Can i wire my 120v compressor up to my battery?

Question

i have a small 3 gallon compressor that i want to mount under the bed of my truck so i can use it to air up my tires on my truck. can i just wire that straight up to my battery? or will that mess something up?

and would i be able to wire in a toggle switch? or will i have to crawl under my truck and flip the switch on the compressor to turn it on and off every-time i want to turn it on or off

Answer 1

Your probably better off buying a 12 volt compressor with a 100% duty cycle and a small air tank. Do a search for air bag suspension and you will find what your looking for.  

Answer 2

You can do anything you want, but in this case it won't work. You will need some sort of power inverter to go from 12 to 120volts. You will need to know the power draw rating for your compressor, to ensure the unit you choose will handle the flow needed.  

Answer 3

Sorry,it won't work.

You will need to convert the 12V DC Battery to 120 V AC first.

You can get power inverters at auto stores,Wal-Mart.

You will need one that can handle the compressor and you may have to run the engine also to keep the battery charged.

You can also get a gas powered compressor to keep in the truck bed.

Mounting under the truck may make it easier for the tank to be punctured by road debris or rocks if you should go off road for any reason.

Answer 4

A 120V AC compressor MUST be run from a 120V AC source. You cannot connect it to the vehicle's electrical system.

You will have to get a 12V DC compressor, or mount one under the hood powered via belt by the engine, or use a power inverter with sufficient current.