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Need suggestions for a portable 12 volt air compressor to take on roadtrips.

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by Priusguy78213, Sep 22, 2015.

  1. Priusguy78213

    Priusguy78213 Junior Member

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    I'm getting ready to do some pretty long road trips and going down the checklist to make sure I've got a good emergency kit in place. I've got the basics; portable 12 volt booster pack, extra oil, water, toolkit, etc. But I'm looking to get a small, light weight portable 12 volt air compressor to store onboard in case needed. Any suggestions? And probably an odd-ball question but does anyone know the amps on the 12 volt sockets in the 2013 Prius? I've looked at a few compressors and some specify that they need to be used with 15 amp 12 volt sockets. Not sure if that's something that would be specified in the owner's manual or not. Any ideas on that and suggestions on a portable compressor would be appreciated.
     
  2. se-riously

    se-riously Active Member

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    I think I remember the 12V socket being limited to 10 amps, which is why I never bought a compressor. Most compressors run at 15 amps, and anything less would operate really slowly. So, I bought a foot pump and called it a day.
     
  3. jdonalds

    jdonalds Active Member

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    For what purpose do you need the 12V compressor? There are various sizes for various pressure or volume applications.
     
  4. Priusguy78213

    Priusguy78213 Junior Member

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    Just to pump up a tire if need be.
     
  5. mrbigh

    mrbigh Prius Absolutum Dominium

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    a foot pump will do the job ....
     
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  6. jdonalds

    jdonalds Active Member

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    Well here is one, not too small, but priced right.


    I think I'd be tempted to go with a simple method and throw in a bicycle hand pump. While I don't want to be without a spare tire I only have a flat every 4 to 5 years. I would think a hand pump, although a lot of effort and slow, would provide a temporary solution in some cases. It would be light weight, small, and cheap.

    I presume your car does not have a spare tire or this subject wouldn't have come up.
     
    #6 jdonalds, Sep 23, 2015
    Last edited: Sep 23, 2015
  7. qdllc

    qdllc Senior Member

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    Honestly, I got a 12v "bike pump" from WalMart for my motorcycle, and it does great on a motorcycle battery WITHOUT the engine running. At worst, you might need to by a 12v cord extension since you only get a couple feet of cord with the pump itself.

    More money for a better pump would only be warranted if you were going to use it a lot.
     
  8. Stevevee

    Stevevee Active Member

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  9. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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  10. TRUC NGUYEN

    TRUC NGUYEN Junior Member

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    Try this
    eBay item number:
    331661791665
     
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  11. StarCaller

    StarCaller Senior Member

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    I have this one here/
    $42.-
    more than happy with it/




    [​IMG]
     
    #11 StarCaller, Sep 24, 2015
    Last edited: Sep 24, 2015
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  12. Stevevee

    Stevevee Active Member

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    I have an older version (probably 6-7 years old now), of the Sears DieHard Platinum Portable Power 1150. Portable power for jump starts, compressor, gauge and tire pump. It also serves as an inverter. Holds a charge for a very long time, and saved me out on the lake a couple of times. Kind of hard to carry around all the time, but I'd definitely prefer a device like that to one that had to be plugged in to work.
     
  13. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    I've got a jump pack without compressor, but good power and a 12 volt outlet. Guess I could use a 12 volt compressor with it.
     
  14. css28

    css28 Senior Member

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    We have this:


    Very quiet and capable.
     
  15. dandeman

    dandeman Junior Member

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    www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=jump+n+carry+jnc660Highly recommend the Jump and Carry at this link..


    I have one and have used both the battery jumper and, the tire pump to save the day with the Prius.. My other primary vehicle is a Toyota 4Runner with onboard air compressor and dual battery system..

    I don't even think of taking long trips with the battery and tire pump backup as those two items are the most common on the road issue.