I’ve gone through two Viair compressors on my truck to use for tires and air horns and I believe that’s what wore out the compressor seals. So to get around the slow fill times and reliability I carry a portable contractors compressor in the storage compartment and since I carry two generators it’s not a problem.
Unfortunately sort of, all the 12v compressors are rated the same way free air. The issue with the Bulldog is it can produce way more air than the Valverde will flow. So you'll be better off and have longer life to have an air tank. Then run a hose off that. A cheaper option is the Trick flate from TD-DISTRIBUTING If the Bulldog does actually draw 90+ amps then it's very likely the 14ish cfm
I know Viair was making air compressors for low rider vehicles back in the 1980s and back then they had twin piston compressors that would run air tools. But you could always run some 4” thick wall PVC pipe along the frame of the camper with quick connections on each end with a smaller piece running across to the other side. This would let you have a bunch of air in reserve
I have a embedded Viair in my travel trailer TH and it does take some time to fill tires for sure. It also gets very hot if you are trying to do anything with higher pressure. The size of the Viair is a huge advantage for sure. I wish I had the size of the Viair but the airflow output of the Bulldog.
I have the Viair and it's "ok", but I'm upgrading to a Makita Mac100Q (or the larger brother). The Viair is SLOW to fill almost any tire I've used it on. It gets HOT as hell pretty quickly too. It's never failed me, but just not what I expected (maybe I had too high of expectations). It's nice, but just not for me. The Makita is 110v and less than 400w, so I can use it with the 110v inverter built into my 2021 Ram 3500 Dually. Hoping it'll serve me better.
I've been using a Vi-air compressor on my 94' YJ ( with 31" tires) for a decade or more and it does Very well when airing up myself and others while 4X4'n in the mountains of Washington state. It's mounted under the hood and never failed to supply air pressure when needed. The Vi-Air you have here is about the same configuration as mine and would work very well for the RV and Tow Vehicle because air and tires are always getting hot and cold while traveling so that being said, bulldog is a good unit but I won't be needing alot of air frequently so Vi-Air is my choice for RV ing. Thanks for the interesting video Gentleman. 👍🇺🇸
I also have the Viair compressor with the RV double hose (450P-RV), for when i off road to air back up. Yes the Viair has lower cfm but it run up to really hi pressures and 100% duty cycle. As stated before the pump gets hot, that is expected since the pump isnt all that large, and your compressing the air to really high pressures. Has never failed me and the extra length of hose makes it easy for other vehicles I travel with and no down time top filling because of that duty cycle. Also pricing for the bulldog is near double (msrp), Im okay sticking with the Viair
I am looking for a test to fill 4 E ply tires from 15 psi to 80 psi as soon as I get off the beach. I have an F-250 with 265/75r16 E all the tests I see are for RV tires or Jeep tires none for a D @ 65 psi or E @ 85 psi tire.
I have a Rigid dual hot dog contractor compressor in my toy hauler. It is somewhere around 5 CFM @90 psi I believe. I air down truck and trailer to 20 PSI to get out on the sand. I also have a Viair that I keep in the truck as a backup, it works just fine but slower.
In fairness Viair has a 3cfm model on Amazon for $310 that says its for "truck/suv." I'm purchasing something next spring for a beach trip to the outer banks NC. Thanks for the review!
You reviewed a portable air compressor a few months ago (I can’t remember the name of it) but I bought it based off of your review and I must say it kicks butt! I use it all of the time and it handles the high pressure very well.
Would like to see a review of the new or newer Tire Minder Air Compressor. Looks to be around the size of the Viair but with more features and faster results.
I have two Viair compressors on my truck for the 4 air bags. It is a slow compressor. It takes a while to fill my twin 2 gallon tanks. In fact I give it almost a minute every morning to pump up before I can fill the bags. The Viair seems to have a short duty cycle which probably explains why off raiders don’t use them. If you want to fill up an inter tube or pool stuff, it will take a while.
Going to 80 psi is easy for most travel trailers. Most fifth wheel or toy haulers have G rated tires that require 110psi. That's where you can really see the difference in speed . As they say time is money.
JD, I would like to see the bull dog demo ran to the set pressure without you fiddling with the pull trigger. Let’s see the thing operate as it’s designed. Set the pressure and pull the go button until it hits the set pressure and stops. Let’s see that demo please!
I require 120 PSI for my RV tires and I use a porter cable 150 psi pancake compressor. Sure I wan't something more compact and less noisy but the porter cable gets the job done without any problems. I prefer plugging in over running the engine and connecting to the battery. I keep my eyes open for a better solution.
I have to admit, I got a bit worried at first when you said you were comparing "most popular" and "most powerful", but the discussion after the comparison went a long way to address a lot of the qualities and considerations of air compressors that simple filling time does not account for.
Purchased the Mac daddy VIAIR RV system. Stored it in my overlanding rig. Used it about 9mos later for the first time. Shortly after beginning to add psi to an rv tire it red lined and shut off. Ugggghhhh
Viair has been around for a long time and, are great for wheeling folks who air down etc. I think it’s a great one for most uses. Cross country traveling I have learned to get a good quality tool and carry it.
What battery are you hooked up to? Are you running a 120vac RV battery converter/charger on shore power to help the battery to cope? Would the higher capacity Bulldog inflator draw less or more total current with the faster inflation time?
Both are good products but it came down to the price for me. The coiled hose on vair was a bonus because most won't wrap up the hose and put it away. I would make an attempt and just end up half-assed wrap it up and throw it in the box of truck, most likely landing on the similarly wrapped tie down straps.
The 14cfm is never going to flow that past the tyre valve. Deflate 4 tyres and pump them all up at once with a 4 way system and watch the Bulldog fill way faster than the Viair. That being said, I want something mounted and not portable. I can run 8gauge wiring for the Viair, need to run way heavier wiring for a Bulldog which would make it not very feasible for my needs. Both great compressors, as you hinted at, it all depends on individual needs👍
CFM at what PSI? Along with duty cycle and max PSI, all four are important when making a decision. A 125 psi compressor is inadequate for filing 125 psi tires, a 150 barely adequate. Example, Viair rates the compressor at 1.8 CFM but that is at zero psi. 80 psi is at 1.04 cfm and the duty cycle is rated at 100% at 100 psi, .94 cfm. Bulldog Winch does not have a true rating on their website. For comparison, ARB's twin compressor has specs that are not exactly tabulated like Viair's, but it appears the twin is capable of 90 psi at 3 cfm continuous. That's impressive.
I think that a 120vac powered inflator device would be more practical for topping off 80-100psi RV or truck tires. The only device I have seen is the Porter Cable item. I have an old two-gallon 120vac CH compressor that is very slow but will inflate my Class C tires to 80 psi, patience required.
There is a unit I bought from AMAZON, ITS IN AN AMMO CAN,+ valve tool, many plugs or punctures, the Dudu cycle is great,,it can inflate a large FARM TRACTOR TYRE, without it quitting FORGOT THE BRAND, but having everything in 1 place is fantastic , shall I say heavy ! …..🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Why did you drop the air pressure on the bulldog compressor to 80psi? The tire will fill faster with the compressor at max psi. There's a pressure loss through the airline. Plus you have a guage at the air chuck to know when to stop. I looked up the bulldog air compressor and e-trailers own website says in q&a section that the bulldog is for 40+ inch tires.
I don't like the pressure reset on compressors. More to fail. Just a shutoff like a normal compressor so it doesn't catch fire when hitting the max pressure of the compressor when releasing the inflation trigger.
I'm trying to figure out exactly what your reviewing! A big time thank you JD. Here is my setup: 2021 F250, 2020 Montana 330RL. Have a NOCO GBX155 just in case. 5ther Geostar G574 these are beasts 110 PSI - Run at 85/90 PSI, and On board Air Bags run at 90 PSI - Air Ride with bump stops. F250 run at 65 PSI Michelin LTX AT2.(need new tires) I have been considering on board air vs portable air. What are your thoughts? On board vs these portable bad boys? On Board suspect a tank is needed? Thoughts anyone?
Milwaukee M18 inflator destroys all other tire air compressor or inflator or whatever. Does the job in a couple minutes per tire at most. Can top up a tire 20ish PSI in less than a minute. These 2 options are not even close. I'll keep my M18 thx. Much smaller lighter and easier to use/store etc.
I have the RV double hose model which means I can reach all tires on my big DP without moving the unit around,It is slow and gets very hot especially when topping off or refilling high PSI tires like 90+
What is the longevity of the two. I had a compressor similar to the Viareggio years ago and filled two tires with it before it gave out. The oil less compressors down right don't last very long with my experience.
Is the Viair model something that might be reasonable and more than enough to be used for inflating airbags for my trucks? I anticipate on using it maybe once or twice a month at most. Thanks for the video.
Hey J.D., nice video. I have the Viair, although it is the next model up. I find the air gauge to be reading 3 to 4 pounds lower than my tried and true old fashion Milton "stick comes out the end" gauge. Got any recommendations on the most accurate gauge type???
Why not do a comparison of the Bulldog for $179 with the Viair..from etrailer looks like more of a competition review for a product more than half the cost...just saying 🙂
Did I miss the prices? Lemme go back and check...cuz I thought this was a product comparison. Maybe I missed it. Surely a whole comparison video wasn't produced and edited WITHOUT pricing, that would be frikkin ludicrous. Before I get excited here, or give a thumbs up, lemme go back here...
Lol come on We are taking the average most common type of talented 13 year old basketball player and making them play against the top NBA player to compare them haha. This is what it seems like.
For like $2500 LOL yea ok. I got an idea for a custom one that will be something like 14CFM at 90psi which is like 18cfm at 40psi or something crazy high
I have the Viair 450rv as my rv tires require 125 psi and It fills to that pressure with no problem. Best little versatile compress for the buck!
I’ve gone through two Viair compressors on my truck to use for tires and air horns and I believe that’s what wore out the compressor seals. So to get around the slow fill times and reliability I carry a portable contractors compressor in the storage compartment and since I carry two generators it’s not a problem.
There are rebuild kit for viair
Yes‼️
Thanks for doing this test!!
I value your opinion…👍
Thanks for sharing…
14 cfm! Fake news. That’s free air speed. Cfm is rated @90psi and @40 psi. The real CFM is closer to 2.5@90psi
Exactly!!
Unfortunately sort of, all the 12v compressors are rated the same way free air. The issue with the Bulldog is it can produce way more air than the Valverde will flow. So you'll be better off and have longer life to have an air tank. Then run a hose off that.
A cheaper option is the Trick flate from TD-DISTRIBUTING
If the Bulldog does actually draw 90+ amps then it's very likely the 14ish cfm
Happy with my Viair for my truck (50psi) and TT (65psi). Great video
I know Viair was making air compressors for low rider vehicles back in the 1980s and back then they had twin piston compressors that would run air tools. But you could always run some 4” thick wall PVC pipe along the frame of the camper with quick connections on each end with a smaller piece running across to the other side. This would let you have a bunch of air in reserve
Nice comparison. It does show you should pick a tool that meets your needs. Thank you for sharing and have a great day.
ANOTHER GREAT VIDEO.
THANK YOU BOTH.
YES 2 COMPRESSORS FOR 2 DIFFERENT APPLICATIONS. (WOOOW VIAIR 150 PSI)
I have a embedded Viair in my travel trailer TH and it does take some time to fill tires for sure. It also gets very hot if you are trying to do anything with higher pressure. The size of the Viair is a huge advantage for sure. I wish I had the size of the Viair but the airflow output of the Bulldog.
I have the Viair and it's "ok", but I'm upgrading to a Makita Mac100Q (or the larger brother). The Viair is SLOW to fill almost any tire I've used it on. It gets HOT as hell pretty quickly too. It's never failed me, but just not what I expected (maybe I had too high of expectations). It's nice, but just not for me. The Makita is 110v and less than 400w, so I can use it with the 110v inverter built into my 2021 Ram 3500 Dually. Hoping it'll serve me better.
Much better option. Plus if you already have a generator on your RV, you are golden.
I've been using a Vi-air compressor on my 94' YJ ( with 31" tires) for a decade or more and it does Very well when airing up myself and others while 4X4'n in the mountains of Washington state. It's mounted under the hood and never failed to supply air pressure when needed.
The Vi-Air you have here is about the same configuration as mine and would work very well for the RV and Tow Vehicle because air and tires are always getting hot and cold while traveling so that being said, bulldog is a good unit but I won't be needing alot of air frequently so Vi-Air is my choice for RV ing.
Thanks for the interesting video Gentleman. 👍🇺🇸
I also have the Viair compressor with the RV double hose (450P-RV), for when i off road to air back up. Yes the Viair has lower cfm but it run up to really hi pressures and 100% duty cycle. As stated before the pump gets hot, that is expected since the pump isnt all that large, and your compressing the air to really high pressures. Has never failed me and the extra length of hose makes it easy for other vehicles I travel with and no down time top filling because of that duty cycle. Also pricing for the bulldog is near double (msrp), Im okay sticking with the Viair
I am looking for a test to fill 4 E ply tires from 15 psi to 80 psi as soon as I get off the beach. I have an F-250 with 265/75r16 E all the tests I see are for RV tires or Jeep tires none for a D @ 65 psi or E @ 85 psi tire.
I have a Rigid dual hot dog contractor compressor in my toy hauler. It is somewhere around 5 CFM @90 psi I believe. I air down truck and trailer to 20 PSI to get out on the sand. I also have a Viair that I keep in the truck as a backup, it works just fine but slower.
In fairness Viair has a 3cfm model on Amazon for $310 that says its for "truck/suv." I'm purchasing something next spring for a beach trip to the outer banks NC. Thanks for the review!
I have the viair, but I got the 100% duty cycle. What is the duty cycle on the bulldog.
You reviewed a portable air compressor a few months ago (I can’t remember the name of it) but I bought it based off of your review and I must say it kicks butt! I use it all of the time and it handles the high pressure very well.
Would like to see a review of the new or newer Tire Minder Air Compressor. Looks to be around the size of the Viair but with more features and faster results.
ARB makes a dual compressor travel kit with a 1gal tank. That's the best option for a travel setup. Other than installing an OBA
Nice opening, we see what you did there JD.
I have two Viair compressors on my truck for the 4 air bags. It is a slow compressor. It takes a while to fill my twin 2 gallon tanks. In fact I give it almost a minute every morning to pump up before I can fill the bags. The Viair seems to have a short duty cycle which probably explains why off raiders don’t use them. If you want to fill up an inter tube or pool stuff, it will take a while.
Look up a TrickFlate from TD-Distributing. Dual cylinder 300Lpm or 10.6cfm. I have some onboard air vids on my channel of the NAPA version
Going to 80 psi is easy for most travel trailers. Most fifth wheel or toy haulers have G rated tires that require 110psi. That's where you can really see the difference in speed . As they say time is money.
JD, I would like to see the bull dog demo ran to the set pressure without you fiddling with the pull trigger. Let’s see the thing operate as it’s designed. Set the pressure and pull the go button until it hits the set pressure and stops. Let’s see that demo please!
Also want to know it’s designed max operating pressure. Will it go to 110 psi?
I require 120 PSI for my RV tires and I use a porter cable 150 psi pancake compressor. Sure I wan't something more compact and less noisy but the porter cable gets the job done without any problems. I prefer plugging in over running the engine and connecting to the battery. I keep my eyes open for a better solution.
Great video
I have to admit, I got a bit worried at first when you said you were comparing "most popular" and "most powerful", but the discussion after the comparison went a long way to address a lot of the qualities and considerations of air compressors that simple filling time does not account for.
Wanted to see performance on bigger Class A tires, 100-125psi
Purchased the Mac daddy VIAIR RV system. Stored it in my overlanding rig. Used it about 9mos later for the first time. Shortly after beginning to add psi to an rv tire it red lined and shut off. Ugggghhhh
Viair has been around for a long time and, are great for wheeling folks who air down etc. I think it’s a great one for most uses. Cross country traveling I have learned to get a good quality tool and carry it.
What battery are you hooked up to? Are you running a 120vac RV battery converter/charger on shore power to help the battery to cope? Would the higher capacity Bulldog inflator draw less or more total current with the faster inflation time?
Both are good products but it came down to the price for me. The coiled hose on vair was a bonus because most won't wrap up the hose and put it away. I would make an attempt and just end up half-assed wrap it up and throw it in the box of truck, most likely landing on the similarly wrapped tie down straps.
The 14cfm is never going to flow that past the tyre valve. Deflate 4 tyres and pump them all up at once with a 4 way system and watch the Bulldog fill way faster than the Viair.
That being said, I want something mounted and not portable. I can run 8gauge wiring for the Viair, need to run way heavier wiring for a Bulldog which would make it not very feasible for my needs.
Both great compressors, as you hinted at, it all depends on individual needs👍
CFM at what PSI? Along with duty cycle and max PSI, all four are important when making a decision. A 125 psi compressor is inadequate for filing 125 psi tires, a 150 barely adequate.
Example, Viair rates the compressor at 1.8 CFM but that is at zero psi. 80 psi is at 1.04 cfm and the duty cycle is rated at 100% at 100 psi, .94 cfm.
Bulldog Winch does not have a true rating on their website.
For comparison, ARB's twin compressor has specs that are not exactly tabulated like Viair's, but it appears the twin is capable of 90 psi at 3 cfm continuous. That's impressive.
I think that a 120vac powered inflator device would be more practical for topping off 80-100psi RV or truck tires. The only device I have seen is the Porter Cable item. I have an old two-gallon 120vac CH compressor that is very slow but will inflate my Class C tires to 80 psi, patience required.
There is a unit I bought from AMAZON, ITS IN AN AMMO CAN,+ valve tool, many plugs or punctures, the Dudu cycle is great,,it can inflate a large FARM TRACTOR TYRE, without it quitting
FORGOT THE BRAND, but having everything in 1 place is fantastic , shall I say heavy ! …..🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Why did you drop the air pressure on the bulldog compressor to 80psi? The tire will fill faster with the compressor at max psi.
There's a pressure loss through the airline. Plus you have a guage at the air chuck to know when to stop.
I looked up the bulldog air compressor and e-trailers own website says in q&a section that the bulldog is for 40+ inch tires.
I think the a comparison to the Bulldog 2.5CFM compressor (at 1/2 the price of the Viair) may have been more Apples to Apples...
I don't like the pressure reset on compressors. More to fail. Just a shutoff like a normal compressor so it doesn't catch fire when hitting the max pressure of the compressor when releasing the inflation trigger.
That bulldog just needs a tank anyway
How do they do when filling Sailuns to 110PSI
what is the warranty on the Bulldog? Viair is only 1 year. Tireminder has one with a 3 yr warranty.
I'm trying to figure out exactly what your reviewing! A big time thank you JD. Here is my setup: 2021 F250, 2020 Montana 330RL. Have a NOCO GBX155 just in case. 5ther Geostar G574 these are beasts 110 PSI - Run at 85/90 PSI, and On board Air Bags run at 90 PSI - Air Ride with bump stops. F250 run at 65 PSI Michelin LTX AT2.(need new tires) I have been considering on board air vs portable air. What are your thoughts? On board vs these portable bad boys? On Board suspect a tank is needed? Thoughts anyone?
Milwaukee M18 inflator destroys all other tire air compressor or inflator or whatever. Does the job in a couple minutes per tire at most. Can top up a tire 20ish PSI in less than a minute. These 2 options are not even close. I'll keep my M18 thx. Much smaller lighter and easier to use/store etc.
I have the RV double hose model which means I can reach all tires on my big DP without moving the unit around,It is slow and gets very hot especially when topping off or refilling high PSI tires like 90+
What is the cost diff in cost. I have a 12 v truck air it has a fan to keep it cool heat will kill the compressors
What is the longevity of the two. I had a compressor similar to the Viareggio years ago and filled two tires with it before it gave out. The oil less compressors down right don't last very long with my experience.
That coupler on the bulldog was probably responsible for a longer fill time than it should have been. Very leaky.
Is the Viair model something that might be reasonable and more than enough to be used for inflating airbags for my trucks? I anticipate on using it maybe once or twice a month at most. Thanks for the video.
JD will the bulldog run any air tools like a impact?
You also kept opening and closing the valve on the bulldog.
Did that on both. You must do that to see what the current pressure is
Loved the video, but the music was a little distracting in this one
Hey J.D., nice video. I have the Viair, although it is the next model up. I find the air gauge to be reading 3 to 4 pounds lower than my tried and true old fashion Milton "stick comes out the end" gauge. Got any recommendations on the most accurate gauge type???
Not 150...The Bulldog according to etrailer site from your link states max 125psi with a analog 150psi gauge
Why didn’t you go with the viair model 450 the other is much bigger 450. Compared the viair model 450p to the bulldog you will see the difference
Looks super nice but you lost me at “a bit more expensive than the Viair”… even most of those are out of my price range
Why not do a comparison of the Bulldog for $179 with the Viair..from etrailer looks like more of a competition review for a product more than half the cost...just saying 🙂
Thanks Like 103
you get a 5 yr old compressor and still paying same price as new and yet you have to modify
Did I miss the prices? Lemme go back and check...cuz I thought this was a product comparison. Maybe I missed it. Surely a whole comparison video wasn't produced and edited WITHOUT pricing, that would be frikkin ludicrous.
Before I get excited here, or give a thumbs up, lemme go back here...
I'll stick with ARB
Bulldog winch eats arb dual and viair for breakfast.
This video took way to long spent to much time on the build up felt like a sales pitch
Lol come on
We are taking the average most common type of talented 13 year old basketball player and making them play against the top NBA player to compare them haha. This is what it seems like.
So is it a Two Stage compressor or a twin cylinder compressor???? I bet you don't even know the difference. This review, I rate as poor.
Oasis air compressor nuff said!
For like $2500 LOL yea ok. I got an idea for a custom one that will be something like 14CFM at 90psi which is like 18cfm at 40psi or something crazy high