If you're a truck driver you undoubtedly have safety tools and supplies on hand, and one of those tools should be an air compressor for semi-truck tires. These handy little compressors can quickly top up deflated tires and get you back on the road again without spending precious hours waiting for help to arrive. Even if your problem is bigger than a slow leak, an air compressor designed for handling semi-truck tires can help you at least get to the nearest service station for a permanent fix.
Semi-truck tires require an air compressor that can consistently deliver no less than 60 psi. But there are other things you should consider as well in your search for a semi truck tire air compressor. This guide will help you learn what to look for when purchasing a quick-fix air pressure compressor, as well as give you our three top models picks to get you started on your search.
Analog Air Compressor for Semi Truck Tires: Considerations
Air compressors come in a wide variety of makes and models from different manufacturers. It's important to look at the following considerations before choosing which air compressor to purchase.
Compatibility
When it comes to performance capability, each air compressor comes with a specific Cubic Feet Per Minute (CFM) rating. This rating is essentially a measurement of the volume of air the compressor can move. For semi truck tires, you'll need an air compressor that meets or exceeds the pressure requirements for the tires' size.
Power
Since semi truck tires are larger than the normal vehicle's, you'll need an air compressor that can exert enough pressure at a rate that fills the tires efficiently. Always check the detailed features of the compressor unit to ensure that it's designed for heavy-duty use.
Portability
Obviously, if you're planning on carrying your air compressor in your semi truck, portability is a major consideration. If you truck alone, you'll want to make sure that you can move the compressor easily without requiring assistance from another person.
Noise Level
Air compressors are generally pretty noisy, but you can find units that are designed to run relatively quiet. Check out our article on buying a quiet air compressor HERE.
Top Picks for Semi Truck Tire Air Compressors
Here are our top three picks:
Slime 40031 Pro Power Heavy Duty Tire Inflator
The Slime 40031 Tire Inflator is our top choice because it's a powerful small compressor that is well-designed and extremely portable. It not only delivers what's promised, but its manufactured by Slime who has been a trusted manufacturer of safe, eco-friendly, quality-assured tire products since 1989.
Slime's Heavy-Duty Pro Power Inflator is a good match for truck applications, and because it's so portable, when you're off-duty, you can easily throw it in your 4x4 for a fun day on the river or bike riding. And it's relatively fast for it's small size since it can inflate a standard car tire in 3 minutes!
The direct drive air cooled motor and thermal breaker prevents the inflator from overheating, and if you ever breakdown in the middle of the night, it has a bright LED light. It's 26-foot total reach means you'll be able to move it around from tire-to-tire. And the included an 83 cm air hose, and 490 cm green coil air hose give a little extra reach. In addition, when not in use, there's a carrying bag for storage and transporting.
Important Details
- CFM: 1.23 CFM average
- Max Current: 15 A
- Voltage: 10-15 V
- Size: 8" x 8" x 10"
- Weight: 5 pounds
- 0 - 150 psi in-line dial gauge
- Plugs into 12-volt power outlet
Watch the Video
Although, we really like the Slime 40031, if you're willing to spend a little more money, Slime manufactures the Slime 40026 2X Heavy Duty Direct Drive Tire Inflator. It comes in a hard carry case and has all the features of the 40031, only it's more powerful and durable. In addition, it even has direct connectors so you can connect directly to your truck's battery!
Mighty Campbell Hausfeld AF010400
The Campbell Hausfeld AF010400 Mighty Air Compressor is not only powerful, but it's also versatile enough to be used for home and auto performance. It's manufactured by Campbell Hausfeld who is known for their superior quality air tools.
The Mighty Campbell Hausfeld is small and portable, yet has enough power to meet your inflation needs for RV/truck tires. It runs on 12 Volts, has a 31 inch hose and a 10 foot power cord which gives you plenty of reach when inflating tires.
This 150 psi inflator has a leak-proof valve, easy-to-read gauge and a LED light that's bright enough for night-time use. Campbell Hausfeld states that the AF010400 can inflate a standard R15 tire in under 4-minutes.
Important Details
- Max Pressure: 10.34 Bars
- Max psi: 150
- Voltage: 12 V
- Size: 10.23" x 5.9" x 6.41"
- Weight: 4.9 pounds
- Easy-to-read gauge
- Plugs into 12-volt power outlet
Watch the Video
The video also reviews the digital version of this inflator which has a maximum psi of 100, you can learn more about it HERE.
Kensun A58B AC/DC Swift Performance
The Kensun A58B Portable Air Compressor Pump is designed to be used for both home and auto. Not only does it pack a solid power performance, but it's unique in the fact that it can be plugged into both an AC and DC outlet, which makes it perfect to have around the house when it's not in the cab of your truck. It's manufactured by Kensun who's known for superior quality automobile tools.
The Kensun A58B has plenty of power since it uses two solid metal motors which makes tire inflation extremely fast and easy. The classic pressure gauge measures up to 120 psi is both bright and easy to read. Additionally, you'll be able to glance at the gauge and see the psi, bar, and kpa measurements.
Plug the unit into a 12 volt cigarette light plug in your truck, or a 110 volt wall electrical outlet when you're at home. You'll be able to inflate nearly anything anywhere. The A58B is designed with a durable construction, which means you'll have this tire inflator around for a long time. The DC cord is nearly 11 feet long and the AC cord is over 3 feet. The black woven hose is over 31 inches, so you'll have plenty of reach.
Although we really like this tire inflator, it doesn't come with a light for night time emergencies. In addition, you'll want to pay close attention to your tire requirements as it may not be the best for large semi truck tires. It may get you out of a tight spot, but it's better suited for smaller tires like SUVs, etc.
Important Details
- Air Flow Rate: 18 DC / 20 AC litres/minute
- Continuous Working Time: 30 mins @ 35 psi
- Max Current: <10A
- Size: 11.8" x 4.3" x 6.7"
- Weight: 4.04 pounds
- Max psi: 120
- Easy-to-read gauge
- AC / DC power