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Air Compressor_Harbor Freight

Yahoo Message Number: 67343
This is a FYI. I posted some pictures of a compressor installation in a MH bay, using a Porter Cable 150 psi pancake compressor, 1.5 HP, 6 gallons. Saw them yesterday at Home Depot for $160. Harbor Freight has a Central Pneumatic 1.5 HP, 6 gallon compressor on sale for $120, normally $140. I'm not recommending this because I've not used this compressor. Have had mixed experiences with Harbor Freight stuff. However, I think they have a 60 day return policy. The one negative experience I had was with a framing nailer and I returned it for a full refund (keep your receipt). BTW, saw the compressor in Las Vegas, NV.

Judy n Joe

98 Intrigue 10578

Re: Air Compressor_Harbor Freight

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 67354
I just bought an 'air multiplier or intensifier' on eBay. It was used but like new without a mark on it. It's a $500 item retail. It will boost incoming air pressure to 150 PSI. It weighs 3-4 pounds and is about 1 foot long and 5 inches high.

Minimum opening bid was $25.

I was the only bidder.

It works great. All you need to do is make up your own hosing on the incoming side and install a fitting on the high pressure side to accomodate a tire chuck and hose.

The seller has had several of these listed recently.

Here are the basics of the eBay listing:

"SMC Booster Regulator" VBA2100-03GN

Item condition: Used

Time left: 6d 23h (Jan 18, 201117:12:55 PST)

Bid history: 0 bids[Refresh bidhistory]

Starting bid: US $25.00

Re: Air Compressor_Harbor Freight

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 67370

FWIW I bought a Harbor Freight air compressor about a year ago - waited for a sale and saved big. It appears to be a very well built unit and works great so far.
I also have had mixed experiences with other items from them but the compressors seem very good and priced well. A professional body shop painter told me most compressors are about the same versus longevity and reliability.. Buy the one you can get the best deal on, forget what name is on it.

Bob (rthandren@...)
'05 Inspire 51178

Re: Air Compressor_Harbor Freight

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 67372
Have had the Porter Cable unit for a year. Really like it. Light and easy to move around. 150 psi is more then enough to air up tires. Has many other uses as well.

Leonard

97' Magna 5418

Re: digression on air compressors

Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 67373
I've bought three floor model (shop type) air compressors and one portable one over the years (Sears and others). Each had been labeled as capable of 150# psi but not a single one was capable of airing up a truck tire to 120# without resorting to "fooling" the compressor by bleeding out the tank so the motor starts and then airing up the tire while the pressure builds up. This is at the max governor setting. Even though the tank gauge may say 130# or whatever it hasn't been enough to top off a tire that's already around 110#. The elasticity of the hose and its length undoubtedly play a role. Not only that but good luck trying to air up to 120# at fuel islands at most truck stops - certainly not at the RV islands. The only places that seem reliable to get up to 120# are tire shops.
Incidentally, I believe the high pressure accessory air compressors recently mentioned using your RV's air pressure are similar to what those who have had exposure to aircraft are referred to as "strut pumps" basically using a conventional shop air pressure compressor to drive a pump like device to drive a much reduced volume or air at much increased pressure into the target, in the case of aircraft a landing gear compression strut hence the name. Similar to using a small hand pump to pump up high pressure bike tires. I had an original old mini Cooper with air suspension that required periodic stops at the airport to "air up" the suspension using their strut pump when the ride got too hard!

Jim M

'02 Intrigue #11410 ISL 400

Re: Air Compressor_Harbor Freight

Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 67378
I've not had to "fool" my Porter Cable. Compressor shuts off at 150psi and turns back on at 135psi. I use an air chuck that allows bleeding but usually don't use that feature. Use 115psi in the front and 105psi in the rear. My previous compressor was a 115psi max. I adjusted the regulator for 150/135 and it worked fine, just bled the tank after I was finished (still do) and adjusted it back down when using my nail guns etc. Probably could up the Porter Cable if needed, I'm sure the tank has a cushion on the top end!

Joe

98 Intrigue 10578

Re: Air Compressor_Harbor Freight

Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 67381
I agree, Three years ago I bought the Porter Cable in Lowe's when I bought the Motorhome in Florida, Use it a Lot and like it. BTW On my lighter Allure I do 115psi on steel rims. Ran 15k miles on it and no tire wear on 05 goodyear g670.s Ken 99 Allure 30356
 

Re: Air Compressor_Home Depot

Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 67398
Hey Joe,

About two years ago, I purchased a "Husky Air Scout" house brand compressor from Home Depot on sale for about $90. It was made in China, of course. The label specs say "1.5 Gal, Max 110-135 psi" but I have never been able to achieve that pressure for practical tire pumping purposes. It bleeds down to about 85 psi very quickly. I like the unit as it is compact and self contained in a square plastic housing. It is, light weight, has wheels, retracting pull handle and self stores its own nailer, attachments and hose. It works for most small jobs but, is inadequate for pumping 115 psi for my front tires. I have tried "fooling" it but, that is a time consuming nuisance and hard on the knees.
How did you adjust the pressure regulator to allow the higher pressure? Can I do it on this compressor or do I need to replace the regulator? Is there any danger that the higher pressure may blow the compressor gaskets or other fittings and components in line? Is the 1.5 gallon tank too small? I am no expert on these matters but, I am guessing that it was it factory set at a lower pressure to allow lower liability for the retailer and manufacturer as higher pressure could do more damage at the business end of the hose!!?? Or....should I not fool around and just pop for the more expensive Porter Cable 135-150 psi compressor as you did?

Daron Hairabedian, 98 Allure 30226