Back up tire air

Just an FYI.... You can put together a CO2 setup for a fraction of the cost of a Power Tank unit. The PT units are top shelf and look really nice, but you can snag a new 10# aluminum tank for not much more than $100, a fixed regulator for about $55, and then add a polyurethane hose and a mount. I don't think I have much more than $250 into my 10# setup.

 

I'll preface with saying there's nothing wrong with DIY and everyone should purchase/build whatever suits their needs and I am in no way bashing it. I just want to explain some differences so someone who may not know can make an educated decision. Their regulators are higher quality and have more flow, and never freeze. They're also adjustable depending on if you're filling a tire or running an air tool. They have a handle up top so in the event of the tank getting dropped or an accident, the regulator is completely protected. The same handle holds the hose when not in use. Top shelf fittings and hose to pair with CO2 because it is different than just compressed air.

At the end of the day it's definitely a lot of money but for me it was worth it to have a complete system that works well together that's been proven over time. Plus they're a small American business and I like supporting them.

 

Not to mention Steve is a standup guy

 

That is nice. Do you have any problems with the regulator freezing or do you take it out and stand it up right?

 

Yeah... I need to stand it upright or else the line will freeze up. That said, it is always available and a very quick solution. I also carry a compressor under the rear driver's side seat and use that if I'm not in a hurry. However, I was off-roading with a friend and he used his C02 compressor to air up his and two other guys' tires in the time it took me to do my own tires with the compressor. That sold me on the C02...

 

Yes, to each his own. When I was originally interested in a CO2 setup I did look at the PowerTank units. Back then (about 15 or more years ago) there weren't as many options as they offer now. My budget couldn't handle the hit so I looked at other CO2 options. If I remember correctly, the regulator I used was from The Source which does not exist now (I think). In those 15 plus years I never had the regulator freeze up and impair functionality. My use only included air ups and occasional impact wrench use. I've always been frugal with it's use but it has served me well in those years. I like that PT has many more mounting options than were available when I first became interested in CO2. Lots of flexibility there. I do like their handle but can't justify spending $90 or so on it. I do have their complete bed mount I got from their scratch & dent sale for a price that I couldn't pass up and I couldn't fab it cheaper. They definitely have high quality equipment.

Now that I think about it, it's be closer to 20 years that I've had my unit. I've had it recertified at least twice that I can remember. It was a good investment for me....

 

Hey @AgingDisgracefully, I never saw your question until today. This one: https://tinyurl.com/yyqxv9v6

 

Thank you!

 

Yep, that's what I did. Went to an airgas or something and picked up a 5g c02 tank and ordered a 150psi fixed regulator off of Amazon. Couldn't have cost me much more than a $100.

When the tank runs out, I just swap it for a new, filled one.

 

I have used a bicycle pump to air up all sorts of tires. Commonly used to add 4-5 psi x 4 tires on the taco. It wasn't ideal, but it got the job done. A good bike pump is absolutely a viable option, although it's probably bulkier and more expensive than a backup 12v pump.