Smittybuilt 2781 or VIAIR 400P?

I have narrowed it down to these two portable air compressors. For those of you that own them or purchased one recently… Which one would you recommend?

Smittybuilt

$189 SmittyBilt AIR COMPRESSOR 5.65CFM - SB2781

Smittybilt 2781 5.65 CFM Universal Air Compressor



VLAIR

$250 VIAIR 400P/40045 Automatic Portable Compressor, Tire Inflator Kit, Air Compressor for Truck, Jeep, SUV, and Car Tires, Portable Air Pump Kit, Car Accessories, 33% Duty Cycle, 150 PSI/2.30 CFM

VIAIR - 40045 400P-Automatic Function Portable Compressor , Silver

smittybuilt is almost half the price is the VIAIR worth the extra $150?


I plan on eventually getting a morrflate 4 way tire inflator system for the compressor as well.


Thanks!

 

I have no personal experience with either if these exact inflators. But, I've had a Viar 300p for a few years and I'm happy with it. I hang out with a few guys who use the 88p as well, and they seem nice as well.

 

Only have experience with the Viar side . . .

Have had it packed on trips the last year and used it four times.

Observations:

• filled fast enough for me (maybe 20min for whole job unpack to pack up going from 25psi to 40psi fully loaded down)
• valve connector fitting easy to use and does not leak or slip off
• vibration isolation mount really cuts down on noise
• having to go to the pump body to turn on/off is a minor inconvenience (i'm a geek and might wire a remote switch into the hose. nylon harness tape is my friend here)
• packs to a reasonable size for storage with my gear

Jason

 

The 300p looks like a good option. Looks like the main difference is the trigger and automatic shut off. Hmmm I’ll look into it.

How long does it take to fill your tires?

 

I have the 300p. The first time I used it I filled my tires (stock size Falkens) and my friend’s tires (33s) from 20 psi to 32 psi in about 15 minutes.

 

Got the 88P, hardly use it maybe a couple of times. Small compact gets the job done.

Might get the 1000P, bigger is better right?

 

I know I've timed it, but can't recall exactly. It's around 10 minutes to fill (4) 295/70/17's from 20 to 35.

I also made my own hose so I could read the gauge at the unit. This way I don't have to run back and forth. If you're interested:

https://www.4runners.com/threads/th...ll-of-my-money-went.12919/page-15#post-258802

 

Can you send me the link to the parts you used? Looks like a good affordable mod!

 

Here's the gauge:

MEASUREMAN 2-1/2inch Dial Size, Liquid Filled Pressure Gauge, 0-60psi/kpa, 304 Stainless Steel Case, 1/4inNPT Lower Mount

$10 MEASUREMAN 2-1/2" Dial Size, Liquid Filled Pressure Gauge, 0-60psi/kpa, 304 Stainless Steel Case, 1/4inNPT Lower Mount

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07T43LMM6?_encoding=UTF8

Unfortunately, I have no links for anything else. I just grabbed a bunch of stuff off the shelf at Menards and put it together.

I think everything else I got was thread tape, a hose, T-fitting for the gauge end, 1/4" outlet for the compressor, and the connector for the tire valve. I think the gauge was the most expensive part. I'd probably use a Flexzilla hose if I did it again.

 

No experience with the Smitty.

I have owned the VAIR siince at least 2018, and use it frequently; it seems well made, reliable, fills acceptably fast. Wiring and air hose are long enough to reach everything easily. I am happy with it and would buy it again.

How it compares to the Smitty I cannot say...

 

Just an idea. Right now, NAPA's Maxi Trac 300LPM air compressor is 20% off (around $100) if you buy 2 other qualifying cheap Items...
https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/BK_MTWM10215C?impressionRank=1

 

I’ve seen this compressor but it’s been out of stock for months

 

Which model VIAIR do you have?

 

I went with a Viair 450P. I've had it for 6 years without issues and it works fairly quickly on one tire at a time but I haven't tried it with my Moreflate kit. When it dies, I'm going with a ARB twin piston.

 

400p

 

do you think getting the automatic version is worth the price difference?

 

I'm not familiar with that version. I guess I missed that part of your original post. Sorry.

 

Yes! If you are moving around the vehicle you don't want to run back and forth to the inflator to turn it on/off.

I have the 400P auto, have had it for about three years now and it was well worth the money. So far I've primarily used it for maintaining tire pressure on my stock limited tires and only with road use. My research prior to buying, with the thought I'd get larger tires and start some mild off-roading, led me to the purchase. All items are built as you would expect (robust) for this price point IMO.