Hey all, just wondering what everyone does to re-inflate their tires after going on the beach or off road. Assuming there aren't gas stations near by. 12v compressor and what brand? Scuba tanks? Thanks in advance any suggestions are greatly appreciated
Re-inflate (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Kevintheville
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Million and one options, from crappy little cigarette plug pumps that'll burn out from refilling one 33" tire to modified AC compressors that act as belt-driven onboard air, and some folks just get a CO2 beverage cylinder.
One pretty popular option is the Puma 12V compressor, which was in the $200-300 range, last I checked. Mine has been great, although I modified it to run tankless for space, since 1.5 gallons of 110 PSI won't do much to four tires at 15 PSI. The ARB ones are pretty popular, too, since they're meant to also run air lockers. Basically, do some googling for "12V compressor" and something along the lines of "offroad" or "overlanding." I think there's a good article on Expedition Portal from a few years back, too?
One pretty popular option is the Puma 12V compressor, which was in the $200-300 range, last I checked. Mine has been great, although I modified it to run tankless for space, since 1.5 gallons of 110 PSI won't do much to four tires at 15 PSI. The ARB ones are pretty popular, too, since they're meant to also run air lockers. Basically, do some googling for "12V compressor" and something along the lines of "offroad" or "overlanding." I think there's a good article on Expedition Portal from a few years back, too?
If its only occasionally, the Masterflow MV50 does a nice job.
kevin in okinawa
SILVER Star
I have a portable one from Viair that connects to the battery. get air back in faster by investing in a schrader valve screwdriver and removing the valve prior to reinflation.
Scro
SILVER Star
This is what I use. Approx $175
I've been thinking I wanted to get a small tank for homebrewing...I like the idea of having CO2 onboard as an aux fire suppression method, too.
A few years ago, I saved the restaurant I worked in from burning down (without contaminating everything in the kitchen, like the 'correct' chemical fire extinguisher would have done) by 1.) catching the self-sustaining fire on the leaking inside of the deep fryer early. 2.) dragging the beverage CO2 tank over from across the kitchen, opening the deep fryer door with a rag, and opening the valve in the vague direction of the fire.
It was loud as hell, the fire was out in an instant, and I felt like McGuyver and got mad props from the other cooks. Good times.
CO2 could also be a good way to stop a runaway diesel, come to think of it?
Anywho, considering the few bucks difference between 'industrial' and 'potable' CO2 locally, I think you've got me convinced to invest in a tank and plumbing. I bet I'll even have some fun figuring out how to mount it in my truck. There's a spot in the rear quarter panel that'd probably work...
if you live somewhere where you don’t need a/c you can modify the compressor for onboard air.
Those of you with the Puma Air Compressor -- You use a 1.5 gal or the 3.0 Gal ?
1.5 gal and it’s big. You definitely don’t want to lug around a 3 gal.
Many people mod them to go tankless. If you’re just doing tires the tank doesn’t do much. It’s good for air tools with the tank.
I went with Puma. I wanted a portable so I can transfer it between vehicles. Also, wanted it to contain all my OBA stuff.
The ARB twin compressor portable was ideal but not for $900. My goal was to build one as fast as their dual compressor for the cost of the single portable version.
I was a little over budget due to some trial and error. I used a second hand Pelican. Aired 2 33s from 15 psi to 40psi in just over 5 mins.
Many people mod them to go tankless. If you’re just doing tires the tank doesn’t do much. It’s good for air tools with the tank.
I went with Puma. I wanted a portable so I can transfer it between vehicles. Also, wanted it to contain all my OBA stuff.
The ARB twin compressor portable was ideal but not for $900. My goal was to build one as fast as their dual compressor for the cost of the single portable version.
I was a little over budget due to some trial and error. I used a second hand Pelican. Aired 2 33s from 15 psi to 40psi in just over 5 mins.
If you live near a scuba shop and you've already got one or two tanks , scuba ranks are a good option for weekend trips. I did that for years. But they're heavy and take up a lot of space even when empty.
Then for several years I used two 12 volt cheap Truck Air compressors ($35 ea) and they were fine but slow.
Eventually I converted my AC compressor to pump air — and it was the best mod ever. Wish I had done it 20 years ago. Fills tires faster than any gas station air pump. Super fast.
Then for several years I used two 12 volt cheap Truck Air compressors ($35 ea) and they were fine but slow.
Eventually I converted my AC compressor to pump air — and it was the best mod ever. Wish I had done it 20 years ago. Fills tires faster than any gas station air pump. Super fast.
Transmission PTO to a highway truck air brake compressor- that would be the setup.
I bought a Viair 300p 12v compressor and am pleased with it. The whole kit packs into a bag the size of a kid’s backpack. Smaller and lighter than a tank, plus limitless air. ~$200.
If buying a 12v compressor, the most important factors are duty cycle and CFM. The cheaper ones advertise PSI, which is useless since you’ll never go above 50. Duty cycle represents how long you can continuously run the thing without stopping to cool off. For reference, it takes me about 20-25 min to reinflate all 4 of my 30” tires from 15 to 40psi, and that’s without stopping. A cheaper compressor with a lower duty cycle could take twice that, and one with higher CFM would be quicker.
Also, best to high idle the engine when using a compressor. They put a good size load on the battery.
If buying a 12v compressor, the most important factors are duty cycle and CFM. The cheaper ones advertise PSI, which is useless since you’ll never go above 50. Duty cycle represents how long you can continuously run the thing without stopping to cool off. For reference, it takes me about 20-25 min to reinflate all 4 of my 30” tires from 15 to 40psi, and that’s without stopping. A cheaper compressor with a lower duty cycle could take twice that, and one with higher CFM would be quicker.
Also, best to high idle the engine when using a compressor. They put a good size load on the battery.
g-man
SILVER Star
I also have a VIAIR 12v compressor. 400P model. its 2.30 cfms, 150 psi Max. 33% duty cycle. 30a. Prob takes 15 minutes to go from 18psi up to 33psi on my 31x10.5x15 BFGs. true it's worth getting the upgraded more powerful unit. My wife bought it for me after we had to borrow someone else's at a rock crawling event. They are decent for the money. Not super fast, but small and can be packed away.
I've only used it a couple times. I noticed the compressor gets VERY hot. Be careful when you pick it back up not to get burned. And hold off on packing it back in it's case until it cools off. It has an inline gauge at the business end of the air hose, but it's not accurate unless you turn off the compressor.
Also on a side note, I really like my Staun tyre deflators. No more bending over grinding my knee into the dirt. Or holding some sort of crouched over yoga pose as I try to get the air out. Pricey but they impressively air down quickly. Like I can get all 4 on one at a time and wait maybe a minute and start removing them. It's always fun when the guy next to you started airing down with a tire gauge at the same time and when you finish you look over and he is still on his first tire.
I've only used it a couple times. I noticed the compressor gets VERY hot. Be careful when you pick it back up not to get burned. And hold off on packing it back in it's case until it cools off. It has an inline gauge at the business end of the air hose, but it's not accurate unless you turn off the compressor.
Also on a side note, I really like my Staun tyre deflators. No more bending over grinding my knee into the dirt. Or holding some sort of crouched over yoga pose as I try to get the air out. Pricey but they impressively air down quickly. Like I can get all 4 on one at a time and wait maybe a minute and start removing them. It's always fun when the guy next to you started airing down with a tire gauge at the same time and when you finish you look over and he is still on his first tire.
4runner2FJ60
SILVER Star
There’s lots of info on converting a/c compressors if you Google it. If you want it use the stock compressor, you’ll need to add an oiler on the intake side. You’ll also want to filter that oil back out on the pressure side.
I put together my own setup which utilizes a Harbor Freight compressor (their bigger one) and a 7 gallon tank from Lowes which included the manifold and gauge. I hardwired in the compressor and have a switch in the cab to turn it on. I also added a pressure switch to shut it down at 120 psi (not shown in pic) I installed air hose from the compressor to the tank in the back of the truck. Seems to work well and I can run air tools if I need.
4runner2FJ60
SILVER Star
Here's some info I provided a while back in another life ...
Dealer installed york ac compressor
Hello ya'll. Long time lurker first time poster. First of all this forum is such a wealth of info, the search feature is most likely the reason I have not yet posted. I have found all that I needed to know there. However this time I could not find what I was searching for. This all started with...
forum.ih8mud.com
