Why a Portable Air Compressor is a Good Idea

Every RVer needs to understand the importance of tires and proper tire pressure. The problem that can sometimes occur is while on the road, there is no available air support to check tire pressure. If you wait until you're on the road to check tire pressure, the tires are too hot for correct evaluation.

This is a common problem for RVers, and that is why you might want to consider a portable air compressor. Here are a few pointers when deciding what compressor to purchase: The rate that a compressor can deliver a volume of air is measured in cubic feet per minute (cfm). cfm varies with atmospheric pressure. It also varies with the temperature and humidity of the air.

Technically, air compressor manufacturers calculate standard cubic feet per minute (scfm) as cfm at sea level with 68 degrees F air at 36% relative humidity. Scfm ratings are given at a specific pressure (for example)3.0 scfm at 90 psi. If you reduce pressure, scfm goes up, and vice versa. I would recommend a model rated at about 4.9 cfm @90 psi The cfm and psi ratings are important because they will determine what a compressor is capable of doing.

The most important thing to determine when choosing a compressor is to make sure it can supply the amount of air and the pressure that your tires need. Many applications in garages and shops (like air tools) don't require 125 max psi, so they have a regulator to adjust the air. It may be necessary to increase this setting to inflate the tires.

Happy Camping!

Mark

Copyright 2007 by Mark J. Polk, owner of RV Education 101

RV Expert Mark Polk, seen on TV, is the producer & host of America's most highly regarded series of DVD's, videos, books, and e-books. http://www.rveducation101.com/

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