12V Portable Air Compressors

A 12V portable air compressor is a must-have accessory for almost any vehicle, but is especially useful for off-road vehicles and ATV campers. These portable air compressors have a number of uses, not the least of which is an emergency air supply for flat tires with slow leaks or for re-inflating flat tires that have been patched on the trail. For campers, having an air compressor to inflate air mattresses can be very useful. For fisherman, having an air compressor for float tubes and inflatable boats would be especially useful.

70P Portable Air Compressor $54.95 85P Portable Air Compressor $69.00 90P Portable Air Compressor $99.00 300P Portable Air Compressor $209.00 400P Portable Air Compressor $269.00 Onboard Air System for UTVs $329.00 400P-A Portable Air Compressor $339.00 400P-RV Portable Air Compressor $369.00 400PA-RV Portable Air Compressor $379.00 440P Portable Air Compressor $389.00 450P-A Portable Air Compressor $399.00 Tire Repair Kit $13.95

There are different sizes of compressors available, so you will want to get one that will handle the tasks you need it for. I actually have two, a small one that I carry on my ATV and a larger one I carry in my truck. When deciding on the right air compressor there is a term you need to understand and that is Duty Cycle.

Duty cycle refers to the amount of time a compressor can be operated in a given time period, at 100 PSI (Pounds per Square Inch), at a standard ambient temperature of 72° F. Duty cycle is commonly expressed in percentage format as:

Compressor On Time ÷ (On Time + Off Time) = Duty Cycle %

For example, a compressor that is rated for 25% duty cycle means that the unit can be operated for:

10 minutes on and 30 minutes off =
10 min. ÷ (10 min. + 30 min.) =
10 min./40 min. = 25% duty cycle

The duty cycle of a compressor is assigned at the factory and is the factory recommended operating parameter for the unit. Continuous operation above the recommended duty cycle will shorten the life of the unit. Trying to inflate large truck tires with a small unit with a 10% duty cycle will either take all day or overheat the compressor.

Air Compressor Duty Cycle Reference Chart

Duty Cycle: 100PSI @ 72°F Max. Run Time / Min. Rest Time 10% Duty Cycle 3 Min. On / 27 Min. Off 15% Duty Cycle 6 Min. On / 34 Min. Off 20% Duty Cycle 8 Min. On / 32 Min. Off 25% Duty Cycle 10 Min. On / 30 Min. Off 30% Duty Cycle 13 Min. On / 30 Min. Off 33% Duty Cycle 15 Min. On / 30 Min. Off 100% Duty Cycle Continuous Duty @ 100PSI @ 72°F

It is recommended that you always operate 12V portable air compressors within the factory recommended parameters and with a vehicle's engine running, providing charging voltage to the compressor for best performance. Check out our line of quality Viair compressors and don't get stuck under inflated again. Click on any portable air compressor image on this page for more information. Let us help you Properly Equip Your ATV for your next ATV Camping Adventure.