Tyre Inflator and Battery Charger Recommendations

[Fred Smith]

Is this the best sub-forum for this?

Tyre inflator... I am considering buying one to use at home (ie mains power, or dual power). I want a nice one and I ideally want it to come with an attachment that makes it easy to connect to a valve when the valve is set quite far back on the wheel with quite a small gap to reach through.

Battery charger... again, fairly good quality, does trickle charge etc.

[DonDon]

I am posting generic info for the benefit of any newbies that find this thread.

You can go with an inflator that runs off the car's 12V supply, or go with one of the rechargeable battery marques. I have gone down the Ryobi route and I am very happy with nearly all of their tools; the great advantage is that the batteries are interchangeable and if a battery dies, you don't have to bin the tool itself. If you like that idea, look at their range of tools first as your investment will lock you in to that brand.

Definitely get an inflator with a digital rreadout so you set the required pressure and it switches off when it is reached.

In terms of a battery charger, CTEK seems to be the most popular. Certainly on the E89, make sure you charge via the terminal in the engine bay, NOT directly onto the battery.

[Bombur]

+1 for CTEK. I have a MXS 5.0 connected in engine in my E89 and a MXS 3.8 connected via cigarette lighter connection on my Z3. For tyre Inflator I have a Ring RTC400 Digital Tyre Inflator. Does what I need. Use a halfords digital gauage separately as more accurate.

[Nick W]

We use an 18v Milwaukee pump which very good but if you're thinking of a small 240v compressor my opinion is anything under 3 hp and 150 litre tank is a waste of money so I'd stick with the battery ones. Ctek chargers are great, we have an MXS5 and MXS7, both are equally good but the 7 has a few more tricks up it's sleeve.

[JakeS76]

Absaar chargers are pretty decent too. Much better than the cheap ones on eBay and Amazon. If you're in the UK GSF car parts sell them - around £40 https://www.gsfcarparts.com/products/ab ... m2pP1gZGvQ

[TitanTim]

I've used the CTEK chargers for years, currently the MXS-5, generally pleased with them but I've had two chargers that have developed faults, maybe just unlucky. Mode button failed on one and the cable split open where it goes into the unit body on the other. They do come with a 5 year warranty though. They can run hot and be a little noisy when pulsing which is apparently normal.

I've heard the Ring chargers are fairly good, keep meaning to get one as much cheaper, less than half the cost of the CTEK.

https://www.driven2automotive.com/shop/ ... y-charger/

Useful info on the tyre inflators. I currently use a BMW inflator which has always been infuriating as the airline screws onto the valve and twists in the process so need to replace it.

Tim.

[Big Andra]

+1 for the ctek, and I use this dewalt tyre inflator. It's the best one I've came across so far.

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