Co2 tank for air (1 Viewer)

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I saw a picture of a of a co2 tank for filling tires. Who makes that set up?

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on board air

I tried to upload this file but wasn't allowed due to file format... so I opened it up copied it and pasted it here.

Build Your Own CO2 Tank System – High Quality & Lowest Cost
________________________________________
As an avid off roader I’ve wanted to be able to air down and back up anytime, anywhere and do it quickly but I’ve always been put off by the high price. My goal has been to come up with a solution that is equal to or better than the CO2 tank system suppliers at the lowest possible cost. Here’s what I’ve come up with for me – hopefully you’ll find value in this info:


Build Your Own CO2 Air System

On board CO2 tank systems offer incredible convenience to users who can air up tires faster than most any other way even when out in the middle of nowhere. No more hoping a gas station has air or a working compressor and no more buying/carrying air compressors that are costly and take quite a while to air up tires. You can use these at home and use them to power air tools anywhere you take the tank. A 35 x 12.5 tire can be aired up from 5 lbs. to 30 lbs. in under 2 minutes per tire and you can inflate a 35” tire approximately forty (40) times using a 10 pound tank. It’s easy and convenient to refill your tank. CO2 tanks and refills are very common – they’re used in the beverage industry, off roading and paintball as well. Beverage companies and industrial gas companies will refill these tanks. The cost to refill typically is in the $8-$12 range (YMMV). Google “CO2 tank refilling” for more info.




The Good News

You can pick and choose and put together the best, most cost effective system for your needs. If you want a 10# (pound) tank, which is the most common, you can get it. And if, for some reason, you want a 15# or 20# tank, you can buy them too. It’s your choice.

Start with the tank, then choose your regulator with hardware,

Power Tank and Outback Air are the two primary companies involved in selling on board air systems. Tanks are available in different capacities (weights) and the most popular tank size is 10 pounds (which holds 10 pounds of C02). Here are some of the packages these CO2 system companies offer – these are the package prices to beat:

Powertank
PT10-5200 Basic System with 10lb. tank (“bottle”) is $389.95
POWERTANK - CO2 Air Systems
And if you want a boot and a mounting bracket the package (PT10-5240) is $439.95
POWERTANK - CO2 Air Systems


Outback Air
Outback Air XD CO2 System Combo (includes a bracket) is $265.00
Outback Equipped | Outback Air CO2 Systems | "Is Your Rig Outback Equipped?"

Both companies offer 15lb. tanks which are even more costly.

Powertank offers a gauge – shouldn’t the regulator have a gauge? The Powertank regulators typically come with a gauge on the regulator but the truth is no gauges are necessary since tank pressure is constant at ~800 psi when there is liquid CO2 left in the tank (the regulator will read full up until it’s empty). How do you know when to refill? You can measure what's left by weighing the tank. An empty tank with a regulator attached weighs ~15 lbs. and 13 lbs. without the regulator. So a 10lb. air tank and regulator with a fresh charge of liquid CO2 weighs ~25 lbs.

What I’ve come up with is an a la carte solution, a menu that allows us to pick and choose and buy what we want – here are the details:

Tanks


10# tank shown (above)

These are brand new aluminum tanks with a CGA-320 valve (this is a standard tank and valve – the same as those used by the above industry suppliers). These are brand new aluminum CO2 tanks not reconditioned steel tanks. Every CO2 cylinder is produced from high strength aluminum alloy 6061-T6. These tanks are popular because they are not as heavy as steel tanks and they do not rust. A carrying handle is included on the 10, 15 and 20 lb. cylinders. The service pressure is up to 1800 PSI/124 BAR with a test pressure of 3000 PSI/207 BAR. These cylinders are stamped with required U.S. Department of Transportation and Transport Canada Markings. The 320 Valves are CGA approved, and have a male thread for Co2 Regulators. Note that this supplier is in California so CA residents will be charged tax.

Tanks from BeverageFactory.com call 1-800-710-9939 ask for Jesse Glancy
Be sure to tell him MagicMtnDan sent you and he’ll work to ensure you get the lowest possible cost.

10# tank is 7" diameter x 20.5" high 1800 psi – cost is $86.40
10 lb. Aluminum Co2 Tank | BeverageFactory.com

15# tank is 7" diameter x 27" high 1800 psi – cost is $91.15
15 lb. Aluminum Co2 Tank | BeverageFactory.com

20# tank is 8" diameter x 27.5" high 1800 psi – cost is $109.20
20 lb. Aluminum Co2 Tank | BeverageFactory.com

5# tank (ideal for use in your SxS Rhino, RZR, etc.) $56.00
5 lb. Aluminum Co2 Tank | BeverageFactory.com



15# tank shown above


Regulators

After a lot of Googling, the best regulator solution I have found is from Outback Air. Their regulators are set at 150 psi and besides being an excellent value, they don't have the unnecessary gauges which will read the same up until the tank is empty. Static regulator complete with fitting and automatic quick connect coupler included. Outback Air regulator $55.00 Outback Equipped | Outback Air CO2 Systems | "Is Your Rig Outback Equipped?"

You can order online and the contact there is Tony. You can call him at 1-800-503-0244 and you can email him at info@outbackequipped.com Tell him MagicMtnDan sent you.




Hoses

There are many (many) hose options. I’ve done a lot of searching and contacted some people and here’s what I came up with:

A1 Coupling (A1 Coupling) is in Oregon and they claim to provide or have provided hoses and hardware for both Powertank and Outback. I have been working with Dee Evans.

25’ Recoil Air Hose (PURC-14-25R-S-BR-QC) with quick coupler steel, 6-ball and plug steel industrial or automotive style. This is a spiral (coiled) reinforced hose with steel coupler plugs and brass tire chuck. 250 WPSI 4 TO 1 BURST. The hose has reusable fittings with bend restrictors both ends and the hose is reinforced. Available in a variety of colors including red, blue, yellow, and black. Hoses are made in the USA. It’s 1 to 3 days for shipping – most of the time they ship next day. The coupler plugs are steel and they are most of the time because the SS balls in the couplers will pit a brass plug and will be hard to get apart. If you happen to want a brass 6 ball coupler it will cost about $1.00 more. Dee Evans at A1 Coupling thinks most people would use the industrial style couplers. If they want a universal coupler in brass that will work with either one it’s about $2.00 more. The contact is Dee Evans and you can call him with questions and to place orders: 1-541-914-0606. Tell him MagicMtnDan sent you. The price per hose is $20.95 each.

Other hose options:

25’ Coilhose Pneumatics PU14-25B-B 1/4"ID x 25' Blue Flex Coil Hose With 2-1/4" MPT in neon green only $25.00 (from BigJ – he’s on FORD RAPTOR FORUM - F-150 SVT Raptor Forums – The Ford Raptor SVT website)

25’ UltraBraid braided straight (not coiled) hose with removable air chuck and coupler assembly $28.95
25' UltraBraid Straight Hose Assembly

Reference info & pricing from the “Big Guys”

Outback Air - 20’ Polyurethane coil hose (not UltraBraid) with removable air chuck is $50.00
Outback Equipped | Outback Air CO2 Systems | "Is Your Rig Outback Equipped?"

Powertank - 25’ SuperFlex Braided High Pressure Coiled Hose HSE-8080 $44.95
25' SuperFlex Braided High Pressure Coiled Hose Our price: $44.95 POWERTANK - CO2 Air Systems


Accessories

Deluxe inflator with gauge – 100psi gauge includes rubber gauge guard and storage bag. I recommend using Outback's Deluxe Inflator which enables you to check pressure when inflating so you don't need to switch to a separate pressure gauge and you can let CO2 out if you put in too much pressure.

$55.00 - Outback Equipped | Outback Air CO2 Systems | "Is Your Rig Outback Equipped?"

There are cheaper solutions – usually kits with a variety of cheap stuff in them – available at Lowes and Home Depot and the auto supply stores. There are also more expensive solutions (see Powertank & others).


Tank Boot

Protects the bottom of your tank and has flat sides to keep tank from rolling when lying down.
$18.69 - Amazon.com: Power Tank TBT-6090 6.9" Diameter Tank Boot for 10 lb. and 15 lb. Tanks: Automotive

Mounting Brackets

There are many tank brackets available including some designed to mount the tanks to a roll bar (popular in Jeeps).

Powertank offers a variety of brackets POWERTANK - CO2 Air Systems

I found a Kidde brand #366424 10lb. Dry Chemical Fire Extinguisher Bracket online for $28.00 http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=10#+fire+extinguisher+bracket&hl=en&sa fe=off&cid=6250159163476156080&os=sellers# A 15# tank bracket can be found here: Amazon.com: Fire Extinguisher Vehicle Bracket - 15HB Heavy Duty - 7.25"-7.5" Dia. Shells: Home Improvement

Here is a real clever solution that will allow users to mount the tank at an angle still allowing the tank to be used (they should not be used lying down) involving a mounting bracket attached to a piece of bent steel: http://www.powertank.com/graphics/mount.2.jpg You can see a number of mounting ideas here: POWERTANK - CO2 Air Systems


The Savings

By going with the a la carte purchase plan here’s a package you could put together:

1. 10# tank $86.40
2. Regulator $55.00
3. Hose $20.95

Total cost of the above 3 items is $162.35 - add the $30.00 bracket and the cost is $192.35. Compare this to Outback’s $265.00 combo and you get to save $72.35


The Fine Print

Prices were correct and accurate at time of compilation of information (4/25/11). Prices, as you know, can change at any time. Prices do not include shipping or tax where applicable.

Disclaimer: I did this for myself and figured I’d share it with others who might be interested in being able to air up anytime, anywhere. I am not benefitting in any way from this except, like you, getting the lowest possible cost on a system that I can put together. I am not affiliated with any of these companies.
 
getting a decent regulator (powertanks') will make things work a lot nicer. I ran a cheap regulator not rated for high flow for a while and it froze a lot.
 
FWIW I'd avoid the tanks that are sold for offroad. Just get an exchange tank from a local welding or beverage supply place. When it get empty you simply exchange it for a filled tank, like the propane tanks at Home Depot et al.

I've been using a beverage regulator for years with very few freezing problems, I can get four 36" tires from <10 to >30 before I have any problems.


Here is the benefit of hindsight on my years as a CO2 user, I could have bought a really good electric pump or installed a mechanical OBA system with the money I have spent on filling CO2 tanks. And I would never have to worry about running out. OTOH CO2 is great for running air tools, I know other systems will run air tools as well but with CO2 you don't need to run your truck the whole time (mechanical systems) or risk a dead battery (Electric pumps).
 
I got my setup from beveragefactory.com and have had it for quite some time without failure.

you can put together a 10lb setup with a nice regulator for around $150.

I agree too with rusty_tlc's point about refill cost over time vs. a good mech. setup. a hybrid of both would be my choice.
 
Been there, done that.

Bottom line:

CO2 is portable, fast, high pressure for seating beads but... CO2 is a finite source, you run out you are done. Want to fill your friend's tires? Maybe you have to say no so you don't run out for yourself. Going on a trip where you will need to air up and down a few times... will you have enough? 3 trucks airing up each day over 3 days is 36 tires worth of air.

Pump systems will give you air all day long (hey, if your truck isn't able to run you have bigger problems than needing a compressed air source anyway)



Mark
 
Been there, done that.
Bottom line:

CO2 is portable, fast, high pressure for seating beads but... CO2 is a finite source, you run out you are done. Want to fill your friend's tires? Maybe you have to say no so you don't run out for yourself. Going on a trip where you will need to air up and down a few times... will you have enough? 3 trucks airing up each day over 3 days is 36 tires worth of air.

Pump systems will give you air all day long (hey, if your truck isn't able to run you have bigger problems than needing a compressed air source anyway)
Mark

While I agree with you 100%, a 20# Co2 tank will last a damn long time.

I currently own my second 20# Co2 setup and love them. I wanted a pump setup for a while, but I'm not sure I can justify it now.
 
How many 36x12 tires 10psi to 30psi?

I need to do a controlled test, but I want to say somewhere north of 4 sets.

A 20# tank will last me an entire wheeling season, airing up my own truck at least 4, probably more in the range of 6, times.
 
A 20# tank...airing up my own truck at least 4, probably more in the range of 6, times.

Less if you...

Run air tools
Seat a bead
Air up a friend

Finite.

I had a 20# tank. When to the Fall Gathering, came off a trail on day one (of 3) with a 20 mile run on pavement back to camp. Aired up me plus 3 other friends and I was empty... I had to beg air from other folks for the rest of the weekend. I could have said no to my friends... but that's a bummer.
 
I just don't air up
Works for me

...but I am not gonna run a heavy FJ60 on twisty country roads for 20 miles at 10psi. It is dangerous and really bad for the tires.
 
i'm in this spot...and totally agree.

Been there, done that.

Bottom line:

CO2 is portable, fast, high pressure for seating beads but... CO2 is a finite source, you run out you are done. Want to fill your friend's tires? Maybe you have to say no so you don't run out for yourself. Going on a trip where you will need to air up and down a few times... will you have enough? 3 trucks airing up each day over 3 days is 36 tires worth of air.

Pump systems will give you air all day long (hey, if your truck isn't able to run you have bigger problems than needing a compressed air source anyway)



Mark

Been doing more multi-day trips compared to the trail runs I used to do. I'm looking to get a pump to free up space and well...I was "that guy" who ran out of C02 on a week long trip to MT. there are pros and cons, and after 5+ years with onboard C02 I may have moved beyond it. It IS FAST though. :) and with 33's it lasts a while for me. you just have to be sure you've topped it off before 8 days in no-where'sville.
 
Been doing more multi-day trips compared to the trail runs I used to do. I'm looking to get a pump to free up space and well...I was "that guy" who ran out of C02 on a week long trip to MT. there are pros and cons, and after 5+ years with onboard C02 I may have moved beyond it. It IS FAST though. :) and with 33's it lasts a while for me. you just have to be sure you've topped it off before 8 days in no-where'sville.
What size tank are you using?
 
I too wanted some kind of onboard air. For now I use one of the "cheap-o" electric compressors that has the long cord to connect to the battery and you then walk around airing up the tires...takes a long time 20min or so... and I don't look for the compressor/hose to last much longer.

I would like to go with an ARB setup or other onboard more robust electric air compressor setup with a small tank inline for capacity.

From what I see the CO2 stuff is great, but limited capacity, and then there is the cost.

It would appear that long term...you would be best served to spend $$ on a robust electric onboard compressor setup. Then there are the mechanical compressor setups like York and others but that requires more fabrication...but the results can be nice.
 

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