Does anyone have any recommendations as to what type of portable air compressor/tire inflator to carry in the horse trailer in case one of the tires on the truck or trailer needs to be topped up? I went to a hardware store today and the sales clerk recommended a portable one that plugs into the cigarette lighter and also has a chargable battery. However, when I was at the checkout the guy behind me told me not to buy it as he had burned out two similar units. He said that truck tires need a heavy duty air compressor but I am not sure what type to buy now. Is this an unnecessary item to carry in the trailer. I am trying to stock up on emergency supplies such as flares, flashlights, etc. and I wondered if an air compressor would be a good idea.

Thoughts?

J

It is far better to make sure your tires are at pressure before you leave home.  If you wait till you're on the road to check air pressure, the tires will be warm.  Inflation pressures are specified as cold so you'll underfill the tires.  Further, most single HD truck tires are 80 psi.  That's a strain on a dinky portable compressor. (Car tires are about 30 psi)

Keep the compressor for your air mattress.  Take care of all your tires, including the spares, (TV & Trailer) and they'll serve you well.

I keep one on my truck along with tire plugs for emergencys.  I always check my tires before a trip, but you never know when you might hit a nail or piece of bone on the road.  We usually just end up using it for the mower, but even if we do end up burning it out, it is still better than being stuck on the side of a road with a flat that I could fix if I had it.  Even though I carry spares, sometimes its easier and safer to plug the tire than change it.  I've had this one for a few years now, but I think I paid $30 at walmart. 

Phoenix just sent me a truck air compresser and Slime as some bigger compressors just out that are coming my way. I'll review them both soon. The Phoenix has a 3 gallon tank and will put out 125 psi. I have used the small 12v pumps, but they take along time and you may have to jack up the truck or trailer to help inflate with the weight off. Slime is coming out with a compressor system that pumps slime in with the air so you don't have to take the valve stem out.

Slime is coming out with a compressor system that pumps slime in with the air so you don't have to take the valve stem out.

Now that would be great.  Of course I don't think there's room in my mower tires for more slime.

THanks to everyone for all the great info. I hadn't thought about a tire patching kit. Unless it was an obvious object stuck in the tire I wonder how difficult it would be to find the hole in the tire, especially at night with a flashlight at the side of the road.

Those portable truck air compressors sound interesting. Again, I didn't know there was such a thing but I will look into it. Okay, as a newbie I have to ask the burning question... What in the world is "slime" and why does this go in a tire. Sorry, I honestly don't have a clue about that but I am curious....

Thanks,

J

Just a note related to use of plugs in trailer or HD truck tires. Having been there and done that....Tires are cheaper and safer at $100 than the damage done when a plugged tire comes apart....and they usually do. At 80 psi with a loaded trailer a plug can fail quickly taking out brake wires, fenders, and a bunch of other stuff....not to mention control of the vehicle.

Be careful with plugged tires...I realize that in a pinch you may have no other options but IMHO....replace the tire at the first available tire store.