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SeanBeanDiesInTheEnd

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🇨🇦 2020 RAV4 XLE Hybrid - Super White
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1,368 Posts
Discussion starter · #1 · (Edited)
Hey guys, looking to buy an air compressor to keep in the back for tire pump use. The popular choice searching these forums and on amazon seems to be VIAIR, but I ran into a problem, read below.

Browsing VIAIR's site and based on their tire recommendation (my RAV4 XLEh has 225/65/R17 w/ a height of 28.5"), the 225/60/R18 or 31" would be their choice. So based on these specs, either the 70P (uses AUX power) or 87P (uses battery clamp) would fit the bill keeping cost in mind.
151984


This would be a no-brainer, but the issue starts when you consult the manual for the hybrid...The AUX 70P would be out of the question since it has a max. Amp/Watt Draw of 15A/180W and likely blow a fuse (looking to avoid that).
151985


So next down the list would be the 87P with power cables to connect right to the battery in the trunk... But again after reading the manual (P.584 - Canadian manual) it talks at length procedures to recharge the 12-V battery for the HYBRID. Knowing that the RAV4h has a smaller 12-V battery compared to the GAS variant which uses alternators to recharge - the manual is more or less implying that anything other than the car's own electronics would just drain it faster.

Yes I can buy a trickle charger, but that's another $80CAD on top of the $100CAD for the pump and this becomes a silly purchase to me now over just going to costco and using their air pump.

Is there anyone with a HYBRID that has something they recommend within spec, or am I just overthinking this. Preferably I want something to just top the tires up once a month, so no super long sessions, but not at the expense of blowing fuses or reducing my 12-V battery quicker 🍻
 
#2 ·
You're overthinking it. Just get the 87p and hook the pump to the jump start connectors under the hood. You wouldn't be able to maneuver the clamps in the trunk to connect directly to the battery without risking a short. Start the car and pump away. No additional charger required. The DC/DC inverter/converter will keep the 12v rail stable and the engine will start up and run whenever the hybrid battery requires a charge.

Keep in mind that there is no alternator in the hybrid but the inverter/converter is essentially the same thing. Just don't run the 87p without starting the car. This goes for either the standard or hybrid version. The 12v battery will drain regardless of the size when drawing 15a for an extended period of time.
 
Discussion starter · #3 ·
piyoman said:
You're overthinking it. Just get the 87p and hook the pump to the jump start connectors under the hood. You wouldn't be able to maneuver the clamps in the trunk to connect directly to the battery without risking a short. Start the car and pump away. No additional charger required. The DC/DC inverter/converter will keep the 12v rail stable and the engine will start up and run whenever the hybrid battery requires a charge.

Keep in mind that there is no alternator in the hybrid but the inverter/converter is essentially the same thing. Just don't run the 87p without starting the car. This goes for either the standard or hybrid version. The 12v battery will drain regardless of the size when drawing 15a for an extended period of time.
Click to expand...
🤘 🤘

So here's a question, where would you connect the black clamp of the 87P? Isn’t a positive AND negative terminal connection needed to power the device.

To my understanding, I thought the special positive terminal in the fuse box acts more to ‘receive’ a charge than ‘give’, and we aren't supposed to connect and run anything from it as then we’d be able to jump cars without accessing the trunk area battery ( it that you’re supposed to). Although in your defence, I read over the section of the manual and it doesn’t directly state or warn not to attempt connecting accessories to it. I just assume it’s a redundancy that nothing would run without having a negative terminal to connect to. Is this accurate?
 
#4 ·
If you connect the pump with crocodile clips its easy to pick up an earth nearby. I use the nuts at the top of the suspension turrets. As explained above provided the car is in ready mode it will run the engine if needed to maintain the traction battery. I would assume that the pump leads do have an in-line fuse but if they don't it would definitely be safer to fit one in the positive lead close to the battery connection. All this is on the assumption that this is for occasional emergency use and not because your using the vehicle to maintain a fleet or run a commercial enterprise. Using cigarette lighter type of socket for this kind of power is almost certainly not a good idea and of course crocodile clips must always be used with extreme care or sparks will fly! Finally an air supply of just over 1 cu.ft./min will usually be enough but if the tyre is totally flat and has been separated from the rim bead it might not be enough to get it reseated in a field situation, particularly if the car is not jacked up.
 
Discussion starter · #6 ·
roadster-GB said:
If you connect the pump with crocodile clips its easy to pick up an earth nearby. I use the nuts at the top of the suspension turrets. As explained above provided the car is in ready mode it will run the engine if needed to maintain the traction battery. I would assume that the pump leads do have an in-line fuse but if they don't it would definitely be safer to fit one in the positive lead close to the battery connection. All this is on the assumption that this is for occasional emergency use and not because your using the vehicle to maintain a fleet or run a commercial enterprise. Using cigarette lighter type of socket for this kind of power is almost certainly not a good idea and of course crocodile clips must always be used with extreme care or sparks will fly! Finally an air supply of just over 1 cu.ft./min will usually be enough but if the tyre is totally flat and has been separated from the rim bead it might not be enough to get it reseated in a field situation, particularly if the car is not jacked up.
Click to expand...
That makes total sense, and yes, I would only use it to top off the tire. If it's off the rim I'll just use my spare or call roadside assistance over toasting my battery. Chances are if it's that bad, I doubt pumping air would help LOL!
Variman said:
I have the Viair 87P and I use it with my hybrids all the time. I just connect to the + jump port under the hood and use the ground post and it works perfectly.
Click to expand...
Shieeeet, that's all you had to say homie. How's it been for you, any gripes or otherwise satisfied?
 
#7 ·
The pump has worked flawlessly. I have had it for about 3 or 4 years. I only use it to top of tires and it takes about 15 seconds to do this. I keep it in my car in a bag that contains a can of slime, and a plug kit. I am happy I called Viair before purchasing. Basically the guy said that because people don't smoke anymore, the 12 volt "cigarette sockets" today have less amperage and recommended I go with the direct battery connection. I am sure this pump can do way more than I use it for, probably fill much larger tires. The built in pressure gauge seems as accurate as most air pressure pencil type gauges.

The only regret I have now is that the cordless tool manufacture that I use just came out with an air pump. I recommend that if you have 18 or 20 volt cordless tools, see if your manufacture makes an air pump. Not saying they will work as well as the Viair but for just topping off tires I imagine they work well enough. The Viair seems that it is made for the Jeep crowd and is over built for just topping off a few pounds.

SeanBeanDiesInTheEnd said:
That makes total sense, and yes, I would only use it to top off the tire. If it's off the rim I'll just use my spare or call roadside assistance over toasting my battery. Chances are if it's that bad, I doubt pumping air would help LOL!

Shieeeet, that's all you had to say homie. How's it been for you, any gripes or otherwise satisfied?
Click to expand...
 
Discussion starter · #8 ·
Variman said:
The pump has worked flawlessly. I have had it for about 3 or 4 years. I only use it to top of tires and it takes about 15 seconds to do this. I keep it in my car in a bag that contains a can of slime, and a plug kit. I am happy I called Viair before purchasing. Basically the guy said that because people don't smoke anymore, the 12 volt "cigarette sockets" today have less amperage and recommended I go with the direct battery connection. I am sure this pump can do way more than I use it for, probably fill much larger tires. The built in pressure gauge seems as accurate as most air pressure pencil type gauges.

The only regret I have now is that the cordless tool manufacture that I use just came out with an air pump. I recommend that if you have 18 or 20 volt cordless tools, see if your manufacture makes an air pump. Not saying they will work as well as the Viair but for just topping off tires I imagine they work well enough. The Viair seems that it is made for the Jeep crowd and is over built for just topping off a few pounds.
Click to expand...
Awesome write up, that gives me confidence looking into this model. All my tools are corded, so no fuss there, I was "relieved" of my cordless fleet after a locker break in I had in the condo - The oldschool BOSCH I have from my dad (early 90s) are built like tanks. The only other thing I can see myself using this air pump for is air mattresses, rafts, and other small things for the kids by the lake while camping.

I'll take overbuilt if it means it'll last a good while with general maintenance, but it is crazy there's no median while searching... Just dirt cheap :poop: and then boom $100, air pressure market is sleazy AF lol.
 
#9 ·
Wait, sorry I just checked, I have the 88P. I believe it has a longer cord and perhaps a bigger motor.

SeanBeanDiesInTheEnd said:
Awesome write up, that gives me confidence looking into this model. All my tools are corded, so no fuss there, I was "relieved" of my cordless fleet after a locker break in I had in the condo - The oldschool BOSCH I have from my dad (early 90s) are built like tanks. The only other thing I can see myself using this air pump for is air mattresses, rafts, and other small things for the kids by the lake while camping.

I'll take overbuilt if it means it'll last a good while with general maintenance, but it is crazy there's no median while searching... Just dirt cheap :poop: and then boom $100, air pressure market is sleazy AF lol.
Click to expand...
 
Discussion starter · #10 ·
Variman said:
Wait, sorry I just checked, I have the 88P. I believe it has a longer cord and perhaps a bigger motor.
Click to expand...
It does, 88P has a max tire size of 33" versus 87P's max 31" - Honestly less power is not a deal breaker since I won't be running anything bigger than the OEM's anyway, just whichever has the better deal, thank you for looking though 🍻
 
#12 ·
#13 ·
Variman said:
The cigarette lighter (plastic) air pumps generally do not last long as well as taking a long time to fill tires. I have gone through several.
Now that most gas stations charge for air, I purchased a real compressor.
Click to expand...
You're right, looks like likes of reviewers complain about how long these units last..... No wonder mine in my trunk has lasted me so long, I only use it in emergencies (or really, other people's emergencies since I'm so good about keeping my tires in check now). I did the same as you 6-7 years ago and purchased a real air compressor for my bi-monthly top offs. Before that, I actually used a standing style bicycle hand-pump for about a decade. That worked great too! was only 20 dollars. I wouldn't recommend for anyone with a bad back though. With that I think I recall it took about 3 pumps to inflate a sedan tire 1 psi, and about 5-6 pumps for 1 psi in my moms 4runner tires.

looks like they sell a little brother to the unit I have now:

 
#14 ·
I have a ryobi air pump that runs off their lithium ion batteries. I actually have 2 of them. 18V ONE+™ DUAL FUNCTION INFLATOR / DEFLATOR | RYOBI Tools

They have a few other models. I keep one in my car and the other in my wife's. Use them for bikes as well as balls just keep them in the trunk and swap the batter to charge in the house every few months when I think about it. What I really like is I can set a pressure and it'll inflate to that +1 then turn off automatically. Seems pretty accurate from what I have tested.
 
#15 · (Edited)
This has power and fast too, fills my spare 4min from flat like it. 120v 15amps, is with the led flashlight on 5amps, just pumping is 10amps .https://www.amazon.com/NoOne-Inflator-Portable-Compressor-Motorcycle/dp/B07QJ1J7RR/ref=sr_1_53_sspa?crid=1GRW6XPKVU6HT&dchild=1&keywords=tire+pump&qid=1588694537&sprefix=TIRE+P,aps,169&sr=8-53-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFPV1A5VTVIVENOWEMmZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTAwMTc0MzAzOTY0UFkzODhQQjg3JmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTAwOTc4NTkxUktNUzkyQVlaQzE3JndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYnRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==
 
Discussion starter · #16 ·
MacTech said:
This has power and fast too, fills my spare 4min from flat like it. 120v 15amps, is with the led flashlight on 5amps, just pumping is 10amps .https://www.amazon.com/NoOne-Inflator-Portable-Compressor-Motorcycle/dp/B07QJ1J7RR/ref=sr_1_53_sspa?crid=1GRW6XPKVU6HT&dchild=1&keywords=tire+pump&qid=1588694537&sprefix=TIRE+P,aps,169&sr=8-53-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFPV1A5VTVIVENOWEMmZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTAwMTc0MzAzOTY0UFkzODhQQjg3JmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTAwOTc4NTkxUktNUzkyQVlaQzE3JndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYnRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==
Click to expand...
Reminds me of the NoName brand here in No Frills lol. In all honesty that compressor looks like a similar template motomaster uses (Canadian Tire in-house brand) which get's iffy reviews on longterm durability.

I'm gonna probably go with the 88p, I set a price tracker reminder when it dips to <$100 on camelcamelcamel and use one of my GC's. While I wait, reviews/product description on amazon.ca aren't clear if it comes with a deluxe storage bag, some users are saying it doesn't. On VIAIR's main page it clearly states and shows a bag with the 88p, so I emailed 'em to see what they say.
 
#17 ·

Amazon.com: P.I. AUTO STORE Premium Air Compressor Tire Inflator for Automobiles and Bikes. Portable 12V DC Electric Car Tire Pump, Auto Shut Off, Digital Pressure Gauge, LED Light. New Improved Version: Automotive

Buy P.I. AUTO STORE Premium Air Compressor Tire Inflator for Automobiles and Bikes. Portable 12V DC Electric Car Tire Pump, Auto Shut Off, Digital Pressure Gauge, LED Light. New Improved Version: Air Compressors & Inflators - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases
www.amazon.com

I have use this one for three years, it runs off the cigarette lighter and works great!
 
#18 ·
SeanBeanDiesInTheEnd said:
Hey guys, looking to buy an air compressor to keep in the back for tire pump use. The popular choice searching these forums and on amazon seems to be VIAIR, but I ran into a problem, read below.

Browsing VIAIR's site and based on their tire recommendation (my RAV4 XLEh has 225/65/R17 w/ a height of 28.5"), the 225/60/R18 or 31" would be their choice. So based on these specs, either the 70P (uses AUX power) or 87P (uses battery clamp) would fit the bill keeping cost in mind.
View attachment 151984

This would be a no-brainer, but the issue starts when you consult the manual for the hybrid...The AUX 70P would be out of the question since it has a max. Amp/Watt Draw of 15A/180W and likely blow a fuse (looking to avoid that).
View attachment 151985

So next down the list would be the 87P with power cables to connect right to the battery in the trunk... But again after reading the manual (P.584 - Canadian manual) it talks at length procedures to recharge the 12-V battery for the HYBRID. Knowing that the RAV4h has a smaller 12-V battery compared to the GAS variant which uses alternators to recharge - the manual is more or less implying that anything other than the car's own electronics would just drain it faster.

Yes I can buy a trickle charger, but that's another $80CAD on top of the $100CAD for the pump and this becomes a silly purchase to me now over just going to costco and using their air pump.

Is there anyone with a HYBRID that has something they recommend within spec, or am I just overthinking this. Preferably I want something to just top the tires up once a month, so no super long sessions, but not at the expense of blowing fuses or reducing my 12-V battery quicker 🍻
Click to expand...
I bought this off of amazon Skey Air Compressor Tire Inflator... Amazon.com: Skey Air Compressor Tire Inflator - Electric Auto Pump 12V DC Portable Air Compressor Pump Digital Tire Inflator Car Tire Pump: Home Improvement
and use it on my2019 Rav Hybrid. It’s small and works greats. Has A light and you put how much pressure you need and automatically stops for you.
 
#19 ·
SeanBeanDiesInTheEnd said:
Hey guys, looking to buy an air compressor to keep in the back for tire pump use. The popular choice searching these forums and on amazon seems to be VIAIR, but I ran into a problem, read below.

Browsing VIAIR's site and based on their tire recommendation (my RAV4 XLEh has 225/65/R17 w/ a height of 28.5"), the 225/60/R18 or 31" would be their choice. So based on these specs, either the 70P (uses AUX power) or 87P (uses battery clamp) would fit the bill keeping cost in mind.
View attachment 151984

This would be a no-brainer, but the issue starts when you consult the manual for the hybrid...The AUX 70P would be out of the question since it has a max. Amp/Watt Draw of 15A/180W and likely blow a fuse (looking to avoid that).
View attachment 151985

So next down the list would be the 87P with power cables to connect right to the battery in the trunk... But again after reading the manual (P.584 - Canadian manual) it talks at length procedures to recharge the 12-V battery for the HYBRID. Knowing that the RAV4h has a smaller 12-V battery compared to the GAS variant which uses alternators to recharge - the manual is more or less implying that anything other than the car's own electronics would just drain it faster.

Yes I can buy a trickle charger, but that's another $80CAD on top of the $100CAD for the pump and this becomes a silly purchase to me now over just going to costco and using their air pump.

Is there anyone with a HYBRID that has something they recommend within spec, or am I just overthinking this. Preferably I want something to just top the tires up once a month, so no super long sessions, but not at the expense of blowing fuses or reducing my 12-V battery quicker 🍻
Click to expand...
I purchased two DC powered ones of the same for my Jeep and RAV4 and an ac/dc one I keep in the Garage for everything bikes cars etc... Both come in a case and work great I have also validated their psi calibration to be within 0.5 psi with two of the best gages rated by consumer reports The dc Jaco one fits well in the cargo shelf on the passenger side of the RAV4. The Kenson ac/dc does not.

Amazon.com: JACO SmartPro Digital Tire Inflator Pump - Premium 12V Portable Air Compressor - 100 PSI: Automotive

Buy JACO SmartPro Digital Tire Inflator Pump - Premium 12V Portable Air Compressor - 100 PSI: Air Compressors & Inflators - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases
www.amazon.com

Amazon.com: Kensun Model J Tire Inflator AC/DC for Car 12V DC and Home 110V AC Portable Air Compressor Pump for Car, and Other Inflatables: Automotive

Buy Kensun Model J Tire Inflator AC/DC for Car 12V DC and Home 110V AC Portable Air Compressor Pump for Car, and Other Inflatables: Air Compressors & Inflators - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases
www.amazon.com
 
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