NOCO Boost Air AX65 Review: A Must-Have for Overlanders and RVers
A portable air compressor and jump starter that does everything right.
Image Caption: Photo Credit: NOCO
In the latest issue of Wildsam magazine, we profiled the NOCO Boost X GBX155 as part of our regular gear column. That device proved to be an essential addition to any vehicle, allowing drivers to jump-start their car, truck, SUV, or RV using a powerful lithium battery. But for an encore, the company has taken things a bit further by introducing the NOCO Boost Air AX65, which adds an air compressor to the mix. This makes an already great product even more invaluable, especially for overlanders, boondockers, and even general RVers.
Photo Credit: Kraig Becker
A Portable Game Changer
The Boost Air AX65 is yet another example of how lithium batteries have become a complete game changer in our daily lives. These days, these versatile power cells are used in everything from our smartphones and laptops to the house batteries that keep our rigs running while traveling off-grid. In this case, NOCO puts that technology to good use in a device that simply couldn’t have existed all that long ago, and in the process it has eliminated much of the worry that comes with getting stranded by a dead battery or a flat tire.
This multipurpose device solves both those problems by being able to jump-start 12V batteries in gas engines up to 8L and diesel engines of as much as 6L. The built-in air compressor is also capable of inflating tires up to 35” in size with a max pressure of 100 PSI. It can even take a completely flat tire from 0 to 40 PSI in less than two minutes or quickly top off low tire pressure in as little as 22 seconds. And if all of that isn’t enough, the AX65 even comes with an integrated lamp that produces up to 100 lumens of light and includes multiple brightness settings and emergency flashing modes.
NOCO ships the AX65 with several important accessories that tap into those capabilities nicely. Those include a set of jumper cables that plug into a designated port on the device itself and an integrated air compressor hose that conveniently locks into place thanks to built-in hose clips. Three hose adapters are also included, allowing the air compressor to inflate bike tires, sports balls, and other children’s toys. A USC-C charging cable is also included, as is a handy nylon bag to keep everything neatly organized when the AX65 isn’t in use. As you would expect, the entire package stows away in a trunk or other storage compartment without taking up much room.
Photo Credit: Kraig Becker
Simple and Functional
With so much functionality baked into one relatively small device, it would be easy to get overwhelmed and intimated when using the AX65. Fortunately, NOCO has gone to great lengths to make the unit as easy to use as possible with a number of features designed to take much of the guesswork out of the process. That starts with the unit’s controls and LED display, which clearly indicate whether the unit is powered on or not, as well as its current battery level. But thanks to other built-in features, the device’s higher level functions are easily accessible, too.
This is most notable when jump starting a dead battery. Users simply plug-in the jumper cables to the AX65 and connect them to the battery. When the device is turned on, it will automatically detect the battery and illuminate a white “Boost” LED light indicating it is ready to go. A 60-second countdown timer will also start, at which point the driver can attempt to start the vehicle. Once the countdown is complete, the unit disables the jumpstart functionality and turns of the white “Boost” light. If the vehicle failed to start, simply turn off the AX65, then turn it back on and try again.
Using the air compressor is even easier. Just securely connect the air hose to the tire and turn on the AX65. If the device detects 3 PSI or more, it will display the current pressure level on the built-in LED display. The user can then set a target PSI level using up and down buttons. When the desired level is set, pressing the “Air” button activates the compressor, which will dynamically turn itself on and off to regulate air flow as it approaches the designated pressure setting. Once that level is reached, the device will simply turn itself off.
Photo Credit: Kraig Becker
Built for the Wild
One of the most impressive aspects of the NOCO Boost Air AX65 is just how well designed and built it is. We’ve used similar portable air compressors and jump starters in the past, and most are made from cheap plastics that are lightweight but not at all durable. Because of this, they aren’t well suited for use in demanding environments and aren’t always as reliable over the long term. That’s not the case here, however, as this device has a tough metal casing and rubber port covers that give it an IP55 water and dust resistance rating. And with its high-powered DC motor, the AX65 provides consistent, reliable performance no matter where you take it. That makes it ideal for overlanders, boondockers, and RVers who appreciate gear they can rely on when they need it most.
Thanks to USB-C charging, keeping the AX65 functioning in the field is a breeze. Simply plug it into any USB-C port, including a portable power station or those found in most modern vehicles, and it will recharge in about 45 minutes. Better yet, the device’s single USB-C port is bi-directional, meaning it can be used to recharge a smartphone, tablet, or laptop on the go. That adds yet another level of functionality to NOCO’s increasingly handy product, which only continued to impress the more we used it while testing it for this review.
In fact, we found very little reason to criticize the AX65 at all. The device is built like a tank and offers tons of functionality.The only minor issue we have with the unit is that the thick manual that comes with it only includes safety disclaimers in about a dozen different languages. It doesn’t offer instructions on how to actually use the device, but instead provides a QR code that links to those instructions online. That works fine provided you have cell service, but if you find yourself stranded in a remote location with no connection, you could be left high and dry. A simple card with operating instructions—or better yet printing them on the included carrying bag—would be very helpful. To be clear, the AX65 is very easy to operate, but if you haven’t had to use it for a while, a brief reminder of how it functions would be appreciated.
Photo Credit: NOCO
A Must-Have for Any Vehicle
Throughout this review, we’ve noted several times that the AX65 is the perfect device for overlanders, boondockers, and RVers. You can add off-roaders to that list, as adjusting tire pressure for on- and off-tarmac driving is a frequent activity for those drivers. But that said, this is a great option for use in any vehicle. 12V batteries go dead, especially in the cold, and tires get low on pressure. Being able to get your car started and tires inflated without the need for a tow truck or calling a friend is very nice. This device allows you to do that and get back on the road in no time at all.
Priced at $299.95, the NOCO Boost Air AX65 isn’t made to compete with the cheap portable air compressors that you can buy off Amazon. Instead, this device is aimed squarely at the vehicle enthusiast market, which puts a premium on build quality and reliability. This model is built to survive the elements and is made for drivers who can’t afford to compromise on performance. That’s exactly what overlanders and RVers expect from their vehicle accessories, and that’s exactly what NOCO has delivered here. For those who recognize what the AX65 brings to the table, it is easily worth every penny.
To find out more about this fantastic product, visit the NOCO website.
Kraig Becker is a writer in the RV, outdoors, and adventure travel space. Over the course of his career he has contributed to such outlets as Popular Mechanics, Outside Online, Business Insider, TripSavvy, Digital Trends, GearJunkie, The Adventure Blog, and countless others. An avid runner and cyclist, he enjoys camping, hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, and just about any other outdoor activity. His travels have taken him to seven continents and on many amazing adventures.
