MorrFlate TenSix PSI Pro air compressor and four-tyre hose kit review

Up until I got to use one recently, I was doubtful whether carrying an octopus of air hose connections was worth the weight, space and effort required to connect them when inflating or deflating tyres. I hate to admit it, but I was wrong!

One of our group on a recent Moon Tours trip had a MorrFlate air compressor and the extra-long wheelbase four-tyre hose kit to connect the compressor to all four tyres at once. This was incredibly handy, as he had not only the four tyres on his vehicle to inflate but also the four tyres on his camper van.

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MorrFlate TenSix PSI Pro features

The MorrFlate TenSix PSI Pro compressor, which was part of the kit, is rated at 10.6cfm (at 0psi), with an air pressure range between 10 and 120psi in auto mode. This means you can set the desired air pressure and let the unit do its thing, switching off when the target pressure is reached. The compressor is rated at an 80% duty cycle and draws 50amps while running, although current draw can peak as high as 90amps, so you’ll want the vehicle running while the compressor is operating.

Each cylinder has a large aluminium heat sink to keep the working parts cool, and there’s a digital gauge and controls on the front of the unit to easily read and set air pressure. I wondered about the no-nonsense short stainless steel braided air hose that allows easy connection of the hose kits, but the reason for it escaped me until I spoke to the distributor here in Australia.

Compressed air coming straight from the compressor is around 90°C, which is pretty warm, but by the time it reaches the end of the stainless steel hose the temperature drops to around 50°C, which is much better for the longevity of standard air hoses. Expect the stainless steel hose to be warm to the touch.

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Performance and ease of use

The nylon-braided air hoses are kink-resistant, rated at 200psi and 28cfm, and it takes about a minute to walk around the vehicle and connect all four tyres.

Connecting the air hoses to each tyre is easy and secure, with absolutely no sign of a loose connection or air loss. These air hose kits can also be used with most other air compressors if you already have a set-up like we do in our vehicles. The Australian distributor of this US-made equipment claims the MorrFlate TenSix will inflate four 35-inch tyres from 10 to 40psi in under five minutes. I didn’t measure the time exactly, but I was impressed when the unit inflated four 33-inch tyres from 15 to 45psi in seemingly no time at all. The compressor was relatively quiet during the process and, while warm to the touch after filling eight tyres, wasn’t excessively hot.

One thing the website makes clear is that, while you can use the TenSix PSI Pro to inflate a single tyre in emergencies, it’s optimised for four-tyre use. Using it on one tyre at a time shortens the duty cycle to around 8 to 10 minutes due to the extreme airflow and back pressure from a single outlet. It does, however, handle two tyres at once with little difficulty.

Pricing, warranty and final thoughts

Perusing the company’s website, you’ll find there are two compressors available, including a more sophisticated Air Hub and various hose kits in different lengths.

Prices vary from $289 for the smaller compressor to $399 for the TenSix unit. Hose kits range from $249 upwards, while the TenSix compressor kit with extra-long hoses comes in at $728. The warranty sounds impressive, with a 30-day 100-per-cent refund policy along with a lifetime warranty and a lifetime manufacturer warranty.

All in all, the MorrFlate kits are well-made pieces of equipment backed up by an impressive warranty. A premium piece of equipment that’s fantastic when inflating or deflating two or more tyres at once. Maybe I’ll just find room in the Troopy for a kit.

• RRP: $728 (as tested)