Hi
Would like a bit of advice please
Thinking of getting a digital pump to blow up airbeam tent ⛺ could anyone tell me if it is better to have one that runs directly off the battery using clips or one that plugs into the cigarette lighter
Thanks jenni
I don't think it will affect the performance of the inflator either way as I bought a cigarette lighter voltmeter recently and the voltage current is identical to that of the battery itself. The only difference is that you can have the car engine running whilst the inflator is plugged to the lighter socket which the power from the battery is automatically replenished by the vehicle alternator.
We got the Ring RAC 700 a few years back, great pump although not digital, being 144watt it takes 12amp from the socket, maybe a little more, the VW Golf has the socket circuit rated to 20amp.
Had it been around at the time I would have got the Ring RAC 820 which is digital and at 180watt will use 15amp maybe just over.
The daddy is the Ring RAC 900 not digital and at 280watt needs 24amp supply so can only be used directly of the battery.
There are plenty of cheap makes on the interweb, but I was happy to pay £25 for the Ring RAC 700 it's a good little workhorse.
Car tyre ones won't work you need one with a pressure cut off and rather larger pipe to get the adapter on , I've bought an air beam over the winter myself so if you find one at a reasonable price please let me know
If you need the real low down on pumps for tents call me tomorrow on 01763262555. I have tried pretty much all the different types of pumps over a number of years.
------------- Gary Cross - The masked camping guru.
Bought a vango digital airbeam pump not impressed with it at .Took ages to pump up the tent, (another item To go in camping storage cupboard not to be used again)