We’ve had this portable air compressor for over 10 years, so now I can do a proper review because it meets my three criteria for a long term review:
- Does what it is supposed to do
- Is durable
- Value for the price
The VIAIR 88P is a robust 12-volt portable tire inflator designed for use with cars, trucks, SUVs, and other kinds of vehicles. It’s known for its solid performance, reliability, and value for money. To be honest, when I decided to write a long-term review of the product, I was surprised it hadn’t succumbed to Silverstein’s Law, which states:
If a product is good, they will discontinue it.
Yep, they still make it, plus an upgraded digital version too, which I’ll touch on in due time.
Key Features
Performance & Specs
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Power & Pressure: Runs off the vehicle battery and delivers up to 120 PSI with an airflow of 1.97 CFM @ 0 PSI, enough to inflate tires up to 33″ in diameter.
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Inflation Speed: The 88P can fill a typical passenger tire from low pressure to 30 PSI in around 2–3 minutes. Trucks and trailer tires will take longer.
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Duty Cycle: Designed for a 25-minute continuous run at 30 PSI before needing a break to cool down, so it’s capable of inflating multiple tires with short pauses.
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Long Hose & Cables: A 16 ft air hose and 10 ft power cord help reach all four tires easily without moving the compressor around too much.
Build & Extras
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Built-In Gauge & LED Work Light: comes with a pressure gauge and an LED light for night or roadside use. My gauge is off by about 3 PSI, which was expected. I doubt the LED would provide much light, but I haven’t tried it at night.
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Solid Chuck & Accessories: A brass twist-on tire chuck and multiple inflation tips provide secure connections and versatility.
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Carry Bag: The included deluxe bag keeps everything organized and easy to store. Okay, this is a big upgrade — mine came with a cardboard box that had a built-in carry handle, which I had to finally throw away earlier this year.
Pros
Powerful and Fast for its Size
The 88P stands out in its price range for how quickly it fills tires and its ability to reach 120 PSI, which many smaller inflators can’t achieve. The ability to reach 120 PSI is why it can inflate higher pressure tires (such as trucks or trailers) as the higher pressure of the portable compressor overcomes the tire’s pressure easier than smaller portable compressors.
Good for On-Road & Off-Road Use
Works well both for everyday car tires, SUVs, pickup trucks, travel trailers, and larger off-road 33″ tires, making it versatile for different vehicles.
I particularly like the long 16′ hose it comes with.
Well-Equipped Kit
With long hoses, solid clamps, pressure gauge, LED light, and accessories, it’s more complete than many entry-level inflators.
Durable & Reliable
Mine is over 10 years old and has never failed me.
Cons
Vehicle Battery-Only Power Source
This really isn’t a con, as I’ll explain — the 88P doesn’t plug into a cigarette lighter — it uses direct battery clamps. Well . . . yep! If you want a powerful, quick compressor, then it is going to require a lot more amperage than a cigarette or convenience port.
An average car’s 12V power port (cigarette lighter socket) is typically fused for 10 to 15 Amps, with 10A being very common for convenience outlets, limiting continuous power for high-draw devices such as the VIAIR 88P which rated at 20 Amps. In other words, you can’t have your cake and eat it too!
Gets Hot With Extended Use
Like many portable compressors, it runs warm during heavy use and needs a cool-down period after long runs. To me this really isn’t a “Con” but rather simple physics. However, it is important to point out because you can burn yourself on the cooling fins.
Duty Cycle Limits
The 25-minute duty cycle means you may need to take breaks if you’re inflating multiple large tires at once. The cycle time is required to let the compressor cool down after running continuously for a long time. However, as an example, I was able to inflate all the tires on our 2013 Ford Expedition from 31 PSI to 80 PSI in less than 25 minutes.
Noise Level
Some people are going to complain about the noise level of 76 decibels, which is a moderately loud sound, comparable to a vacuum cleaner, busy street traffic, or a washing machine, and is noticeable but generally not damaging with short exposure. So the VIAIR 88P is louder than compact battery-powered inflators, which are not as powerful or versatile as the VIAIR.
Operation
The operation is simple and this graphic from VIAIR explains it well.
Every Vehicle Carry® 88P Digital Portable Compressor
I am tempted to buy this, but ours still works well. The digital version has a built-in digital gauge and preset pressure with automatic shutoff, making tire inflation is easier and more accurate. Like the base model 88P it comes with a carry bag too.
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VIAIR 88P Tire Inflator Portable Air Compressor
VIAIR 6 ft. Air Extension Hose for Portable Compressors
I recommend buying a Digital Tire Pressure Gauge
Optional Versions of the VIAIR 88P
Recently VIAIR came out with a couple new versions of the VIAIR 88P.
1. VIAIR Digital EVC88P – Comes with a Digital Gauge and a Preset Automatic Shut Off Feature
2. VIAIR Digital EVC88P7 – Comes with a Digital Gauge and a Preset Automatic Shut Off Feature and instead of battery lamps connects directly to the tow vehicle’s Bargman style 7-Way Trailer Connector Plug
I need to comment on this version —
- You will need to make sure your tow vehicle’s wiring is capable of providing at least 20 Amps of power. Many vehicles that come with a towing package are rated at 30 – 40 Amps. Check before buying this version!
- It can only be powered with a vehicle that has a Bargman style 7-Way Trailer Connector Plug. This means that if you want to use it on another vehicle, such as the family’s passenger car, you probably won’t be able to power it — so this version is pretty designed to be dedicated to your tow vehicle only.