VIAIR 400P Portable Compressor Review

Introduction

We’re going to look at exactly what features VIAIR included in the product number so you can determine if it has the power and attachments to help you complete your jobs.

We’ve been reading through other reviews on the internet so we can find out exactly what’s being said about the VIAIR 400P, saving you time and bringing you more information. We do this to hunt down any flaws that may not be apparent on the first few uses. In this way, you can make an informed buying decision.

We’ll go over exactly what kind of buyer will be able to get the most use out of this air compressor – who will be able to see the most value and who would just be wasting their money.

If you are in a hurry now and you just want to check out the VIAIR 400P Portable Compressor you can click here and go straight through to Amazon.com to check it out.

Click Here to Check out the VIAIR 400P Portable Compressor at Amazon

We’re going to give the product a rating that’s compiled by feedback from consumers all around the internet. By visiting multiple sites, we can get past fake reviews and buying clubs that are leaving reviews in exchange for free merchandise. This will save you time and research when trying to reach a buying decision.

Even bad reviews can provide solid feedback. You can see if the flaws people have discovered would directly affect your use or if it’s something that you can overlook as you would never use it the way the reviewer described.

For instance, maybe the reviewer hated the way it inflated tires but you intend to use it to power a nail gun. You’ll have a well-rounded picture of the product to determine if it’s the best one for you.

If you’re in a hurry, you can check out the feature page on Amazon. In this case, many of the reviews there give an accurate assessment of this VIAIR portable compressor.

Our Rating of the VIAIR 400P Portable Compressor

4.5/5

VIAIR isn’t a well-known brand but the 400P in particular matches up very well to other air compressors in this power and price range. The lack of brand familiarity may be a downside to some people. If this is true for you, you might want to check out the DeWALT brand products as they’re very reliable but not prone to overcharging because of their brand’s reputation.

You do get everything you need with the 400P and complaints about this air compressor are low. People will always have something to pick about but the majority opinion is that this is an exceptional air compressor for the price.

Ease of Use

This is one of the top accolades of this VIAIR compressor. This is the tire inflators for fans of off-roading. It’s easy to use and works quickly. It’s rated and built to inflate tires from 33 to 35 inches in diameter. Need to inflate tires 37 inches or higher? Go with the VIAIR 440P.

Of course, with every accessory and every situation, there are people who will try things the 400P wasn’t designed to do. It works to its own capacity but really won’t go beyond its rated limits.

Fill Rates of the VIAIR 400P

	31″ x 10.5″	33″ x 12.5″	35″ x 12.5″
0 – 30 PSI	2 min. 28 sec.	4 min 00 sec.	4 min. 50 sec.
15 – 30 PSI	1 min. 25 sec.	2 min 00 sec.	2 min. 20 sec.

Value for Your Money

One of the best things about being a brand that’s lesser known to the public is they have to keep the prices low in order to remain competitive. Even if you haven’t heard of VIAIR before, don’t be misled into thinking this is a fly-by-night brand. VIAIR has been in business since 1998. That means your grandpa may have never heard of them since they are probably fanboys of older brands and may try and talk you out of buying a VIAIR.

Accuracy

The accuracy of the gauge is outstanding. You should always check your tire’s inflation level independently of any inflator. You’ll find this VIAIR to be very reliable. You can check the level while inflating by stopping the inflation and checking the level “at rest.”

Our Verdict

If you’re looking for a reliable tire inflator for a 30 to 42 inch diameter tire, give this VIAIR 400P serious consideration. It does this one job very well and at a price point that’s lower than its more well-known competitors. It’s easy to use, accurate, and it won’t take up much room in your vehicle. Don’t worry if your dad has never heard of it. It’s a brand that’s been around for a couple of decades and isn’t bailing out on its customer base anytime soon.

It’s a Tire Inflator, Not a Pool Toy Specialist

We don’t recommend this particular VIAIR model for those occasional jobs around the house. In fact, with the DC voltage, you can’t just plug this into a cigarette lighter. This is also not the air compressor to get for airbrushing as those require a controllable, constant low pressure.

Click Here to Check out the VIAIR 400P Portable Compressor at Amazon

Features of the VIAIR 400P Portable Compressor

Specifications

• Motor Voltage: 12 volt
• Motor Type: Permanent magnetic
• Max. Duty Cycle: 33% @ 100 PSI
• Max. Working Pressure: 150 PSI
• Max. Amp Draw: 30 Amps
• Max. Ambient Temperature: 158°F
• Min. Ambient Temperature: -40°F
• CFM @ 0 PSI: 2.54
• Inline Pressure Gauge: 100 PSI
• Dimensions: 11.25″L x 4.00″W x 7.00″H
• Weight: 8.50 lbs
• Air Hose Length: 25 feet (coiled)
• Power Cable Length: 8 feet
• Accessories:
  • Battery Clamps with 40 amp inline fuse
  • Anti-vibration tray
  • Carrying Case
  • 3 Inflation Tips
• Warranty: One year limited

The power cable is only 8 feet long for a reason: You shouldn’t be trying to use the 400P to inflate long vehicles. There are many stories out there similar to a reviewer on Amazon who was trying to use this for an RV and, after all types of failures, decided to go with the more robust 40047 400P-RV Automatic.

As we mentioned earlier, there is only  a DC volt power supply. Your engine must be running in order for the alternator to charge up the battery while the air compressor is running. If you can use the jumper cables for your car, you can use this air compressor. If you can’t use the jumper cables for your car, this is a great way to learn. 

The air hose is 25 feet long but is coiled which makes the 8 foot long power cord a must-have since you won’t be able to extend the full length of that hose.

The air compressor itself is pretty quiet. It doesn’t over-power your engine noise anyway. The anti-vibration tray is also a welcome accessory.

Once you’re done – and it can inflate all four tires on one cycle – let it cool off a little, store it up in the handy carrying case and roll on.

Our Verdict

We highly recommend the VIAIR 400P portable air compressor if you’re looking for an air compressor for off-roading or long trips. It gives you plenty of power, doesn’t take up much space, and was really built with the off-roading fans in mind. It’s also a great choice for pickups with a tire size 35 inches or smaller.

The value can’t be overlooked. If you’re looking for something affordable and don’t mind that it isn’t the same brand as grandpa’s air compressor (when was the last time he went off-roading anyway?) give this air compressor a try.

Click Here to Check out the VIAIR 400P Portable Compressor at Amazon