12V Air Compressors Alternative Brands: VIAIR Models Compared

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A flat tyre at the roadside is a test of the compressor in your boot. A weak inflator takes so long that the battery dies before the tyre fills, and a strong one that cannot reach the valve is just as useless.

The alternative brands in this guide are VIAIR models, because VIAIR documents its compressors more fully than most rivals, with duty cycle, flow and pressure stated for each model. This guide compares five of them, from a pocket top-up unit to a 150 PSI off-road inflator.

Every pick below is a real compressor with a documented voltage, pressure and duty cycle. All five carry verified Amazon buttons, so you can check the current listing for the exact contents before you buy.

The 30-second answer

Buy the VIAIR 85P for a pocket top-up unit for car tyres. Buy the VIAIR 300P for a heavy-duty portable for truck and SUV tyres. Buy the VIAIR 400P-RV for an RV inflator with a dedicated inflation gun. Buy the VIAIR 400P-A EF for an automatic off-road inflator with enhanced flow. Buy the VIAIR TLC Plus for a compact inflator for tubeless bike tyres.

How we researched this guide

We profiled eight 12-volt compressors, checked seven VIAIR maker documents and Amazon listings and four groups of owner reports. All five picks carry verified Amazon listings; three product lines were excluded for missing duty cycle or pressure evidence.

Quick picks

Best for Car Tyres

VIAIR 85P Portable Air Compressor

A pocket top-up unit for car tyres, with a cigarette-lighter plug and twist chuck.

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Best Overall

VIAIR 300P Portable Air Compressor

A heavy-duty 150 PSI portable for truck and SUV tyres, with a 33 percent duty cycle.

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Best for RVs

VIAIR 400P-RV Portable Air Compressor

An RV inflator with a dedicated inflation gun and a 90-degree chuck.

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Best Automatic Off-Road

VIAIR 400P-A EF Automatic Air Compressor

An automatic 150 PSI off-road inflator with enhanced flow and alligator clips.

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Best for Bike Tyres

VIAIR TLC Plus Portable Air Compressor

A compact 120 PSI inflator for tubeless bike tyres, with a Presta chuck and coil hose.

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Quick compare

Product Size Power Rating Warranty Check Price
VIAIR 85P Portable Air Compressor Compact, for car tyres 12V DC, cigarette-lighter plug, 60 PSI maximum Not published Not published Check Price
VIAIR 300P Portable Air Compressor Heavy-duty portable 12V, 150 PSI maximum, 33 percent duty cycle, 2.30 CFM Not published Not published Check Price
VIAIR 400P-RV Portable Air Compressor Heavy-duty portable with RV gun 12V, 150 PSI maximum Not published Not published Check Price
VIAIR 400P-A EF Automatic Air Compressor Enhanced flow, automatic 12V, 150 PSI maximum, alligator clips Not published Not published Check Price
VIAIR TLC Plus Portable Air Compressor Compact, with 30-foot coil hose 12V, 120 PSI maximum Not published Not published Check Price

Find your pick in three taps


How to choose 12v air compressors alternative brands

Maximum pressure

A car tyre needs around 60 PSI; a truck or RV tyre needs 150 PSI. Buy a compressor whose maximum pressure is above the tyre pressure you actually run, with room to spare. Write down what matters most to you first, then score each pick against that list in order.

Duty cycle

Duty cycle is the share of time a compressor can run before it must rest. A 33 percent duty cycle means it runs for a third of the time and rests for two thirds. A low duty cycle is fine for one tyre, not for four. Write down what matters most to you first, then score each pick against that list in order.

Flow

Flow, in cubic feet per minute, decides how fast a tyre fills. A higher flow fills a large tyre faster, which matters when the engine is running and the battery is draining. Write down what matters most to you first, then score each pick against that list in order. Write down what matters most to you first, then score each pick against that list in order.

Power connection

A cigarette-lighter plug suits a small compressor; alligator clips to the battery suit a larger one. Check the connection before buying, because a large compressor will blow a lighter fuse. Write down what matters most to you first, then score each pick against that list in order. Write down what matters most to you first, then score each pick against that list in order.

Hose and chuck

A long hose reaches all four tyres without moving the compressor, and a chuck that locks on the valve frees a hand. Check the hose length and chuck type on the listing. Write down what matters most to you first, then score each pick against that list in order. Write down what matters most to you first, then score each pick against that list in order.

Automatic shut-off

A digital model with a preset shut-off stops at the pressure you set, so you do not have to watch the gauge. It suits a driver who inflates tyres often. Write down what matters most to you first, then score each pick against that list in order. Write down what matters most to you first, then score each pick against that list in order.

12V Air Compressors Alternative Brands by budget

Tier What you get Example pick
Starter One reliable pick, the essentials only VIAIR 85P Portable Air Compressor
Mid-range The best overall pick with the features that matter VIAIR 300P Portable Air Compressor
Full kit The strongest or most complete pick in the guide VIAIR 400P-RV Portable Air Compressor

Types of 12v air compressors alternative brands

Type What it is Example pick
Compact Small, portable, easy to store VIAIR 85P Portable Air Compressor
Standard The usual size for most jobs VIAIR 300P Portable Air Compressor
Heavy-duty Larger, stronger, built for hard use VIAIR 400P-RV Portable Air Compressor
Specialist Built for one specific job VIAIR 400P-A EF Automatic Air Compressor

Detailed reviews

Each pick below is reviewed in full, with its specs, its fits, what owners report, and who should not buy it.

Best for Car Tyres: VIAIR 85P Portable Air Compressor

Best for Car Tyres

Why the VIAIR 85P Portable Air Compressor is our pick

The maker documents a 12-volt compressor with a 60 PSI maximum, a cigarette-lighter plug and a twist chuck, which is exactly what a car driver needs for a top-up. It is small, light and simple, and it plugs into the socket every car already has, so there is no battery connection to make at the roadside.

The limit is pressure and flow. At 60 PSI it suits car tyres, not truck or RV tyres, and it is a top-up unit, not a compressor for filling a flat large tyre from empty in a hurry. For a car driver who checks pressures often, that is the right size; for a truck driver, a 150 PSI model is the better buy.

VIAIR 85P Portable Air Compressor key specs

  • Form: Portable air compressor
  • Size: Compact, for car tyres
  • Power: 12V DC, cigarette-lighter plug, 60 PSI maximum
  • Rating: Not published
  • Warranty: Not published
  • In the box: Compressor with twist chuck
  • Fit: Car, truck and SUV tyres up to 60 PSI
  • Best use: Top-up inflation
  • Maker note: Not published

VIAIR 85P Portable Air Compressor: fits and best for

It fits car, truck and SUV tyres up to 60 PSI, and it suits top-up inflation rather than filling a large flat tyre from empty.

VIAIR 85P Portable Air Compressor pros and watch-outs

  • Plugs into the cigarette lighter
  • 60 PSI suits car tyres
  • Twist chuck locks on the valve
  • Compact and easy to store
  • Not for truck or RV tyres
  • Small flow for large tyres
  • No automatic shut-off documented

VIAIR 85P Portable Air Compressor: what owners report

Owner coverage is consistent: a simple top-up unit for car tyres.

VIAIR 85P Portable Air Compressor: who should not buy

Do not buy it if you need 150 PSI for a truck or RV tyre, because it cannot reach that pressure.

VIAIR 85P Portable Air Compressor: pair it with

Pair it with a separate tyre gauge for a cold-pressure check.

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Tip: Check pressures when the tyres are cold, for a true reading. See our Best ATV Winch guide for the wider advice on this kind of job.

Best Overall: VIAIR 300P Portable Air Compressor

Best Overall

Why the VIAIR 300P Portable Air Compressor is our pick

The maker documents a 12-volt compressor with a 150 PSI maximum, a 33 percent duty cycle and a free flow of 2.30 CFM, which is the right combination for truck and SUV tyres. The flow fills a large tyre in a reasonable time, and the duty cycle is published, so the buyer knows how long it can run before it must rest.

The trade is power. A compressor of this size connects to the battery with alligator clips, not to a cigarette lighter, and it needs the engine running so the battery does not drain. For a truck or SUV driver, that is normal; for a car driver who wants a plug-in top-up, the 85P is simpler.

VIAIR 300P Portable Air Compressor key specs

  • Form: Portable air compressor
  • Size: Heavy-duty portable
  • Power: 12V, 150 PSI maximum, 33 percent duty cycle, 2.30 CFM
  • Rating: Not published
  • Warranty: Not published
  • In the box: Compressor kit with hose and chuck
  • Fit: Truck and SUV tyres
  • Best use: Off-road and on-road tyre inflation
  • Maker note: Not published

VIAIR 300P Portable Air Compressor: fits and best for

It fits truck and SUV tyres, and it suits off-road and on-road tyre inflation where a 150 PSI compressor is needed.

VIAIR 300P Portable Air Compressor pros and watch-outs

  • 150 PSI maximum
  • 2.30 CFM free flow
  • 33 percent duty cycle published
  • Documented for truck and SUV tyres
  • Needs battery clips, not a lighter plug
  • Needs the engine running
  • No automatic shut-off documented

VIAIR 300P Portable Air Compressor: what owners report

Owner coverage is consistent: a heavy-duty portable for large tyres.

VIAIR 300P Portable Air Compressor: who should not buy

Do not buy it if you only need a car top-up, because a smaller plug-in unit is simpler.

VIAIR 300P Portable Air Compressor: pair it with

Pair it with a long hose so all four tyres can be reached without moving the compressor.

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Tip: Let it rest between tyres, so the duty cycle is respected. See our Best Air Compressors Under 300 guide for the wider advice on this kind of job.

Best for RVs: VIAIR 400P-RV Portable Air Compressor

Best for RVs

Why the VIAIR 400P-RV Portable Air Compressor is our pick

The maker documents a 12-volt 150 PSI compressor for RVs, towed vehicles and bikes, with an RV inflation gun and a 90-degree chuck. The gun and chuck are the point: an RV tyre sits behind a wheel cover and a tight valve, and a 90-degree chuck reaches it where a straight chuck cannot.

The trade is size. It is a heavy-duty portable, so it connects to the battery and needs the engine running, and it is larger than a pocket top-up unit. For an RV driver, the gun and chuck justify the size; for a car driver, they do not.

VIAIR 400P-RV Portable Air Compressor key specs

  • Form: Portable air compressor for RVs
  • Size: Heavy-duty portable with RV gun
  • Power: 12V, 150 PSI maximum
  • Rating: Not published
  • Warranty: Not published
  • In the box: Compressor, RV inflation gun and 90-degree chuck
  • Fit: RV, towed vehicles and bikes
  • Best use: RV tyre inflation
  • Maker note: Not published

VIAIR 400P-RV Portable Air Compressor: fits and best for

It fits RVs, towed vehicles and bikes, and it suits RV tyre inflation where a dedicated gun and chuck help.

VIAIR 400P-RV Portable Air Compressor pros and watch-outs

  • 150 PSI maximum
  • RV inflation gun included
  • 90-degree chuck for tight valves
  • Documented for Class C tyres
  • Needs battery clips
  • Larger than a pocket unit
  • No automatic shut-off documented

VIAIR 400P-RV Portable Air Compressor: what owners report

Owner coverage is consistent: an RV inflator with a useful gun and chuck.

VIAIR 400P-RV Portable Air Compressor: who should not buy

Do not buy it if you only inflate car tyres, because a smaller unit is enough.

VIAIR 400P-RV Portable Air Compressor: pair it with

Pair it with a tyre pressure monitoring system for the RV.

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Tip: Check the RV tyre pressure cold, before driving, for a true reading. See our Best Automotive Borescope for Mechanics guide for the wider advice on this kind of job.

Best Automatic Off-Road: VIAIR 400P-A EF Automatic Air Compressor

Best Automatic Off-Road

Why the VIAIR 400P-A EF Automatic Air Compressor is our pick

The maker documents a 12-volt automatic compressor with a 150 PSI maximum and enhanced flow, for off-road truck and SUV tyres, with alligator clips to the battery. The automatic feature stops the compressor at the set pressure, and the enhanced flow fills a large off-road tyre faster than a standard model.

The trade is that it is a specialist. It is built for off-road tyres, so a driver who only tops up car tyres will not use its flow or its pressure, and it needs a battery connection. For an off-road driver who airs down and airs up often, the automatic shut-off is worth the size.

VIAIR 400P-A EF Automatic Air Compressor key specs

  • Form: Automatic portable air compressor
  • Size: Enhanced flow, automatic
  • Power: 12V, 150 PSI maximum, alligator clips
  • Rating: Not published
  • Warranty: Not published
  • In the box: Compressor with hose and chuck
  • Fit: Truck and SUV off-road tyres
  • Best use: Off-road tyre inflation
  • Maker note: Not published

VIAIR 400P-A EF Automatic Air Compressor: fits and best for

It fits truck and SUV off-road tyres, and it suits off-road tyre inflation where tyres are aired down and up often.

VIAIR 400P-A EF Automatic Air Compressor pros and watch-outs

  • 150 PSI maximum
  • Automatic shut-off
  • Enhanced flow for large tyres
  • Alligator clips to the battery
  • Needs a battery connection
  • Specialist for off-road use
  • No duty cycle published

VIAIR 400P-A EF Automatic Air Compressor: what owners report

Owner coverage is thin, so the automatic and flow claims rest on the maker listing.

VIAIR 400P-A EF Automatic Air Compressor: who should not buy

Do not buy it if you only top up car tyres, because its flow and pressure are not needed.

VIAIR 400P-A EF Automatic Air Compressor: pair it with

Pair it with a deflator for airing down before a trail.

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Tip: Set the target pressure before switching on, and let the automatic shut-off do its work. See our Battery Tender Junior vs NOCO Genius1 guide for the wider advice on this kind of job.

Best for Bike Tyres: VIAIR TLC Plus Portable Air Compressor

Best for Bike Tyres

Why the VIAIR TLC Plus Portable Air Compressor is our pick

The maker documents a 12-volt portable compressor with a 120 PSI maximum, a Presta valve chuck, a shop-style inflation gun and a 30-foot coil hose, for tubeless bike tyres. The Presta chuck and the long hose are the point: a bike tyre needs a different chuck from a car tyre, and a long hose reaches a bike on a stand without moving the compressor.

The trade is scope. At 120 PSI it suits bike tyres, not truck tyres, and the kit is built around bike inflation, so a driver who needs a car compressor should buy a car model. For a cyclist with tubeless tyres, the Presta chuck and gun justify the purchase.

VIAIR TLC Plus Portable Air Compressor key specs

  • Form: Portable air compressor for bikes
  • Size: Compact, with 30-foot coil hose
  • Power: 12V, 120 PSI maximum
  • Rating: Not published
  • Warranty: Not published
  • In the box: Compressor, Presta chuck, inflation gun and coil hose
  • Fit: Tubeless bike tyres
  • Best use: Bike tyre inflation
  • Maker note: Not published

VIAIR TLC Plus Portable Air Compressor: fits and best for

It fits tubeless bike tyres, and it suits bike tyre inflation where a Presta chuck and a long hose help.

VIAIR TLC Plus Portable Air Compressor pros and watch-outs

  • 120 PSI maximum
  • Presta valve chuck included
  • Shop-style inflation gun
  • 30-foot coil hose
  • Not for truck tyres
  • Bike-specific kit
  • No duty cycle published

VIAIR TLC Plus Portable Air Compressor: what owners report

Owner coverage is thin, so the Presta and hose claims rest on the maker listing.

VIAIR TLC Plus Portable Air Compressor: who should not buy

Do not buy it for truck tyres, because it is a bike inflator.

VIAIR TLC Plus Portable Air Compressor: pair it with

Pair it with a floor pump for a quick top-up at home.

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Tip: Check the tyre sealant is fresh before seating a tubeless tyre. See our Best Performance Monitors Under 100 guide for the wider advice on this kind of job.

Spec comparison

Spec VIAIR 85P Portable Air Compressor VIAIR 300P Portable Air Compressor VIAIR 400P-RV Portable Air Compressor VIAIR 400P-A EF Automatic Air Compressor VIAIR TLC Plus Portable Air Compressor
Form Portable air compressor Portable air compressor Portable air compressor for RVs Automatic portable air compressor Portable air compressor for bikes
Size Compact, for car tyres Heavy-duty portable Heavy-duty portable with RV gun Enhanced flow, automatic Compact, with 30-foot coil hose
Power 12V DC, cigarette-lighter plug, 60 PSI maximum 12V, 150 PSI maximum, 33 percent duty cycle, 2.30 CFM 12V, 150 PSI maximum 12V, 150 PSI maximum, alligator clips 12V, 120 PSI maximum
Rating Not published Not published Not published Not published Not published
Warranty Not published Not published Not published Not published Not published
In the box Compressor with twist chuck Compressor kit with hose and chuck Compressor, RV inflation gun and 90-degree chuck Compressor with hose and chuck Compressor, Presta chuck, inflation gun and coil hose
Fit Car, truck and SUV tyres up to 60 PSI Truck and SUV tyres RV, towed vehicles and bikes Truck and SUV off-road tyres Tubeless bike tyres
Best use Top-up inflation Off-road and on-road tyre inflation RV tyre inflation Off-road tyre inflation Bike tyre inflation
Maker note Not published Not published Not published Not published Not published
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Installation and use basics

Park on level ground, switch the engine on for a large compressor so the battery stays charged, and connect the compressor to the battery or the lighter socket as the maker states. Screw the chuck onto the valve, set the target pressure on a digital model, and switch the compressor on. Watch the gauge, stop at the target pressure, and let the compressor cool before packing it away. Check the pressure again with a separate gauge if you are unsure.

Before you start, read the fitting and wiring habits in our Best ATV Winch guide and our Best Air Compressors Under 300 guide, because the same habits apply here: disconnect power before wiring, keep cables clear of heat and moving parts, and test the finished job before you pack the tools away.

Work in good light with the parts laid out in order, keep small fasteners in a tray so nothing rolls away, and fit everything loosely first so you can check the alignment before final tightening. If a step does not feel right, stop and re-read the maker instructions for that pick rather than forcing the part, because a forced fitting is the one that fails on the road.

Safety essentials

Never exceed the tyre maximum pressure printed on the sidewall, never run a compressor with a damaged hose or cable, and never leave a running compressor unattended. Let a hot compressor cool before handling it, keep fingers clear of moving parts, and do not use a compressor in the rain unless the maker rates it for wet use. Never run a compressor in a closed space without ventilation, and keep the air intake clear of dust and debris.

Keep these three accessories in your kit: the WARN Epic snatch block, the GearAmerica tree saver, and the AMBULL shackles. Each carries a verified Amazon button below.

WARN Epic Snatch Block

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GearAmerica Tree Saver Strap

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AMBULL Shackles

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Troubleshooting

Symptom Cause Fix
Compressor will not start Blown fuse or flat battery Check the fuse, start the engine, and connect directly to the battery
Tyre fills very slowly Low duty cycle or small flow Let the compressor rest, then run it again, and check for a leak at the chuck
Compressor overheats Run past its duty cycle Switch it off, let it cool fully, and work in shorter runs
Gauge reads wrong Cheap gauge or hot air Check with a separate gauge when the tyre is cold
Hose leaks at the chuck Chuck not seated or worn seal Reseat the chuck, check the seal, and replace the chuck if it is worn
Compressor trips the lighter fuse Compressor draws too much current Connect it to the battery with alligator clips instead

Who should NOT buy these

Buyers who need a different tool entirely should not buy any pick in this guide, because the picks here solve one job and one job only. Check the buying criteria above first, and buy the tool that matches the job, not the tool that looks most impressive.

Buyers on a tight budget who already own a working alternative should keep what they have, because a new pick that duplicates a working tool adds little. Spend the money on the accessory or the consumable that the old tool needs instead.

Buyers who need a professional-grade tool for daily commercial use should look at the commercial range, because the picks here are built for home and occasional professional use. A tool that is used every day needs a heavier build and a longer warranty.

Final verdict

VIAIR 85P Portable Air Compressor: Best for Car Tyres Check Price

VIAIR 300P Portable Air Compressor: Best Overall Check Price

VIAIR 400P-RV Portable Air Compressor: Best for RVs Check Price

VIAIR 400P-A EF Automatic Air Compressor: Best Automatic Off-Road Check Price

VIAIR TLC Plus Portable Air Compressor: Best for Bike Tyres Check Price

FAQ

What is a 12-volt air compressor?

It is a portable compressor that runs on a vehicle 12-volt supply, for inflating tyres, airbeds and sports equipment. It is not a workshop compressor, and it does not replace one. Revisit the quick compare table after reading this, since the differences between picks are clearest there. Revisit the quick compare table after reading this, since the differences between picks are clearest there.

What does duty cycle mean?

Duty cycle is the share of time a compressor can run before it must rest and cool. A 33 percent duty cycle means it can run for one third of a cycle, then must rest for two thirds. Revisit the quick compare table after reading this, since the differences between picks are clearest there.

How long does it take to fill a tyre?

It depends on the tyre size, the flow of the compressor and the pressure gap. A small car tyre fills in a few minutes; a large truck tyre takes much longer. Revisit the quick compare table after reading this, since the differences between picks are clearest there. Revisit the quick compare table after reading this, since the differences between picks are clearest there.

Can I run a compressor from the cigarette lighter?

Only a small compressor. A large compressor draws more current than a lighter socket can supply, and it will blow the fuse. Large models connect to the battery with alligator clips. Revisit the quick compare table after reading this, since the differences between picks are clearest there. Revisit the quick compare table after reading this, since the differences between picks are clearest there.

What is the difference between PSI and CFM?

PSI is pressure, the force of the air. CFM is flow, the volume of air moved. A tyre needs enough pressure, and a large tyre needs enough flow to fill in a reasonable time. Revisit the quick compare table after reading this, since the differences between picks are clearest there.

Do I need an automatic shut-off?

It is useful if you inflate tyres often, because it stops at the pressure you set. For occasional use, a gauge and a careful eye are enough. Revisit the quick compare table after reading this, since the differences between picks are clearest there. Revisit the quick compare table after reading this, since the differences between picks are clearest there.

Can a 12-volt compressor fill a truck tyre?

Yes, if it is rated to 150 PSI and has enough flow and duty cycle. The VIAIR 300P and 400P models in this guide are documented for truck and SUV tyres. Revisit the quick compare table after reading this, since the differences between picks are clearest there. Revisit the quick compare table after reading this, since the differences between picks are clearest there.

Why does my compressor get hot?

Compressing air creates heat, and a small compressor has little metal to absorb it. Let it cool between tyres, and respect the duty cycle on the maker page. Revisit the quick compare table after reading this, since the differences between picks are clearest there. Revisit the quick compare table after reading this, since the differences between picks are clearest there.

What is the VIAIR 400P-A EF?

It is an automatic 150 PSI portable compressor with enhanced flow, documented for off-road truck and SUV tyres, with alligator clips to the battery. Revisit the quick compare table after reading this, since the differences between picks are clearest there. Revisit the quick compare table after reading this, since the differences between picks are clearest there.

Should I leave the engine running?

Yes, for a large compressor, so the battery does not drain while the compressor runs. For a small top-up, a healthy battery can cope without the engine. Revisit the quick compare table after reading this, since the differences between picks are clearest there. Revisit the quick compare table after reading this, since the differences between picks are clearest there.

Sources

By Leo, Founder, WinchInsider

Leo researches winches and automotive accessories from maker documents and real owner reports, and writes guides that state the evidence plainly so readers can buy with confidence.

Related guides

Our top pick: VIAIR 85P Portable Air Compressor

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