RAC Double Barrel Foot Pump: Cost & Features

Key Takeaways

• The RAC Double Barrel Foot Pump offers efficient manual inflation with a dual-cylinder action, enabling faster tyre inflation than single-barrel models.
• Priced at £15.49, this foot pump provides basic features, including a thumb-lock nozzle and heavy-duty footplate for stability during operation.
• The built-in analogue pressure gauge displays readings from 0–100 PSI, making it suitable for various inflation needs, including bicycles and sports equipment.
• Manufactured by Hilka and branded by RAC, this pump combines automotive-inspired design with practical manual inflation capability.
• While portable enough for boot storage at 1.66kg, users should expect sustained physical effort during inflation compared to powered alternatives.
• Ordiniq's AutoPump eliminates physical demands through intelligent battery-powered operation while delivering professional-grade accuracy.

Overview of The RAC Double Barrel Foot Pump 

Flat tyres never happen at convenient times. And when you're caught without access to an air compressor, a reliable foot pump becomes essential roadside equipment. The RAC Double Barrel Foot Pump combines basic efficiency with affordability in a package manufactured by Hilka and branded by RAC.

This RAC model employs dual cylinders that work in tandem to deliver air more efficiently with each compression. This design reduces the time and effort needed compared to single-barrel alternatives, though users should still expect sustained physical exertion during inflation.

Technical Specifications Worth Knowing

RAC Double Barrel Foot Pump Specifications

• Brand: Hilka (RAC branded)
• Model Number: RAC-HP148
• Maximum Pressure: 100 PSI
• Weight: 1.66 kg
• Package Dimensions: 30.8 x 16 x 10.8 cm
• Gauge Type: 0–100 PSI analogue
• Colour: Orange/Black
• Construction: Steel frame with heavy-duty footplate
• Power Source: Manual (foot-operated)
• Included Adaptors: 3 (bicycle tyres, sports balls, inflatables)
• Warranty: Standard 12-month manufacturer warranty

Maximum Pressure Capability

When selecting any tyre inflation device, maximum pressure capability should be a primary consideration. The RAC Double Barrel Foot Pump delivers a maximum pressure of 100 PSI, which meets the requirements for standard passenger vehicle tyres and accommodates most bicycle applications. 

The built-in analogue pressure gauge displays readings from 0–100 PSI, providing measurement capability for various inflation needs. The indicator features a dial face with markings for visibility, though as an analogue mechanism, it lacks the precision of digital alternatives. 

Users should expect accuracy within ±3–5% of actual pressure, which translates to potential variance of 1–2 PSI at standard car tyre pressures. For applications requiring absolute precision, using the pump in conjunction with a separate digital gauge might be advisable for final pressure verification. But this adds to the total cost of achieving accurate results.

Included Adaptors & Attachments

The fundamental consideration with any manual foot pump is the sustained physical effort required for inflation. (Image courtesy of Amazon)

The RAC Double Barrel Foot Pump comes with three adaptors designed to handle various inflation needs beyond standard tyre valves: a bicycle tyre adaptor for Presta valves, a needle adaptor for exercise balls, and a tapered nozzle for inflatables. These adaptors provide versatility across different household inflation applications, extending utility beyond just automotive use.

The air hose provides reach to access valve positions without excessive pump repositioning, though the reach is shorter than that of professional-grade equipment. The secure connection mechanism helps maintain pressure during inflation, reducing air loss at the connection point that affects efficiency in basic alternatives.

The True Cost & Value Analysis

At £15.49, the RAC Double Barrel Foot Pump offers a budget-friendly entry point to manual inflation. When evaluating this price point, consider that this tool serves primarily for emergency and occasional use rather than for frequent routine maintenance, where sustained physical effort becomes increasingly burdensome.

Warranty & Support

The RAC Double Barrel Foot Pump comes with a standard 12-month manufacturer's warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. This warranty reflects basic product protection typical of budget manual tools, providing limited recourse for issues that arise beyond the first year of ownership.

The warranty does not cover normal wear and tear or seal degradation, which is common in manual pumps because moving parts are subject to continuous mechanical stress during operation. Users should maintain realistic expectations about longevity, given the budget pricing and manual operation demands.

*Note: Pricing and/or product availability mentioned in this post are subject to change. Please check the retailer's website for current pricing and stock information before making a purchase.

Ordiniq’s AutoPump: Modern Efficiency Without Physical Demands

At Ordiniq, we developed the AutoPump for drivers who value their time, physical comfort, and precise pressure control that manual systems cannot reliably provide.

Smart drivers recognise that while manual pumps offer low initial cost, the accumulated time and physical effort over years of use often exceeds the value of powered convenience.

Removing the Strain of Manual Inflation

Manual foot pumps rely entirely on physical effort, which becomes tiring quickly when dealing with flat tyres or multiple vehicles. Continuous pumping is required every time, making routine tyre maintenance inconvenient, especially on the roadside or in emergencies.

The Ordiniq AutoPump replaces this effort with a compact electric motor that handles inflation automatically. With a single press of a button, tyres are inflated quickly and consistently, removing the need for sustained physical work altogether.

Powered by a built-in 3900mAh rechargeable battery, the AutoPump is ready whenever you need it and recharges fully in under three hours. It includes USB-C charging for portable use, a UK plug adapter for home charging, and a 12V car lead for in-vehicle power, ensuring reliable operation in everyday use and emergencies.

Consistent Pressure You Can Rely On

Accurate tyre pressure is essential for safety, fuel efficiency, and tyre longevity. Unlike basic analogue gauges that provide rough estimates, the Ordiniq AutoPump uses digital pressure control to deliver precise, repeatable results.

The automatic shut-off feature stops inflation once your selected pressure is reached, preventing overinflation and removing guesswork. This level of control makes it suitable for both quick top-ups and full inflations with confidence.

Faster Inflation With Less Disruption

Electric inflation significantly reduces the time spent on tyre maintenance. The AutoPump completes full inflations quickly and handles routine pressure checks in seconds, all without physical exertion.

Over time, this efficiency adds up. Regular monthly pressure maintenance becomes quicker and easier, saving time while helping maintain optimal tyre performance.

Designed for Long-Term Use & Everyday Preparedness

Built with durability in mind, the Ordiniq AutoPump is designed for repeated use over many years. Its rechargeable battery, modern charging options, and robust motor make it a practical long-term tool rather than a disposable accessory.

Our comprehensive automotive care system includes the Handheld Wired Car Vacuum for interior maintenance and the Tyre Repair Kit for emergency puncture repairs, providing complete roadside preparedness through integrated solutions designed to work seamlessly together.

Get Ordiniq's AutoPump Today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does it take to inflate a standard car tyre with the RAC Double Barrel Foot Pump?

Inflation with the RAC Double Barrel Foot Pump takes 3–5 minutes to inflate a typical passenger car tyre (195/65R15) from completely flat to 32 PSI, requiring approximately 150–200 compressions and sustained physical effort. 

Can the RAC Double Barrel Foot Pump inflate SUV tyres effectively?

The RAC pump can inflate SUV tyres to a maximum of 100 PSI, though with increased time investment and physical effort compared to passenger vehicles, due to the larger air volume these tyres contain. 

Light SUVs and crossovers with tyre pressures up to 40 PSI can be reasonably inflated, though expect to spend 5–7 minutes per tyre from completely flat with sustained physical exertion. 

Does this pump work with Presta valve bicycle tyres?

Yes, the RAC Double Barrel Foot Pump works with Presta valve bicycle tyres through the included bicycle tyre adaptor that comes standard with the package. 

The pump's 100 PSI maximum pressure capacity handles most bicycle applications, though users should expect significant physical effort when reaching higher pressures required by performance road bikes. 

How accurate is the built-in analogue pressure gauge?

The built-in analogue pressure gauge on the RAC pump provides functional accuracy within approximately ±3–5% of the actual pressure, translating to a potential variance of 1–2 PSI at standard car tyre pressures (30–35 PSI). This falls within acceptable limits but does not meet precision standards. 

How does the RAC pump compare to battery-powered inflators like the AutoPump?

The RAC serves users seeking minimal initial investment in manual inflation capability who accept sustained physical effort (3–5 minutes of pumping per flat tyre) and approximate ±3–5% gauge accuracy as trade-offs for independence from electrical systems. 

The Ordiniq AutoPump eliminates physical effort through intelligent battery-powered operation and an automatic shut-off feature that stops inflation once your target pressure is reached. It completes inflation in under two minutes and delivers professional-grade precision from its built-in rechargeable battery.