[k1610dah]

Lots of great replies on here, so thanks fellas! I was hoping some of you had some experience with cordless ones, and could give some tips and recommendations. So far, looks like no one??

 

[k1610dah]

Still mulling it over. But as of now I’m leaning towards buying one to test out in the garage.

Yes, I know it’s easy to just plug in a corded compressor. Especially when you're safely at your house and not the side of a highway. But there’s just so much convenience and freedom in being able to use a cordless compressor for both the motorcycle and my other vehicles!

Even in the garage/driveway. It’s not really that much work, but it’s definitely a hassle to air up something large like a Suburban. For the front tires I plug in the 12 V socket and then I can air up the front right tire. But to do the front left tire I need to move the compressor through the passenger compartment to the other side. Then go retrieve it from the driver seat and then go get that left tire. Then I have to disconnect the 12 V socket and go around to the back hatch and open it up to access the socket in the back. At least back here, I can air up both the left and right rear tires, without having to relocate the compressor or plug like the fronts. These aren't really 'problems' just inconveniences.

No, I haven’t tried one of those “extension cords“ for the compressor. Even the ones that have alligator clips to attach to the vehicle's battery. Reviews I’ve read online said the extra amperage from the compressor will typically overheat those wires and melt them. Especially since the compressor can run for extended periods of time, building up greater heat in those wires.

My 'work around' has been to use my jump starter pack as a power source. But that too is a hassle to move along with the compressor. I've been tempted to duct tape both devices together for convenience!

 

[k1610dah]

While commuting or even regular recreational rides I don’t normally carry any tools, patch kits, compressors, anything. All three of my cases are empty. Well, not all. My right case has an aftermarket liner with a rain suit, rain gloves, and boot covers. And the top case has a few cords, helmet lock carabiner, and BMW euro plug to US 12 V adapter/USB. Oh, and registration and insurance papers.

I’ve got a cell phone and I’ve got Roadside Assistance, so I accept the risk of going out without tools. But if I were living back in Arizona in the desert Southwest, or crossing places like I did in Wyoming with they’re extremely spotty cellphone coverage (I went well over an hour with zero bars and hardly passed a single car!), I’d be carrying all that stuff every day! Like I used to. But here in the city, I generally don’t carry anything extra.

I've got some IBA trips coming up I'm considering. On those trips, I'll take a compressor and a few choice tools. Undecided if I'll take a corded or cordless one. But as described above, the cordless model I'm looking at also has a 12 V plug option as a backup, so maybe...

 

[JohnS1955]

I've got some IBA trips coming up I'm considering. On those trips, I'll take a compressor and a few choice tools. Undecided if I'll take a corded or cordless one. But as described above, the cordless model I'm looking at also has a 12 V plug option as a backup, so maybe...

It's in your head. You're going to get it. The reviews on Amazon look pretty good, so it's overall versatility seems worth it even if you're just using it around the house. I personally like the old school reliability of a corded compressor when I'm out in the empty badlands of the western US. Maybe it's just an old guy mental hang-up, but to each his own. Let us know how you like using it.

 

[coyotek]

I'll leave most of the tools at home but one thing I never, ever leave at home is a plug kit and compressor. I can pull over, plug and fill a tire and be back on the road before you get off hold with AAA. I have AAA for all the other stuff.

You guys need to keep in mind that the smaller the compressor is, the longer it will take to fill a tire. And the more likely it will be to overheat or just burn up. If you are getting a cordless unit that's smaller than a corded unit, you know the compressor has to be much smaller to allow space for the batteries.

And I bet you, your cordless will be dead, or nearly so, when you need it after sitting a couple of months in the side bag.

 

[k1610dah]

I can pull over, plug and fill a tire and be back on the road before you get off hold with AAA.

True statement! This alone may have me reconsider adding the compressor and bag of tire patch items back into my cases...

Do those sticky plugs have an expiration date?? Mine must be something like 15 years old. Which is why I posted the link to some new ones in my first post. I think I need to replace them just due to age.

And I bet you, your cordless will be dead, or nearly so, when you need it after sitting a couple of months in the side bag.

Advert says it retains (can't remember what percentage) charge at least six months. And even if it were 0%, there's a 12V cable that can be used.

 

[k1610dah]

My “old” tools:

 

[k1610dah]

My “old” compressor that I’ve carried for ~20 years:

And my new-ish compressor (still corded, the cord is wrapped around the base and plug is tucked into a holder underneath) I’ve used for the past ~2 years. It’s much larger, but actually fills tires slower than the older, much smaller one above:

But a major benefit of my new compressor is that I can set it to a specific psi to stop at. Such a nice convenience.

 

[coyotek]

I replace my rope plugs once a year. They're cheap. The ones I carry I put in a heat seal back and vacuum seal them.

Like I said, your batteries in the pump take up valuable space that could be used for a more efficient and durable pump. Heat is a real problem with these little pumps. More mass, better heat sinking. And if you are going to depend on the cable as a backup, might as well use a cable from the start. It's literally 3 feet of wire to go from the tender plug to the pump for front or rear tire access.

 

[Rundover]

• 【Ultra-Lightweight】Weighing only 1.2 pounds(544g), the size is just like your phone or power bank and can be easily held in one hand while in use. The compact and lightweight design is easy to fit in your pocket, bike rack, car or backpack.
• 【Easy to Use】4 types of preset inflation modes are clearly displayed on the large LED screen, convenient for you to choose. The manual mode allows you to set pressure value according to the inflation object and the inflation stops automatically at the set pressure. Quite easy to use.
• 【Precise and Cordless Inflation】The large digital pressure gauge displays both the current and target side by side with +/- 1.5 psi accuracy. Wireless battery-charged design frees you from complicated cables-induced trouble and enables easier air inflation.
• 【Multi-function Fast Inflating】Features with the high-performance chip and 150psi high-pressure capacity, this powerful air compressor inflates fast, tires of size 110/70 R17 can be filled in just 38 seconds (28-35PSI). Perfect for inflating motorcycles, bikes, cars, balls, swim rings and other inflatables.
• 【What You Get】1*X8 Air Inflator, 1*Presta valve adaptor, 1*Nozzle and ball needle adapter, 1*Air tube, 1*USB cable, 1*Storage bag, 1*User manual

I think 38 seconds is faster than my old corded compressor.

 

[Rundover]

And its small

 

[k1610dah]

I replace my rope plugs once a year.

Once a year! Wow! Good to know.

 

[coyotek]

Once a year! Wow! Good to know.

I'm sure that if sealed they would last longer. But for 6 bucks?

Amazon.com: Slime 1031-A Tire Repair Plug Pack, Standard Heavy Duty Strings, for tubeless Off-Road Tires, Such as ATVS, wheelbarrows, Lawn mowers, Trailers, Pack of 30 : Automotive

Buy Slime 1031-A Tire Repair Plug Pack, Standard Heavy Duty Strings, for tubeless Off-Road Tires, Such as ATVS, wheelbarrows, Lawn mowers, Trailers, Pack of 30: Tire Repair Tools - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

www.amazon.com

 

[k1610dah]

In all my time riding, I’ve only had to plug my own motorcycle tire once. Under my carport, in metro Phoenix. Guess I’m lucky in that regards. Tire wasn’t even low on psi. I just happened to walk by and see the shiny head on the black tire. Glad I caught it then, and not out riding in the 117F weather, out on the black asphalt, directly under the sun, with careless drivers whipping by at 85+ MPH. Or in a curve in Salt River Canyon, Prescott, Alpine, Devil’s Highway, or the triple digit proving grounds in the Pipe Cactus National “Forest!”

With this kit, I’ve plugged my own car/truck tires a handful of times. As well as a few times for buddies’ car/truck/motorcycles.

 

[k1610dah]

I'm sure that if sealed they would last longer. But for 6 bucks?

Yep, makes sense. At $6 I’d rather have “fresh” than trying to preserve them to last longer. Thanks!!

 

[k1610dah]

Ordered. Thanks @coyotek !

 

[droptine]

I like the tire patch kit. I've been looking for a set where you can disassemble reamer and plug tools. I could use a smaller container with this set. The Slime brand tools I have are bulky. As for the plugs that come with this kit, I've no opinions. I have ones that I got at Autozone.

 

[NoSweatGuv]

After having picked up 9 punctures on a trip recently, my take on this topic is;
1. Pure cordless would not have coped in this situation - fortunately my compressor is a battery clip on. (Sure, this was a freakish bit of luck to have hit me - 9 punctures.)
2. The BIGGER, MORE IMPORTANT factor in any air compressor is WHAT VOLUME OF AIR DOES IT DELIVER.... "PER SQUIRT"??
1 x teaspoon of air "volume" per 'squirt' vs 1x tablespoon of air per squirt?!?!?
(Some compressors state xx Liters/minute.)