Compressed CO2 as OBA

Any of you guys using compressed CO2 with a regulator like this one for on-board air? If so, how's it working for you? Seems like it would work well but I'm not sure how many tires it would air up etc. Got one for my birthday to use with nail guns and as portable compressed air.

 

It looks like just a regulator. How many tires you can fill up is dependent on the size of tank you use.

 

Correct. I have half a dozen 20 oz. CO2 bottles I picked up for 25 cents ea.

 

I'd get the biggest tank you can fit. With a 5lb bottle I call fill one 35s from 5psi to 35 psi 5 times. So that adds up to only one trip per tank. The cost to fill a tank isn't that much of a difference from 5lbs to 20lbs. It'll be between 12-20 dollars per fill up.

 

I have in the past.

http://www.lieblweb.com/liquidco2.html

I had a 10lb bottle and then upgraded to 20lb bottle. Not that bad if you need air and can't make it to a gas station.

 

Thanks for the replies. I was looking at it from the emergency air perspective rather than airing up/down on trails. I From All.on.Black's post, approximately 1# of CO2 will air up a 35" tire from 5 to 35 PSI. Sounds like a couple of full 20 oz. bottles will do what I need to do with them and in the meantime, I can keep my eyes out for a smokin' deal on a 10 pounder when I have some spare cash. 'm surprised that the 20 oz. bottles won't go any farther than that though.

ETA: I looked at Janster's link to powertank... Holy Frijoles batdude, proud of those regulators ain't they? Mine cost $57 including shipping.

 

Why would you need 'air' in an emergency? That's what the spare tire is for.

Are you talking about 20oz paintball canisters?

Are you aware that the 5lb, 10lb, and 20lb bottles that we're referring to have LIQUID CO2 in them? It's NOT straight gas....it's a liquid under extreme pressures and converts to a gas upon exit of the tank. Liquid CO2 needs a special tank that's inspected/dated - they get inspected every 5 years.
Because its a liquid, there's a shit-ton more available gas in them than strictly shoving compressed CO2 in there.

A 20oz bottle of compressed C02 to air up a tire? Good Luck.

 

Janster, that's exactly what I'm talking about. It's also my understanding that even the paintball tanks have liquid co2 in them. By emergency air, I mean that if I get a small puncture, as in a screw or a nail, I can plug the hole if necessary, air up, then move on. Beats the pants off of changing tires.

ETA: I did a little more digging that I think will clear some confusion. Apparently, the paintball canisters operate at a much lower pressure than the bottles you're referencing. The source I saw said that the paintball canisters hold approx. 34% liquid co2 by volume at about 850 PSI.

 

I'll have to disagree.... Changing a tire is not that difficult. All the necessary tools/equipment are on the truck (ready & waiting). You might need a flashlight for evening changes.

To repair a tire..... you'll need a patch kit & onboard air (as you mention).
Have you ever used those plug kits before? The amount of time it'll take you to line up the hole where its accessible without taking the wheel off the vehicle, doing the plug repair and airing up the tire...... You probably could've changed 2 tires.

And not to mention, after you plugged the tire and aired it up....hoping and praying that it holds air!!!

 

where did you get the regulator ?

 

x2 just get a 12V compressor with a decent duty cycle and high flow. I'm liking the

$338 ARB CKMA12 On-Board Air Compressor High Performance 12 Volt for Air Locker Differentials and Tire Inflation

ARB CKMA12 for my next mod.

 

I'd still rather plug one than change it. Changing tires is a few extra steps I don't need to do. I'm going to plug the tire myself anyway so why fool with changing tires in the first place? I've used the plug kits for at least the last 8 years and I've never had one leak or otherwise fail yet. In fact, I've put 40k+ miles on a tire with a plug in it and no problems.


Got mine here: http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200385985_200385985?cm_ven=Aggregates&cm_cat=Google&cm_pla=Air%20Compressors%3EAir%20Compressor%20Accessories&cm_ite=157838?ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=157838

 

Not necessarily while on the trails.... I still think changing a tire is easier/cleaner.
Just not sure you'd need any other 'emergency' air for daily driving.

For the trails - onboard air (a good sized system) and plug kits are definately a much needed necessity!!!

 

X2