Having a 12v tyre inflator in your boot can be a lifesaver, not only can they get you out of sticky situations with slow punctures but they can keep you, your family and other road users safe. Rather than having to go to a garage once a month you just have to venture inside the depths of your boot. Far less hassle.
Ring have just come out with an all new rapid digital tyre inflator – the RTC1000, it comes with more accessories than you’d imagine, so we put one to the test.
What is it?
A high speed tyre inflator that can pump up a 13” tyre from flat to 25 PSI in just 2 minutes.
How?
There’s a 3.5 meter 15amp fused lead that winds itself back inside the circular shaped pump. The backlit LCD screen is incredibly large and easy to read, there’s a 70cm air hose along with a small indent for valve cap storage…those things are always rolling away down the drive.
You also get four new valve caps in case you lose one, and a set of adapters for bikes, footballs etc. There’s also a pair of latex gloves to stop you getting mucky and an LED light if things are a bit dark at the time of use.
You can set the inflator to BAR PSI and kPA, by rotating the dial you can set the target pressure for your tyre.
What’s it like?
Inflators that come with cases always win extra brownie points on our book, so it’s a good start for the RTC1000. The other additions are also a great touch, the amount of times I’ve had to top the tyres up only to be left with hands covered in grime and brake dust for the rest of my journey, not anymore.
The size of the pump is a little larger than the norm, but it feels suitable chunky with thick plastic that should take a knock or three no problem. That large on/off button can be hit with your foot while standing.
Setting the pressure is easy with the twist dial, press the button in to select the pressure you want. The backlit screen is blue and easy to read at night with all the fonts incredibly large, there’s also a progress bar to let you know when it’s nearing the desired pressure. Probably not necessary but it’s nice to see how the pump is getting along insted of wandering when it will click to a stop.
Winding up the power lead couldn’t be easier, there’s a flip out handle on the rear which you spin round and it sucks the lead back up. Far easier than having to wind it around the back yourself as with older Ring tyre inflators.
Where an I get one?
As with most online purchases these days Amazon is your friend, the RTC1000 is £39.99 currently.
