Recomendations for a 12 volt Air Pump.

[brian_c]

I'm after a bit of advice regarding Air Pumps (12 volt)
I have the Kampa Rally Air awning (260) and use the supplied hand pump to inflate it.
I watched a chap a couple of weeks ago using a electric pump and was impressed how much easier it seemed.

So having looked on the net I've come across two versions of a "Bravo" pump one being two stage the other I presume one stage. Both can be preset to cut out when the desired pressure is reached.
From the prices I've found there is roughly a £30 difference between the two. £100ish. and £70 ish.
Mind you the one I saw being used was in fact yellow and the one I think I've identified on the Internet the same, is again approaching £100.

So can anyone recommend from Actual Experience which I should go for.

I don't hold out much hope of picking one up second hand I could only find new ones from a search.
Best wishes to all
Brian

 

[Sproket]

Brian

I use a Bravo BP12 pump with a few alterations the pump is fully portable with its own battery, i used some small anderson connectors to allow it to be disconnected to be charged up, I use a Aldi charger on m/cycle mode to charge it back up.... the inflation pipe is kept uncoiled under one of the beds, that made space for the battery to be put in one of the compartments

By fitting some anderson connectors onto the remaining cable with the crocodile clips, if the small battery was discharged or developed a fault the original cable can be reconnected and the pump then used off the car battery

 

[Dustydog]

The yellow one you saw is the Kampa two stage. I have this and it's excellent. I think there is a new "Breeze" model out this year.
I use a similar battery to Sproket. Actually he set me up for the whole kit :cheer:

 

[brian_c]

Thank you for your replies Sprocket & Dustydog.
Thats exactly what I want really people who have actually used them for a while with no issues. I've seen the Kampa Breeze again on the Internet but I suppose it's too new for anyone to comment about its reliability.
I'm just hoping I can find a supplier reasonably local so I can go and actually collect one. My problem with mail order is if I have any issues. Not being able to give them a call via the phone. I'm ok stood close to someone (provided the don't have Radio One on in the background)
My wife says I'm too pessimistic and should just send for one.
Thanks again for your replies.
I now need to source a stairlift battery, Sprockets fault for giving me the idea.

 

[Sproket]

Brian, is there is a Screwfix near to you ?

12V - 7AH Battery

 

[brian_c]

Brian, is there is a Screwfix near to you ?

12V - 7AH Battery

Yes we had a branch open before Christmas less than five miles away.
The battery would make a really neat setup and I'm wondering if I could run my Ring tyre inflator from it as well. Would save manoeuvring the car close when checking the tyres. The tyre inflator blows the caravans twelve volt outlets fuse the couple of times I've tried using it.
Is 7AH Ok for the pump you have? I was reading the advert and it says the pump has a draw of 20 amps I suppose the battery would supply that for a limited amount of time. mind you I'm not sure just how long it would take the pump to inflate my 260 Awning. I believe yours is the wider one. How long roughly does it take to inflate?
Thanks again for your reply.
Best wishes Brian

 

[Sproket]

Keep saying I'm going to time it, but honestly not right long time wise, (as long as you connect the pipe to blow rather than suck ) and as for the tyre inflator I use the same battery with this inflator as long as you recharge it after use it will be ok...
I use one of these to charge mine ....From Aldi of course

 

[brian_c]

That's great Sproket. I have the Lidl equivalent charger, mind you I didn't drop on one with a reduced price

 

[saint-spoon]

both my airframe awnings are limited to the maximum pressure of around 8 PSI, you don't want to start over pressurising the tubes.
I recon that something like this pump would do the trick blowing up the awning. you could top it up with the hand pump if required.

 

[Sproket]

Kampa air tubes are tested to 22 PSI Normal operating pressure is between 8 & 12 psi. .

 

[saint-spoon]

the relief valve on my pump goes off at around the 8-10 mark.

 

[Dustydog]

Whatever you do DON'T pump up the inner tube outside of the middle tube. It will disintegrate!!
Is 39mbar about 0.5 psi? Not much really.
I have the hand pump as well for the Kampa. 20 - 25 pumps and the frames are rock hard.

 

[brian_c]

I've bit the Bullet and ordered the lot.
Bravo BP 12 Pump
Anderson connectors
In line fuse holders
A slight variation regarding the battery. I found a site doing a deal on a pair for just under £25 so went for that. I intend making a carry box for them and connecting in parallel. My Lidl charger I'm sure will keep them topped up ok.
So provided the pump I get isn't a lemon I should be good for a year or two.
Thanks to all for your advice and comments.
Best regards Brian

 

[Dustydog]

I've bit the Bullet and ordered the lot.
Bravo BP 12 Pump
Anderson connectors
In line fuse holders
A slight variation regarding the battery. I found a site doing a deal on a pair for just under £25 so went for that. I intend making a carry box for them and connecting in parallel. My Lidl charger I'm sure will keep them topped up ok.
So provided the pump I get isn't a lemon I should be good for a year or two.
Thanks to all for your advice and comments.
Best regards Brian

Well done Brian. Here's to a good pump up.