Shellshock's DIY inflator / deflator

That is a good point. I have no idea if the pressure inequality in a system like this would make any difference, curious if we have any fluid dynamic engineers in the house. Though you also raise a good point that I overlooked: why not make the hose from the inflator to the first wheel very short (1ft to exaggerate) and then very long to the other. This would result in the least amount of hose but the greatest pressure inequality.

I guess my system didn't go extreme enough and that explains why I never graduated in my engineering coursework. For that matter I should just make the ends to the wheels equal and live with carrying an extra 2 feet of hose like a real "manly truck man" lol.

Good to know, thanks!

 

Comfort is half of the fun with these. Zero difference, but the head matters most.

 

x2

 

If doing it right, larger diameter before the T since it has to feed twice the max volume.

 

It was just the a tip.

Technically yes, but . . .

Deflation is throttled by the cores. Inflation is throttled by compressor output. Even if you had a 60psi+ source at full CFM, the difference going to each wheel will be negligibly different. Basically, by the time that you stop inflating and disconnect the first wheel, any equalization is complete.

Honestly, the biggest factor here is heat. No matter how equal things are in the field. All of those aired down tires are going to be different temps from ambient temps (sun or shade while airing up) or loads they saw earlier. I always try to overfill them by 1psi or so. Invariably, checking them cold the next morning, none of them are the same.

Although, if I use the same kit at home for a cold check, my tires are +/-0.1psi 2weeks later for the next check.

Essentially, a stabile 36.5psi in the field never equals 35.0psi at home. No big deal really.



Edit: Also, this is where those CFMs at higher pressures come into play. By the time these smaller compressors can move the air, the equalizing is done.

 

That all makes good sense, thanks! I think I'm going to keep it simple for my first run and adjust later if I feel like tinkering. Next hurdle is playing with the wire clamp tool to get good at that process.

 

Cheers!

Once you get the hang of it, you're gonna like it. Great little tool, IMHO.

 

If all the hoses are the same you can just grab them and put them on tires and inflate. No need to book one up and realize it's the wrong one.

Not a huge deal but it's the first thing I thought of.

 

Interesting. Might have to check these out. Thanks.

 

Anyone use this inflator in their build? Seems reasonably priced.

$40 JACO FlowPro 2.0 Digital Tire Inflator with Pressure Gauge - 200 PSI

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07C25C4CQ?smid=A3T1ROFTYY1BZL

 

I had an older version of that I started the project with. Only issue is if you take off the chuck, it’s not a standard 1/4 npt fitting.. which makes it a pain to swap to a receiver chuck or attach to the air lines. I ended up just getting the flexzilla one and gave that one away. I’m sure someone could figure out what adapter you need.

 

Yeah, good looking out. Sounds like most of my plumbing projects where I end up in adapter/fitting hell.

 

I bought several of these:

$30 AstroAI Digital Tire Pressure Gauge with Inflator(3-250 PSI 0.1 for Display Resolution), Heavy Duty Air Chuck and Compressor Accessories with Rubber Hose and Quick Connect Coupler, Blue

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07528LFCT

A couple for myself and a few for kits that I made for friends. Works killer.

 

Thanks, so assuming it's 1/4" NPT on the the outlet as well unlike the Jaco one?

 

You're welcome!

Yep. And, works any way that you want to set it up.

 

There's not enough flow for the hose length to come into play in any practical way and statically the system must be equal no matter what. The only way to create an imbalance that will take a while to decay is hook 2 or more tires together that are at vastly different pressures.

 

Thanks for all the inspiration & guidance on this thread. Time to put one together!

 

Well, that was simple enough! Freaking works like a charm. I might have to turn it into a 4 tire rig eventually, but this will do me.

 

I've had a few people request a 4 hose/tire version. I've got stuff on order for one (it's gonna be different than the others one the market and better imo). Should have all the stuff in the next week or so and ill post it up.

 

4 tire version

hose with the flexzilla pro ends - used about 70 feet (2x25 & 2x10). you could probably cut down to 50 feet (2x17 & 2x8) if you wanted to
6 more pro ends
(1) 7 port manifold

used a handful of zip ties to keep each side together.