Thor's Lighting compressors, anyone use one?

[Corbet]

With the black Friday sale I'm considering picking up a compressor. I'm still using a Powertank which works great but the cost of refills sucks and my tank is due for a hydrostatic test again. So the ROI of a modern compressor is looking favorable. Who has a Thor's unit and do you like it? Anything you don't like? Thanks.

 

[Johnny Utah]

I’m interested to know as well. I’m also curious if the additional cost for the “total control” compressor is worth it.

 

[damon]

I use the 4 way air hose. and its pretty nice. I have played with the compressor, and it's great quality. It wont give you quite the air pressure that a tank will (like rebeading a tire), but it fills tires pretty fast for a DC compressor.

The Totalcontrol allows you to put in where you want it to stop filling. Otherwise, it just goes until you tell it to stop. While a gimmick, it is pretty slick.

 

[Corbet]

I'm looking at the "Airvault" unit as the self contained hardcase is a logical solution to packing it and moving for different vehicles.

 

[Crash]

Corbet, how much does it cost to fill a 10 gallon tank these days? I sold my Powertank years ago as in four years the cost to fill increased about 50%. That and getting three tires filled and running out of gas was a pisser. Great for popping a bead back on the wheel and superfast inflations are cool, though.

 

[damon]

Corbet, how much does it cost to fill a 10 gallon tank these days? I sold my Powertank years ago as in four years the cost to fill increased about 50%. That and getting three tires filled and running out of gas was a pisser. Great for popping a bead back on the wheel and superfast inflations are cool, though.

I am paying between $20-30 for a 10LB tank refill depending on where I go in Denver.

 

[Notyourmomslx450]

Corbet, how much does it cost to fill a 10 gallon tank these days? I sold my Powertank years ago as in four years the cost to fill increased about 50%. That and getting three tires filled and running out of gas was a pisser. Great for popping a bead back on the wheel and superfast inflations are cool, though.

I swap tanks at General Air. 20lbs tank is 30 something.

 

[Crash]

I am paying between $20-30 for a 10LB tank refill depending on where I go in Denver.

Yup, that’s about what I was thinking. When I first started using the Powertank fills were $10 at several different locations. Four years later it was up to $15 and leaving the tank for a day was becoming the norm. Still liked what the tank had going for it but the convenience of onboard air won me over and having more space in the interior of the Cruiser was a plus.

 

[Corbet]

It's a little under $30 to fill my 10lb tank down here. Hydrostatic test I have not asked the current rate. But I'm sure id see a 2 year ROI with a new compressor.

 

[mcgaskins]

I have only seen the Thor's Lightning compressor in action once, but my friend who owns it loves it. He is an engineer/author and has done comprehensive air compressor comparisons in Overland Journal, so I trust his opinion even though I don't personally have experience with the brand.

 

[timmbuck2]

We used their deflater kits and new compressor this weekend in Moab. Very impressed! Was very comparable to my ARB dual kit.

 

[timmbuck2]

Elias is the owner, supports Rising Sun, was a vendor at the Rally and based here in Colorado. Their shop is up off of I70 and Ward and if you call ahead, they can demo everything for you! He has a wrapped wrangler for the business but daily drives a 4th gen 4runner and has a tundra also. Good guy!

 

[DougCruiser]

The main thing to consider with these dual piston 12V compressors sold by Morrflate, Napa, and Thor's lightning is that your flow limiter is the valve stem core. In order to get your money's worth, you'll want to buy or build a 4 tire hose. Using these compressors on a single tire shortens the duty cycle drastically. I've got the Morrflate and it's lightyears faster than the single piston pump from Ironman it replaced, especially with the 4 tire system. Theyre cheap, chinese pumps but it has served us well for the last year of use

 

[Corbet]

The main thing to consider with these dual piston 12V compressors sold by Morrflate, Napa, and Thor's lightning is that your flow limiter is the valve stem core. In order to get your money's worth, you'll want to buy or build a 4 tire hose. Using these compressors on a single tire shortens the duty cycle drastically. I've got the Morrflate and it's lightyears faster than the single piston pump from Ironman it replaced, especially with the 4 tire system. Theyre cheap, chinese pumps but it has served us well for the last year of use

What about oversized wheel valves like “Monster Valves” from Powertank? I just don’t want to carry more stuff just to air up.

Monster Valve Tap2 - Tap install - Rapid Tire Air Up and Air Down Kit

Monster Valve Tap2 Tire Deflator Kit from Power Tank. Monster Valves are over-sized, light weight, yet strong valve stems that you install as a second stem to your wheel. Made from 7018 aluminum, they are the fastest tire deflation and inflation product on the market. Imagine airing down a...

powertank.com

 

[DougCruiser]

What about oversized wheel valves like “Monster Valves” from Powertank? I just don’t want to carry more stuff just to air up.

Monster Valve Tap2 - Tap install - Rapid Tire Air Up and Air Down Kit

Monster Valve Tap2 Tire Deflator Kit from Power Tank. Monster Valves are over-sized, light weight, yet strong valve stems that you install as a second stem to your wheel. Made from 7018 aluminum, they are the fastest tire deflation and inflation product on the market. Imagine airing down a...

powertank.com

Tough to say for sure, maybe if theyre substantially bigger than the bore of a regular valve stem

 

[that'swhatshesaid]

With the black Friday sale I'm considering picking up a compressor. I'm still using a Powertank which works great but the cost of refills sucks and my tank is due for a hydrostatic test again. So the ROI of a modern compressor is looking favorable. Who has a Thor's unit and do you like it? Anything you don't like? Thanks.

I decided to take the leap and ordered mine and I'll pick it up tomorrow. Seems to me it's worth giving them a try with the discount and support a local biz.

 

[LC200TX]

big fan of this unit. Doesn't rattle itself to pieces like others.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000X9BXQS?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

 

[Corbet]

I ordered the Vault unit from Thor’s as I liked the fact it was all self contained in a hard shortage box. Easy to pack and assuming hard to damage. We‘ll see how it works.

 

[Corbet]

Finally had a chance to play with my Thor’s Lighting compressor. I ordered the Vault unit in the storage case.

Pros:
Contained in plastic hard case
Hose and power cord all store inside
Included a clip on air chuck with gauge
$319 MSRP

Cons:
Alligator clips cheaper than I’d like.
Takes some patience to get it all back in the box

I did one test fill on my 37x12.5r17 from 20-40psi that took 2m41s. My only personal experience is with my Powertank and small Crapsman 110v AC unit. It seemed to fill me up in a reasonable time. Never sounded stressed. I’m happy so far.

 

[nakman]

I spent a little time with these products last week... go make another cup of coffee, then check out my video


View: https://youtu.be/xEe0x5R5W0g