For Jeep and small-truck owners on stock or 31 in tires who want a cheap clamp-on compressor for airing up. Bigger tires call for the 2781 or a VIAIR 400P.
Amazon $126.99The Smittybilt 2780 is the better tire inflator overall, rated 3.4 to 3.2. The Smittybilt 2780 leads on airflow and features. The VIAIR 88P wins on value. The VIAIR 88P costs $37.10 less ($89.89 vs $126.99).
For car, SUV and light-truck owners who want a sturdier, battery-powered alternative to a socket inflator for the trunk. Off-roaders airing up 33 in tires should step up to a 300P or 400P.
Amazon $89.89Prices were last checked October 31, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Smittybilt 2780 for airflow (72 L/min (maker) vs 55.8 L/min (maker)) and features (runs 40 min at a time, 150 PSI max; no auto shutoff vs runs 25 min at a time, 120 PSI max; no auto shutoff).
- Choose the VIAIR 88P for value ($89.89 vs $126.99).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every heavy duty tire inflator; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Smittybilt 2780 | VIAIR 88P |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.4/5 | 3.2/5 |
| Value 35% | 89 $126.99 | 98 $89.89 |
| Airflow 30% | 40 72 L/min (maker) | 20 55.8 L/min (maker) |
| Features 20% | 60 runs 40 min at a time, 150 PSI max; no auto shutoff | 44 runs 25 min at a time, 120 PSI max; no auto shutoff |
| Warranty 15% | 0 1-year warranty | 0 1-year warranty |
Independent measurements
Smittybilt 2780
No independent test published yet.
VIAIR 88P
| Tested by | Inflate time | Airflow | Noise | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Car and Driver | 104 s | - | 79.9 dB | 245/50R20 tire on a Hyundai Santa Cruz, timed from 10 to 30 psi (104 s); 234 s from 10 to 45 psi. Noise is the average dBA over 15 seconds of running. Testers found the dial gauge tended to read inaccurately (no figure given). |
Specifications
| Smittybilt 2780 | VIAIR 88P | |
|---|---|---|
| Inflating | ||
| Max pressure | 150 PSI | 120 PSI |
| Airflow (maker) | 72 L/min | 55.8 L/min |
| Auto shutoff | No | No |
| Duty cycle | 40 min on | 25 min on |
| Noise | - | 81 dB |
| Power | ||
| Power | Battery clamps | Battery clamps |
| Power bank | No | No |
| Power cord | 10 ft | 10 ft |
| Build | ||
| Air hose | 288 in | 192 in |
| Light | - | Yes |
| Dimensions | - | 9.8 x 3.2 x 5.6 in |
| Weight | 13 lb | 4.8 lb |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year |
| Released | 2011-11 | 2024-04 |
