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Viair 400 or 450?

5.9K views 5 replies 6 participants last post by  chaaps948  
#1 ·
Trying to decide between these two compressors, and looking for real world experiences. I am looking at the portable versions of these compressors.

I need it to fill 32 and 33 inch tires on Jeeps and a couple of 29 inch tires on my trailer from 15-35 psi. I also want to be able to seat a bead and refill a tire to 35 psi. I will probably never use this compressor to fill tires larger than 33". It is likely to only ever be used for filling tires and air mattresses and that sort of thing.

I know that the 400 is the faster compressor. I also know it has the lesser duty cycle, but that in practice at 15-35 psi I will probably never have it shut down due to heat.

My main question is what is the difference in heat between the two compressors? Does the 400 get substantially hotter than a 450? I've read stories about people not being able to put 400p's back in the bag after a fill up because they were so hot. What is the cool down time after use for these two compressors? When are they safe to stick back in the portable bag?

If the 450 and 400 both get really hot, I probably would go with the 400, but wanted to see if there was anyone out there who could compare the two.
 
#2 ·
I have a 400P and have filled 8 tires back to back (33 and 35") from 15 to 30psi and never had an issue and takes about a minute for it to cool down. I would have not problem putting it back in the bag immediately as it does not get hot enough to do anything to the bag. I use mine all the time as I air down whenever I go off road. I have had it 2 years and it has never failed me. I think some people don't leave their vehicles running when airing up and it makes a big difference on how fast they pump up with the vehicle running when connected directly to the battery.
 
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#4 ·
I have the 450P but I honestly cannot tell you the difference between the two. They are both excellent portable compressors. I use mine around the garage and keep it in my Jeep most of the time. Heat has never been an issue.
 
#5 ·
I have a Viair 400 with a pressure switch and 3 gal pancake air tank mounted in my 98 XJ which I have used around ten years for airing up 32, 33 and 35" tires. It takes a couple minutes to go from 13-32 psi, but I am pleased with its performance. Yes it does get warm, but cools off quickly when left into open air.
 
#6 ·
One of the differences you'll find is amps they draw. I got the 450P because it draws fewer amps which means less draw from the vehicle and cooler running. I've been very impressed how fast it fills my 33's.