Best sub $100 air compressor?

[motomech]

I'm not sure why they list the MF-1050 as having dual pistons they both look the same to me?The MV-50 has alligator clips too.

One says its from "Masterflow" (MF-1050)
And the other says its from "Q-Industries" (MV-50)

[zimm]

i have a costco and it works fine. i think its another mv50 variant.

when my new fj40 gets here, im gonna buy one of those Puma 12v on ebay, and disassemble it.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/PUMA-...Q5fCompressors

all the parts are there. no thinking required.

[Red Zebra]

Picked up an MV50 at Oreily's a few years ago for $49. Works fine. Had problems blowing the in-line fuse. Now I keep 1/2 dozen in the bag.

Used it Saturday to air up 30x9.5 from 15 to 40 front and 15-35 rear. Didn't blow a fuse. It seems to only do that with repeated on/off cycles while checking the gauage.

A finally fiqured out the guage reads +10 psi higher than acutal psi when the unit is turned off. So...I watch the guage while it's running and shows approx +10psi over my target psi...then shut it down and move to the next tire.

Hope that helps all you other MV50 users...

[ntsqd]

Had what I believe is a unique or at least rare failure with one of my MV-50's. One of the high current wires failed it's soldered joint on the internal relay. It did this in transit, not in use. Got it out to pump up the Spud-B-Gone (tm) pneumatic spud launcher and it wouldn't run. I removed the end cap and found the wire separated at the soldered joint.

I hadn't ever opened up the compressor, so I was pleasantly surprised to find a relay in there. I figured that I would be having to by-pass the switch.

[soonenough]

Had what I believe is a unique or at least rare failure with one of my MV-50's. One of the high current wires failed it's soldered joint on the internal relay. It did this in transit, not in use.

Interesting. I just posted in another thread about mine failing at the soldered joint where one of the wires attaches to the in-line fuse holder. I think the wiring is one aspect of that compressor that is seriously lacking.

[CanuckMariner]

MaddBaggins put me onto Costco having these so I checked it out.

I got one (Nov 6/08) for US$29.97+ local taxes MF 1052 Quick-Maxx by MasterFlow with air filter from Costco in San Marcos, CA while I was waiting for a guy to deliver something that never happened. Asked the front door attendant which aisle to go to for compressors and he phoned for instructions. They said they didn't have any... so I went in anyways, and found about 30 of them on a palate!

Tried it out numerous times while filling up tires at SnT08 as people were headin' out to go home or to Pozo. Also got a chance to try it out in DV at the end when we both filled up near Goldfield. Each time it worked great, has a long pumping time than the MV-50 and doesn't get as hot so quick. Two trucks from 20 lbs to 40 lbs in about 15 minutes, yes all eight feet!

Comes with a black zippered bag with 2 clips to hold it together and two compartments (one for the compressor with spots for the battery clamps and one for the hose/tubing and attachments, yes for air mattresses, balls, and a cleaner attachment to blow out dirt from equipment). Best purchase I have had in awhile. Very happy with it. Also checked my local Kanukistan Kostko and they will honour the warranty if required.

Somebody email/PM me as to why my photos aren't showing up?

[MaddBaggins]

i have a costco and it works fine. i think its another mv50 variant.

when my new fj40 gets here, im gonna buy one of those Puma 12v on ebay, and disassemble it.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/PUMA-...Q5fCompressors

all the parts are there. no thinking required.

Tools R Us on MUD uses that and raves about it. He has it mounted in the back of his LX450.

[dustboy]

I plan on changing it for a standard

FYI I tried to replace the fitting, but the outlet on my MV50 did not fit a standard NPT. Must be some weird metric thread size? I ended up cutting the hose and using a barb to adapt.

[KG6BWS]

FYI I tried to replace the fitting, but the outlet on my MV50 did not fit a standard NPT. Must be some weird metric thread size? I ended up cutting the hose and using a barb to adapt.

i just used an 1/8" male x 3'8" female adapter. worked just fine on mine.

[T4Rfun]

I'll cast another vote for the MV50. I've had mine for a few months and have used it about 5-6 times. Of course a few of those times also included airing up others with me. The only problem I had with mine is that the air chuck was bad when I got it new, but instead of hassling the return I just replaced it myself. Considering the price, this little compressor works great and airs up my 275/70-17's in a very reasonable time. I'll continue to use it until I add on-board air, then I'll probably carry this from time to time as a back-up or for others to borrow.