VIAIR 85P
VIAIR 85P Portable Air Compressor User Manual
Model: 85P | Brand: VIAIR
Product Overview
The VIAIR 85P is a compact, heavy-duty 12V portable air compressor designed for inflating car, truck, and SUV tires, as well as other inflatables. It features a gearless direct-drive motor, permanently lubricated bearings, and an oil-free design for reliable performance. This unit is equipped with a built-in pressure gauge, an LED work light, and comes with a convenient carrying case.

Figure 1: VIAIR 85P Portable Air Compressor with hose and power plug.
Key Features:
- Portable Design: Compact and lightweight, ideal for on-the-go use.
- Built-in Pressure Gauge: For accurate pressure monitoring during inflation.
- LED Work Light: Provides illumination for nighttime use or low-light conditions.
- Accessory Power Plug: Connects to any 12V cigarette lighter outlet.
- Twist-on Tire Chuck: Ensures a secure connection to valve stems.
- Versatile Inflation Tips: Includes tips for inflating sports balls and other inflatables.
- Fast Inflation: Capable of filling a 225/60/18 tire from 30 to 40 PSI in approximately 1.08 minutes.
Setup
Before operating your VIAIR 85P portable air compressor, ensure you are in a well-ventilated area and your vehicle's engine is running to provide adequate power and prevent battery drain.
- Unpack the Compressor: Remove the compressor and all accessories from the carrying case.
- Position the Compressor: Place the compressor on a stable, flat surface near the tire you intend to inflate.
- Connect to Power: Insert the 12V accessory power plug into your vehicle's cigarette lighter outlet. Ensure the connection is secure.
- Start Vehicle Engine: Start your vehicle's engine. This is crucial to ensure the compressor receives sufficient power and to prevent draining your vehicle's battery.

Figure 2: Inserting the 12V power plug into the vehicle's auxiliary outlet.
Operating Instructions
Follow these steps to inflate your tires or other items using the VIAIR 85P compressor:
- Remove Valve Stem Cap: Unscrew the cap from the tire's valve stem.
- Attach Air Hose: Securely attach the twist-on air chuck of the compressor's hose to the tire's valve stem. Twist clockwise until it is firmly seated and no air is escaping.
- Turn On Compressor: Locate the ON/OFF switch on the compressor and switch it to the 'ON' position. The compressor will begin to inflate.
- Monitor Pressure: Continuously monitor the built-in pressure gauge. Inflate the tire to the recommended PSI (Pounds per Square Inch) as specified by your vehicle manufacturer (usually found on a sticker inside the driver's side door jamb or in your vehicle's owner's manual).
- Turn Off Compressor: Once the desired pressure is reached, immediately switch the compressor to the 'OFF' position.
- Disconnect Air Hose: Carefully unscrew the air chuck from the valve stem. A small amount of air may escape, which is normal.
- Replace Valve Stem Cap: Screw the valve stem cap back onto the tire valve.

Figure 3: Visual guide for connecting the air hose and monitoring pressure.

Figure 4: Close-up of the built-in pressure gauge and LED work light.
Using Inflation Tips:
The VIAIR 85P comes with a 3-piece inflation tips kit for various applications. These tips are typically stored on the compressor itself.

Figure 5: The VIAIR 85P showing the storage for inflation tips.
To use, simply attach the appropriate tip to the twist-on chuck before connecting to the item you wish to inflate (e.g., sports balls, inflatable toys).
Official Instructional Video:
Video 1: Official instructional video for the VIAIR 85P, demonstrating setup and operation.
Maintenance
The VIAIR 85P portable air compressor is designed for low maintenance. It features permanently lubricated bearings and an oil-free design, eliminating the need for regular lubrication.
- Cleaning: Keep the compressor clean and free of dirt and debris. Wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth as needed.
- Storage: After each use, allow the compressor to cool down. Store it in its deluxe carrying case in a dry, cool place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
- Hose Care: Ensure the air hose is not kinked or damaged during storage. Uncoil the air hose completely when in use for optimal performance.
Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your VIAIR 85P, consider the following common troubleshooting steps:
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Compressor does not turn on. |
|
|
| Slow inflation or low pressure. |
|
|
| Inaccurate pressure gauge reading. |
|
|
Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | VIAIR |
| Model Name | 85P |
| Voltage | 12 Volts (DC) |
| Maximum Operating Pressure | 60 PSI |
| Duty Cycle | 20 minutes @ 30 PSI |
| Air Flow Capacity | 1.26 CFM (Cubic Feet Per Minute) |
| Maximum Power | 180 Watts |
| AC Adapter Current | 15 Amps |
| Noise Level | 76 dB |
| Hose Length | 3 Feet |
| Power Cord Length | 13 Feet |
| Item Weight | 4.3 Pounds |
| Product Dimensions (L x W x H) | 9.1" x 3.1" x 5.6" |
| Material | Brass (chuck) |
| Recommended Uses | Tire Inflation |
Warranty and Support
Warranty Information:
The VIAIR 85P Portable Air Compressor comes with a One-Year Manufacturer Defect Warranty against defects in workmanship. Please retain your proof of purchase for warranty claims.
Customer Support:
For technical assistance, troubleshooting, or warranty inquiries, please contact VIAIR Corporation directly. You can find their contact information on their official website or through the retailer where you purchased the product.
Additional resources, including a downloadable user manual (PDF), may be available on the VIAIR website: Download User Manual (PDF)
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