Ghetto or @#$%& brilliant?

[Corpolite]

Kept looking around for the right on-board air solution.

Luke's big CO2 cylinder method? Quick air but you run out and have to pay someone to recharge.

Chuck's York-belt driven setup? Uber-cool but requires careful and precise fabrication and some pricy parts.

Leon's little "droid" looking thing? Great simplicity and low cost but a kind a slow.

The solution--a 750 Watt inverter mounted into the back with a $35 AC 2-gallon 100 psi compressor. I can air up all four tires in about 10 minutes now.

More importantly, I can run a crock pot or electric skillet for lunch on the next trail run.

 

[FJ005]

Kept looking around for the right on-board air solution.

Luke's big CO2 cylinder method? Quick air but you run out and have to pay someone to recharge.

Chuck's York-belt driven setup? Uber-cool but requires careful and precise fabrication and some pricy parts.

Leon's little "droid" looking thing? Great simplicity and low cost but a kind a slow.

The solution--a 750 Watt inverter mounted into the back with a $35 AC 2-gallon 100 psi compressor. I can air up all four tires in about 10 minutes now.

More importantly, I can run a crock pot or electric skillet for lunch on the next trail run.

I think they call that Ghetto Fabulous! I would have gotten a 2000 watt inverter...then I could also put a microwave in there and have some popcorn while I watch the other slow aired loosers get their tires inflated...

 

[black95]

Oh my....

 

[PPFJ60]

Cool idea. Parts are cheap and readily available. It does take up some room. Need to run the timed tests on the same size tires.

 

[mountainmanryan]

Only thing i'd worry about is that every one of the inverters that I've ever worked with or relied on has chosen the worst possible moment to fail catastrophically. Hope your's has better luck!

 

[PPFJ60]

I think the motor connected to a compressor would have a big current surge to get started. I have seen problems with bigger air compressor tripping GFI outlets at startup.

 

[Corpolite]

The inverter has a load indicator on it--when I turn on the compressor it spikes up to @ 500W or so but then it settles down to @ 300W.

Didn't seem to really stress the system.

Trial run this weekend with some friends on Shubbarth or Baldy.....

 

[RescueU]

For a point of reference to those interested in procuring a similar setup, would you share the make/model info on the inverter and compressor that you're currently using?

Kudos on the resourcefulness!

 

[Corpolite]

The inverter is from wall-mart (750W)--I made sure it was fan cooled.

The compressor is a $40 POS from Harbor freight--I wish I had gone bigger. It only draws about 150W when its running but it takes longer than I had hoped to fill up.