Top Trailer-Tire Inflators

Preparation is an important key to safely trailering your boat. Here are three solutions for inflating your trailer tires.
Portable inflators for trailer tires
Trailer-boaters have some options when it comes to keeping their trailer tires inflated. Courtesy Wuyasta, Fix-a-Flat, AstroAI

Death, taxes, and getting a flat on your trailer at the least convenient time—just a few of life’s inevitabilities that come into play. If it’s not a blowout or a severe puncture, and a little air will do the trick to get you back en route to the boat ramp. Here are three solutions for inflating your trailer tires.

Manual pump for inflating tires
An analog gauge displays the tire’s psi as you pump. Courtesy Wuyasta

Manual Pump: Wuyasta Double-Cylinder Foot Air Pump

The Fill: While intended primarily for bicycle tires, a foot pump can do the trick in an emergency situation. All it takes is a little manpower; step on the pedal repeatedly to deliver up to 160 psi of inflating capability. An analog gauge displays the tire’s psi as you pump. It’s foldable, so it’s easy to store in an SUV or pickup-truck bed.

The Chill: It requires effort and for a full-on flat—especially on your tow vehicle or a trailer carrying a heavy boat—it could take a lot of time to provide enough air to make it road-ready.

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Price: $27.99; amazon.com

Fixing a flat tire
Seal a puncture up to a quarter-inch in diameter. Courtesy Fix-a-Flat

Aerosol: Fix-a-Flat Tire Inflator and Sealant

The Fill: The 24-ounce spray can will fit in any size tow vehicle without taking up too much space. While the others merely refill your tire with air, this can actually seal a puncture up to a quarter-inch in diameter. Shake the can, attach the included hose onto the tire valve and press, and it will add air and a chemical liner to internally seal the puncture so that you can safely drive away for service. 

The Chill: It’s a single-use product and might not have enough juice to inflate a fully deflated tire.

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Price: $19.99 (24 oz. for a truck/SUV); amazon.com

Read Next: Understanding & Maintaining Proper Boat Trailer Tire Pressure

AstroAI inflator
The digital display gives you an accurate readout of your tire’s psi as you fill. Courtesy AstroAI

Electric Pump: AstroAI Digital Tire Inflator

The Fill: If you’re prepared and keep this in your tow vehicle, it’s probably the best choice for quick tire inflation. The AstroAI comes equipped with a 12-volt cigarette-­lighter-style plug-in and a 120-volt AC two-prong plug-in, and the digital display gives you an accurate readout of your tire’s psi as you fill. It also comes with several adapters, so you can use it for inflating tubes or balls or other inflatables.

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The Chill: You’ll need a 12-volt or an AC power source and likely an extension cord on hand to reach the trailer tires.

Price: $69.99; northerntool.com

Three More Great Options for Portable Inflators

Portable air compressors, or inflators, can be used for multiple purposes, from topping off a low trailer tire to blowing up the kids’ favorite inflatable tow toy. Their compact size makes them ideal for taking from home to car to boat. Multiple power options also work at home or on the water. Here are the key features to consider when choosing a portable air compressor.

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DEWALT 20V Max Inflator

Look For Multiple Power Sources

Many portable air compressors also feature a handy flashlight feature. It’s a welcome addition should you have a problem after dark. Courtesy Amazon

Look for multiple power options in a portable inflator, from the ability to use a common, 110V AC current household wall plug to the 12-volt DC outlet commonly found on most boats. Neither available, or need to pump something up on the dock or beach? Some portable air compressors also feature internal, rechargeable battery power.

EPAuto 12V DC Portable Air Compressor

Easy-To-Read Analog or Digital Pressure Gauge

In addition to automatic inflation shutoff, look for overheating protection to shut off the inflator should it become overloaded during use. Courtesy Amazon

Whether the air is used for tires or toys, proper inflation is essential for best performance. Look for an easy-to-read pressure gauge in either an analog or digital format. Many models also feature an automatic shutoff to stop inflation when the desired pressure is reached.

Kensun AC/DC Digital Tire Inflator

Adapters For Common Items

Comparing the power of two compressors? Look at air flow rate in both AC and DC operation. Increased air flow will get the job done in less time. Courtesy Amazon

Look for the inclusion of common adapters to easily blow up inflatable towables, rafts, even balls and fenders. These include short and long cone adapters, as well as needle valves. Standard inflator hoses come tipped with universal valve connectors designed to fit all of the above, as well as standard Schrader tire valves.

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