I. Introduction
When you are planning a family vacation trip in your car, do not forget to load your VIAIR Portable Compressor in the car trunk. VIAIR Portable Compressor will take away all your worries about getting stranded on the free-way with a deflated tire.
II. VIAIR Portable Compressors 88 P and 90 P | A Comparison and Review
VIAIR models 88 P and 90 P are compact, yet powerful Portable Compressors or tire inflators. Connecting 88 P and 90 P is very simple and easy.
Please go through the user manual carefully before using VIAIR tire inflators.
Comparison of features, specifications, fill rate, and performance for 88 P and 90 P can be seen in Table-1, Table-2, and Table-3 below.
| TABLE-1 | |||
| Comparison of VIAIR Popular Portable Compressors 88 P and 90 P* | |||
| No | Features | 88 P | 90 P |
| 01 | Suitable for Tire Size | For up to 33” tires | For up to 31” tires |
| 02 | Thermal overload protector | NA | YES |
| 03 | Heavy Duty Steel Stand with Vibration Isolators | Not Available (NA) | YES |
| 04 | LED Work Llight / Power Indicator | YES | NA |
| 05 | 120 PSI Pressure Gauge | YES | NA |
| 06 | 120 PSI Pressure Gauge with Rubber Boot | NA | YES |
| 07 | Tire Chuck with Built-in Bleeder Valve | NA | YES |
| 08 | 30 amps Inline Fuse Holder | NA | YES |
| 09 | Dual battery clamps | YES | YES |
| 10 | Solid Brass Twist-on Tire Chuck | YES | NA |
| 11 | 3 piece inflation Tips Kit | YES | YES |
| 12 | Deluxe Carry Bag | YES | YES |
| No | Specifications | 88 P | 90 P |
| 01 | Required volts (Battery) | 12 V | 12 V |
| 02 | Permanent magnetic motor | YES | YES |
| 03 | Duty cycle | 25 Minutes @ 30 PSI | 30 Minutes @30 PSI |
| 04 | Maximum working pressure | 120 PSI | 120 PSI |
| 05 | Maximum CFM @ 0 PSI | 1.47 | 1.21 |
| 06 | Maximum current drawn | 20 Amps | 23 Amps |
| 07 | Ingress protection rating | IP 53 | IP 54 |
| 08 | Maximum Ambient Temperature | +158º F | Not mentioned |
| 09 | Minimum Ambient Temperature | -4º F | Not mentioned |
| 10 | Dimensions- Length * width * height – In inches | 9.8 * 3.2 * 5.6 | 6.80 * 3.70 * 6.50 |
| 11 | Net weight – pounds | 4.75 | 5.75 |
| 12 | Length of the power cord in feet | 10 | 12 |
| 13 | Length of the air hose in feet | 16 | 5 |
| 14 | Recommended Components – 6 feet Portable Compressor Air Extension Hose | YES | YES |
*Data compiled from the official website of VAIR @ www.vaircorp.com/portables
| TABLE-2 | |||
| COMPARISON OF AIR FILL RATE FOR 88 P AND 90 P* | |||
| Tire size | Fill range | Fill rate | |
| 88 P | 90 P | ||
| 195/70R14 | 20-30 PSI | 35 sec. (± 05 sec.) | 35 sec. (± 05 sec.) |
| 30-40 PSI | 40 sec. (± 05 sec.) | 40 sec. (± 05 sec.) | |
| 225/60R18 | 20-30 PSI | 50 sec. (± 05 sec.) | 50 sec. (± 05 sec.) |
| 30-40 PSI | 1 min. 00 sec. (± 05 sec.) | 1 min. 05 sec. (± 05 sec.) | |
*Data compiled from the official website of VAIR @ www.vaircorp.com/portables
| TABLE-3 | |||||
| COMPARISON OF PERFORMANCE DATA FOR 88 P AND 90 P* | |||||
| No | PSI | 88 P | 90 P | ||
| CFM | Amps | CFM | Amps | ||
| 1 | 0 | 1.47 | 17 | 1.21 | 15 |
| 2 | 10 | 1.44 | 18 | 1.19 | 16 |
| 3 | 20 | 1.34 | 18 | 1.13 | 17 |
| 4 | 30 | 1.25 | 18 | 1.06 | 18 |
| 5 | 40 | 1.15 | 18 | 0.98 | 19 |
| 6 | 50 | 1.04 | 19 | 0.92 | 20 |
| 7 | 60 | 0.93 | 20 | 0.85 | 20 |
| 8 | 70 | 0.86 | 19 | 0.80 | 21 |
| 9 | 80 | 0.75 | 18 | 0.73 | 21 |
| 10 | 90 | 0.64 | 17 | 0.68 | 22 |
| 11 | 100 | 0.54 | 16 | 0.64 | 23 |
| 12 | 110 | 0.45 | 15 | 0.58 | 22 |
| 13 | 120 | 0.35 | 14 | 0.54 | 21 |
*Data compiled from the official website of VAIR @ www.vaircorp.com/portables
From Table-1 and Table-2 above, you can understand that many of the features and specifications are different for VIAIR Portable Compressor 88 P and 90 P; such differences are highlighted. Let us review these features and specifications.
- VIAIR Portable Compressor 88 P is suitable for tire sizes up to 33ʺ tires whereas 90 P is suitable for up to 31ʺ tires.
- 90 P has a thermal overload protector that automatically cuts off power to the compressor when the internal temperature goes above the safe level and again resets automatically once the temperature drops to a safe level. This safety feature is not available in 88 P.
- 90 P has a Heavy Duty Steel Stand with Vibration Isolators and 30 amps Inline Fuse Holder. These features are not available in 88 P.
- 88 P has LED Work light / Power Indicator and this is not there in 90 P.
- Both 88 P and 90 P have 120 PSI pressure gauge, however, there is a minor difference in their mounting.
- 88 P has Solid Brass Twist-on Tire Chuck and 90 P has Tire Chuck with Built-in Bleeder Valve.
- The duty cycle for 88 P is 25 Minutes @ 30 PSI and for 90 P, it is 30 Minutes @ 30 PSI.
- Maximum CFM @ 0 PSI for 88 P is 1.47 and for 90 P is 1.21.
- There is a slight difference in current drawn by 88 P (20 Amp) and 90 P (23 Amp). Moroever, ingress protection rating for 88 P is IP 53 and for 90 P is IP 54.
- Model 90 P (5.75 Lbs.) is heavier than 88 P (4.75 Lbs.).
Table-2 shows the air fill rate for the tire size 195/70R14 (24.7 inches) and 225/60R18 (28.6 inches) with fill ranges, 20-30 PSI and 30-40 PSI. There is a negligible difference in the fill rate of 88 P and 90 P.
A perusal of Table-3 ‘performance data’ reveals- from 0 to 80 PSI, 88 P gives more volume of air (CFM) than 90 P; and from 90 to 120 PSI, 90 P gives more CFM than 88 P.
Both the VIAIR models 88 P and 90 P are reliable, compact, and efficient to serve you.
III. Buying tips for 88P and 90 P, Which model is good for you?
The above analysis shows that for tire sizes 195/70R14 and 225/60R18, there is a marginal difference in the Air Fill-rate of 88 P and 90 P.
However, as per the specifications, 88 P is recommended for tires up to 33ʺ size and 90 P up to 31ʺ size. Based on this count, 88 P is beneficial and you can save some money.
If you review the specification and features of 88 P and 90 P, 90 P has the following additional features which are not there in the 88 P:
- Heavy Duty Steel Stand with Vibration Isolators
- Thermal overload protector
- Tire Chuck with Built-in Bleeder Valve
- 30 amps Inline Fuse Holder
- Better duty cycle- 30 Minutes @30 PSI
- Ingress protection rating IP 54
Hence, you have to make a decision between “to have” or “not to have” the above additional features (some of them are safety features).
Both 88 P and 90 P will be able to meet your main need, which is inflating your tires.
IV. A Short brief about other similar models from VIAIR Brand-70 P, 74 P, 75 P, 77 P, 78 P, 84 P, 85 P, and 87 P
Based on the features, the above models can be divided into two groups.
Group-1 will include models 70 P, 74 P, 75 P, 77 P, and 78 P which are suitable for tire sizes up to 225/60R18(28.6 inches).
Group-II will include 84 P, 85 P, and 87 P which are suitable for tire sizes up to 31 inches.
Group-1 70 P, 74 P, 75 P, 77 P, and 78 P
Please go through the comparison of features, specifications, performance data and air fill rate data in the enclosed sheet (Table-A, Table-B, Table-C, and Table-D).
Table-A: COMPARISON OF VIAIR PORTABLE COMPRESSORS (All Variants)*
| No | Features | 70 P | 74 P | 75 P | 77 P | 78 P | 84 P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Suitable for tyres up to | 225/60R18 | 225/60R18 | 225/60R18 | 225/60R18 | 225/60R18 | 31 inches |
| 02 | Thermal Overload Protector | YES | YES | NA (Not available) | YES | YES | NA |
| 03 | Vibration Isolators | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | NA |
| 04 | 3 pc. Inflation Tips Kit | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| 05 | Pressure Gauge mounted on the compressor | 150 PSI | 150 PSI | 60 PSI | 80 PSI | 80 PSI | 100 PSI |
| 06 | Accessory Power Plug | YES | Not mentioned | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| 07 | Dual Battery Clamps | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA |
| 08 | Deluxe Carry Bag | YES | YES | NA | YES | YES | YES |
| 09 | Integrated Metal Storage Case | NA | NA | YES | NA | NA | NA |
| 10 | Press-on Tire Chuck | YES | YES | YES | YES | ||
| 11 | Solid Brass Twist-on Tire Chuck | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA |
| 12 | 15 Amp Inline Fuse Holder | NA | YES | NA | NA | YES | NA |
| 13 | Durable Leather Tipped Handle | Not mentioned | Not mentioned | YES | Not mentioned | Not mentioned | Not mentioned |
| 14 | LED Work Light | NA | NA | NA | YES | YES | NA |
| 15 | LED Work Light / Power Indicator | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | YES |
| 16 | Illuminated Pressure Display | NA | NA | NA | YES | YES | NA |
| 17 | Installation Instructions** | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | Not mentioned |
| 18 | Where to buy | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
Table-B: COMPARISON OF VIAIR PORTABLE COMPRESSORS
| No | Specifications | 70 P | 74 P | 75 P | 77 P | 78 P | 84 P | 85 P | 87 P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Required volts (Battery) | 12 | 12 | 24 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| 02 | Permanent magnetic motor | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| 03 | Duty Cycle | 30 minutes @30 PSI | 30 minutes @30 PSI | 100% @ 50 PSI | 30 minutes @30 PSI | 30 minutes @30 PSI | 20 minutes @30 PSI | 20 minutes @30 PSI | 20 minutes @30 PSI |
| 04 | Maximum Working Pressure | 100 PSI | 100 PSI | 50 PSI | 80 PSI | 80 PSI | 60 PSI | 60 PSI | 60 PSI |
| 05 | Maximum CFM @ 0 PSI | 1.06 CFM | 1.06 CFM | 1.43 CFM | 1.06 CFM | 1.06 CFM | 1.26 CFM | 1.26 CFM | 1.26 CFM |
| 06 | Maximum Current / Watts drawn | 15A / 180W | 15A / 180W | 10A / 120W | 15A / 180W | 15A / 180W | 15A | 15A / 180W | 15A |
| 07 | Ingress Protection Rating | IP 54 | IP 54 | IP 54 | IP 54 | IP 54 | IP 53 | IP 53 | IP 53 |
| 08 | Maximum Ambient Temperature | 9 * 4.9 * 7.5 | +158º F | +158º F | +158º F | +158º F | +158º F | +158º F | +158º F |
| 09 | Minimum Ambient Temperature | 8.70 | -4º F | -4º F | -4º F | -4º F | -4º F | -4º F | -4º F |
| 10 | Dimensions in inches- L * W * H | 6.5*3.6*6.2 | 6.5*3.6*6.2 | 9.64*4.33*9.68 | 7.35*3.6*5.4 | 7.35*3.6*5.4 | 9.1*3.1*5.6 | 9.1*3.1*5.6 | 9.1*3.1*5.6 |
| 11 | Net Weight in pounds | 5.05 | 5.05 | 4.44 | 5.00 | 5.00 | 4.30 | 4.30 | 4.30 |
| 12 | Power Cord Length in feet | 16 | 16 | 10 | 16.5 | 16.5 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
| 13 | Air hose length in feet | 4 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 8 |
| 14 | Recommended Components 6 feet Portable Compressor Air Extension Hose | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES | YES |
Table-C: PERFORMANCE DATA FOR VIAIR PORTABLE COMPRESSORS 70 P, 74 P, 75 P, 77 P, 78 P, 84 P, 85 P & 87 P
| No | PSI | 70 P | 74 P | 75 P | 77 P | 78 P | 84 P | 85 P | 87 P | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CFM | Amps | CFM | Amps | CFM | Amps | CFM | Amps | CFM | Amps | CFM | Amps | CFM | Amps | CFM | Amps | ||
| 1 | 0 | 1.06 | 12 | 1.06 | 12 | 1.38 | 6.3 | 1.06 | 12 | 1.06 | 12 | 1.26 | 13 | 1.26 | 13 | 1.26 | 13 |
| 2 | 10 | 1.01 | 13 | 1.01 | 13 | 1.01 | 7.6 | 1.01 | 13 | 1.01 | 13 | 1.22 | 13 | 1.22 | 13 | 1.22 | 13 |
| 3 | 20 | 0.92 | 13 | 0.92 | 13 | 0.92 | 8.6 | 0.92 | 13 | 0.92 | 13 | 1.13 | 13 | 1.13 | 13 | 1.13 | 13 |
| 4 | 30 | 0.84 | 14 | 0.84 | 14 | 0.74 | 9.0 | 0.84 | 14 | 0.84 | 14 | 1.02 | 14 | 1.02 | 14 | 1.02 | 14 |
| 5 | 40 | 0.76 | 14 | 0.76 | 14 | 0.62 | 9.2 | 0.76 | 14 | 0.76 | 14 | 0.92 | 15 | 0.92 | 15 | 0.92 | 15 |
| 6 | 50 | 0.67 | 15 | 0.67 | 15 | 0.57 | 9.1 | 0.67 | 15 | 0.67 | 15 | 0.80 | 14 | 0.80 | 14 | 0.80 | 14 |
| 7 | 60 | 0.59 | 15 | 0.59 | 15 | 0.59 | 15 | 0.59 | 15 | 0.71 | 13 | 0.71 | 13 | 0.71 | 13 | ||
| 8 | 70 | 0.53 | 14 | 0.53 | 14 | 0.53 | 14 | 0.53 | 14 | ||||||||
| 9 | 80 | 0.46 | 14 | 0.46 | 14 | 0.46 | 14 | 0.46 | 14 | ||||||||
| 10 | 90 | 0.38 | 13 | 0.38 | 13 | ||||||||||||
| 11 | 100 | 0.33 | 13 | 0.33 | 13 | ||||||||||||
Supply voltage-13.8 Volts
Table-D: COMPARISON OF AIR FILL RATES FOR 70 P, 74 P, 75 P, 77 P, 78 P, 84 P, 85 P, & 87 P
| Tire size | Fill range | FILL RATE | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 70 P | 74 P | 75 P | 77 P | 78 P | 84 P | 85 P | 87 P | ||
| 195/70R14 | 20-30 PSI | 46 seconds (±05sec.) | 46 seconds (±05sec.) | 1 min. 00 sec. (±05sec.) | 46 seconds (±05sec.) | 46 seconds (±05sec.) | 41 seconds (±05sec.) | 41 seconds (±05sec.) | 41 seconds (±05sec.) |
| 30-40 PSI | 1 min. 00 sec. (±05sec.) | 1 min. 00 sec. (±05sec.) | 1 min. 00 sec. (±05sec.) | 1 min. 00 sec. (±05sec.) | 1 min. 00 sec. (±05sec.) | 53 seconds (±05sec.) | 46 seconds (±05sec.) | 40 seconds (±05sec.) | |
| 225/60R18 | 20-30 PSI | 1 min. 15 sec. (±05sec.) | 1 min. 15 sec. (±05sec.) | 1 min. 21 sec. (±05sec.) | 1 min. 15 sec. (±05sec.) | 1 min. 16 sec. (±05sec.) | 1 min. 10 sec. (±05sec.) | 55 seconds (±05sec.) | 54 seconds (±05sec.) |
| 30-40 PSI | 1 min. 29 sec. (±05sec.) | 1 min. 29 sec. (±05sec.) | 1 min. 21 sec. (±05sec.) | 1 min. 29 sec. (±05sec.) | 1 min. 29 sec. (±05sec.) | 1 min. 20 sec. (±05sec.) | 1 min. 05 sec. (±05sec.) | 1 min. 05 sec. (±05sec.) | |
You will notice that all these portable compressors need to be plugged into the cigarette lighter power port of your car and the features and specifications differ slightly.
A review of performance and air fill rate shows that the data is the same for 70 P, 74 P, 77 P, and 78 P; however, they are marginally different for 75 P.
Group-II 84 P, 85 P, and 87 P
Please go through the comparison of features, specifications, performance data and air fill rate data in the enclosed sheet (Table-A, Table-B, Table-C, and Table-D).
You will notice that 84 P and 85 P need to be plugged into the cigarette lighter power port of your car; however, 87 P comes with dual battery clamps for direct connection to your car battery. The features and specifications of these models differ slightly.
A review of performance and air fill rate shows that the models 84 P, 85 P, and 87 P have the same performance.
When it comes to air fill rate, you can say that 87 P is slightly better than 85 P and 85 P is slightly better than 84 P.
V. Conclusion
VIAIR Portable Compressors 88 P and 90 P are compact, reliable, and can meet your requirement of compressed air when you are away from town. VIAIR portable compressor, sitting in your car trunk, will remove your worry of getting stuck on the road with a deflated car tire.
Go to the VIAIR website www.viaircorp.com and view the website page ‘Need Help Choosing the Portable Tire Inflator’ to choose the correct size of Portable Compressor.
