Tyre inflation

Old Tom Joad replied on 02/07/2024 13:32

Posted on 02/07/2024 13:32

Hi all,

I am seeking advise on how to inflate my vans tyres to 5.5 bar. The tyre pump I had with my car (working off 12v socket) was unable to achieve the pressure, likewise my foot pump. I eventually went to my local garage where the only way to get to the air pump is to que in the fuel lanes which are always full. 

I did a little research online and people were recommending a "Ring RAC900 heavy duty tyre compressor". This has to be run off the battery terminal. On checking my van to see how practical this would be, I have found I cannot access the battery terminals. My van is based on a Fiat Ducato. 

Can anyone advise on an alternative method of achieving the required pressure ? I am not very technical minded as far as vehicles are concerned.

LLM replied on 03/07/2024 11:16

Posted on 03/07/2024 11:16

Best bit of kit I have used is the Ryobi Inflator.  They do several but this one is very compact as well as powerful.  Ideal for keeping in the van; plus the battery can be used with other Ryobi 18V kit.  

richardandros replied on 04/07/2024 10:58

Posted on 03/07/2024 08:26 by Randomcamper

I too have the RAC900 which appears to be a quality piece of kit, so quite surprised to read the negative review above.

I keep a small car battery in the garage at home to connect it to rather than the faff of having to open vehicle bonnets to connect the croc clips. Sometimes on a Sunday afternoon I will just get the RAC pump and my battery out and can check the family fleet of vehicles all in one go.....

Posted on 04/07/2024 10:58

RC - I agree, it does appear to be a quality piece of kit and both worked OK for a while - fast and accurate and stored in a nice carrying bag. I did not abuse either and only used it a couple of times a month when we went away - but when both failed due to the brass coupling shearing - for no reason other than clipping it together, I decided to cut my losses and look for something else.

In the end, I went for this and, so far has proved to be very good and a lot more convenient to use.

hitchglitch replied on 06/07/2024 21:17

Posted on 06/07/2024 21:17

On the subject of correct tyre pressures, I had an Autosleepers Broadway and for a few years used the “plated” pressures of 5 to 5.5 bar until I took it to a weighbridge and realised the front axle weight meant that I could reduce the front pressures considerably (between 4 to 4.5 bar if I remember correctly). There was a very significant improvement in ride quality. 

Old Tom Joad replied on 14/07/2024 10:45

Posted on 14/07/2024 10:45

 Thanks everyone for your input, I have bought the same as recommended by David Klyne, it worked well. And thanks to Apperly for the link to youtube video, very helpful, thank you.

I have also reduced my tyre pressure to around 4.5 bar and the ride is much better.

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