It
was terrible a 12 volt air compressor was
exactly what I needed, a friend related
about a recent camping experience with his young
children. He had packed more gear than they needed
for an overnight camping trip, but the one thing
he did not pack was a portable
compressor.
About the time I finished blowing up the third
air mattress, I would have given nearly anything
for a 12 volt air compressor.
A
12 volt air
compressor is a must-have accessory
for almost any vehicle, but is especially useful
for off-road vehicles and campers. These portable
air supplies have a number of uses, not the least
of which is an emergency air supply for flat
tires with slow leaks and refilling tires for
vehicles used off-road. It is often necessary
to drop the air pressure in vehicle tires when
running off-road. Lower air pressure, even down
to 10 – 15 psi, gives much better flotation
on sand and loose soil. A 12-volt cordless air
compressor is an easy way to bring tire pressures
back up to required levels for highway speeds.
A cordless air compressor is also handy for inflating
bicycle tires, basketballs, footballs and soccer
balls. They are also useful for powering airbrushes
and other air powered crafts tools.
Different
models of air compressors with 12 volt
Low volt
air compressors come in a number of makes and
models. Some of these are cordless compressors
with either replaceable batteries or rechargeable
internal batteries. Plugging them into vehicle
cigarette lighters or special A-C/D-C converters
can recharge the rechargeable variety. Other
models of 12 volt air compressors require that
they be plugged into cigarette lighters or
connected to 12 volt vehicle batteries during
operation. Either model can be lifesaver during
camping trips, for re-inflating SUV tires or
for pumping up low tires until you can get to
a tire repair facility.
Portable, 12 volt air compressors come in all
price ranges. Cordless models generating 220
psi are available for as little as $25 with more
powerful and more durable models that will give
years of service and generating 320 psi for $200
- $300. Some of these models, especially the
more expensive are designed to hard mount on
campers, recreational vehicles and SUVs. Others
are portable and can be recharged or powered
by plugging them into either 120V AC outlets
or connecting them to 12 volt DC batteries or
plugging them into cigarette lighters.
“I
learned my lesson,” my friend
concluded. “I will certainly have one along
on all future camping trips. I have a 12 volt
air compressor as standard equipment in each
of my vehicles. ”
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