Running low on air in your truck’s big tires when out on the trails can really put a damper on your off-road adventures. But having a portable air compressor like the VIAIR 88p in your vehicle can give you the power and convenience to quickly inflate tires from 20 to 30 PSI in under a minute. This compact yet rugged compressor is engineered to easily tackle inflating tires up to 33 inches, making it the perfect on-the-go air source for truck and SUV owners.
In this review, we’ll take an in-depth look at the capabilities, performance, and features of the 88p to see why it stands out as one of the best portable tire inflators for larger wheel diameters.
With quick inflation times, a rugged and compact build, and handy accessories like LED power indicators and inflation tips, the VIAIR 88p earns its reputation as a must-have for truck and off-road enthusiasts who need to air up on the trails. Keep reading to learn why this versatile compressor deserves a spot in your rig.
VIAIR 88P – 00088 Portable Compressor Ki
Having a portable air compressor in your vehicle can be an absolute necessity when you’re out on the road or off-roading. The VIAIR 88p air compressor is designed to be a compact yet powerful tire inflator that can help you quickly fill up tires on trucks, SUVs, sedans, and small ATVs up to 33 inches. After testing out this portable compressor, I was impressed by its performance and versatility.
Portability: Weighing just 4.3 pounds, this compressor is designed to be fully portable. It comes with a carry bag so you can easily store it in your vehicle. The compressor runs off your car’s 12V battery and clamps directly to the terminals, so no battery is required. This makes it super easy to set up and use anywhere.
Key Features of the VIAIR 88p air compressor
Power
- Operates off 12V DC power by connecting directly to a vehicle’s battery terminals.
- Draws 15 amps to generate sufficient power for quick inflation.
- 9 foot power cable allows ample length to reach battery.
Air Delivery
- Provides 0.6 CFM at 0 PSI for steady air flow.
- Maximum working pressure of 150 PSI.
- Quickly inflates up to 33 inch tires.
Duty Cycle
- 10% duty cycle (6 minutes on, 54 minutes off) prevents overheating.
- The thermal overload protector shuts off the unit if overheats.
Portability
- Weighs only 4.3 pounds for easy portability.
- Carry bag included to transport and protect the compressor.
- Compact size of 7.25″ x 5.65″ x 7.5″.
Air Hose
- 12 foot high quality rubber air hose.
- Reach all tires from a single position.
Inflation Tips
- Includes 3 different inflation tips for versatility.
- Tips allow inflation of balls, air mattresses, etc.
LED Indicator
- Bright LED power indicator lets you know when powered on.
The combination of abundant power, quick inflation times, thermal protection, and portability features make the 88p well-suited for inflating larger truck and SUV tires on the go.
Performance capabilities of VIAIR 88p air compressor
Inflation Speed
- Can inflate a 33 inch tire from 0 to 30 PSI in under 5 minutes.
- Fills a 225/60/18 tire from 20 to 30 PSI in just 50 seconds.
- The quick inflation times make it ideal for topping off tire pressure before hitting the trails.
Air Delivery
- Provides 0.6 CFM free flow delivery at 0 PSI.
- Maintains 40% of max flow even at higher pressures.
- Flow rate allows rapid filling of multiple tires without excessive heat buildup.
Maximum Pressure
- Reaches peak operating pressure of 150 PSI.
- Easily achieves needed pressure for larger truck and SUV tires.
- Shut-off valve engages automatically at 150 PSI to prevent over-inflation damage.
Duty Cycle
- 10% duty cycle (6 minutes on, 54 off) protects motor from overheating.
- Thermal protector shutoff provides additional overheat protection.
- Can operate continuously for quick inflation of two tires before resting.
High-Amp Motor
- 12V permanent magnetic motor draws 15-amps for substantial power.
- Copper windings and sealed bearings hold up to heavy use.
- Outperforms most portable compressors in its class.
The VIAIR 88p’s impressive inflation speeds, airflow output, 150 PSI capacity, and robust motor provide the level of performance needed for inflating truck tires in demanding conditions.
Modifying the VIAIR 88p air compressor
Digital Pressure Gauge
- Add a built-in digital pressure gauge that displays real-time PSI during inflation. This allows for more precise tire pressure monitoring.
Upgraded Motor
- Replace the stock motor with a higher output max amperage motor that improves airflow to 60 CFM at 0 PSI. This significantly reduces tire inflation times.
Longer Duty Cycle
- Modify the duty cycle to 20% (12 minutes on, 48 minutes off) to allow for longer continuous runtime before overheating.
Presta Valve Adapter
- Include a screw-on Presta valve adapter to allow inflation of items with Presta valves like bicycle tires.
20 ft Air Hose
- Swap the 12 ft hose for a 20 ft rubber air hose. The additional length makes it easier to reach all four tires on trucks and SUVs without repositioning.
Protective Housing
- Add a molded plastic protective housing with an integrated carry handle for improved portability and ruggedness. Protects components from dirt, debris and drops.
Lithium Battery Pack
- Bundle with a lightweight removable 18V lithium ion battery pack to allow cordless operation away from vehicle power. Can be recharged via a solar panel or wall outlet.
Digital Controls
- Incorporate digital controls like an OLED screen and button interface to access saved pressure presets, toggle battery/vehicle power, turn on the flashlight, and display error codes.
With these upgrades, the modified VIAIR 88p becomes a highly versatile portable air compressor suitable for larger truck tires as well as modes of transportation like motorcycles and bicycles. The battery power option improves off-grid use while the digital enhancements streamline operation.
How to properly store the VIAIR 88p air compressor
Storage Location
- Store the compressor in a clean, dry location protected from extreme temperatures. The ideal temperature range is 50-90°F.
- Avoid storing it in humid, wet, or damp areas which could lead to internal corrosion.
- Keep it out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources. Excessive heat can damage electronic components.
Protection
- Store the compressor in its included carry bag or a protective case to keep out dirt, dust, and debris.
- If the compressor won’t be used for over a month, cover the air filter inlet to prevent dust buildup internally.
Positioning
- Place the compressor on a flat, level surface rather than directly on the floor to avoid moisture damage.
- Do not stack heavy objects on top of the compressor during storage.
- Avoid storing the compressor at an angle or upside down. Oil could leak into airlines.
Power Cord
- Wrap up the power cord neatly without tight bends or kinks which could stress the wiring.
- Inspect the cord periodically for cracks or damage which could cause electrical issues.
Air Hose
- Coil up the air hose loosely to prevent kinks. Tight bends can cause cracks over time.
- Make sure all moisture is drained from the hose before storage to avoid internal corrosion.
Conclusion
The VIAIR 88p air compressor packs some serious inflation capability in a compact and portable design. With the power to inflate up to 33 inch tires in less than a minute, this sturdy compressor is a must-have for truck and SUV owners who need to air up on the trail or in off-road conditions.
Its optimized features like the LED power indicator, 12 foot air hose, and direct battery clamps make operation straightforward even in remote locations. While the 10% duty cycle necessitates allowing breaks during prolonged use, this is a worthwhile tradeoff for the inflator’s ruggedness and reliability.
For anyone who needs quick access to compressed air for larger tires and wheels, the VIAIR 88p is one of the best portable compressors available. Its combination of performance, durability, and portability earns it a solid recommendation for off-road enthusiasts or anyone who values being prepared with tire inflation capabilities while on the go.
