Are you looking for a perfect portable air compressor for your RV?
Well, every RV owner should include a small portable air compressor in their camping checklist. Not only it inflates mattresses and sports items, but it also helps to tackle breakdown situations.
Some criteria I used to pick the best portable air compressor online:
No doubt, the market is filled with lots of varieties, but certain things should be checked before buying a portable air compressor. Don’t worry, I have done this job for you and listed down the best portable or cordless air compressors in the market. Not just that, I’ve checked users’ reviews, comments, and other practical usages too. Let’s check the features list:
- Lightweight
- Low noise level
- Easy to use
- Cordless/Rechargeable/direct
- Price
- Return of investment
List of 6 Best Portable Air Compressors for RV
- CAT 3 in-1 Professional Air Compressor
- Prow Portable Air Compressor
- Black & Decker 20 Max Cordless Compressor
- Dewalt 20V DCC020IB Max Cordless Portable Air Compressor
- Hausbell Portable Air Compressor
- Skey Air Compressor Tire Inflator
1. CAT 3 in-1 Professional Air Compressor
Price: $135*
CAT 3 is a rigid and easy-to-use portable power station fitted with a 120 PSI air compressor. This 18.8-pound jump starter with air compressor offers 1000 peak battery Amp, 500 instant starting Amps, and a 200 Watt integrated power inverter. It can be utilized to inflate SUVs, sports equipment, etc.
You can trust the build quality. CAT makes it, but it also comes to ETL certified and & CEC-compliant.
Every RV owner should check this once as this machine offers multiple survival tools and might replace other tools that you carry while camping.
In terms of portability, the CAT air compressor measures 9 x 14 x 11 inches (LXBXH), which requires less space during camping.
Features of CAT 3 in 1 Air Compressor
- 2 LED area lights
- 120 Volt AC outlet
- Four 2-amp USB charging ports
- 200 Watt-integrated power inverter
- 1000 Peak Battery Amp Jump-starter
- Starter functions can utilize any power cord, eliminating another accessory power cord
- Solid build quality nozzles
Customer reviews:
Average: 3.5 out of 5 (based on 492 ratings*)
| Built-in light | 4.7 Star |
| Portability | 3.9 Star |
| Value for money | 4.3 Star |
| Easy to use | 4.1 Star |
FAQs
How to turn this machine off?
It turns off automatically after one minute.
How to recharge it?
The charging process is pretty simple, you need to plug it into an electrical board.
Can it run a heater or any similar electrical appliance?
No, I think running a power appliance would not be appropriate with 500 watts.
Will this start a V8 truck or any similar vehicle?
Cat 3 in 1 unit comes fitted with a 12V battery charger. I hope it will start as the max. of the vehicle battery comes with 12V functionality.
2. Prow Portable Air Compressor
Price: $71*
Prow is the best AC DC portable air compressor for your RV and other requirements like home, cars, 2-wheelers, and all sports items. This portable air compressor comes fitted with a powerful motor that makes it possible to push 30 liters of air per minute.
Prow impresses with design and finishing levels in construction, making it a perfect item to gift your traveler buddies. It also comes with a practical bag so that you can carry it while moving.
In terms of dimensions, Prow measures 13 x 8.25 x 5.25 inches and weighs 5.8 pounds, making it the lightest portable air compressor. Compared to CAT 3 in 1 compressor, Prow offers more features at less cost. Let’s take a look at the highlights, shall we?
Features of Prow Portable Air Compressor
- LED flashlight
- LCD display with units (PSI / Bar / KPA)
- Up to 70PSI air-filling capacity in a vehicle tire
- Up to 90PSI air filling capacity in 2-wheelers
- 1.8 m long household power plug
- 3.3 m long power plug (12 V)
- 24 inches hose length
- Multiple nozzles (car, 2-wheeler, and sports items)
Customer reviews:
Average: 4.4 out of 5 (based on 492 ratings*)
| Built-in light | 4.7 Star |
| Thickness | 4.4 Star |
| Value for money | 4.3 Star |
| Easy to use | 4.1 Star |
FAQs
Will it inflate flat truck tires?
No, Prow is not suitable to inflate truck tires.
What is max? continues runt time?
Well, you don’t need to worry about run time. The manufacturer has used superior overheat protection technology, which controls the shut-off functionality. For better results, you can give a 10 mins break after running for 20-30 minutes.
Does it come with a battery?
No, this air compressor tire inflator runs on direct AC OR DC source.
3. Black & Decker 20 Max Cordless Compressor
Price: $71.99*
Next is the list is a cordless air compressor by Black & Decker (Stanley). It is an American manufacturer that specializes in power tools and home improvement equipment.
Black & Decker BDINF20C is a powerful cordless & coded power tire inflator for RV as well as different operations. Powering the machine is a 20V lithium battery, which is capable enough to fill a tire from 24 lbs to 32 lbs in 17 seconds. Here, you can also explore RV tire maintenance & safety tips to extend the RV tire’s life.
The manufacturer has used durable plastic as a prime construction material. Along with this, they provide two years limited warranty.
In measurements, the Black & Decker BDINF20C weighs 5.2 pounds, which is relatively light to carry while traveling in RV. To give you an idea about dimensions, it measures 11.6 x 7.6 x 8.7 inches only. Just like other RV compressors, this can be used to inflate air mattresses, rafts, and sports items.
Features of Black & Decker BDINF20C
- Three power sources (12V DC, 12V AC, and 20V battery operation)
- A digital gauge with a panel to view and set the timer as well as the pressure
- Auto cut – machine shuts down automatically once reaching the entered input
- High-pressure and high-volume outputs
- Kit includes one BDINF20 inflator, one ball needle, one Presta valve adapter, one small inflatable adapter, one large volume hose
Customer reviews:
Average: 4.4 out of 5 (based on 1,193 ratings*)
| Portability | 4.9 Star |
| Lightweight | 4.4 Star |
| Value for money | 4.3 Star |
| Easy to use | 4.1 Star |
FAQs
How much power Black & Decker BDINF20C can provide?
To give an idea about power, you can fill a car tire from flat to fill in under 1 minute.
Is it noisier than other compressors?
No, Black and Decker are quite comfortable to the ears. You can use them comfortably.
How long does the Black & Decker BDINF20C battery last?
In a full charge, you can comfortably top four tires. Also, it depends on the size of the tire you want to inflate.
Will this pump inflate tires on a full-size SUV, like a ford expedition?
Yes, this machine can push air up to 160PSI, making it a capable cordless air compressor to inflate tires on all SUVs.
4. Dewalt 20V DCC020IB Max Cordless Portable Air Compressor
Price: $178.13*
Dewalt DCC020IB is a high-volume/high-pressure tire inflator that comes highly wrapped together. The manufacturer offers three power sources – a 20V MAX battery, 12V DC, or 110V AC so that you use it on the go.
At 2.9 pounds, the Dewalt DCC020IB is the lightest cordless portable air compressor you can buy on the market. The manufacturer offers a digital gauge for setting air pressure and also tells accurate measurements.
When it comes to portability, the battery offers a good backup. To give you reference – it filled up an utterly empty tire up to 35 pounds in under 6 minutes. In terms of capacity, you can utilize the machine up to 160 psi, which can be set as a target, and the rest will be taken care of by the auto-cut unit.
The outer case is made up of industrial-grade plastic. Dewalt offers three years of limited warranty with a 1-year free service and 90-day money-back guarantee. Seeing of warranty information, I’m pretty sure that the manufacturer is quite confident about their product quality and you should consider them for your next purchase.
Features of Dewalt 20V DCC020IB
- 20-volt lithium battery
- Quite in operation
- Digital gauge with auto-shutoff
- Flexible high-volume hose for fast inflation
- High-volume inflation and deflation modes
- Onboard LED light
- Onboard accessory storage
- 0-160psi capacity
- Heavy-duty rubber feet help reduce walking when in use
Customer reviews:
Average: 4.8 out of 5 (based on 3575 ratings*)
| Portability | 4.8 Star |
| Easy to use | 4.8 Star |
| Accuracy | 4.8 Star |
| Lightweight | 4.7 Star |
| Value for money | 4.6 Star |
FAQs
How many gallons per minute does Dewalt DCC020IB supply?
There are no specific measurements by the manufacturer, but it inflates a car tire (235-45 R17) from 0 to 35 PSI in 4 mins. 38 seconds.
Does this come with a case or bag?
No, but you get a handle at the top to carry it comfortably.
Is this water-resistant?
You can use it to inflate a tire in the rain, but it won’t work underwater. Although, it should consider sprayproof, not resistant.
Does this come with a battery?
No, it doesn’t. You have to purchase an extra battery from the manufacturer’s website.
5. Hausbell Portable Air Compressor
Price: $29
When it comes to ROI, Hausbell is one of the bestselling portable air inflaters available online. This 1.8-pound machine delivers fast airflow and provides accurate tire pressure like Dewalt, all thanks to a 120W high-power motor.
This small-sized rabbit-shaped air compressor offers 3 meters long power code and three additional nozzles that make it convenient to use all cars, sports balls, air mattresses, and other inflatables. Although, it doesn’t support truck tires (light truck tires, heavy truck tires), pools, etc.
In measurement, the Hausbell tire inflator comes equipped with a bright digital display. It offers a max PSI of 150 and shows units in PSI, kPa, BAR, and KG/CM. You can set desired tire pressure using a single click and leave on auto shut-off system. The manufacturer offers a 3-year warranty so you can worry less and replace it in case of any issues.
Features of Hausbell Portable Air Compressor
- High-quality pure copper motor
- Auto shut-off
- Super compact
- Built-in LED flashlight
- Precise digital gauge
- Less operation noise
Customer reviews:
Average: 4.4 out of 5 (based on 4320 ratings*)
| Cord length | 4.8 Star |
| Lightweight | 4.7 Star |
| Easy to read | 4.5 Star |
| Easy to use | 4.5 Star |
| Value for money | 4.6 Star |
| Accuracy | 4.3 Star |
FAQs
Can you plug this into a wall outlet?
No, this is a DC-operated portable air compressor. It would be best if you plugged into your car using a 12V port–car cigarette lighter socket.
Does the car need to be running to charge the air pump?
Not compulsory, but you should start the car first to avoid battery discharge. Once you start the car, connect the compressor using a DC socket and set the desired tire pressure.
Does it come with a carrying case or bag?
No, the manufacturer doesn’t offer any case.
Does it work last long? Any time duration?
Yes, it can work continuously for 10 minutes max. You will need to give a 5 mins stop and resume the inflation.
6. Skey Air Compressor Tire Inflator
Price: $49.65
Skey is a versatile, compact, and practical handheld air compressor. It weighs 2.9 pounds, all thanks to an all-aluminum body. The motor inside offers a strong flow of up to 150PSI, which is quite comfortable with inflating the tire and saving you time. It will automatically stuff off once reaching desired air pressure.
At the back, you get a digital LCD screen with easy 3 to use pre-set buttons to control and set pressure. It offers reading in 4 different units – PSI, KPA, BAR, and KG/CM2. A LED torch comes fitted in front, which can be used in dark spaces or in an emergency.
The powerful motor comes equipped with a 2200mAh rechargeable lithium battery, which is quite comfortable with inflating tires several times. Not just that, you get a USB power cord to charge your phones and other necessary digital devices.
Skey offers a carry-on bag for your convenience, which makes carrying his handheld air compressor an easy job. It also provides four additional nozzles that can be used in cars, motorcycles, bicycles, sports balls, boats, etc.
Features of Skey Air Compressor Tire Inflator
- Removable rechargeable battery
- Auto shut-off
- USB support
- Security lock
- Handheld – super compact
- Built-in LED flashlight
- Lightweight & durable design
- Less operation noise
Customer reviews:
Average: 4.4 out of 5 (based on 843 ratings*)
| Lightweight | 4.1 Star |
| Easy to use | 4.5 Star |
| Accuracy | 4.5 Star |
FAQs
Can I operate Skey by plugging it directly into the wall? What is the warranty?
The manufacturer offers a 12-month warranty.
How do I know when the battery is charged?
You will see a red light at the USB port turns green.
Can I operate Skey by plugging it directly into the wall?
No, this handheld air compressor can be powered by a 20V DC battery pack or a 12V DC car socket/adapter.
What’s the duty cycle, run time, or cool-off time of the Skey air compressor?
For better operations, you need to give a 5 minutes break after 10 minute run time.
How many times can one use this compressor on a single charge?
Max. 2-3 times (Also depends on the vehicle’s tire size)
Also read:
I use VIAIR to air up LT and RV tires to 80psi while on road trips. Works great, is fast and the combined length of the power cord and two air hoses allow me to tire of a 35 foot fifth wheel with no problems. Compressor shuts off automatically, allowing you to air tires a long distance from it without having to manually cut it off. This is the best compressor I have owned. It is pricey, but I firmly believe you get what you pay for.
Hi Samantha, thanks for the feedback. Just got to know that VIAIR has awesome Tire Inflators & Accessories for RV’ers. I will definitely check and add it to the list.