Yes, if only for the fact that it is difficult at most service stations to get to the air gauge.
I also suggest that you need an accurate portable gauge so that you are ensuring the pressures are reasonably accurate.
If you have air bags a compressor and accurate gauge is essential. ( Iknow...I know, you can use a hand pump)
I have even used the compressor to help push fuel through when bleeding the air out of the system if you have to change a fuel filter. Probably applies to diesel engines more so than petrol.
-- Edited by Dickodownunder on Saturday 23rd of December 2017 09:20:28 PM
-- Edited by Dickodownunder on Saturday 23rd of December 2017 09:21:10 PM
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"Seek the truth or bury you head in the sand, both require some digging"
In addition, it becomes extremely handy if you develop a slow puncture and you can pump up the tyre regularly to get you to a service place.
For the small cost of a good one, I wouldn't go anywhere without one ... been one in my vehicles now for more than 30 years.
When you get one, make sure it can re-inflate a flat 4x4 size tyre up to pressure in a fairly short time - without taking 15 minutes and overheating twice.
cheers - John
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2006 Discovery 3 TDV6 SE Auto - 2008 23ft Golden Eagle Hunter Some people feel the rain - the others just get wet - Bob Dylan
To be honest, we only checked our tyres once during our lap and that was about half way round in Perth, and we were away for 120 days. Most roads we travelled were bitumen but not all and I personally think that it's not worth the worry to play with pressures.
I do carry a manual pump and have carried one in all my cars for the last 56 years but never ever used it. (Rega double pumper BTW). Used it for many pushbikes however.
We carried spare oil, quite a few spanners and a fanbelt...all unused.
Necessary is maximum cover with RACQ/RACV etc who will rescue "any" situation.
Our vehicle was 8 years old with over 200,000km on it when we did our lap by the way.
Modern cars are very very reliable.
Yes Your right Hako . The day Iâll leave ours behind . Will be the time I NEED it !! Mind you itâs a small one with puncture kit . 10 minutes to pump a 19.5 X 225 tyre up . Some out back service stations only go to 40 or so Lb .Mind you even on a motorhome ? 40 lb would get you going . Just limit speed !! Thing is Iâve used the puncture kit for other people . Ok though !!
We go bush a lot. If I get into trouble, I expect to get myself back out. Some of the roads out back might not see another sole for anywhere between a hour to days at a time. We do a lot of fishing both off the beach and boat launching over the beaches.
So for us we have the biggest twin pump that we can get.Ours is at the top end, for all the above reasons. inflates a full 4x4 tyre in 45 seconds from 20psi back up to 45psi.
You have to look at the duty cycle of the pump in question.High volume pumps, draw high apms in our case. So the cars engine is running while we inflate both the 4 x4 and the four on the boat.
For piece of mind IMO, Yes. A mid range pump $100 and above.You may never need one.
Ask yourself first, this question. When did you last check your tyres.???????? that may help, with your own discission.
We carry a compressor and use it fairly regularly as we like to do a lot of travel on dirt and sandy roads and lower the tyre pressure accordingly and are able to reinflate the tyres before going back on the bitumen. It really depends on the places you intend to go. On our last trip to WA for example we used it in several places in the Kimberley, on the railway road between Tom Price and Karratha, on a trip out to Mount Augustus, and without the caravan on day trips to Steep Point, Francois Peron National Park and a few other places. Lowering tyre pressure on these types of roads decreases your chance of puncture on gravel and the chance of getting stuck in sand. If you intend to stay on the bitumen I wouldn't think its necessary.
Hi Col,
Agree with all above, compressor is an essential bit of kit.
When purchasing I suggest have a look on line, I bought a no-name brand that is exactly the same unit as sold in a leading 4x4 shop, a fraction of the cost, just in a plain wrapper.
Cheers Vince
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"life is too short to spend it with people who suck the happiness out of you"
Hi Col, Agree with all above, compressor is an essential bit of kit. When purchasing I suggest have a look on line, I bought a no-name brand that is exactly the same unit as sold in a leading 4x4 shop, a fraction of the cost, just in a plain wrapper. Cheers Vince
Good advice, you may pay a lot more money for the same compressor.
The one I have now I have had for close to 4 years. It is what I would class as a mid range unit and it does the job reasonably well.
If you are doing sand and off road work opt for the unit with the best capacity but keep your engine running to prevent draining your battery.
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"Seek the truth or bury you head in the sand, both require some digging"
Yes, buying an Aldi or ebay one will suffice. I purchased a double piston type once and it seems to labour on 12v. I.e larger doesnt mean better.
Alternatively if you want a very good one contact Air Ride Suspension Supplies
2/19 Jersey Rd, Bayswater VIC 3153
(03) 9729 5556
https://g.co/kgs/kTa25D
They sell good quality compact and light pumps along with anything airbag related.
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Be nice... if I wanted my school teacher here I would have invited him...
We carry a compressor and I use it probably once a week while away to check/adjust tyres and airbags. Not intrusive in items carried in the Cruiser, and cost about $150.
Also used it on a couple of occasions to help others who needed tyres pumped up, and that made me feel good to be able to help.
I would carry one.
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Regards Ian
Chaos, mayhem, confusion. Good my job here is done
I do, but I also carry a repair kit and a spray bottle filled with soapy water. I have had to repair quite a few flats with nails or screws. With out going into the right or wrongs of the plunger kits, I can repair a simple nail puncture in 20 min with the tyre not needing removal.
There is a bit of a learning curve but if you follow directions or let a mate show how it is done it works well. I had a flat in my ford ute the day after delivery and it remained patched for almost 48,000 klm.
