Plain Buy Guides

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Links to Amazon on this page are affiliate links.

VIAIR 400P EF Portable Compressor (40143) vs VIAIR 88P (00088) 12V Portable Air Compressor Kit

These are side-by-side facts taken from each product guide: published specifications, strengths and caveats as their sources state them. This page is not a test, a ranking or a verdict about which model is better.

Check VIAIR 400P EF Portable Compressor (40143) on AmazonCheck VIAIR 88P (00088) 12V Portable Air Compressor Kit on Amazon

VIAIR 400P EF Portable Compressor (40143)

Re-inflating large tires after airing down, from a 12 V battery with the engine running

A 12-volt portable compressor rated to 150 PSI with a 30 amp draw, powered from the battery through SAE-connected clamps while the engine runs. It comes with a 25-foot inflator and deflator hose, a 100 PSI inline gauge, inflation tips and a carry bag.

Published specifications

  • Maker: part 40143; 12 V permanent magnet motor; IP54
  • Maker: 150 PSI max working pressure; 30 A max draw; 40 A fuse
  • Maker: about 20 min continuous at 100 PSI, 1 h at 40 PSI (72F)
  • Maker: 11.8 x 7.57 x 6.69 in; 10.35 lb net
  • Maker: 25 ft hose; 100 PSI gauge, +/-3%; cord 6 ft (listing 8 ft)
  • Maker: -40 to 158F ambient range; 73 dB at 0 PSI

Strengths

  • 150 PSI rating with automatic thermal overload protection
  • 25-foot inflate and deflate hose for airing down and back up
  • IP54 rating and an operating range down to -40F

Caveats

  • Runs from battery clamps with the engine running, per the manual
  • Supplied gauge reads only to 100 PSI
  • Power cord length differs: 8 ft in listing, 6 ft from VIAIR

Check this model on Amazon

Read the full VIAIR 400P EF Portable Compressor (40143) guide

VIAIR 88P (00088) 12V Portable Air Compressor Kit

Airing up truck and off-road tires up to 33 inches

The 88P clamps straight to the battery, draws up to 20 amps and runs while the engine is on. VIAIR rates it for tires up to 33 inches with a 25-minute duty cycle at 30 PSI. There is no preset and no auto shut-off: you watch the built-in gauge and switch it off yourself.

Published specifications

  • Manual: part 00088, 12V DC, 20-amp max draw, 120 PSI max working pressure
  • Manual: duty cycle 25 minutes at 30 PSI (rated at 72°F)
  • Manual: 1.47 CFM at 0 PSI; VIAIR's product page instead says 1.97 CFM
  • Manual: 10 ft power cord, 16 ft air hose, brass twist-on chuck
  • Manual: 4.75 lb, 9.8 x 3.2 x 5.6 in; ambient range -4°F to 158°F
  • Manual: one-year limited warranty, RGA number required for returns

Strengths

  • Maker states a real duty cycle: 25 minutes at 30 PSI, and tires up to 33 inches
  • 16-foot hose and 10-foot cord reach every tire from one hook-up at the battery
  • Oil-less, maintenance-free motor; the manual asks for no lubrication at all

Caveats

  • No preset or auto shut-off; the manual says never leave it running unattended
  • Battery clamps and a running engine only — there is no 12V socket plug
  • VIAIR's own page and manual disagree on flow rate (1.97 vs 1.47 CFM)

Check this model on Amazon

Read the full VIAIR 88P (00088) 12V Portable Air Compressor Kit guide

How to choose between them

Choose the VIAIR 400P EF Portable Compressor (40143) if your situation matches: Re-inflating large tires after airing down, from a 12 V battery with the engine running. Its main caveat: Runs from battery clamps with the engine running, per the manual.

Choose the VIAIR 88P (00088) 12V Portable Air Compressor Kit if your situation matches: Airing up truck and off-road tires up to 33 inches. Its main caveat: No preset or auto shut-off; the manual says never leave it running unattended.

Both entries repeat what each guide records. Confirm the model, included parts and availability on the current listing before ordering.

Primary sources

  1. VIAIR product page for the 400P EF Portable Compressor, part 40143 Source for VIAIR 400P EF Portable Compressor (40143)
  2. VIAIR 400P Portable Compressor with Enhanced Flow Technology user manual, part 40143 Source for VIAIR 400P EF Portable Compressor (40143)
  3. VIAIR 88P portable compressor user manual, part number 00088 (listing-supplied) Source for VIAIR 88P (00088) 12V Portable Air Compressor Kit
  4. VIAIR product page for the Every Vehicle Carry 88P portable compressor Source for VIAIR 88P (00088) 12V Portable Air Compressor Kit

Primary sources checked .