Tyre inflator for caravan

trussers
trussers Forum Participant Posts: 14
edited August 2023 in Parts & Accessories #1

Grateful for advice on the best 12-volt wired tyre inflator out there suitable for a caravan.  My old one has been wheezing for years when I use it on the caravan, and has finally expired.

I am not keen on having a rechargeable, so prefer one that plugs into the car 12-volt plug.  I see the Ring is recommended, but seems a bit pricey.

Many thanks

Comments

  • TimboC
    TimboC Club Member Posts: 422
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    edited August 2023 #2

    Ive used a cheap one from Halfords for the last 6 years or so. Its a bit noisy, but works fine.

    The valve blew off about 3 years ago, but I secured it back on with a jubilee clip and its fine

  • TimboC
    TimboC Club Member Posts: 422
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    edited August 2023 #3

    PS. If you go to Member offers, theres an 8% discount voucher that you can download for Halfords. Click the box for car accessories

  • richardandros
    richardandros Club Member Posts: 2,681 ✭✭✭
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    edited August 2023 #4

     I bought the Ring RAC 900 when I first got our current van because the data plate by the door showed that the tyre pressure was 65 psi and most of the rechargeable ones only went up to 50 psi. Turned out to be a waste of money because the data plate was incorrect and the correct tyre pressure should have been 43psi.

    I don't like the Ring - it's a faff!  Firstly it doesn't plug into the car - it has crocodile clips - presumably because of high current draw.  I use a small 40 Ah battery which I also use for the air awning pump.  You have to cart the whole lot around the car (or caravan) despite there being 7m of air hose because the switch for the compressor is on one end, so you have to have it close to you to operate it. No good just dragging the air line around.

    The whole thing gets tangled up between the electrical leads and the air line and I usually end up swearing at it! 

    I am about to go back to a re-chargeable 'gun' type - from the likes of Aldi etc. - much easier and quicker but it depends on what maximum pressure you're looking for.

  • eribaMotters
    eribaMotters Club Member Posts: 1,193 ✭✭✭✭
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    edited August 2023 #5

    We have an old Halfords in my wife's car. I never use it, preferring an old school single barrel foot pump. I did try a twin barrel but you would need to be something more than human to have enough strength to use it.

     

    Colin

  • LLM
    LLM Forum Participant Posts: 1,555 ✭✭
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    edited August 2023 #6

    I have the Aldi rechargeable gun type.  Really easy to use, no trailing wires, quick and handles the 80psi needed with ease.  The gauge is also very accurate.  

  • TimboC
    TimboC Club Member Posts: 422
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    edited August 2023 #7

    Aldi have some reasonable stuff at low cost.

    Ive been using a dog grooming set for the past 3 years that cost me £19.99 vs. the Wahl that cost me £100 and packed up just after the 12 month warranty ran out

  • jennyc
    jennyc Forum Participant Posts: 957
    500 Comments
    edited August 2023 #8

    Tyre inflators can be a bit lazy when powered by a 12v battery - unless you turn the car engine on. In which case the additional voltage will put a spring in the step of most inflators. That useful when trying to achieve 65psi etc.

  • AGOG
    AGOG Forum Participant Posts: 58
    edited August 2023 #9

    I bought a Halfords own brand. It was rubbish, burnt out first use. Exchanged it for Michelin Programmable Rapid,  cost £50.

    It's easy to use, fast, max 80psi,  relatively quiet compared to others, nice little protrusion to stick dust cap on, let's air out easily if needed, easily tidied cable, cloth storage bag. Nothing to dislike.

  • Vulcan
    Vulcan Forum Participant Posts: 670
    edited August 2023 #10

    I have used this one for a couple of years now with no problems, can be charged from any usb outlet and 120psi.

  • LLM
    LLM Forum Participant Posts: 1,555 ✭✭
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    edited August 2023 #11

    That looks really neat.  Similar to the Aldi unit I have but sadly mine does not charge from a USB outlet.