Tuesday, June 10, 2014

VIAIR 85P Portable Air Compressor

VIAIR 85P Portable Air CompressorI've had a VIAIR 70P for quite some time and that unit is great for the small pump that it is. When I needed another small portable compressor that was able to be powered by a cigarette lighter power socket, I noticed that VIAIR had a new model and got one. This one is almost twice as fast as the 70P and every bit as quiet. The unit doesn't walk around when you're using it and the brass screw-on tire chuck makes for almost no air loss. The LED power indicator is a nice touch and I found the air pressure gauge to be spot-on as long as I turn the compressor off to check pressure. In all, another nice unit. -I just wish this was available when I got my 70P. Side note: don't throw away the box its a means of storage since this unit doesn't come with a carry bag.

I've had several other portable air compressors in the past but they were always in the $20, and below price range, which in essence turned out to be "junk. This is the first time I've purchased a Viair Air Compressor. I was hesitant in spending nearly $50 for for one, but once I received it I was very impressed with its quality and efficiency. I like the fact that the air hose fitting is brass and the end screws onto the air valves of tires. Unlike the toggle type of hose fittings on the cheaper models (which leak a substantial amount of air when you attach or detach them to the air valve and are cumbersome to use), the screw on brass fitting of the Viair loses a negligent amount of air during this operation. The pump is relatively quite for a portable, and it doesn't bounce around nearly as much as the cheaper models tend do. The air gage is very accurate (readings should be taken with the air hose attached and the compressor off ). My bicycle tires were about 15 lbs low and it only took the compressor 10 seconds to air them up. My car tires were about 3 lbs low and it took less than a minute to fill them. I also like the fact that the accessories for airing up air mattresses, basketballs and the like, are cradled on the compressor. All to often I forget where I put these items when I need them if not attached to the compressor. Compared to other air compressors within the same price range, I think this is by far, a cut above the rest.

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After reading all of the reviews, I still was not convinced that I could trust this product, so I called the company, VIAIR directly with questions. First, I got right through to their technical department, and was given very clear answers to my questions. My main question was about blowing any fuses, as some reviewers had complained about, and the technician assured me that would not happen, as long as I had the engine running BEFORE I plugged in and turned on the compressor. After I spoke to the technician I decided to go ahead and purchase the VIAIR 85P compressor. When it arrived the directions on the box were very clear about turning on your engine before operating the compressor. The compressor is extremely easy to use. The brass screw on tire chuck for the tire stem is so much more convenient and easier to use than the machines at local gas stations, because you just screw it on and you do not have to hold it in place. It filled up my tire to the correct pressure in less than a minute, and the tire gauge makes it impossible for you to make any errors in judgement as to how much or how little to fill your tire, as long as you know what the PSI is for your tires. I am thrilled that I purchased this product. It is everything that the company advertises it to be and more. Also, as one previous reviewer suggested, keep the box, it is very convenient to store the compressor in, and has a convenient plastic carry handle.

Read Best Reviews of VIAIR 85P Portable Air Compressor Here

Item arrived quickly. The compressor is very compact and feels well built and heavy.

I verified before purchase that it draws 14.5 amps, 12v. My power sources on a 05 landcruiser are 15 amp 12v. I tested it this weekend. Started the vehicle, used the rear cargo Aux socket to fill the two rear tires, it has plenty of power and inflated quickly. I moved it to the front cabin Aux socket on dash, and it blew the 15 amp fuse. Then I used the 15 amp cig lighter socket, and it blew that too.

Its not much use if it blows the fuse when you need it most.

I'm going to look into a direct battery power adapter plug.

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This is a solid, well make unit. I've had 3 portable air compressors for personal automobile use over the last several years. This one is generally the best that I've owned. It is small, quiet, compact and doesn't bounce around. On my unit, the PSI gauge is relatively accurate which I crossed checked with a high quality dial type tire pressure gauge. I take my car to high performance driving events and for those of you that travel light to track events (no trailer), this is great pump to pack rat with the rest of your gear. It stands up to heavy use WHEN USED FOR CAR TIRES. The bronze twist on tire chuck is thick, solid and better made than those on other portable units. This is important if you are adjusting pressures on all four tires a few times a day over the course of a two/three day weekend track event. For a small portable pump, it's FAST. The pump works well for general, casual home use as well. But, with a PSI rating of 60, it is not made for bicycle tires. Small bicycle tires inflate extremely quickly with this unit. You have to watch the gauge very carefully and it is all to easy to exceed the pressure rating for the unit faster than you expect. This is where the design of the unit is flawed. When pressures exceed 60 PSI the fuse for the cigarette lighter in your car (20amp for my car) will blow before the fuse in the pump's power port plug will blow. It should be the other way around in my opinion. I think the people that complain of repeatedly blowing fuses in their car are likely using the 85P beyond the maximum 60PSI rating on the unit. The VIAIR 90P has a higher 100 PSI rating. I've never seen the 90P, but the push on attachment chuck is probably inferior for frequent use. I've had pumps with the push on type chucks, and inside of this type of chuck will wear down with repeated use. IN SUMMARY THE VIAIR 85P IS A FAST PUMPING, SOLID, DURABLE, WELL MADE PUMP WITH A MINOR DESIGN FLAW (FUSE ISSUE). DESPITE THE FUSE ISSUE, IT IS A GREAT CHOICE AS A PORTABLE TIRE PUMP TO KEEP IN THE CAR. DON'T USE IT TO INFLATE BICYCLE TIRES OR USE IT NEAR IT'S MAXIMUM 60PSI RATING.

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