D C Air Inflator

pd100x

New Member
Dec 26, 2022
3
california
Boat Info
2006 Sea Ray 300 Sundancer 33ft
Engines
Mercruiser 6.2L 383 Stroker
Does anyone have a DC air inflator/deflator for thier towables that they are happy with? Thanks
 
Yes, sir. This thing is awesome. And also blows out the cockpit, sand, bugs, all sorts of uses. If you're a DIY polish/buff kind of guy this thing is great for moving the dust around between pad changes too.

This is the unit that got me started on Dewalt 20V tools. I couldn't be happier with the performance of all of them.

upload_2022-12-28_8-39-29.png
 
This is the one I use. The description doesn't mention it very loudly, but this one has a built-in rechargeable battery which lasts over multiple fills/top-offs. I especially like that you can just set it to the desired pressure, and it will shutoff when that pressure is achieved.
 
I have this one and absolutely love it. Small, easy to use, inflates & deflates. I use it for my inflatable fenders primarily.

https://www.amazon.com/RYOBI-Cordle...t=&hvlocphy=9008247&hvtargid=pla-848581757892

But don't let the low price fool you. If you don't have the charging system, that adds another $100+ to the total tab.

Jaybeaux
One thing to keep in mind with any of these name-brand rechargeables is, once you get the charger with your first purchase, you can buy more tools relatively cheaply as additions using the same batteries and charger for all. I went that way with the Ryobi 18V; 'love 'em!
 
Airhead makes one - and has been for many years - that works great. Lot's of volume and also pumps up the towable to the right pressure so it's no underinflated and risks towstrap damage. Go to their website and look for the one with alligator clips to go right to your battery (or make a remote battery terminal). 100% it will do the job.
 
I have the AirHead pump Lazy Daze mentioned. I've used it for several years now and it's still going strong. I installed a high amperage 12v plug to eliminate having to access the battery every time I wanted to use it.
 
I have the AirHead pump Lazy Daze mentioned. I've used it for several years now and it's still going strong. I installed a high amperage 12v plug to eliminate having to access the battery every time I wanted to use it.
Can you elaborate on this or send a link for the plug? I want to put one near my transom so I dont need a long extension cord from the helm. Thanks!
 
Can you elaborate on this or send a link for the plug? I want to put one near my transom so I dont need a long extension cord from the helm. Thanks!
I did something similar, as well. In my case, I just used two bolts (covered the positive) installed in the fwd wall of a small cubby in the cockpit and ran the power from the battery switch with an inline fuse.

Nearby bus bars could work, too.

You could even get fancy and replace the alligator clips with a plug and put the matching plug on the other end - the downside is that the pump can't be used anywhere else.
 
I did something similar, as well. In my case, I just used two bolts (covered the positive) installed in the fwd wall of a small cubby in the cockpit and ran the power from the battery switch with an inline fuse.

Nearby bus bars could work, too.

You could even get fancy and replace the alligator clips with a plug and put the matching plug on the other end - the downside is that the pump can't be used anywhere else.
Cut the alligator clips off, attach a male cigarette lighter plug to the pump's wire end, and install and wire a panel-mount female socket where you want the power to be (at the transom?). Now, you have power for your pump, and, if you want to use it elsewhere, plug it into a female-to-alligator-clip adapter. If you're feeling especially saucy, use one of these instead of the plain socket.
 
Can you elaborate on this or send a link for the plug? I want to put one near my transom so I dont need a long extension cord from the helm. Thanks!

http://www.clubsearay.com/index.php?threads/spring-upgrades.83571/#post-943425

Here's a post I did on it back in 2017, which dates how long I've been using it ;-) I don't have the specific info on the plug I used but I do remember I ordered it from Amazon. It's basically just a normal looking 12v accessory "cigarette lighter" style plug. It's just rated for 20 - 25 amps. (I can't remember exactly) I got both the female bulkhead plug I installed in the transom and the male side of the plug I used on the inflator to replace the alligator clips.

There are two warnings I'll also share with you: It is now possible to plug the inflator into any "standard" 12v outlet, like at the helm, which would surely pop the fuse. You just have to make sure you only use it in the high amp socket. The other thing to watch out for is that the metal button on the male end of the plug can get warm if you run it for a while. I've never had it happen, but was concerned about that button being hot and touching vinyl, so I always dip it in the water to cool it off after using it.

I considered using a different plug for it like for a trolling motor, but it wouldn't have been as clean of an install and I also use the outlet to plug in my battery tender and didn't want to have to change the connector on it.
 
http://www.clubsearay.com/index.php?threads/spring-upgrades.83571/#post-943425

Here's a post I did on it back in 2017, which dates how long I've been using it ;-) I don't have the specific info on the plug I used but I do remember I ordered it from Amazon. It's basically just a normal looking 12v accessory "cigarette lighter" style plug. It's just rated for 20 - 25 amps. (I can't remember exactly) I got both the female bulkhead plug I installed in the transom and the male side of the plug I used on the inflator to replace the alligator clips.

There are two warnings I'll also share with you: It is now possible to plug the inflator into any "standard" 12v outlet, like at the helm, which would surely pop the fuse. You just have to make sure you only use it in the high amp socket. The other thing to watch out for is that the metal button on the male end of the plug can get warm if you run it for a while. I've never had it happen, but was concerned about that button being hot and touching vinyl, so I always dip it in the water to cool it off after using it.

I considered using a different plug for it like for a trolling motor, but it wouldn't have been as clean of an install and I also use the outlet to plug in my battery tender and didn't want to have to change the connector on it.
Awesome info. Thanks!
 

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