I use a Viair 88P and it has been great for a few years now
I got the 88P. It's just shy of $60 and their smaller models drop down under $40.
I carry Viair unit too. I've not used it more than 3 times, but it works very well for a portable air pump.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005ASY23I/ref=
I also have a pancake compressor, but I don't bring that with me. I do though use it for blowing out lines (it has a pressure regulator) and it stores enough air that I can top off all the tires without power.
I would recommend something by viair. I have this one and it's been great. Just make sure to pay attention to what the max tire size of the pump is. If you have smaller tires you can get a cheaper pump.
Indeed. The problem is on the road you want a higher air pressure for higher speeds and fuel mileage, but offroad you want a low pressure for more traction. So there is no magic number to roll around in that will accomplish both of these.
I bought this $65 Viair pump from Amazon and its very fast/powerful and works great:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005ASY23I
And then the ARB deflator kit (I think I paid about half this price for mine):
https://www.amazon.com/ARB-ARB600-Deflator-Recovery-Gear/dp/B004P9DQHQ/
Here is what I use. I take my 08 WK Hemi on the beach, air down from 33 psi to about 13-15 psi. It takes about 2 minutes per tire to get back up to 33 psi when I leave.
Hose & cord is plenty long, however I bought a 6 foot hose extension just in case.
It gets hot, I bought a nice canvas bag to keep it in, I've had no issues with the heat besides accidentally touching it and getting a little burn.
Compressor - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005ASY23I/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Extension Hose - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ELJD0BW/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Bag - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BFNJEI/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Here is a picture from BB this past January.
I have this compressor. It works well and is not too expensive. I also keep a Tacklife car jump starter handy (about $80), deflators, and a plug kit.
If you are not going to carry a full size spare, you should be much more conservative with your road choices (and if it was me, I would just suck it up and buy one). The 2020 will fit a full size spare in the trunk cut-out. That's where I have mine. I believe that will not work in the 2016. If I had this issue and I had space in my trunk, I would use a ratchet strap to secure it upright to save room. Not a fan of the hitch as the Subaru is underpowered and adding weight just makes that more of an issue. Roof would be ok as well.
Traction boards are nice to have but if you plan to stay off the tougher roads, it would be highly unlikely you would use them at all. I never have.
I would still recommend you drive Old Ore from the south entrance up to Ernst Tinaja. It's very mellow and a cool short hike to the tinaja.
I have an $80 Viair model which I carry with on trips. It is much better than any small compressor I've had before.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005ASY23I/ref=
I also have a pancake compressor which I use to blow out the water to winterize (it has adjustable pressure regulation), and will also use to top off the tires at home or in storage. The Viair says you should have the engine running when connected to power, and I'd rather just connect this to power, pump it up, and then use it without power.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000O5RO1Y/ref=
Both together cost about half the "recommended" compressor.
Agreed! I've had this one for four years and it's been great. You have to connect it to your battery vs. the 12v plug but it does the job every time. I keep it in my car kit.
The 450 is total overkill but I literally clicked in to recommend a Viair. I use a Viair 88P ($80 on Amazon) and it is more than I will ever need for the RV and for the tow vehicle.
