Best 12V Air Compressor Available

[LUFTKUL]

My car didn't come with the stock Porsche air compressor and I want to buy one. I don't necessarily need to have a Porsche branded one, in fact, I'd prefer to buy "the best" one. I'm not even sure what that means as I know nil to none about 12V air compressors.

Any opinions on what to get? Battery clamp models or cigarette lighter units better?

[Canada Kev]

I have a factory compressor which is great to keep in the car and its cigarette lighter plug fits fine in the oddball European size receptacle in the dash without using my adapter. Plus it looks the part.

However, I used to have an inexpensive Campbell-Hausfield compressor that had a built in rechargeable battery that worked great for random around the house air compressing chores without being plugged in. If the charge was low, it could also be plugged into the 12 volt lighter source or a 110 VAC wall outlet. The built in battery was great for not requiring an electricity source nearby. It worked fantastic for rafts at the beach, bikes in the driveway, air mattresses, or whatever. Unfortunately about three years ago, it was left discharged in an unheated garage during an especially cold winter. The battery froze and I couldn't find a way to repair the 15 year old compressor. I miss that compressor as it was a great tool for what I used it for.

So I bought one (actually two) made by Viair. They make several different 12 volt models to choose from depending on your requirements. I have a smaller one that inflates faster than the factory unit and another that has a far higher CFM rating.

My smaller one (sorry, don't remember the model) has battery leads that clip onto the battery posts. This will eliminate any issues with a standard lighter plug being too small for the receptacle. As well, it allows a higher current draw directly from the battery so it doesn't blow the cig. lighter outlet fuse. The leads are long enough it can reach all the tires in the 911 or any other vehicles I own. It came with a compact nylon case to keep the cords, hose and accessory parts all together and organized. It's lightweight and easy to toss in the car if I want or store in a drawer in the garage.

The other compressor is notably larger. It'll air up a 33 or 35 inch offload tire pretty quickly. I know they make higher CFM compressors, but this one has a duty cycle rating of 100% so doesn't require a cool down period if I'm trying to air up all four tires after coming in from the trails. It's also a significantly larger and heavier lump of metal than what most people would require. But it's still portable and can be moved from vehicle to vehicle if required, or can be stored in the garage.

[universeman]

I burned up my 82 wiring harness with a cigarette lighter compressor, so I'd suggest a battery clamp model. Why put the current through your dash when you don't have to. YMMV.

[enzo1]

https://www.amazon.com/Viair-00088-88P-Portable-Compressor/dp/B005ASY23I/ref=as_at/?imprToken=SfW3NcFMqB0R9IO8Icjhxw&slotNum=4&ie=UTF8&qid=1495990139&sr=8-1&keywords=Viair+00088+88P&linkCode=sl1&tag=toolez07-20&linkId=7796f38661fe001f5a833106ffc48399

[NickP]

I have a Viair 450P but it might be overkill as it’s pretty hefty. I bought it primarily to air up off road tires on my Land Cruiser but also to have on hand for track days in the 911. Check Viair’s web site, they have a wide range of portable 12v compressors available.

[blucille]

I’ve got the viair compressor too. But I really like the one that came in my macan. Small form factor. Works well and you can find them on ebay for about the same money as the viair

[enzo1]

Originally Posted by sonett43

I’ve got the viair compressor too. But I really like the one that came in my macan. Small form factor. Works well and you can find them on ebay for about the same money as the viair

??? Porsche Cayenne / Macan air tire compressor pump, Brand New See Pics | eBay

[wayne robson]

Just another opinion , i have had different compressors over the years,
and now i think one of the best is the Inter compressor,it lays flat in the trunk
has a good reading dial, should always start and idle engine when using.Some of these models has the flash light as well.
I had a Webster few years back worked well but most of those dont have a reading dial
they bright orange, no dial can be a nuisance , thats why i go back to the Intercompressor.