Best Portable Air Compressor For Truck Tires in 2021

A portable air compressor is invaluable for your truck, but you need to make sure you get the right equipment for the job.

We'll be walking you through the considerations when you're hunting for the best portable air compressor for truck tires. It might seem like a simple purchase, but there are a few things you should bear in mind. We’ll go through the details to help you make an informed decision.

VIAIR has an impressive range of portable air compressors, but what makes the 400P Heavyweight Series stand out? If you're looking to inflate tires in a hurry on a larger vehicle, like a truck, you’ll be surprised at the 400P capacity.

You power this unit by a temporary connection to a 12-volt battery. The battery clamps you'll need are thrown in with the package.

The inflation hose is open-ended, and there's a 100 PSI inline pressure gauge. If you need to check tire pressure, turn off the compressor to stop inflation while you use the bundled pressure gauge to take a reading.

• The maximum working pressure is 150 PSI, and VIAIR has a duty cycle of 33 percent at 100 PSI.
• Its CFM rating is 2.54 at 0 PSI.

A carry bag completes an impressive package at a highly affordable price point. You'll receive a reliable air pump with industry-leading pressure per square inch, along with robust airflow.

The heavy-duty tire inflator remains popular, and it’s easy to see why. There's a reason it's the first on our list of the best portable air compressors. Ensure you pop one into your truck, and you'll never be caught short by a puncture again.

You'll be covered by a one-year warranty if you pick up this compressor kit on Amazon.

Key Benefits

• It Inflates up to 35-inch truck tires in less than five minutes
• The maximum pressure is 150 PSI
• It exhibits a 33 percent duty cycle at 100 PSI

The next heavy-duty, yet portable air compressor pump suitable for your truck is a consistent bestseller from GSPCSN.

If you're looking to use this air compressor for a car, you'll have a standard tire pumped up in well under two minutes. You'll need a little longer for your truck, but many users invest in the GSPCSN for larger vehicles. Inflating truck tires should take around three minutes, depending on the tire size.

Whether you love to go off-road in your Jeep or you prefer trucks, this is the perfect compressor for truck and car tires alike.

The kit comes with a 3M cigarette lighter switch, an extension hose, and a battery clamp, so it is ideal when there's no power source on hand.

Rubber feet ensure this digital tire inflator doesn't move around while it's running. There's nothing worse than an unstable tire pump, and GSPCSN has you covered.

• Airflow is expressed as 70 liters per minute rather than in the usual CFM fashion.

A rugged and attractive carry case allows you to keep it close at hand for when you need it. It is a great deal from a brand that you can trust, and this is one of the best portable air compressors for trucks that you will find.

Key Benefits

• It has a powerful 150 PSI working maximum pressure
• The 3M cigarette lighter switch is included for when you're far from a power outlet
• Double cylinders and direct drive motor ensure efficiency and speed

Next in our hunt for the best compressor for truck tires is the Tirewell inflator. Like many inflators, this model attracts many users looking for an air compressor for their cars or trucks rolled into one.

• A dual-cylinder compressor, it kicks out 150 PSI at maximum capacity.
• The CFM rating is 2.12 at 0 PSI.

Despite such firepower, this is still a portable compressor kit. You might want to consider picking up an adapter, though. Many users like to covert the 12-volt cigarette lighter power source to something a bit more powerful, so add this to your purchase, and you'll get the most from this air compressor.

You should expect to have this compressor running for no more fifteen minutes out of every thirty minutes. Make sure you give the tank enough downtime.

Reliable, rapid, and keenly priced, it is one of the best portable air compressors for your truck that you're likely to find. Add those rubber feet and the stability technology and you have all that you need to inflate your truck tires quickly, without spending a fortune.

Key Benefits

• The first-class stability technology helps you work with confidence
• Super-swift inflation makes it one of the best tire pumps on the market
• There is a lengthy 5M extension hose

Our next portable air compressor for your car or truck comes from Kensun. The model is a lighter (in weight and performance) than a lot of the beefier units we have listed today.

Can it still stand up to challenging conditions, though? Absolutely.

You'll also receive a great deal of versatility with this compressor. Whether you need to use it at home or on the road, you have everything you need to be bundled into one.

• Flow rate is expressed as 20 liters per minute rather than being quoted in terms of CFM rating.
• There's an analog pressure gauge bundled, and the max pressure is 120 PSI.
• You'll be capped with a working time of thirty minutes at 35 PSI.

The gauge is surprisingly accurate for such a portable compressor.

For a rock-solid performance at a price you'll love, the dinky 3 1/2 pound unit punches above its weight and slimline dimensions. It is an easy and automatic solution to a flat tire and offers outstanding value.

Key Benefits

• It is ideal for use indoors and on the road, with AC and DC power cords supplied
• It is perfect for cars and trucks with various adapters included
• It’s compact and reliable with the capability of inflating tires at the roadside even if you're nowhere near a power source

While a portable air compressor is easy to slip into the trunk, you need to make sure it's capable of withstanding heavy punishment if you're looking to put air into truck tires. A lot of otherwise reliable units don't have the firepower for inflating larger tires.

You'll be able to use the SuperFlow on tires up to 44 inches, but you'll only need a matter of minutes to get them properly inflated.

From a small trail bike to a bulky truck, this is a flexible compressor that gives you the scope to work with a range of tires.

Despite such a range of benefits, you might find the connections a struggle to hold at a pressure in excess of 110 PSI. The CFM rating is not quoted in this model.

If you need something capable of getting those truck tires filled with air and back on the road, add the SuperFlow to your trunk, and you won't be sorry.

Key Benefits

• A lengthy 24-foot air hose gives ample room to maneuver
• Easily inflate tires as large as 44 inches in three minutes flat
• It features 150 PSI maximum working pressure

The VIAIR range includes a lot of air pressure kits suitable for a range of applications. If you have a huge truck, this is not the right compressor for you. For small trucks, an SUV, or an ATV, though, this is a fantastic portable solution for pumping tires up to 33 inches.

• The CFM rating for airflow is 1.47 at 0 PSI.
• The maximum working pressure is 120 PSI.

An LED indicator displays all the metrics you need at a glance. A generous 10-foot power cord and 16-foot inflation hose combine to give you adequate reach when you're inflating tires without feeling restricted.

There's no carry case provided, so you should make provision, or your kit might end up scattered around your storage space in the rear of your vehicle.

For an affordable and durable portable air compressor ideal for a broad spread of tires, the VIAIR 00088 88P is another home run for the industry heavyweight.

Key Benefits

• The lightweight, portable tank is ideal for trucks with tires up to 33 inches
• Three inflation tips give you the perfect fit
• It has 120 PSI maximum working pressure

When you need to get air into bulky truck tires on the double, you'll need a portable air compressor that's up to the job. You'll be able to keep the hardworking Smittybilt running for forty minutes, but what else makes this tank stand out?

There's a hardwearing carry case thrown in so you can keep it all together.

• A maximum 150 PSI pressure on the easy-to-read gauge is all you need to inflate large tires across a range of vehicles.
• Airflow is not quoted using the usual CFM rating but as 72 liters per minute.

The compressor gives you a smooth and consistent delivery, but it's prone to running hot even within normal operating parameters.

If you're a keen off-roader looking for an air compressor that's portable, but also offers enough run time to get the air back into multiple tires in one session, pop this Smittybilt onto your shortlist.

Key Benefits

• The powerful 12-volt motor is ideal for inflating large truck tires in a hurry
• Maximum airflow of 72 liters per minute is impressive
• The continuous cycle time or duty cycle is forty minutes at 40 PSI

The Audew air compressor is beloved by many users who also need to inflate truck tires occasionally. It’s equally portable and versatile, and this air compressor punches dramatically above its weight.

At a maximum inflatable pressure of 150 PSI, this air compressor also measures pressure in KPA, BAR, and kg/cm² with everything displayed clearly for you on screen. The LED lights are a nice touch if you find yourself struggling to put air into tires at night on a gloomy road.

As a guideline, you can expect to have your tires fully inflated in roughly two minutes, so this really offers a quick fix.

The next time your tires let you down, this portable air compressor in the trunk will have you on your way in no time.

Onboard storage completes a winning package. You'll be delighted you opted for Audew if you invest in this outstanding portable air compressor for your truck.

Key Benefits

• The plug-and-play process is ideal if you're not practically inclined
• A built-in LCD display shows you all the metrics
• Its auto shut-off is a valuable safety feature missing from much of the competition

Portable Air Compressor For Truck: Brief Buying Guide

If you're looking to put air in your truck tires, you should double-down on the following elements to make your buying decision quicker and easier:

• Duty Cycle
• CFM
• PSI
• LCD Screen
• Auto Shut-Off
• Cigarette Lighter Charging Cord
• Portability
• Tire Size
• Automation
• Durability and Dependability

Duty Cycle

The duty cycle of an air compressor reflects how long the unit will run before it needs a break to cool down. The cycle also includes the length of downtime it needs.

Duty cycles are measured in terms of a percentage of the total run time. What does this mean in plain English? A compressor with a fifty percent duty cycle might be able to run for thirty minutes before needing a half-hour rest, for example.

You need to examine the runtime and duty cycle for an idea of the compressor’s capabilities. For example, you could find the best portable air pump for car tires that might be capable of running for forty-five minutes but with a 30 percent duty cycle. It would extend the cooling time to well over an hour.

You could also find a compressor with a twenty-minute runtime but a ninety percent duty cycle. It means that you’ll be back in business after a break of a few minutes.

If you understand the concept of duty cycle and continuous run time, you’ll be able to buy a compressor in line with your needs.

CFM

The most vital metric for a portable air compressor is the airflow (or how much air the compressor can move in a designated time). Airflow is typically expressed in terms of CFM (cubic feet per minute).

If you’re looking to pump large off-road truck tires, you need to move lots of air quickly. A bike tire is small, with a high pressure rating, so you would need a pump designed to create high pressure rapidly. A portable air compressor is much larger with far less internal pressure in the tank, but it will be capable of displacing lots of air.

PSI

Although you’ll see the PSI (pounds per square inch) pressure rating featuring heavily in portable air compressor marketing, it is the least important of the metrics used. What does the PSI mean, though?

Car or truck tires seldom run to more than 40 or 45 PSI. It renders the quest for higher pressure completely unnecessary. All consumer air pumps will hit these volumes without any trouble whatsoever.

What you should look out for is a low CFM rating that’s hidden by the manufacturer with a focus placed on PSI capability. It’s preferable to find the best air compressor for car tires by focusing on the inflation time instead.

Get your tires filled quickly, rather than having the ability to reach an air pressure you won’t require.

LCD Screen

You should look for an air compressor with an LCD display, if possible. It enables you to see quickly and easily when your truck tires have reached the required pressure.

The screen also serves double duty as a light if you’re forced to fill your truck tires in the dark on the side of the road.

Auto Shut-Off

Auto shut-off is a vital feature of any portable air compressor.

You can then punch in your required PSI and allow the compressor to run until it cuts off the pump automatically.

The auto shut-off is a simple but effective safety feature that reduces the risk of over-inflation and burst tires if you are distracted during the filling process.

Cigarette Lighter Charging Cord

If you find yourself with a flat tire when you are miles from home or stuck off-road, the chances are that you won’t be close to a power outlet. All decent portable air compressors come with a cigarette lighter charging cord, which won’t leave you stranded.

Make sure that this is one of the features in the kit you’re considering purchasing.

Portability

Our core focus today has been on portability. All the models we highlight below are comfortable to carry and easy to store in the trunk.

Don’t obsess with finding the lightest air compressor you can find, though. You might find the unit moves around too much or that it is not as stable as some heavier alternatives. A smaller compressor usually also comes with a small tank and motor, so you need to get something big enough to do the job while remaining mobile.

If you step up the weight up slightly, you’ll find a much more stable compressor. You’re also liable to benefit from a bit more power.

Tire Size

Make sure you think carefully about the size of the tires that you’ll need to inflate and buy accordingly.

While we’ve included a couple of compressors that work well with cars, these products also have enough power to work with truck tires where necessary.

If you get this aspect wrong, you will probably end up with an unused piece of kit. If you choose the right option, you’ll never be stranded off-road again.

Automation

Some of the finest portable air compressors designed for inflating truck tires are highly automated.

If you’re not tech-savvy, you’re advised to look for a compressor that does all the hard work for you. The last thing you want is to be fiddling with unfamiliar PSI settings in the dark while you’re stressed and tired.

While you’ll need to dig slightly deeper into your pockets for this functionality, it could be the smartest investment you make this year.

Durability and Dependability

The price will obviously form part of your buying decision, but you should place more priority on the overall value and quality of the build.

By spending a little more on your air compressor, you're likely to find something that's built to stay the distance. The last thing you want is for your equipment to let you down because you went for the cheapest model you could find.

We are not saying that you need to spend a fortune on a truck tire inflator, but, in this business, you generally get what you pay for.

FAQ

Those are the basics sketched out to streamline your buying decision, so we'll address a few of the frequently asked questions about air compressors before we dive into our reviews.

1) What Is The Best Portable Air Compressor For Auto?

Finding the best portable air compressor for your car depends to a large extent on what type of vehicle you own.

We've included a batch of compressors across a range of price-points and PSIs so that you can personalize your decision in line with your needs.

2) What Is The Best Portable Tire Inflator?

All the tire inflators we review below are capable of inflating the tires in trucks. In the instances where the compressor is lighter or struggles with massive truck tires, we reference this weakness so that you can buy accordingly.

The more accurate question is, "What is the best portable tire inflator for me?" The answer to that question is mainly personal, though.

3) What Size Air Compressor Do I Need For Tires?

Err on the side of caution when it comes to choosing the size of your air compressor. You're better off having power in reserve than being sold short.

If you have a truck running on oversized 33-inch or 35-inch tires, you'll need to shoot for something at the upper end of the portable compressor market.

Smaller, lighter compressors work best if you don't have a large truck. In return, you'll pay less and get even more portability.

4) What Is The Best 12v Portable Air Compressor?

If you're looking to find the best 12V portable air compressor, here's are our comprehensive reviews of the most effective products on the market. There are no less than eight products listed below, so you can easily find one which meshes with your needs.

Final Word

By now, you should be in no doubt that a portable air compressor for your truck can save the day if you end up with a flat tire when you're nowhere near a garage. Roll with any of the models we outlined above, and you're in safe hands.

You should also take the time to familiarize yourself with features to consider on the buying trail so that you purchase the best portable air compressor without the drama.

Before you leave, don't forget to bookmark our site. We look forward to seeing you soon.