Trailside air: compressor or CO2 can?

[imhighlander]

Howdy, all.

As the title suggests I'm looking for suggestions/pros/cons for portable air options. I have a buddy with a CO2 can in his J33p and he likes that setup. But I've also spotted this TJM compressor over at Slee that looks pretty handy.

My thoughts: the CO2 can is smaller, taking up less cargo space. The compressor doesn't need to be replenished like a discharged CO2 can does.

I don't have - and don't really plan to get - a dual batter setup. I don't plan to run a winch or an on-board fridge, at least not for quite a long time.

So thoughts from the tribe? For those running C02 cans to air-up after a run, what do you really like about it? Anything you don't like about it?

For those running compressors, same question.

As an aside I have factory lockers so don't otherwise perceive the need for an under-hood compressor.

Thanks

 

[DSRTRDR]

I have used an MV-50 for many years - very reliable - just that it takes some time with larger tires

we have a Puma in our 80 now - the LX will also get a Puma when the Tools R Us in-vehicle tire carriers with Puma mount are available again

 

[BrotherRob]

I have used an MV-50 for many years - very reliable - just that it takes some time with larger tires

we have a Puma in our 80 now - the LX will also get a Puma when the Tools R Us in-vehicle tire carriers with Puma mount are available again

Agree. I've had an MV50 bouncing around in my rig for 9 years, still going strong. Worth every penny for airing up ($50-$70).

If your budget it more liberal and/or you need a tank to run tools, can't beat the Puma.

Never had a CO2 nor am I interested. Free air is too easy.

 

[Tools R Us]

Kicked the CO2 to the curb years ago. If you don't wheel often they work well, if you do the constant fill hassle/payment plan isn't worth it, IMHO.

The compressor linked is a good one, most run it in the Masterflow Tsunami, MV50/MF1050, red version. Have beat these like a red headed step child, good pump. Can be had for ~$60. http://www.amazon.com/Industries-MV...me-Compressor/dp/B000BM8RT8/ref=pd_sim_auto_4

The Puma is a big step up, if the extra air is needed, have been very happy with it. https://forum.ih8mud.com/camping-outdoor-gear/166969-puma-12v-compressor.html

 

[inkpot]

Ran a CO2 tank for a year. It is very fast, but can freeze things up it you run the pressure too high. Pain in the butt to get them refilled, especially on a Sunday or when out in BFE. Could not find a place to do it when I was in Moab. I run a Puma now and I am very happy. CO2 would only do about 4 fill ups on my 315s, and now I am on 37s. I wheeled 6 days in a row between Xmas and New Years, and the Puma worked great every day with only a few minutes per tire. I average between 4-8 trips per month, and I don't want to spend the $$$ and time to get the CO2 filled every 2 weeks. John

 

[ChaseTruck]

I've had a CO2 setup for several years, and I really liked the speed in airing up my tires.

For me, the logistics of CO2 refills (I live 3 states away from my truck and my 'wheeling digs...) became too much of a hassle, and intruded into actually going 'wheeling. That's when I switched to a Puma compressor, which has worked well for me.

 

[98 SNAKE EATER]

A buddy of mine who's big into air rifles uses a PCP compressor to slow fill his power tank at home

Takes about 4 hours, but at least he doesn't have to pay each time

 

[ChaseTruck]

So, with the onslaught of Puma endorsements above, I feel I should point out that they all happen to come from one trail gang, and we all have seen the Puma in action at air-up on our trail runs, liked how it performed, and got one...

Statistically speaking, these Puma endorsements are not independent data points.

And, since I got the Puma, somehow I always get to air up 8 tires, rather than just the 4 on my truck...

 

[TYM4FUN]

Used my Puma for the first time last week and loved it!. You definitely do not need a second battery to run the compressor. If you are really tight on space, some have separated the pump from the tank. Then toss the pump in a bag with all your air up equipment. No need to hardwire it if you don't want to.

 

[Salue]

If you have room for the Puma, can't beat it. It's actually quieter than my MV50. Just waiting for Tools to make a batch of the independent Puma mount! Hint hint!

Cheers,
Salue

 

[Tools R Us]

If you have room for the Puma, can't beat it. It's actually quieter than my MV50. Just waiting for Tools to make a batch of the independent Puma mount! Hint hint!

Cheers,
Salue

We were busy today! https://forum.ih8mud.com/az-tral-tonto-recreation-alliance/792540-weekday-crew-1-23-2014-a.html

 

[86tuning]

I'm running an engine driven compressor. Unlimited air any time you want.

I store a coily hose in the jack compartment, in the forwards section in front of the gas door. Plenty of room there for all sorts of lightweight stuff.

 

[inkpot]

I'm running an engine driven compressor. Unlimited air any time you want.

I store a coily hose in the jack compartment, in the forwards section in front of the gas door. Plenty of room there for all sorts of lightweight stuff.

I too am running an engine driven compressor. Mine is called a Super Charger, so room for On Board Air pump. I did have a York #10 on my 76 Piggy and it was great. By using a hand throttle to raise the rpm, I could fill two tires at once is just a couple of minutes. John

 

[ChaseTruck]

I'm running an engine driven compressor. Unlimited air any time you want.

I store a coily hose in the jack compartment, in the forwards section in front of the gas door. Plenty of room there for all sorts of lightweight stuff.

I find the coily hose can get brittle - at least the cheap yellow stuff sold here in the US. Combine that with the cold from CO2 coming off the regulator, and the results can be quite, um, shattering...

I'm using Home Depot-sourced braided PU hose, 1/4" id and rated at 300psi, and that has a tendency to become unruly at times.

 

[Tapage]

I have both the Puma and MV50 ( MV90 it's also a big option ) and if you are running or planning on big tires ( more than 35" ) Puma it's your way .. and is not like MV50 can't do it, it just take soo looong .. which it's also about your perception how much it's so long ..

 

[BrotherRob]

.. and is not like MV50 can't do it, it just take soo looong ..

~4 minutes to take a 35 from 16 to 35. About long enough to take a piss.

 

[BrotherRob]

So, with the onslaught of Puma endorsements above, I feel I should point out that they all happen to come from one trail gang, and we all have seen the Puma in action at air-up on our trail runs, liked how it performed, and got one...

Statistically speaking, these Puma endorsements are not independent data points.

And, since I got the Puma, somehow I always get to air up 8 tires, rather than just the 4 on my truck...

True but it's also fair to note that this gang has more experience wheeling and airing tires than most. We also have a bias toward things that work well and are cost effective.

I would say that the endorsements are valid for most anyone but the expo crowd.

 

[ElPolloBlanco]

I've never used a Puma though I've heard about it since I first joined the forum. I have used a viair in a friends rig and it takes forever to fill up my 305's. Another buddy had a york in his jeep and that things is a beast. We could fill his 35's and my 305s from 12 to 35 psi in about 15-20 minutes. I have the york, fan pulley, and york mount and plan to install it when I get the time. I have to get a few more parts in order first.

 

[artech]

I'm thinking of using a scuba tank instead of CO2 in mine because I have a source for free refills. I wonder how many tire fills I can get out of a tank? Have to try it when things warm up a little, it was 15 below in the garage this morning!

 

[Brentbba]

CO2 is great...right up to the time you run out having aired up 3 out of 4 tires. Advantage is speed. Disadvantage is finite amout of gas to air up with. I don't wheel often so it's fine for me. Advantages of compressors is so long as you have battery power and air to breath, you can air up. Disadvantage is that it's slower.