c02 power tank question

[kdub351]

hello t4r.org

are any of you guys running a c02 power tank for airing up after hitting the trails?
just looking for any experience or feedback vs going with a traditional compressor set up.

what about temp concerns of the bottle when you are out wheeling? I would hate to have the relief valve go on a c02 tank while it is in the truck. Perhaps I'm over thinking this as they seem to be a popular option.

 

[BobsTrail]

I started with a small compressor and got tired of 5+ minutes waiting by each tire. I made a home brew CO2 system for half the price of a Powertank and now my fill times are 30 seconds per tire from 15 to 38 psi. It's funny to see frost on the regulator and hose fittings on a hot day. The tank does not get hot in the T4 when driving due to using the A/C. When parked I keep it shaded or covered and have not had any problem even in the Arizona desert. If the relief valve blows, just open all the windows and get out to let the CO2 clear out.

I have had a nuisance with the CO2 slowly leaking out and have to check my tire pressure every few weeks to keep it correct. Without CO2 I have had no pressure loss. Due to this I may want to go back to a compressor but with a big ARB or VAIR for shorter fill times. It will still be way longer than a CO2 system, maybe 2 minutes per tire.

 

[Justcozz]

I run a high-pressure air tank in addition to my onboard compressor. The HPA tank is cheaper to fill than CO2 and can accept other gasses like Nitrogen if you desire. You can easily fab a system yourself or purchase one.

I liked the HPA air option over C02 because I can get it filled at pretty much any scuba or paintball shop, it lasts longer in the tires than CO2, and is just as fast to refill on the trails. I can mount the tank however it fits best in a safe location and fill with a long hose or remove the tank to fill other people tires or run air tools. A CO2 tank really needs to be upright when used, which isn't a big deal but is a consideration. HPA is also fine if you have a leak versus CO2 potentially freezing you or filling an enclosed space with CO2. Those are minuscule worries but should be at least thought of.

I have onboard air all of the time, which is fine for filling a tire by itself or other random uses, but for big trips, I think the tank offers more versatility. Each has a place in my rig.

 

[gm350reratliff]

I have this setup from Instant Air Supply: Complete Systems (8) - Instant Air Supply

The initial fill has lasted two FJ summits, two trips to Moab, and quite a few outings around here, all while filling at least two vehicles and I've ran some air tools off of it. Just needed to get it refilled.

I have a quickfist mount for it in my 4th gen supplemented with some HD rubber straps. I check the isolation valve with soapy water occasionally for leaks and if it's going to be really hot I take it out. That being said, I've forgot about it a few times on really hot days and haven't had an issue. I've found that the tire pressure will drop anywhere from 2-5 psi after refilling the tires but usually not anymore than that.

There's good and bad with each system (I've ran both) but this seems to work good for now.

 

[mcm]

I have both the Powertank as well as a portable air compressor. I find the Powertank is more convenient to use than the air compressor. Takes me less than a minute to air up each tire as opposed to 4 to 5 minutes on the air compressor. The down side of the Powertank is that I have to strap it down so it doesn't bounce around as opposed to the air compressor is packed neatly in the bag.