Owning an air compressor comes with various benefits. You can have a portable and on-the-go machine that can air-up or air-down your tires to conquer multiple terrains.
In this guide, we will focus on two of the most well-known brands that manufacture superior-quality air compressors for anyone’s use. Viair vs. Smittybilt compressor, which one is best?
Only you can determine as you continue to read this article.
Table of Contents
Viair or Smittybilt Compressor?
Now that you are aware of the products’ main features, in this part of the review, we are going to give you a better comparison between Viair and Smittybilt.
Amount of Air Pressure
The measurement of a compressor’s maximum air pressure is in PSI or pounds per square inch.
The machines from both brands share the same amount at 150 PSI, which means all four can compress a large volume of air in each of its tanks.
Amount of Airflow
Cubic feet per minute or CFM is the unit used to measure a compressor’s amount of airflow.
Both machines from Viair offer a CFM of 2.3, while on the other hand, Smittybilt’s 2781 has 2.54 CFM, and the 2780 model has 5.65 CFM.
Compressors with higher CFMs inflate tires faster. They can transfer more air in the same amount of time. In terms of this feature, Smittybilt is indeed more superior.
Duty Cycle
You would want an air compressor that can operate for a prolonged period. The duty cycle is the time a machine can run before it needs to stop for recharge and also, to prevent overheating.
The higher the duty cycle, the longer the compressor can run for extended periods. Viair’s products have a 33% maximum duty cycle, while Smittybilt has 60%.
Although the latter brand has a higher duty cycle, this also means that it needs more time to recover before you get to use it again.
Viair Compressor
Since 1998, Viair has served the market with its line of high-performance oil-less air compressors and accessories.
Their machines are known to be the leaders in both off-road and on-road markets.
Because they have been in the industry for several years, their quality-engineered products set the standard when it comes to quality and performance.
They provide industrial-grade compressors, which are suitable for heavy-duty industrial applications;
all of their released models have an IP67 rating and feature exceptional sealing properties to protect them from outside elements.
Also, they offer durable portable tire inflators to supply you with air on the go. Their Onboard Air Systems can operate air lockers and air horns, run your air tools and fill your tires.
The brand consistently upholds performance, value, and reliability. So be assured that your Viair product can withstand anything and survive even in the harshest existing environments.
Recommended Viair Compressor to Buy
In this section, we will talk about the specific features of the brand’s top air compressors.
For your convenience and to assist you in your decision-making, we narrowed down the products into two. Prepare to be impressed as you read through them one by one.
Viair 400P
Enjoy your off-roading journey without keeping much in mind. With Viair 400P, you can take on different tasks and emergencies with speed and ease.
The product has a durable construction. It is resistant to dust and moisture. Its stainless steel valves prevent rust build-up, protecting it from the possible damages this can cause.
As part of its design, it has an anti-vibration I-beam sand tray that inhibits the machine from tipping over uneven surfaces.
Oil spillage will no longer bother you because this air compressor runs through electricity.
To do this, attach the machine to the car’s battery using the dual battery clamps and start the vehicle’s engine to begin operation.
You can easily store this product because it weighs 10.40 pounds and is 13x11x9.5-inch in dimensions.
Since it comes with a deluxe dual compartment bag, you can carry it anywhere with you along with other needed attachments.
It is capable of producing a maximum PSI (pounds per square inch) of 150, enabling you to pump air effectively into 35-inch tires in less than 5 minutes. At 0 PSI, this unit can release airflow of 2.3 CFM (cubic feet per minute).
One of the prominent features of this product is its 5-in-1 inflator and deflator air hose, which comes with an inline 100 PSI gauge.
It is 25 feet long, allowing you to reach all four tires despite the vehicle’s size.
In addition, the machine includes three inflation tips applicable to different types of tires. It is easily accessible, enabling you to change according to your need.
It offers you a 33 percent duty cycle. Air compressors tend to heat up after prolonged use, but this unit comes with a thermal overload protector to prevent any damage when this happens.
When the machine detects that it has reached a high level of temperature, it automatically turns off and resets.
Keep a Viair 400P in your driver’s emergency kit as it is one of the best air compressors on the market today. Its capabilities will surely not disappoint you.
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CONS
Latest Guide: Viair 300P Vs. 400P
Viair 400P-RV
Are you an RV owner? Viair 400P-RV is an air compressor that will definitely suit your vehicle.
Prepare to be pleased with the machine’s features; it may be your next reliable on-the-go partner.
If you are a non-RV user, do not worry because this unit is not only exclusive to these types of vehicles.
The product comes with various accessories to accommodate the need for any inflating purposes, which means that you can also use it.
Just like the previous compressor model, this unit is oil-free. It requires a car battery and a running engine in order to operate.
It offers a maximum working pressure of 150 PSI, and it is capable of producing 2.3 CFM of airflow at 0 PSI. In addition to this, it has a 33 percent duty cycle for increased efficiency.
One of the notable features of this product is its 60 feet long air hose. Its primary length is 30 feet and also extends another 30 feet, which is enough to reach all your RV, motor home, or trailer’s wheels.
The unit has a built-in thermal overload protector that protects it from possible overheating.
It also has an automatic shut-off function that comes in handy when you are checking the pressure in the middle of filling tires or when you are moving from tire to tire.
With this feature, you don’t have to go back and forth to turn off the compressor to monitor the tire’s inflation.
Along with its durable and reliable construction, it comes with a vibration-resistant diamond-plate sand tray.
It does not only prevent the machine from tipping over an uneven surface, but also promotes a quiet operation.
There are times when it is difficult to access the inner tire’s valve stem. The kit comes with a 45-degree chuck to easily access the vehicle’s rear dually tires. Also, it comes with a heavy-duty deluxe carry bag, inflation gun, and gauge.
Keep your tires in check with the Viair 400P-RV, a dependable air compressor in any unexpected situation.
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Related Guide: Viair 88P Vs. 300P
Smittybilt Compressor
Smittybilt is a brand known for quality and innovation. Its manufactured SUV and truck accessories are keeping up with the market trends when it comes to design and engineering.
You can accommodate a variety of terrains with the brand’s air compressors, which have a 30 amp inline fuse and 1/3 horsepower oil-less direct-drive motor.
Among its class, they claim to be the most powerful compression units.
The machines have anti-vibration rubber feet for quieter operation. Also, it can be mounted and hard-wired on your vehicle permanently.
Smittybilt ensures the protection of its compressor from damage, which is why it developed an auto-thermal cutoff switch for this purpose.
In addition, their products have cleanable air filters for easy maintenance.
As the company continues to grow over the years, it continuously develops and improves its products to fit the needs of the off-roading market.
Recommended Smittybilt Compressor to Buy
Smittybilt has manufactured two air compressor models that you can rely on during unexpected on-the-road situations.
In this section, we will discuss their features, advantages, and disadvantages to give information or supplement your knowledge about these machines.
Smittybilt 2781
Accommodate any terrain with Smittybilt 2781 as you can air-up or air-down with convenience.
Say goodbye to oil spillage because this machine is electrically powered. Just attach the compressor to the car battery to keep its 12-volt motor running.
With this kind of model, you don’t have to incur additional costs for gasoline, saving you a lot of money in the long run.
The product has an auto-thermal cutoff switch to protect the motor from any damage.
It has a maximum continuous cycle time of 40 minutes at 40 PSI, generating only 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
The unit offers a maximum airflow of 72 liters per minute (LPM) or 2.54 CFM, which passes through its quick-release 24-foot-long coil hose.
With this, you can efficiently pump or deflate air from your tires without much hassle.
It comes with an integrated 150 PSI easy-to-read pressure gauge, enabling you to determine the amount of airflow with accuracy.
The product weighs 20.3 pounds, which may be quite heavy compared to portable models, but it comes with a nylon carry bag for added convenience in traveling.
You also have the option to install it permanently onto your vehicle, making the compressor more accessible, especially during off-roading.
As part of its durable construction, it has anti-vibration rubber feet, which help prevent the machine from tipping over during use.
One downside of this product is it’s quite noisy during operation. But this does not neglect the fact that the unit is high in performance and reliable for use. If this does not bother you, opt to choose this machine.
Take your road adventures to the next level with Smittybilt 2781, an air compressor that will surely last for a long time.
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Smittybilt 2780
The last product in this review will surely give you a lasting impression. Smittybilt 2780 is an air compressor that can help you surpass unexpected circumstances along your road journeys.
This unit and 2781 share a lot of similar features. It claims to have the most dominant compression in its class with 1/3 horsepower oil-less motor and 30 amp inline fuse. With this, you don’t have to purchase gasoline to keep the motor running.
It has a very durable construction. Anti-vibration rubber feet are part of its design to ensure the machine stays sturdy and upright despite uneven surfaces or excessive vibration.
If you are more into quieter air compressors, then this product is for you. It is known to be relatively quiet during operation.
The machine only weighs 2.3 pounds and is 13x9x10 inches in dimensions, compact and portable for anyone’s use.
With this, you can conveniently carry and store the product anytime, anywhere.
But if you want it to be more accessible, you can permanently mount it to your vehicle.
The unit features an automatic thermal cutoff switch to prevent any motor damage, making the product last longer.
Despite its small construction, the product ensures high performance with a maximum duty cycle of 60 %.
It can operate for 40 minutes at 40 PSI without rest. This air compressor can provide you with 5.65 CFM or 160 LPM, which is relatively high compared to other machine models.
It includes a pressure gauge that you can read easily for immediate monitoring during inflation or deflation.
And in addition, it has a quick-release 16-foot coil hose, which is quite short than the previous products in this review. However, this length is sufficient enough to reach all your vehicle’s tires.
With its features and capabilities, there is no doubt that the Smittybilt 2780 is one of the best air compressors in today’s market.
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Conclusion
With continuous innovation and growth among these brands, their products have also evolved.
Both have produced premium-quality and reliable air compressors to fulfill the needs of the off-roading market.
Viair vs. Smittybilt compressor, which among these is best for you? As we have come to the end of this review, hopefully, you can now decide which product is more suitable for your need.