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DIY: On Board Co2

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by T4RFTMFW, Oct 19, 2014.

  1. Oct 19, 2014 at 2:47 PM
    #1
    T4RFTMFW

    T4RFTMFW [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Alrite folks, this may or may not exist here already (I'm sure there are hundreds of these posts online), but maybe someone will find it helpful.

    PowerTank sells a basic, 10lb (fill weight) Co2 cylinder for $380 +/-, it includes a gas cylinder with carry handle and an air hose/tire filler. For roughly half that cost, you can make your own on-board cylinder air and have double the capacity.

    http://www.alphaexpedition.com/10-lb-basic-system/


    For purposes of this post, I'm not looking for the cheapest internet retailers to link to, just showing what parts you can buy, what their ballpark cost is, and what you really need to get this on your own rig for far less money.

    Co2 cylinders come in many sizes, PowerTank uses a 10 lb cylinder, which is fine, but 10 lbs goes quickly and the cost difference for the cylinder itself and also the Co2 gas fill isn't really much at all, so I'm suggesting a 20 lb cylinder for the context of this thread. An aluminum cylinder doesn't rust, it looks nice, and it weighs a good bit less than a similar steel cylinder and that's what I recommend.

    Here's what you need to build your own transportable air system.

    20 lb aluminum Co2 cylinder. 20 lbs FILL WEIGHT of Co2. This holds your Co2.
    http://www.beveragefactory.com/draftbeer/tanks/co2/C20.shtml

    Nut and barbed stem fitting - this can be sized up to 3/8" which I personally prefer, and you can find a 3/8" fitting identical to this 1/4" pictured for $1.50 or less. This allows you to connect your high pressure tubing directly to your Co2 valve.
    http://www.chicompany.net/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=375_20_312&products_id=1563

    Recommend using a pressure regulator as a nut and stem alone doesn't regulate anything, these can be found new or used at any beer supply/welders supply/gas supply store, local beverage companies will have used regulators that work fine available also.

    3/8" nylon braided reinforced high pressure PVC gas line. This is how you connect your tire filler.
    http://www.chicompany.net/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=375_86_87&products_id=713

    To attach the 3/8" tubing to the barbed stem at the cylinder valve, and also to attach your 3/8" barbed stem which you'll attach to your tire filler you'll need clamps. You can use hose clamps, though their design isn't ideal for this type of tubing and high pressures, which may cause leaks both at the cylinder valve and also your tire filler. Oetiker clamps are superior and cause no damage while providing a tighter, more secure fit, so I'm recommending them here.

    Oetiker clamps. This will securely attach your high pressure line to your barbed stem fittings.
    http://www.chicompany.net/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=375_86_88&products_id=179

    Oetiker makes their own tool to use their clamp, but as you see the tool you can probably figure out a substitute, though they're not expensive and work great.
    http://www.kegoutlet.com/oetiker-clamp-tool.html?gclid=CM_purLhucECFcyyMgodKDAA4Q

    Tire inflator with regulator, ARB brand.
    http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0036ULEV0/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_2?pf_rd_p=1944687682&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B003N2UWX2&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=04RPPWWBXZ7ZNFE8PVF2

    You'll need to thread a 3/8" barbed stem into the tire filler so it can meet up to your 3/8" high pressure gas line. Again, this piece is $1.50 or less, and can be found at most hardware stores.

    The brass nut and stem you attach to the Co2 cylinder will seal very well, as brass is soft. If/when it starts to fail or you want to prevent any leaks from happening there in the first place, I highly recommend picking some of these crushable composite washers between the face of the tank valve and your stem. Ideally you'll use a brand new washer each time you re-fill your Co2 tank and re-attach your nut/stem/tubing to use the system.
    http://www.chicompany.net/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=604

    That's all you need. The PVC line isn't too friendly with UV damage, so if you keep it out in the sun all day long you'll want to replace it every other year (or more, it will develop cracks easily visible if it starts to fail), but if taken care of you can use the same tubing for 10 years.



    All of this stuff can be found locally and any welder's supply company will sell you aluminum Co2 cylinders, regulators, and most hardware stores will have the brass fittings, if not, a beverage/beer supply house will have them. If those aren't local to you, the internet is your friend.

    Building a similar setup is a lot less expensive if you don't need the name brand sticker on it, and of course there are other ways of doing this and different parts you can use and accomplish the same thing, but I've personally used a cylinder setup as I've outlined here many times and have no issues.

    Lastly, the difference is cost between filling a 10 lb (fill weight) cylinder and a 20 lb (fill weight) cylinder is minimal, if different at all. Locally they charge $16 for a 5 lb (fill weight) cylinder fill, and it's $18 for a 20 lb cylinder fill.

    Hope this helps someone, or gets their creative juices flowing to create a low cost PT alternative.
    __________________
     
    Last edited: Nov 7, 2014
  2. Oct 19, 2014 at 3:36 PM
    #2
    T4RFTMFW

    T4RFTMFW [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Fixed broken links, sorry for any issues.
     
  3. Oct 19, 2014 at 10:19 PM
    #3
    Papa Taco

    Papa Taco HARD CAAAAAAARRRRRRRL

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  4. Nov 2, 2014 at 3:32 PM
    #4
    T4RFTMFW

    T4RFTMFW [OP] Well-Known Member

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    This is the setup I've used since 2007. Under $100.

    [​IMG]
     
  5. Nov 26, 2014 at 5:42 PM
    #5
    nut

    nut she'll ride

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    ive got the same. need to make a mount for the tank
     

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