Best air compressor for part time traveler w 32 foot camper

[Dreamer7]

Hello,

There are many air compressors out there. Any advice on the most economical/practical for roadside emergencies and/or just generally to ensure safe travels? Also, what is best way to change tire. Someone suggested a ramp lift but not sure that would be best for a long trailer 32 feet, while attached to a truck.

thank you,
Katy

 

[Oregon_Camper]

Hello,

There are many air compressors out there. Any advice on the most economical/practical for roadside emergencies and/or just generally to ensure safe travels? Also, what is best way to change tire. Someone suggested a ramp lift but not sure that would be best for a long trailer 32 feet, while attached to a truck.

thank you,
Katy

Changing Tire....assuming you don't have hydraulic 6 point leveling, the best way to change a flat is to put down your leveling blocks under the GOOD tire. This will lift the tire with the flat off the ground as well. Then simply change as normal. Note...stay connected to the truck to avoid any movement of the trailer.


For the compressor, I think you'll hear overwhelming support from folks here for the ViAir compressor. While not the lowest cost on the market, it is hands down (IMHO) the best. It can get the tires to 110 psi, where a lot of lower cost compressors can't. The kit comes with 2 hoses, so you can reach just about every tire, while connected to your trucks battery. Great handle and trigger (with built in gauge) to quickly inflate tires.


Link to Compressor on Amazon

 

[Dreamer7]

Thank you. Is six point leveling something that comes with trailer? Also can you explain leveling blocks? I'm an amateur here and have never changed a tire, period, in my life. The person I bought the truck from recommended the tire ramp lift. It only took me two years to buy a truck...haha. I can't wait that long to learn how to change a tire. Appreciate your recommendation! That looks like a great set up!

thanks,
Katy

Changing Tire....assuming you don't have hydraulic 6 point leveling, the best way to change a flat is to put down your leveling blocks under the GOOD tire. This will lift the tire with the flat off the ground as well. Then simply change as normal. Note...stay connected to the truck to avoid any movement of the trailer.


For the compressor, I think you'll hear overwhelming support from folks here for the ViAir compressor. While not the lowest cost on the market, it is hands down (IMHO) the best. It can get the tires to 110 psi, where a lot of lower cost compressors can't. The kit comes with 2 hoses, so you can reach just about every tire, while connected to your trucks battery. Great handle and trigger (with built in gauge) to quickly inflate tires.


Link to Compressor on Amazo


View attachment 52289

 

[Oregon_Camper]

Thank you. Is six point leveling something that comes with trailer? Also can you explain leveling blocks? I'm an amateur here and have never changed a tire, period, in my life. The person I bought the truck from recommended the tire ramp lift. It only took me two years to buy a truck...haha. I can't wait that long to learn how to change a tire. Appreciate your recommendation! That looks like a great set up!

thanks,
Katy

No...6 point leveling is an option for most 5th wheels and some TT.

See this YouTube video for the ramp solution to change tire. The video isn't mine, just one I found by searching. You could easily do what they are selling in this video, with some wood blocks, in a stair pattern.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jE_x_TjlOI


You're going to hate this part, but you should go out and change your truck tire and trailer tire once, so you know what you're doing AND if you have all the required components (ie...the right tire iron to remove lug nuts)

Then if you ever need to do this while traveling, you'll know what you're doing.

 

[Lynn1130]

This is one topic that gets quite a bit of coverage, Try this: https://heartlandowners.org/showthr...o-you-carry-with-you?highlight=air+compressor

There are a number of threads with more information on this site.

 

[Dreamer7]

Great, thanks so much!

Katy

No...6 point leveling is an option for most 5th wheels and some TT.

See this YouTube video for the ramp solution to change tire. The video isn't mine, just one I found by searching. You could easily do what they are selling in this video, with some wood blocks, in a stair pattern.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jE_x_TjlOI


You're going to hate this part, but you should go out and change your truck tire and trailer tire once, so you know what you're doing AND if you have all the required components (ie...the right tire iron to remove lug nuts)

Then if you ever need to do this while traveling, you'll know what you're doing.

- - - Updated - - -

Thank you very much. Always nice to have suggestions from those who know best. I'll check it out.

Katy

This is one topic that gets quite a bit of coverage, Try this: https://heartlandowners.org/showthr...o-you-carry-with-you?highlight=air+compressor

There are a number of threads with more information on this site.

 

[Dreamer7]

Ok, I just watched video and I have those! Lol.

That problem is solved! Funny video.

Thanks!

Katy



- - - Updated - - -

Thank you very much. Always nice to have suggestions from those who know best. I'll check it out.

Katy[/QUOTE]

 

[JohnDar]

I carry a Viair 400 in my truck, but didn't like the plastic hose that came with it so I replaced it with 50ft. of Goodyear rubber air line. Doesn't take up all that much space under the back seat and allows me to use it without having to jockey the truck around. And it stays flexible when cold.

On those occasions when I'm planning maintenance requiring an air supply, I'll bring along my 6 gallon Ridgid 120V compressor and Honda 2000 genny if I don't have a power supply (like at the storage yard).


On another note, I've also been getting double posts when I try to edit a posting.

 

[Lynn1130]

Keep in mind that some of the suspension systems on these trailers will not allow the wheel to come off of the ground as shown in that video. E-Z Flex systems (like on mine) have enough flex that when one wheel is raised off of the ground a short distance the other wheel stays on the ground.

Another video: https://www.dexteraxle.com/resources/videos/e-z-flex-suspension

 

[Dreamer7]

Thanks John. I'll look into those. I have no idea about the double posts but I'm msging from an iPhone. I'll look back through later on computer and try to clean this up. I'm finding the forum a bit overkill in options on replying to messages. I may have double replied? Should I uncheck automatically parse txts? So many questions, sorry. Apologies if double posts are from mY end. Again, thank you for info. 😊

Happy Camping,
Katy




QUOTE=JohnDar;548754]I carry a Viair 400 in my truck, but didn't like the plastic hose that came with it so I replaced it with 50ft. of Goodyear rubber air line. Doesn't take up all that much space under the back seat and allows me to use it without having to jockey the truck around. And it stays flexible when cold.

On those occasions when I'm planning maintenance requiring an air supply, I'll bring along my 6 gallon Ridgid 120V compressor and Honda 2000 genny if I don't have a power supply (like at the storage yard).


On another note, I've also been getting double posts when I try to edit a posting.[/QUOTE]

 

[Gaffer]

You can't beat Viaire products.

 

[Dreamer7]

Lynn,

Next time I'll search my topic. I just saw that, I had been scrolling down all forums looking for info on it.

Thanks,
Katy

- - - Updated - - -

Hi, it does seem they come highly recommended. I'll definitely look into those. Thank you. . Katy

 

[olcoon]

Another far easier solution it to have some type of roadside assistance, like AAA, Good Sam's. We've got one, & unless it's an unusual situation, I'll call them & let someone else change the tire. Yep, I'm lazy & old!!!

 

[Lynn1130]

Me too, not necessarily lazy and old, although some might chime in on that, but I prefer not to take the chance of getting killed while changing a tire or get sweaty and dirty in 105 Arizona heat. They show up with all the necessary tools and heavy equipment to do the job.

 

[Dreamer7]

Yes, absolutely agree. Thanks for that reminder. Of course, I want to be in the know and prepared, just in case I'm in the middle of the desert or something!! Lol. .

Cheers,
Katy

Another far easier solution it to have some type of roadside assistance, like AAA, Good Sam's. We've got one, & unless it's an unusual situation, I'll call them & let someone else change the tire. Yep, I'm lazy & old!!!

 

[TravelTiger]

The only problem with having to call for tire repair is the time it may take the service to get to you. We waited over an hour with our first tire issue, not even a flat but an unsafe-looking tread wear. After that, we made sure we had the equipment to change our own. We used two bottle jacks under the frame on either side of the tireset, while still hitched to the truck. Raised together would lift the side high enough to access either tire.


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[Dreamer7]

Yes, absolutely agree. Thanks for that reminder. Of course, I want to be in the know and prepared, just in case I'm in the middle of the desert or something!! Lol. .

Cheers,
Katy

Another far easier solution it to have some type of roadside assistance, like AAA, Good Sam's. We've got one, & unless it's an unusual situation, I'll call them & let someone else change the tire. Yep, I'm lazy & old!!!

 

[Oregon_Camper]

The only problem with having to call for tire repair is the time it may take the service to get to you. We waited over an hour with our first tire issue, not even a flat but an unsafe-looking tread wear. After that, we made sure we had the equipment to change our own. We used two bottle jacks under the frame on either side of the tireset, while still hitched to the truck. Raised together would lift the side high enough to access either tire.

Erika...why not just use the 6 point leveling to raise the RV?

 

[Dreamer7]

Traveltiger,

True, thank you. Appreciate your tips. Yes, the truck owner told me to definitely change a tire before leaving to ensure I can. At this point im
still a little impressed I can hook it all up to the truck!! Lol. With these tires, I may need four jacks. I was raised with this instilled "if you want something done right, do it yourself". However, in some cases, this does not always apply. But I've had flat tires on curved roads in dangerous driving locations, and that's just with a car. I also wouldn't want to be a sitting duck for more problems.

 

[TravelTiger]

Erika...why not just use the 6 point leveling to raise the RV?

This was on our previous ElkRidge, before we had Ground Control/LevelUp.

Original poster doesn't have LevelUp.

I still don't trust LevelUp entirely to be under it without a backup, so we put the Bottle jacks under the frame for safety. They are 20 Ton jacks.


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