Matt Savage VIAIR 77P Portable Compressor Kit (Sport Compact Series with Illuminated Pressure Display, 12V, 80 PSI)

Having prematurely worn down one of my van tyres by running it several pounds underinflated, mainly due to the fact that it's frequently a bind trying to get access to garage airlines on busy forecourts; I decided it was time to get a portable 12volt tyre inflator to carry around, and check my tyres more often. Well I went through all the usual routes but found only cheap junk, of which I have, over the years, watched people being frustrated by. I was determined to find a product that would comfortable inflate tyres requiring 3.5bar/50psi and run off a standard 12volt 15/16amp cigar lighter power point. I also wanted something that I could count on for at least the next ten years, so good build quality was a must.I chose the Viair 77P kit. This is a USA designed product but typically, is currently made in China. However, on close inspection, this still looks and feels like a high-quality product. This compact compressor is capable of 5.5bar/80psi. With an insulated carry handle [incorporating a pressure gauge], essential as electric motors and compressors get hot. The robust yet very flexible rubber air-hose, is of generous length given that with the long power lead, you can comfortably position the unit close to all wheels with ease. This particular model has a screw on adaptor for attaching to the tyre valve; reviews suggest this works best. If you prefer a lever clamp style fixing, this is available on the 78P. Included in the kit are three nozzles, for inflating airbeds and footballs etc. The whole kit comes in a very good quality, canvas carry case; 9L x 5w x 6T inches [230 x 130 x 152mm]. Approx. 5.5lbs [2.5kg].So how does it perform in practice? The manufacturers recommend that the vehicle engine should be running while the compressor is in use. This not only boosts the speed that the compressor runs at, it also ensures you will not flatten your battery: So, with engine running, plug in to your 12volt supply, attach the air-hose to the valve, then switch on the pump. I tried it out on a typical saloon car [BMW] tyre which was down to 20psi, it took about two minutes to inflate this to 42psi. The compressor was quiet, almost inaudible at a distance of 35 feet. There was very little vibration, so it did not scuttle about. After such a short duration, the body of the machine barely became warm. [maximum duty cycle is stated as 30 minutes continuous running]. The horizontal analogue pressure gauge, bar/psi, is very easy to read as it is illuminated. While pumping, the pressure indicated is slightly higher than final tyre pressure. To determine actual pressure, you just turn off the pump, and the gauge settles down about 2psi. I double checked the tyre pressure with my manual tyre gauge and this agreed to within a pound. The screw on air-hose proved to be a very good choice as it fits extremely securely and leaks no air. At first it caught me out as it seemed to not want to engage with the valve threads but then I realised that you have to push it on, while turning.NB. The power plug, which in itself is a notably well-made item, only engaged to a bare minimum in the BMW 12volt cigar lighter socket, and had to be double checked when at first it provided no power. Later, I tried the plug in my Citroen cigar lighter socket, and it engaged very positively and ten millimetres deeper, compared to the BMW. So it would seem that cigar lighters are not as standard as you might reasonably expect.All in all, I was very impressed with this piece of kit. Compared to other makes these are expensive, but the quality is well worth it, and I suggest that long term Viair will prove to be much better value for money. I may even begin to enjoy the process of checking my tyres!The Viair range offers 12volt and 24volt compressors, ranging from 4bar/60psi up to 10.5bar/150psi. The higher-pressure machines come with crocodile clips for direct connection to the battery, as 12volt 15/16amp outlets will not support the power drawn.It is worth the trouble to consider the maximum tyre sizes you may want to inflate before selecting which model to buy.

A great product easily pumps up my tires from flat no problems with overheating etc ,handy light and gauge which is illuminated for night time use. comes in a strong bag.Had a question about the unit which was answered very quickly ,great company to deal with.No problem recommending this unit.

Seems to do the job well - car tyres, bike tyres, even balloons. No complaints for the price.