is an air storage tank necessary?

Hahaha this sounds like something I would do.

 

Yeah, this is my opinion on the matter. Pretty unnecessary.

 

LOL... that's what we were talking about! Technically a compressor is more efficient running to a tank first but it probably actually doesn't matter.

I also wanted a tank for setting MTB tire beads if needed, in case that's something your into.

 

I was just about to quote your earlier post because I'm just curious if manual tools are really too slow or annoying to use on trails, for changing or removing a wheel for instance, but now I see your answer. I've never wheeled off road before so I didn't know if in that situation you really don't want to lose 10 minutes using a breaker bar like I carry always. I guess you've got people behind you potentially and maybe wet or bad weather.

Apparently I answered my own question lol.

 

I carry an air impact in my toolset because it’s small and does save some time but definitely nothing wrong with just carrying only hand tools.

I’m just used to power tools at home and I love the speed and ease of them

 

For everything other than the locker a CO2 system (Power Tank) is going to do what you seem to want to do better than a compressor. Power Tank does make an adapter to run lockers too but I don't know that I would want my locker actuating ability to be tied to a source that can be depleted. My overall recommendation to you would be to go with a Harrop E-Locker in the front and get a CO2 system for everything else you are looking to do.

 

Except be a limitless supply of compressed gas.

 

You are right, not limitless. Just better for the application based on his posts.

 

For sure, aside from the cost it seems like there's no good reason not to carry some battery tools or air tools if you have an air system. As I said I don't go off roading (4x2) but I make sure I'm prepared for what I'm doing whether it's towing trailers or boating or whatever.

I need some air tools in my life, I still use the breaker bar when I rotate tires lol.

 

It doesn’t really seem like it. He wants something integrated and not extra crap to carry.

vvvvvvvv

don’t get me wrong, I used to have a dual arb and switched to a power tank and I loooooove the setup. I also have a single arb to actuate my lockers and act as a backup air source. Just doesn’t seem like what op is looking for.

 

nothing wrong with a breaker bar either.. I carry a 3 footer in the rear seat storage, and the AWP tool backpack (tool bag) stays in the bed... I guess I am spoiled with battery/air tools (speed).

 

Assuming he chooses an ARB locker in the end over an E-locker then yeah, the compressor is the better plan. With all the issues on ARB seals (admittedly I had an ARB in the front of my Taco and never had an issue) I just always recommend the e-lockers now.

 

Looks like this is already pretty hashed out but food for thought ARB sells the single compressor to only run lockers since it is too small for airing up tires. If you can run your locker on a compressor that is too small to air up then you definitely don't need an air tank for the locker. Also ever watch any videos of engaging an ARB locker? Compressor kicks on for a few seconds to pressurize the line and locker and then turns back off.

Are you getting the locker soon or just anticipating future upgrades when upgrading your compressor? My

$105 Viair 88P Portable Compressor Kit (12V, 120 Psi, Forup to 33" Tires)

Viair 88P has zero issues airing up my 285s, sure it gets hot but every compressor does. That's just the physics of compressing air, if pressure goes up in a fixed volume temperature has to go up as well. I wouldn't worry about a hot compressor as long as you're not exceeding the duty cycle. Hell even my nice 30 gallon compressor in the garage gets hot when it runs.

It's not as fun as hard mounting an ARB but if you're not getting a locker soon and just want to air up new 33" tires you'd probably be fine with what you have. I also totally get it if you want a hard mounted compressor though.

EDIT: also went back and realized you were looking at 295s not 285s so a bigger compressor probably wouldn't hurt.

 

I haven't mounted it up but I bought an (almost) 1.5 gallon aluminum air tank to mount inside the pass side frame rail.

ST424025-01 1.34 Gal 24” X 4.5” Dia Seamless Aluminum Air Tank With 2 1/4" NPT Ports

Not too expensive, and it'll just be nicer to the expensive ARB twin compressor with less cycling, and should fit between the rail and exhaust without compromising any ground clearance, and aluminum so not a significant weight increase.

for me the pros were more than the cons for having it. If I want to be fancy I'll isolate the tank from the compressor with a lower pressure (35psi or so) pressure switch activated valve to minimize air-up time.

 

I just dont have anywhere to conveniently fill up that tank.... storage for the tank is another issue, as well as the initial cost of the tank regulator, and whatnot.. even the "make your own/DIY" are over $200...

 

My old 68 M38A1 Jeep rock crawler I used a semi truck air tank and my air compressor was a York air conditioning compressor that was converted into a air compressor . At 125psi I could run air tools and easily reseat a bead on a deflated tire

 

Yeah exactly. It’s certainly not for everyone. The biggest cons are price (if going powertank), storage/mounting, and getting it filled.

 

This has been beaten to death by now, but here’s something rarely thought about- once you deplete the tank to fill a tire, you’re now trying to pressurize two vessels. Your 35” tire becomes a 35” tire plus the volume of your tank, slowing it down further for the next tire than if you didn’t have a tank.

 

A co2 tank is way quicker for filling and it can set a bead as well.

 

Little off topic but I changed from air to battery at home years ago. If starting from scratch get battery and don't look back. Haven't used my air tools at all since the change. I have the Milwaukee m12 stubby impact for most things and for heavy duty makita 18v with 1300 ft pounds. Along with an lighter makita impact and 12v ratchet.