Tire inflation air compressors: Viair 88p vs Viair 300p

I've been using my Viair 88p for almost 6 years now, and I was ready for something bigger & faster. How does the 300p compare?
Not a sponsored review - I purchased both of these compressors and have no affiliation with Viair. I don't care if you buy one or not, just sharing my experience for those researching their options.
Viair 300p compressor:
amzn.to/43b18Fw
Viair 400p compressor:
amzn.to/3C5VnwF
Viair 88p compressor:
amzn.to/42d19rc
The tires on my truck are Falken Wildpeak AT3W 285/75R16.
The rims are made by Alldogs Offroad for Frontier/Xterra:
www.alldogsoffroad.com/alldog...
Topo Toppers Mesa wedge camper:
www.topotoppers.com/
Alldogs Offroad/Koni 2" lift kit:
www.alldogsoffroad.com/alldog...
ASFIR 4x4 skid plates:
www.asfir.com/skid-plate-set-...
Yankum Ropes:
yankum.com/?afmc=softroadingt...
(use code SOFTROADINGTHEWEST for a discount off your purchase)
MAXTRAX MKII recovery boards:
adventure-imports.com/product...
InDeflate air down/air up solution:
adventure-imports.com/product...
LED CoLight driving lights (my large round lights)
www.led-colight.com/products/...
Diode Dynamics SS3 LED pods (my amber pods)
amzn.to/341SWv2
Warn winch:
amzn.to/3Bs9Q5u
(I bought this steel cable version and swapped in synthetic winch line from Yankum Ropes)
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases made after clicking one of my Amazon links, even if you ultimately choose another product. Purchases made via my links at Yankum also provide a small benefit to the channel. This costs you nothing, but the small commissions earned on referrals support the ongoing creation of content for this channel. Thank you!
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---------------------------
Intro/backstory: (0:00)
300p vs 400p: (1:02)
Viair 300p features: (1:29)
My main complaint about the 300p: (2:57)
88p vs 300p speed comparison: (4:01)
Conclusion: (5:36)

[@exia989]

I picked up the viair 88p for Christmas, and yeah while it's not the fastest for 33" truck tires, I love the size of it. I can easily fit it into the swing case I keep in the bed of my truck, and the gauge being in the unit itself is quite nice. But I only use it on the occasional offroad excursion and more for general tire pressure maintenance,at least until I get a compressor in my garage

[@insaynbcr]

This was a great real world test. I started out with a Chinesium MV-50 compressor I picked up at Costco many many years ago. This worked, but really really slow and combersome to get out, set up, use, pack back up and be done with it. Easily a 35-45 minute task going from 15psi to 36psi on 30" tires. Jump ahead to my current rig on 33's. I worked all the kinks out of my air up system by starting with an ARB Twin hard mounted under the hood. Then plumbed air in 3 locations on the truck. One next to the hood latch (hood open to use), one on the rear bumper just right of the license plate, and because I had a 3rd ARB air chuck in hand, I added this one inside the bed drivers side near the back. I then purchased the bits and pieces to assemble a unit for airing two tires at a time. Very similar to a MorFlate, only mine has quick-connects at all attachment points. For the hose, I purchased 250ft of Flexzilla air hose as it was slightly more this way than buying 50ft by the foot at NAPA. Each hose going to a tire has a small ball valve on one end and a flow through Jaco quick connect for the tire side. I made a 10ft and 3ft hose to go from the ARB chuck on the truck to the handheld gauge system. These allow me to reach additional vehicles parked near me if needed. The ARB compressor has a pressure switch on it so I don't need to worry about it pumping itself to death when I close the ball valve below the gauge to check the current tire pressure. Although I haven't time it like you did, I would venture to guess that my unpacking of hoses, airing 4 truck tires from 15 to 36, and my 2 trailer tires from 18-40, and everything back in the truck is 12-15 minutes. I used to not bother airing down due to how cumbersome my old setup was, now it's quick and painless.

[@henrikm4657]

I have an ARB Twin compressor mounted under the hood now, but before that, I carried a similar style compressor. It had a Japanese standard quick connect, so it was nearly impossible to find a spare hose in the US. The hose got "hosed" (pun intended) on a trip in Colorado, so I went into a NAPA store to try to find a replacement. They had a lot of different quick connects and hoses, but not that one. The guy in the store was kind enough to crimp me a new hose that fit the existing quick connect. Point is, it's not uncommon for the rubber hose to weaken and break near the quick connect, and if that happens in the middle of nowhere, you might be - wait for it - hosed (sorry again for the dad joke). The ARB compressor has a standard quick connect that is very common in the US, so I can easily find a replacement for it at any auto parts store should I need to. That's my biggest gripe about the "standalone" compressors like the Viair, or the Smittybilt one.

[@steveparsons6324]

I’m happy with my Viair. It have to go to the truck to see if it’s a 300P or 400P, but it does the job.

[@dawabbitt3079]

The VIAIR 300P pumps out 2.40CFM @)psi... Even with the VIAIR 400P - The compressor puts out a mere 2.54CFM @ 0psi An ARB Twin is said to have a remarkable 4.68 CFM flow rate at 29 psi with a max pressure output of 150 psi. But a 15lb. CO2 bottle can put out 48CFM and can air a 35" tire from 15-30psi in about 9 seconds and all four in less than one minute. Plus - you can run air tools with a CO2 setup. One was said to be able to remove 540 lugnuts, using a 1/2" air impact wrench - before needing to be refilled.

[@TACTICALNOMAD]

I’ve been using Viair compressors since 1993. I still have and use my original Viair (I forget the model and the label has worn off) that is running strong after 30 years.

[@sushibrz]

Hahahaha the walking and reversing the video to demonstrate walking back made me laugh in a way i haven't in a while. Subtle humor made me a new subscriber

[@metaxaanabeer]

I swear by my Viair...although I have only had to use it to help out others. Couple of points. Never buy a compressor that plugs into a 12V cigarette receptacle. They just don't have the duty cycle and you will be either there all day or be burning the motor out. Secondly, the ones like your new one that clamp onto the battery really prefer to also have the motor running so the alternator is contributing as well. They like 14V actually, that is somewhat buried on the Viair website but its their recommendation

[@KB-fy7gn]

Glad I saw this video when it came out. Rewatched after visiting the Viair booth at the PNW Overland Expo. Snagged an 88p for $80!!

[@chad2886]

I just leave the compressor run pop the chuck off and use a second gauge,no need to run around and shut it off

[@dougsfan9984]

I purchased 88p based on your recommendations and so far so good, awesome little unit. Congrats on upgrade

[@ruguteral5629]

Thanks for your excellent video. Direct, to the point just what I was looking for.

[@Flyin_high_pnw]

Great info and video! Thanks for sharing Donald.

[@stark808]

If ever there was a video to end with "... and now it's time to air up and head home" it was this one! 🤣

[@The_Kayak_Guy.]

You can easily move the gauge to the compressor side if you want. Great review, you sold me!

[@lloydmarche7263]

Nice review. I was looking for a new portable compressor. Will keep this one in mind.

[@SequoiaX]

Thank you, this was a pleasant and informative video.

[@billj5645]

I've found that the bike-pump style hose coupler is hard to use with some wheel designs. I recommend that whatever method you use for deflating and inflating that you check the pressure, use a timer while you deflate, then check the time when you have reached the correct pressure. Now remember that time for the future. Do the same with airing up and remember that time. When I'm deflating or inflating I typically use my wristwatch and don't use the pressure gauge except maybe at the end to verify. If you start with pressures that are a little different from tire to tire, if you are good with math in your head you can calculate the time it will take deflating or inflating to get to the desired pressuare and not need the gauge. My daughter has the Viair and I have a similar-looking pump by SmittyBilt. I've used both and I can't tell and difference in the speed or the quality. This size pump is convenient for routine air-down and air-up when you are running trails. We spend about 2 minutes per tire either way, on SUV sized tires. It would be a pain to have to spend significantly longer. Also you need to consider duty cycle. The larger pump can air up 4 tires within its duty cycle, the smaller pump probably cannot so you have to add in time for it to cool off occasionally during the process.

[@richardburguillos3118]

Nice… have you considered doing the pressure sensor mod that will turn off the unit when not connected to a tire? I did this to my unit and it works great! Soon as I disconnect from tire, pump stops.

[@StacySalmans]

Great info Donald, thanks for sharing.

[@brentp556]

I have had a Viair 400C mounted between my drivers headlight and air box in my Frontier for years. It's been working great, and is very convenient. I only have to store a lightweight ARB hose, and air chuck in the truck

[@morthomer5804]

I had a Quikair 2cfm pump hard mounted on my old truck. I didn't want to get rid of it, so I installed it in a weather tight storage box and put jumper posts on the short side. The box also holds the hose and spare chucks.

[@scottymac5174]

I have the 300P. I bought it new back in 2018 and have used it multiple times. I run 33" tires and it can reinflate them quickly. Two minor drawbacks that I have noticed. #1. The compressor will get hot with continuous use. After airing up four tires I will leave it out of the bag for a couple of hours before repacking it. #2. The built in air gauge is not really that accurate. I have a good quality air guage that I use to fine tune when I reinflate. Outside of that, it is fast, compact, easy to use and reliable. "Oops" I didn't read my owners manual that well..🙃

[@theamazingbrothers2024]

Super informative! Thanks👌

[@brackeng1294]

Same truck, tires, and compressor. I have used it for years. Love it.

[@chrisdenning9816]

Same tires and compressor. Different truck. 85 FJ60

[@brackeng1294]

I have noticed that my switch doesn’t like cold weather. It takes a couple flips before it starts working. I also left it under my tonneau cover for about a year and a half. The carrying bag dry rotted. It now sits in a 50cal ammo can.

[@Introverted_Outlander]

Very interesting review Donald, I purchased the Viair 400P a couple years ago, When I went from 27 inch tires on the AWD hatch to 29s on the bronco sport. However, I find that I use my air tank from my auto racing days most often. I’ve never even use the Viair, But I probably don’t air down as much as most people do I just don’t see the kind of train where it’s going to give me that much of an advantage. My travels are for the most part fairly well groomed for service roads, county roads, and even groomed double track.

[@louiskudlak2241]

Whatever saves you time is a good thing, the coiled lead getting tangled would drive me nuts, I have an indeflate type compressor, lov it, thanks for sharing Donald, lov your channel ❤

[@Fish_InChips]

Maybe you've talked about it, but I built a DIY power tank and I'll never go back. Cost around $200 as well and will probably never break. I used it to fill up my completely flat tire in 30 s. Maybe with larger tires and ho much you go out you'd have to refill the tank more often, but I've gotten 3 seasons of camping with my Crosstrek.

[@dawabbitt3079]

I just basically commented the same thing! - You beat me by about 10 minutes. 😉

[@Jbt49]

I have the 88p also. I love the built in pressure gauge. What you might want to try is get a gauge, add a tee and put a male quick connector on one end and female on the other. Then make up a short 6 inch air hose extension. Or use a hose barb on the Tee with clamp and female on a section of hose.

[@thebiglimey]

I've run the 400P for a few years with my Frontier, and the auto-on/off was the selling feature for me (plus I did get a very good deal on it) And from what I've seen it's just a 300p with that added feature. I run a full custom engine run onboard air system on my Jeep - but then that was done to run air tools, inflate 37" tires and help people when we're guiding trips in Baja, but for everyday use the Viair stuff more than fits the use requirements and for pure tire inflating, it's pretty much as fast.

[@bluecruiser2019]

Love the Viair! I made a new air hose with an ARB inflator and works beautifully. No need to shut off now to check the air pressure. Can air up my 33’s in no time now😊

[@Andy-ec9yn]

Had a 400P for my van for almost 2 years and used it maybe 2 dozen times. Last time, I was coming off trail 50 miles from the nearest town, aired up two tires and the thing stopped pressurizing. Wasn’t overheated, just stopped sending air. Got the other tires aired up by another off-roader. Back home, I texted with Viair support on their website. They diagnosed the problem (internal reed valve if I remember correctly…thin metal piece on top of the interior cylinder ). A 20 dollar part that they gave me the link for. It works great again (their tech support was great) but I did get an ARB onboard twin and keep the 400P for a backup. Don’t want to get stuck out in boonies again!

[@silvermonk13]

I got the GSPSCN Portable Air Compressor 12v 150psi for 65 bucks. I like it because you set what pressure you want your tires to be at and it auto shuts off once its up to pressure.

[@scottminshall6420]

I like the Milwaukee M18 series with the battery, these things are awesome and last quite a while on one charge!

[@mozezfreek777]

I went from a Viair to a m12 Milwaukee and just very recently to a m18 one with the locknlube adapter. I don't see myself ever going back to all that hassle with the cables and car battery

[@cotepierre68]

I have a 300P and I turned it in a fix install just behind the rear passager of my JKU. Viair sell a kit for that . That was one of the best mod I’ve done.

[@OverlandAdventureTimes]

That's a nice improvement!

[@CavemanOutdoorsMissouri]

I went with the 450P 45043. Auto on and off. Air up to a 42. Got it on sale about 1 1/2 years ago.

[@deminmax]

It is an awesome compressor! I love it.

[@michaelpellegrino3220]

I've got the same exact compressor. I like it.

[@bluecruiser2019]

We ave the 300P no problems with it at all. Changed the hose and chucks, made it much better. still quirky but it does work just fine for a single line compressor.

[@bajasoobnut]

Donald, next time you come through Salem let me know and I can hand you a chuck like the indeflate system as I have a couple extras from the system I am building

[@nutthrower4415]

Good info thanks

[@zanekrempel]

Love my viairs. 88p, then a 400c, now I have dual 425c compressors. Never an issue with any of them.

[@jonnytacooutdoors]

Great video 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@jonjonword6222]

I love my 300. It has saved my butt a few times

[@alnjr24]

Great content.

[@stevemay2829]

Great air compressor i love mine iv adapted a Moreflate air up or down at one location done deal!

[@Rob81818]

I ended up getting the Morrflate Tensix paired with their quad hose inflator/deflator. Price has gone up for all but inflation (no pun intended 😂😂😂😊) look into it as I think it's efficient and the quad hose utilizes the max output pressure of the compressor. I still have the viair 88p for the Forester however 😊

[@jasonstratton6422]

Can't recall the brand of mine but it has an automatic shutoff when it hits the programmed pressure.

[@greeenteeee]

Curious if you considered the comparable smittybilt compressor

[@mozezfreek777]

LockNLube might have an adapter you can use to have it like the type you prefer.

[@hux8052]

good review

[@gambiit08]

ive had an 85p and an 88p but i recently got a 2500 truck and I wanted something better for it. I'm really leaning towards returning my 88p and buying a 300p or 400p for my 33in tires

[@hedge8888]

I have the 400p RV model and it shuts off once it pressurizes the hose so no running back and forth, have you left it a while to see if it shuts off?

[@tjkrueger2655]

They both look really solid. I just went with a $100 Dewalt dual inflator that takes the 20v batteries... never have to fuss with a 12v cord or jumpers to the battery, though it does come with a backup 12v cord that tucks inside the unit. Also inflates air mattresses, rafts, etc.

[@duncdunc76]

I've got the Dewalt 20V cordless inflator as well. But I can tell you it takes a heck of a long time to air up a 33" tire. Last time I had to air up one of my extra vehicle Suburban tires due to it sitting and having a small bead leak, it took like 15 mins if I remember to air up the 33" tire from 6 psi to like 35 psi. I'm assuming a compressor like the Viair 300 probably does it much faster.

[@johnhuff393]

I use the VIAIR 400P. Great for my 10 ply tires.

[@trucksonline9331]

Great comparison. Would have thought 42psi is a bit hard, especially if you have larger than std tyres.. Cheers

[@rock283]

Consider installing an In-line air pressure gauge at the compressor, then hook up the hose to the pressure gauge. You might have to deal with both gauges not reading exactly correctly the same amount though.

[@e.c.8668]

I have a different brand compressor and it has the same issue with the tire gage at the tire. Pretty dumb design. I remedy it by building a 4-tire fill hose system.

[@bannablitz247]

If you want the quick connect style for either compressor you can buy a 1/4'' mnpt male tank valve and a 1/4'' fnpt closed flow tire chuck for less than $15. I did it for my 88p and will never go back.

[@mpcp27]

Or you can buy a screw on quick connect adapter that screws into the existing vair fitting.

[@BirdPhish]

I've had the 400p for a couple years now and very happy with it...probably the only difference in the 300p and 400p is the carry case it comes with ....totally worth it lol

[@davidcolinstillman5585]

HI DONALD 👋 THANK YOU 🙏 BEEN LOOKING FOR ONE . I'LL KEEP THIS / YOUR VIDEO 📹 FOOTAGE ON HAND ! BE SAFE ! HAVE FUN ! ENJOYED 🍨 🍨 🍨 🍨 🍨 🍨 🍨 🍨 🍨 🍨 GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS ON YOUR ADVENTURES ! THANK YOU 🙏

[@steveegbert7429]

I bought a 400P back in 2018 for $155 on Amazon and have been vey happy with it other than the chuck. Every time I use it I get frustrated with it and intend to replace it, but then then forget about it until the next time I use it.

[@pala4833]

> other than the chuck. Every time I use it I get frustrated with it and intend to replace it, but then then forget about it until the next time I use it. Yes my wife often treats her Chuck the same way.

[@MarkfromArizona]

Thank you for a honest review. Ive looked at both tge Smitty built and the Viair compressors. I just cant see my self spending a boat load of money on a ARB compressor. I think there over rated.

[@insaynbcr]

You'll say that until you have one (at least the twin). Also, every part of the ARB is rebuildable. One and done!

[@wildernessrecon]

Maybe a bit of trouble with this Chuck 😂😂

[@IcyReaper]

Donald, what air pressure are you normally using when aired down, is it the 28psi as in this vid?

[@softroadingthewest]

It really depends on what I need the air-down to accomplish. For comfort on bumpy roads, I generally go down to ~25. In scenarios where I actually need improved traction such as gnarly rutted climbs, crawling up rock steps, or snow, I generally go down to ~18. In soft sand, down to ~12. It'll be different for different vehicles and different tires, you gain a feel for what makes a noticeable difference.

[@consaka1]

Yeah I couldn't afford that brand so I got a Smitty Built for less and almost double the volume. It's been working great for nigh until ten years now.

[@brandtdaniels]

An “Automatic” compressor doesn’t require you to switch it on an off. It will automatically start compressing when attached to a tire and automatically stop compressing when removed. The P stands for portable. The non-P requires it to be mounted somewhere like onboard air.

[@collinchinn]

the 400p comes with an inflation gun with the gage built in. so you dont have to go over to the compressor to shut it off to get your current pressure. just let go of the trigger. the 400p can also inflate tires of heavier vehicles. those seem to be the differences. i have a 400p but i use a 4 tire inflation system so the inflation gun doesnt really matter to me

[@michael6095]

Why don't just disconnect the chuck and check the air instead of running all the way back to shut off the pump? The pump can run with out being connected for the short time you need to check the pressure.

[@mercurials54]

Miss out on the Memorial Day sale

[@nicobrouwer4598]

Anyone know the real difference between the 300 and 400?

[@gottabsleeved]

400 has longer cord to reach trailer tires,and has winterize attachment to blow out water lines on a camper trailer

[@Garrison169]

Wouldn't it be a lot easier to have a long power cord and a shorter air hose? That way you can have the pump at each tire. The power cord is a lot easier to handle than a long air hose, too.

[@insaynbcr]

A longer power cord will cause more amps to be drawn, and heat the wires. A longer non coily hose is actually better for two reasons. 1) No tangles. 2) The volume of air in the longer line can help speed up inflating, even if it's only a tiny bit of help.

[@Garrison169]

@@insaynbcr A longer power cord will cause less current to be drawn, due to the increased electrical resistance. But I have noticed no heating in the wire, or reduced efficiency of my inflator pump.

[@insaynbcr]

@@Garrison169 Actually, let me clarify myself. The watts needed by the DC compressor motor will try to maintain the same watts pulled regardless of cable length. The resistance of the extended wire will cause an increasing voltage drop for every foot added. The drop in voltage will directly cause the amps to increase to maintain the watts. In the case of the 300P, it is rated for 12VDC at max 30amps. This is a max of 360watts. Longer cord = more resistance. More resistance = voltage drop. Voltage drop = more amps to maintain watts. More amps = things get hot, fuse pops, or motor strains and wears quicker. Why bother with any of those risks, when a longer hose is actually beneficial, shy of minor additional storage capacity needed. Additionally, straight air hose is much easier to coil nicely, than the 12VDC cordage.

[@Garrison169]

@@insaynbcr I grant you that the motor on the inflater will attempt to draw more current when it runs slower due to the voltage drop in the power cord. This results in lower performance of the pump. The solution is to use wire of sufficient gauge to supply the needed power and long enough to reach each wheel.. The wire is a lot easier to manage than the long, coiled air hose (that you had trouble with). With a longer power cord, the pump can then be taken to each wheel, saving you having to walk back to the pump when the pressure reaches the desired value.

[@insaynbcr]

@@Garrison169 Yes, a properly AWG wire set will help mitigate the additional length needed to avoid excessive current draw. If you go back and read, I specified that it would be easier to coil up and store a "straight" air hose, than to coil up and manage a longer cord. I am not Donald in this video dealing with a "precoiled" hose. I use a "straight" hose system, as well as a full OBA system plumbed front and rear of my truck with the ability to air up two tires at a time in minutes. All my hoses coil together smoothly and store in a high quality jumper cable bag behind the back seat.

[@jakerazmataz852]

For that price you can get a real compressor with a 3gal. tank. Yes, it's bigger, but it can do a lot more.

[@darrengray2309]

I hate the coil hoses they are nothing but a pain in the ass. If you like your straight hose just cut the end off and put a connector on it to fit your new compressor. Or just buy a new straight hose with a gauge i don't think they would cost very much.

[@staycurious3954]

My 89P blows away that janky Harbor Freight trash that bkew it’s fuse 3 mins in fresh out of the box. Project Farm lied 😮

[@kevinthomson6324]

Having the gauge on the opposite end of the hose as the switch seems crazy to me. Why not just have the power cable be the long item and the hose just reach from the pump to the tire? Or move the gauge to the other end of the hose. But half the time to air up is no joke. That’s a huge time saver!

[@crankshaft007]

300 p to 400p , 400p can use 24v

[@madcratebuilder]

$150 buys a 300lpm/10cfm NAPA 12V compressor. DIY mods for even more air. Blows the Vair and ARB away.

[@garretlewis4103]

The 400P is 100P better than the 300P. Now we just need to figure out what that dang P is. 🤪😂😂🤪🤪😂🤪🤪

[@meangenemiller3362]

Maybe pump?

[@michaelpieren]

Maybe Portable?

[@swidahooverlanding2867]

I have been using my Viair 88p for quite a few years now. It usually takes about 20 minutes to air up my 33x10.5 tires from 18lbs to 40lbs. I have been totally happy with it's performance. I did just recently replaced the switch. It finally gave up luckily in the on position. I picked up 5 switches for $6 on Amazon. Should be good to go for another few years. Thanks for the comparison. I agree, walking back and forth would be a issue. George.