Running a flat tire in your truck is never a good thing, especially as you may well be out in the middle of nowhere (and that’s off-road middle-of-nowhere, not your standard country roads middle-of-nowhere).
It’s not like you can roll on all the way to a garage to boost your PSI. Nope, you’re in what I’m sure nobody could dispute is one heck of a pickle.
Hopefully, you’ve got a spare tire hidden away for an occasion just like this, but if you’ve already used your spare…well settle in, friend, because you’re going to be there for a while.
That is, of course, unless you have a handy little air compressor loaded in or on your truck.
Yep, with one of those babies on standby, you can fix your tire pressure right then and there and be on your way. So, we dedicated the last couple of weeks to researching the best air compressors for trucks you can buy.
Table of Contents
10 Best Air Compressors for Trucks
Image | Title | Price | Prime | Buy | Buy |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | Viair 00088 88P Portable Air Compressor | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | Buy Viair 00088 88P Portable Air Compressor Now | |
![]() | Viair 40047 400P-RV Automatic Portable Compressor Kit | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | Buy Viair 40047 400P-RV Automatic Portable Compressor Kit Now | |
![]() | GSPSCN Silver Tire Inflator Kit | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | Buy GSPSCN Silver Tire Inflator Kit Now | |
![]() | AAA - 4024AAA Lifeline Air Compressor | Prime | Buy Now | Buy AAA - 4024AAA Lifeline Air Compressor Now | |
![]() | Joyroom Tire Inflator | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | Buy Joyroom Tire Inflator Now | |
![]() | JACO SmartPro 2.0 AC/DC Digital Tire Inflator | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | Buy JACO SmartPro 2.0 AC/DC Digital Tire Inflator Now | |
![]() | TIREWELL 12V Tire Inflator | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | Buy TIREWELL 12V Tire Inflator Now | |
![]() | Kensun Portable Air Compressor | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | Buy Kensun Portable Air Compressor Now | |
![]() | Slime 40026 2X Direct Drive Tire Inflator | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | Buy Slime 40026 2X Direct Drive Tire Inflator Now | |
![]() | Ryobi P737 18-Volt ONE+ Lithium-Ion Cordless Power Inflator Kit | Prime | Buy Now | Buy Ryobi P737 18-Volt ONE+ Lithium-Ion Cordless Power Inflator Kit Now |
Viair 00088 88P Portable Air Compressor
Viair is widely considered to be one of the most reliable air compressor manufacturers around, which is exactly what you want in a compressor for your truck.
With a sturdy build and well-placed rubber feet, it boasts enough stability to push out 120 PSI, which will get even the flappiest truck tire road-ready in record time.
You’re looking at a 240-watt draw when you hook up the alligator clips up to your truck battery, which is quite taxing, but it’ll be offset by the rate of inflation.
What’s more, as it arrives with a 10ft cord and 16ft hose, you’ll never have trouble reaching your flat tire.
Pros
- 1-Year Warranty – Offers peace of mind.
- 240-Watt – Incredibly powerful.
- 10ft Cord and 16ft Hose – Tire is never out of reach.
Cons
- 1.47 CFM – Not that juiced.
- 12 VOLT - 120PSI Max Working Pressure, engine must be running during use.
- 1.47CFM Free Flow @ 0 PSI.Max. Amp Draw: 20 Amps
- Portable air compressor powered via alligator clamps direct to battery.
- Good for small ATVs, trucks, SUVs, and sedans with up to 33 Tires.
- LED/Power indicator, 10 Ft. Power Cord, 16 Ft. Air Hose, 3pc Inflation Tip Kit
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Viair 40047 400P-RV Automatic Portable Compressor Kit
Here we have a full kit from Viair designed for use with RVs, but it’s also an amazing choice for storing in the back of your truck in case you run a flat.
Boasting a mammoth 150 PSI rating, it’ll get your tire filled and you back in the saddle in no time.
It’s lightweight, hooks up to your battery via included alligator clips, has a respectable 33% duty cycle (roughly 20 minutes service per hour), and it comes with all the trimmings including a pressure gauge and a convenient carry case.
Pros
- 150 PSI – Great pressure headroom.
- Full Kit – No aftermarket purchases necessary.
- 33% Duty Cycle – Long enough to get your tire in tip-top condition.
- 18.61lbs – Won’t bring you to your knees.
Cons
- Kit Quality – Compressor is great, but extras…not so much.
- 12 VOLT - 150PSI Max Working Pressure, engine must be running during use.
- 2.3CFM Free Flow @ 0 PSI
- Powered direct to the car battery with alligator clamps.
- Comes with a tire inflation gun and gauge, build in pressure switch, air hose, RV accessories and a carrying case.
- Great for adjusting tire pressure on RVs and traile
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GSPSCN Silver Tire Inflator Kit
This GSPSCN kit is raring to go with a 150 PSI rating, meaning it can replenish even the beefiest truck tires and get you on your way.
Despite its portable dimensions, two heavy-duty cylinders galvanize the design, reducing running volume, while significantly boosting CFM capacity.
It’s capable of pushing out 70 liters of air per minute, and thanks to the extras included in the kit, you don’t need to make any other purchases.
Pros
- 150 PSI – Speedy top-ups.
- Heavy-Duty Cylinders – Increase stability and airflow.
- Full Kit – One-stop flat tire fix.
- 9ft Cord – Reaches all tires.
Cons
- Single Power Type – If your battery dies, it’s useless.
- FAST INFLATION: GSPSCN Heavy Duty Double cylinder design,maximum pressure 150PSI, air flow 70L/min, inflates standard vehicle tire in 1.5 minutes (200/70/R18, 0-40psi)
- STABILITY TECHNOLOGY: Rubber feet to make sure the 12V air pump stays where it is placed and does not move around during operation ,make the air compressor more powerful,effectively reduce the vibration and noise
- DOUBLE CYLINDERS DIRECT DRIVE INFLATION PUMP: In the direct drive of the motor, the two cylinders at the same time compressed air, powerful and fast inflatable, direct drive motor makes the drive low rotating speed, high efficiency, compact, quiet,stability, and easy to control
- WORKS: particularly suitable for SUVs, trucks, vans, RVs, crossovers, MPVs, campers,Auto, trailers, minivans, also can use for cars, motorcycles, golf carts, bicycles, and more
- 【TRAVEL GIFT 】: During your car trip, carry our GSPSCN little air compressor, which is easy to use and keep your tires in good condition.You can buy a little tire inflator as a gift to your friends or fami
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AAA – 4024AAA Lifeline Air Compressor
If you’re looking for something more compact, check out this ridiculously powerful 300 PSI compressor from AAA.
Weighing only 1.5lbs and measuring 12 x 10 x 8”, it can be tucked neatly under a seat, ready and waiting to help you out during a time of need.
It has a 10ft power lead, so you’ll never have trouble reaching the problem tire, and thanks to the efficient CFM, it will have a completely flat truck tire ready to go before you know it.
Pros
- 1.5lbs – Insanely portable.
- 300 PSI – Snappy, powerful air pressure.
- 10ft Cable Within Encloser – No clutter.
- Nozzle Adapters – Versatile bundle.
Cons
- 1.5ft Hose – Compressor must be next to the tire.
- AAA Quality: Inflate a standard spare car tire in 8 minutes with this AAA 300 PSI portable tire inflator. Featuring a heavy duty and powerful motor, this compressor is one of the essential automotive accessories for a car, pickup truck, van and SUV. Can also be used for an ATV or motorcycle tire when using a converter.
- Convenience: Simply plug the DC power cable into your cigarette lighter socket, attach the quick connect air hose to your tire and turn the compressor on. Watch the built in easy to read pressure gauge as you inflate the tire to the desired PSI.
- Compact: The 10 ft DC power cable and 1.5 ft quick connect air hose are easily stored inside of the compressor. The compressors measurements are 8 x 6 x 4.
- Versatility: Using the included nozzle adapters, this air compressor can be used for a bike tire, basketball, volleyball, football, inflatable pool toys and other inflatables such as an air bed or mattress.
- Peace of Mind: This air compressor is essential to keep in your vehicle in case of an emergency or disaster when on the road along with various other tools and gadge
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Joyroom Tire Inflator
Loaded with advanced features such as auto cut-off that shuts the compressor down once the desired pressure is reached, a digital LED display for detailed pressure readings, and an easy setup, 12V cable, this is an amazing value for money air compressor.
It also features a 10ft power cable for ease of use, a 150 PSI rating for speedy tire recovery, and putting the icing on the compressor cake…it’s nice and quiet too.
Pros
- 150 PSI – Powerful enough for truck tires.
- Auto Cut-Off – Safer for your tubes.
- LEDs – Improve visibility after dark.
- Price – Can’t be beat.
Cons
- Plasticky Construction – Store it wisely.
- 【 Fast inflation & Max 150PSI 】This 12 volt portable air compressor with a built-in upgraded metal motor engine, it can draw strong power, to ensure inflates P185/R14 from 0 - 28 PSI in about 2 minutes or less. It will auto shut off when it reaches the desired tire pressure you present. (Note: Max 12 minutes in one continuous inflation, be better to use again after breakoff 15 minutes)
- 【 Easy to Set Tire Pressure Gauge 】The Joyroom tire inflator is equipped with a large accurate and bright display, it will help you to calculate the required values. One-click to change 4 pressure units among PSI, KPA, BAR, KG/CM² to display, which fit your habits and needs.
- 【 Bright LED Flashlight 】The Joyroom car air pump has a built-in bright and long-lasting LED flashlight, which makes the operation easy or quick repairs during the night. Also you can see the surrounding conditions clearly in the darkness by this LED light, to avoid any dangers especially in the sudden emergencies.
- 【 Multiple Uses 】The portable auto tire pump comes with a 10ft power cord and inflatable adaptors, make it perfect for cars, ATVs, CRV, Jeeps, SUVs, motorcycles, bicycles, inflatable boats, sports balls, air mattress, water toys and other inflatables. Note: not support for trucks, which require large volume or high tire pressure over 150 PSI.
- 【Considerate Customer Service】This small air compressor for tire pack with 3 additional nozzles, 1 digital air compressor, 1 back up fuse and 1 user manual, and won’t take little space in the car boot. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us. Well always be here to satisfy you with our sales servi
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JACO SmartPro 2.0 AC/DC Digital Tire Inflator
This Jaco air compressor has a similar feature set as the Joyroom inflator, such as auto cut-off and a digital display, but it packages them in a more robust enclosure to enhance stability and longevity.
However, the trade-off for the enhanced structural integrity is a lower maximum PSI of 100, which is going to slow the inflation process a little, but features such as the LED safety light with 3-modes definitely sweeten the deal.
Pros
- Auto Cut-Off – No over inflation.
- 10ft Cord – No length restrictions.
- LED Safety Light – Increases visibility at night.
- Built-In Air Bleeder – Easy deflation.
Cons
- 2ft Hose – Has to be next to the tire.
- SmartPressure Technology: simply pre-set the built-in digital air gauge to your target pressure (PSI) & it will auto shut off when reached. Inflates passenger vehicle tires (car, truck, SUV) up to 65 PSI & bike tires up to 100 PSI (includes adapter for Presta Valves).
- High accuracy built-in digital air gauge measures up to 100 PSI w/ precision accuracy of ±1 PSI & offers super fast air flow (30 L/min) with inflation progress bar. Display screen features bright LCD backlight for visibility in the dark.
- Long-reach heavy duty 24 inch air hose features a rugged brass twist-connect nozzle chuck for a secure & hand-free seal to the tire valve stem, and built-in air bleeder valve for airing down overinflated tires.
- Fast & efficient air anywhere, anytime - equipped with an extended 10 foot 12V DC power cord for easy access to each tire on-the-go, and 6 foot AC power cord (110V / 120V) for use with home & garage power outlets.
- Super bright built-in LED safety light features 3 settings: off, flashlight, & emergency SOS. Accessories set includes adapters for bicycle presta valves, sport balls (needle), and inflatables. Backed by our 100% Lifetime Warran
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
TIREWELL 12V Tire Inflator
This little beauty has a heavy-duty twin motor design capable of pushing out air up to 150 PSI, which is enough for pretty much any chunky truck tire.
Marry that with the 2.12 CFM rating, and you’re looking at full inflation in 2 minutes flat, with a 180-watt draw.
The four-rod design reduces vibration and noise, so you don’t have to develop tinnitus in order to keep your tires topped up.
At 5ft, the power cord is a little on the short side, but Tirewell compensates with a 5ft hose extension. It’s also built like a tank, which is why Tirewell has the confidence to stick a 3-year warranty on it.
Pros
- Build Quality – Can roll with the punches.
- 150 PSI – Powerful enough for most truck tires.
- 2.12 CFM – Inflates a tire in 2 minutes.
- 3-Year Warranty – Tirewell has confidence in its products.
- 4-Rod Design – Fairly quiet.
Cons
- 5ft Cord – We’d prefer at least 8ft.
- FAST INFLATION: maximum pressure 150PSI (Maximum experimental data), air flow 2.12CFM@0PSI, inflates standard vehicle tire in 2 minutes (195/65/R15, 0-35psi)
- STABILITY TECHNOLOGY: fuselage with four-rod design, effectively reduce the vibration and noise, rubber feet to make sure the air pump stays where it is placed and does not move around during operation ,make the air compressor more powerful
- DOUBLE CYLINDERS DIRECT DRIVE INFLATION PUMP: In the direct drive of the motor, the two cylinders at the same time compressed air, powerful and fast inflatable, also direct-drive motor makes the drive low rotating speed, high efficiency, compact, quiet and stability, and easy to control
- WORKS: particularly suitable for SUVs, trucks, vans, RVs, crossovers, MPVs, campers, trailers, minivans, also can use for cars, motorcycles, golf carts, bicycles, and more
- EQUIPPED with 5M extension hose and high quality battery clamp, extension hose meet the needs of the long-wheelbase vehicle inflatable, battery clamp connect directly to your vehicle battery, power tire inflator and other 12-volt devices, like vacuum, coffee maker, and m
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Kensun Portable Air Compressor
Featuring an ergonomic carry handle and weighing in at only 4lbs, this diminutive dynamo is fantastic if you drive a few different trucks and constantly need to lug your compressor from one to another — it’s a total back saver!
It comes with both AC and DC power cords, but don’t worry about storage, as they reel into the enclosure for a clutter-free flat tire lifeline.
Pressure maxes out at 120 PSI, so don’t expect the fastest inflation ever, but the durable enclosure and user-friendly design still make it a pretty amazing compressor.
Pros
- Retractable Cords – No clutter.
- Ergonomic Handle – Easy to carry.
- Sturdy Enclosure – Can handle the off-road life.
- Full Kit – Comprehensive flat tire recovery bundle.
Cons
- 120 PSI – Not as powerful as others.
- Fast inflation: Dual solid metal motors provide superb power, which will make your tire inflation super-fast and easy.
- AC/DC for car and home: Kensun’s unique AC/DC switching with 12V car cigarette light plug as well as 110V wall plug for home outlet makes this inflator more useful since you can use it anywhere.
- Easy to read: Large, bright, classic pressure gauge with unit conversion (PSI/Bar/KPA) that measures up to 100 PSI, giving you clarity at a glance.
- Multi-Purpose: Inflate tires of cars, bikes, sedan and midsize SUV. Adaptors for balls and inflatables included, in addition to the unique AC/DC capabilities makes this inflator useful in any situation.
- Built to last: When you buy a Kensun product you know that you are getting high quality, durable construction that has been tested rigorous
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Slime 40026 2X Direct Drive Tire Inflator
It’s a little pricey, but this Slime compressor can pump out air at 150 PSI, getting pretty much any truck tire ready to go in as little as 2 minutes, and as it only draws 180 watts, your battery won’t suffer in the slightest.
It also comes with a 30ft cord and hose network, which is the longest on the list, making it a shoo-in for those with extra large and long vehicles.
Pros
- 150 PSI – Quick of the mark.
- 180 Watts – Won’t drain your battery.
- 30ft Connections – Great for large trucks.
- Build Quality – Stable and sturdy.
Cons
- Price – May be more than you’re willing to spend.
- Inflates standard car tire in 2 minutes
- Dual cylinder inflator for maximum power inflation
- Direct drive inflator that connects directly to the battery for maximum power
- Dial gauge in-line on the hose
- 30-foot total reach and bright LED li
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Ryobi P737 18-Volt ONE+ Lithium-Ion Cordless Power Inflator Kit
Fueled by an integrated lithium-ion battery, the P737 can inflate your tires without siphoning power from your truck battery.
It has a maximum pressure rating of 150 PSI – strong enough for most truck tires – and it’s incredibly lightweight, so you don’t have to hit the gym in order to set it up when you run a flat.
Our one grip is that the activation trigger is easy to push accidentally in transit.
Pros
- Integrate Power Source – Doesn’t draw from your battery.
- 150 PSI – Enough power to replenish beefy tires.
- 4lbs – Portable as they come.
- Capacity – Inflates around 6 tires on a single charge.
Cons
- Activation Trigger – Easy to push accidentally.
- Includes (1) 18-Volt ONE+ lithium-ion cordless power inflator, (1) P102 1.3 Ah compact lithium-ion battery, (1) P118 18-Volt charger, nozzle acessories,
- Automotive Pencil Tire Gauge and an operators manual
- Fits in tight spaces and perfect for tires and small inflatables
- Compatible with over 100+ RYOBI 18-Volt ONE+ Tools
- Pencil tire gauge is handy for quickly checking tire press
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Buyer’s Guide
Not sure what you’re looking for? Don’t sweat it. Here are the key considerations.
Air Pressure – PSI
Every air compressor has a PSI rating, which is essentially just a measure of its maximum pressure output. It’s normally between 35 and 150.
The lower the PSI rating of an air compressor, the longer it will take to refill a tire — especially your beefy truck tires.
As I’m sure you’re aware, your truck tires also have a PSI rating, and typically speaking, it falls between 35 and 45.
To provide the quickest possible pressure, we recommend opting for a compressor that either matches your tire PSI or exceeds it.
Choosing one with a little bit of extra headroom means it won’t have to work so hard to inflate your tires, thereby extending its service life.
Maximum Airflow – CFM
Often confused with PSI, CFM stands for cubic feet of air moved per minute. Combined with PSI, it determines how quickly you’ll be able to fill your tire and get back on the road.
When it comes to CFM, you’re once again best off choosing an air compressor that has a decent buffer.
The general rule of thumb is that it should have 1½ times the CFM rating of your truck tire, but you could go a little higher if you really wanted to kick things into gear.
Duty Cycle – Give ‘em A Break
Expressed as a percentage, the duty cycle of an air compressor is simply how long it can run and how long it needs to rest in every hour.
For example, let’s say you chose an air compressor with a 50% duty cycle. That means you can run it for 30 minutes straight, or 50% of the hour. You will then need to set aside the second 30 minutes of the hour as downtime.
Adhering to the duty cycle is essential, otherwise, your air compressor could overheat, crap out, and leave you stranded.
Power Type
Some portable generators will have their own dedicated battery power source, which is great, but most will hook up to your truck’s battery via a 12-volt power connector.
If your battery doesn’t have such an outlet, you may have to utilize an alligator clip power cable to link the devices up.
Power Consumption
Air compressors usually run on anything between 120 and 240 watts.
The higher the wattage, the better they perform, but the quicker they’ll drain the battery in your truck. It’s up to you how you want to balance performance with power consumption.
Cord and Hose Length
You need your air compressor hose to reach your tire, which means you have to be wary of both cord and hose length. If one is overly short, the other needs to be longer than usual.
Display – Digital vs Analog
We’re just going to come out and say it…if you can afford it, go digital. Digital displays give you far more information, including…
- Output pressure
- When the tire is full
- Available air pressure within the tire
- Power level
Matching the Compressor with Tire Size
We’ve sort of already covered this with the PSI and CFM sections of the guide, but yeah…just a gentle reminder that you should be matching up the air compressor with the size of your tires. Some are only capable of inflating smaller units.
Auto Cut-Off – A Godsend
While auto cut-off isn’t an essential feature, we can’t speak highly enough of it, so it’s definitely worth your consideration.
Basically, it allows you to set the required tire pressure level, so when it reaches it, the air compressor automatically shuts itself down.
This takes out the guesswork in terms of timings, reducing the chance of overinflating your tire, which can damage the tube and reduce the stability of your vehicle.
Tank VS Tankless
Tank air compressors are larger, heavier, and more powerful than tankless designs, but a tankless compressor should still be able to handle filling your tires in an emergency.
Tank Size
6 gallons should be enough to give you peace of mind on the road, but you can go a little smaller if you are dealing with budgetary restrictions.
Noise Level
Here’s the thing…air compressors are noisy sons o’ guns, so do your ears a favor and look for one that incorporates noise-reducing technologies.
The Portability Problem
A portable air compressor is key when you’re lugging it around with you wherever you go, but the lighter they are, the less stable they are in action, increasing the chances they’ll topple over.
You’ll also need to keep it upright while it’s in storage in your truck, so if you take the bumpy track less traveled more often than not, a heavier unit is definitely the way to go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Got time for a quick truck air compressor FAQ section?
How many tires will a 5-gallon air tank fill?
An air compressor with a 5-gallon tank should fill all four of your tires once, but it depends on how big they are and how flat they’ve become.
What happens when the tank of an air compressor runs dry?
When your air compressor tank runs out of air, it will automatically shut down the output, and the motor will begin refilling the tank.
How do you pump up truck tires quickly?
The PSI and CFM of an air compressor, combined with its duty cycle and the size of your tires, determine how long it will take to inflate them.
So, if you’re looking to inflate your tires in a snap and get on your way, you’ll need a higher-end compressor model.
Is a 1-gallon air compressor enough to fill tires?
A 1-gallon air compressor may be suitable for inflating bike tires, but it’s not really a viable option for truck tires.
Sure, you might be able to use it for the odd pressure top-up before a big journey, but it’s not wise to rely on something this diminutive to completely replenish a flat tire.
Summing Up
That’s your lot from us, folks. I hope you saw something on our list that can help you out next time you’re running a flat.
As long as you think carefully about the features we mentioned in our buyer’s guide, you’ll be able to pick out the perfect air compressor for you and your vehicle. Keep on truckin’, pard!