Master Flow Q-maxx Air Compressor

[erod]

Just picked one up at Costco for $48. Seems like a nice little unit, thought I would post a pick if anyone is interested...

 

[jimjxsn]

I've been using the same one and it seems to work real well. I picked it up at pep boys - with a $10 rebate it was around the same price.

 

[kcowyo]

They're great little units.

I've seen some people complain that the fuse blows but it hasn't on me in the last two years. I once accidently put it in the bag on top of one of the alligator clips. Crimped it a bit, they're a little chintzy so watch out for that.

When I air up, I leave it out of the bag to cool for awhile. Then I'll put it away the next time I stop.

 

[chnlisle]

How long does it take you to air back up with it.

 

[brett13]

Does it come with a 12v lighter plug too or just the aligators? I find the cig lighter plugs easier, especially since they are in both front and back of my trucks.

 

[erod]

just the alligator clips...

 

[kcowyo]

How long does it take you to air back up with it.

I can air up my 285/75/16's (33"-ish) from 18 PSI back up to 35 PSI, in 4min 30secs per tire, pretty good. My airbags, which aren't much bigger than a soda pop can, air up from 50 PSI to 85 PSI in seconds, maybe 10 -15.

 

[chnlisle]

Years ago I bought an air horn compressor from JCWhitney. I mounted it in a ammo can with 20 ft of hose. It is really well made and works well. I've inflated hundreds of tires with it but it is slow. But I figure I'm never in a hurry when we go camping so I think I'll stay with it until it dies. May then I'll get one of those "hi speed" jobs from one of the 4X4 sites.

 

[DLN]

Brett,

I'm with you on the plugs...if you find one with a plug let me know.

 

[simimike]

Check Radio Shack for the plugs. They can't be to expensive.

Cheers,

Mike

 

[kcowyo]

Yes, one could snip off the alligator clips and solder on a 12v cig plug.

The main concern I have is drawing that much power, to air up four 33" tires, through the cig lighter. I suspect you'd be popping fuses left and right, but that's just a guess.

 

[brett13]

The main concern I have is drawing that much power, to air up four 33" tires, through the cig lighter. I suspect you'd be popping fuses left and right, but that's just a guess.

I have a cig lighter outlet in the cab that says 12v 110w. Designed for a laptop. Probably be ok, eh?

 

[jimjxsn]

I've read to beware of the cig lighter plugs due to the amp draw. I'm no expert though.

With this unit, between the cord and coiled hose it easily reaches from front to the back air filler thingies , which are mounted on my license plate ala KC...

 

[DLN]

Mike,

The plugs are easy enough to wire in but the current draw may be more of an issue. I made a 25' 12v extension cord from misc. parts last year to run a power shower from the camper. Will have to look into the amp requirements for those compressors.

Thanks

 

[F Ben Ross]

I just picked one up at costco. They draw 30 amps, which is why I think they put on alligator clips instead of a cig. plug. I belive the cig. plugs on my truck are rated at 20 amps. I also think it is a good idea to run the engine if you have a big air up job to save your battery. The first time I tryed it I discovered that when I pulled on the yellow hose to reach my air bag it just pulled the clips off the batt. So I used my jumper cables as an extension cord. I don't think I'll try to put on a longer cord, again because of the high amp draw.

 

[DLN]

fbenross,

Thanks for the info, I hadn't gotten around to looking up the current specs on that compressor so you saved me the time.

 

[b team]

I've been using one of those for a couple years now. Very happy with it but I put on a liquid filled pressure gauge and a quality air hose with locking air chuck.

Don't use a cig. plug due to the current draw.

Run the engine as the compressor gets about an extra 2 volts and will inflate much faster.