ARB style tire deflator

[wagonteeth]

I used Rocky's ARB deflator at AOP in January was love the design and speed that it deflated the tires. I think it was about 45 seconds on my 315's to go from 35psi to 12-13 psi.

So I was just on ebay looking for deflators and found some copies (Chinese, but look identical to the ARB/Curry) for ~$22 shipped from Chatanooga.

Rapid 4wd Tyre Deflator Tire Deflator with Pressure Gauge , Valve cap , Case

I pulled up both and they looks to be the same make.

 

[jynx]

Just a word, when you get it make sure the cut on the part of the deflator that turns the core is centered on the head. My first ARB one was slightly offset and wouldn't engage the core. Called ARB and they sent out a new one no questions asked.

Take some pictures when you get it and post up your impressions.

 

[pandathrust]

The Chinese one looks like it has a button on the brass shaft below the gauge. Hopefully that's just to check the tire pressure while deflating and not something you have to hold down to let air out. That would be a PITA. Hopefully it works well though.

 

[wagonteeth]

the deflator arrived on Saturday. I tested it yesterday and it seems to me that it's the same production as the ARB, but maybe cosmetic seconds. There were a few light scratches on the brass. Otherwise, it's the same. I timed myself deflating a tire. On a 315 size, it took just over one minute to remove the valve cap, screw the deflator on, withdraw the valve stem and take the tire from 35psi to 12psi.

The button on it is only to reset the pressure reading when checking pressure. When holding the gauge, your thumb is right on the button anyway, so it's fast to reset. I found that the button also works to bleed off air more slowly so that you can get a precise pressure reading.

Jynx- the cut in the core remover is centered.

If I have any complaint, it's that it needs a little grease to slide the coupling up and down. Otherwise, it's perfect and a good deal at $21. I think I saw a few cheaper on ebay- around $18 shipped.

 

[jynx]

Awesome score. Spray a little white lithium grease on the extended shaft and work it in and out a little then wipe off the excess.

 

[wagonteeth]

Awesome score. Spray a little white lithium grease on the extended shaft and work it in and out a little then wipe off the excess.

I have lanolin spray from my reloading kit. I'm gonna try it. I don't have any lithium spray, but do have some TW25 gun grease I'll try if the lanolin doesn't stay.

After the January AOP trip, when I left, aired to 13-14 psi, I spent about 45 minutes and 10 dollars at the closest gas station trying to air back up. I finally got the tires to about 20 or so psi, so went to a few different parts stores looking for a decent compressor. I ended up about 20 miles down the road at another gas station and finally got the tires aired up for the trip south to GA. When I got back I bought a MV50 compressor. I know there are better OBA set ups, but it at least will refill the tires, hands free, in about 20 minutes for all four, from 15 back to 35. I may buy a Puma down the road and Phil's rear mount.

 

[jynx]

The MV-50 is a solid little compressor for the price. I've let folks use mine because their "name brand" ones didn't seem to be fairing too well.

I have 2 of them and they have been good units. One of them is nearly 10 years old now. I would love to jump up to a PUMA one of these days as well.