Linda 1977 AM General 6V92 turbo Detroit 3 Speed allison, 40 ft.

chessie4905

I just bought this one for upcoming Alaska trip.Super quiet and lightweight and compact.
https://www.harborfreight.com
GMC h8h 649#028 (4905)
Pennsylvania-central

goutoe

I'm sold! going to HF tomorrow I watched the video That thing is super quiet! I guess 110 volt is ok my Gen is quiet Too usually plugged in anyway. I don't really need the tank but for the price I cant go wrong. Thank you all for your help I needed it! >>> John.
John & Linda 1977 AM General 6V92 turbo Detroit 3 Speed allison, 40 ft.

Advertisement