best way to air down?

[Robert Bills]

I made a tire pressure equalizer . . . set up with a 'T' . . . to equalize the pressures at the Detroited rear axle. . . . That proved to take more time than doing one at a time.

Exactly balancing the pressure in matched tires is probably the single best use for the hose/T device, whether airing up or down. More trouble than it is worth on dirt trails, but really handy for drag racing and such.

My Detroit has significantly better manners when tire pressures are equalized. So does my Lockright in the front. :safari-rig:

To me, it's worth the trouble. :ylsmoke:

 

[FROADER]

This is what I've got. The pressure guage fits over them so you don't need to take them off to test it.

One for each tire and just like someone posted before, air down enough times and you get a sense as to when they're about done. I'm not in a hurry when I air down anyway. 36" tires going from 32lbs to 12-15lbs takes a while no matter what method you use.

 

[ujoint]

^^^^^ Been using those for years, but my favorite is the Staun deflators. I lost mine a few years ago........... need to buy another set!

 

[ntsqd]

My Detroit has significantly better manners when tire pressures are equalized. So does my Lockright in the front. :safari-rig:

To me, it's worth the trouble. :ylsmoke:

It certainly is for the pavement. I don't bother in the dirt as I can't feel a difference unless they are way off.

 

[xcmountain80]

How about these
http://www.parksoffroad.com/prodreview/deflatortest/monsterdeflators/monstervalveuse.htm

Aaron

 

[madizell]

It certainly is for the pavement. I don't bother in the dirt as I can't feel a difference unless they are way off.

Exactly. Unequal circumference of tires will cause some scuffing in a locked or spooled rear even going straight down the trail. But, as tire circumferences are constantly changing on the trail due to weight shifting, and since traction is frequently not the same side to side (not to mention limited in the first place), it makes little difference if your tires match perfectly in pressure. Differences within a pound or so will cause changes in rolling resistance and circumference that can't be measured without lab equipment. I have used both ARB and auto lockers in a variety of circumstances, and the only time I have problems with either is using them on pavement. Then, tires should be roughly equal or the locker will push you around, or at the least, cause tire wear. For trail use, I just try to get them about the same but I won't chase them around.

 

[jg45]

I built a 4 tire at once air down/air up thingamabob. Some air hose, clip on chucks, a tire inflation handle with gauge from Harbor Freight, and a few air Ts and I was in business, Air down is simple. Takes less than a minute to connect all four tires. Then just pull the trigger with nothing connected to the handle inlet and listen to the air rush out. Release the handle and look at the gauge as needed. Air up is the same except witha compressor connected to the handle. The really nice thing is that all 4 tires have equal pressures. If I need th front or rear to have a bit more, I just disconnect the other two and contine inflating. Really simple and with the right compressor air up is quick as well.

 

[devinsixtyseven]

I've noticed as well that the Oasis can bleed down a bit after it sounds like they should be done. It's not that big a deal if you're going around with a gauge like I do, also I usually pull them before I figure they're done and do the rest with the gauge.

I have an ARB and it's very cool, but IMHO a bit slow for a large tire. I still carry both, never know if a buddy will want to borrow it, and it's certainly more accurate than other methods!

-Sean

 

[Tumbleweed]

Currie Enterprises sells a unit that looks just like the ARB easy air down unit.
About $10 cheaper. Love mine. Air down a 37" tire in 30 seconds.

 

[cshontz]

I pull cores. There is certainly risk of fumbling a core, but I've never had it happen. Also, don't misplace your stem caps. A little dirt / corrosion can make core pulling (and replacing) a little sketchier.

Pulling cores is nice and fast, but there's something to be said about just screwing on four deflators and hopping back into your nice warm cab.

 

[JIMBO]

eepwall: Slee had a sale, just recently on 6 STUANs, for $59 bucks (I think), anyway, I got em and set the 4 for my jeep, at 20 psi and the two for the trailer, at 15

I won't be taking out the stems any more, these are pretty neat

ROFSheriffHL: :safari-rig: :safari-rig: JIMBO

 

[RocKrawler]

A buddy of mine and I started making a part we call the equaflate - a simpler, lighter of the now defunct quadraflate. Basically it hooks to all 4 tires simultaneously using locking air chucks (meaning you dont have to squat to keep checking air pressure & pulling/replacing valve cores) and there's no spring loaded auto off mechanism to get stuck with dirt & allow air to keep deflating until 1 tire is flat while the others have stopped at the correct preset point. The setup allows all 4 to be aired down OR UP from the front or rear of the rig using a built in gauge on the control head, so at the end of the trail you can either use a quick connect to a co2 tank or schrader valve from a compressor or gas station chuck to air back up, again, all to the same pressure at all 4 tires because the system equalizes the pressure. No kneeling in the mud or snow to air up 1 tire at a time! It also uses high quality push in connectors at all fittings to make repairs or hose length adjustments a breeze without tools and the hassle & leaks commonly associated with threaded fittings. If you already have an automatic deflator it can be attached to the schrader fill valve for true hands free use.

 

[MaddBaggins]

Pull the core and have a little box of extra cores in the glove box just in case. I've never dropped/lost mine yet. With time I've come to learn what the air coming out sounds like at about 12psi and know it's about time to put the core back in.

As for the ********/chat, I still get to do it. I just get to stand up and talk to the guys who are still kneeling/bent over using their fancy deflators.

Oh and I usually help others finish airing down.:sombrero:

Thats it. I always just pull the core. I've never lost one or cross threaded. I use one of those little 4-way tools. I do keep spares in my kit, just in case.

I can also recognize the different sound when the air gets down to around 17psi. Then I replace the core and finish it up down to 15psi with the pointy end of the 4-way.

 

[MaddBaggins]

A buddy of mine and I started making a part we call the equaflate - a simpler, lighter of the now defunct quadraflate. Basically it hooks to all 4 tires simultaneously using locking air chucks (meaning you dont have to squat to keep checking air pressure & pulling/replacing valve cores) and there's no spring loaded auto off mechanism to get stuck with dirt & allow air to keep deflating until 1 tire is flat while the others have stopped at the correct preset point. The setup allows all 4 to be aired down OR UP from the front or rear of the rig using a built in gauge on the control head, so at the end of the trail you can either use a quick connect to a co2 tank or schrader valve from a compressor or gas station chuck to air back up, again, all to the same pressure at all 4 tires because the system equalizes the pressure. No kneeling in the mud or snow to air up 1 tire at a time! It also uses high quality push in connectors at all fittings to make repairs or hose length adjustments a breeze without tools and the hassle & leaks commonly associated with threaded fittings. If you already have an automatic deflator it can be attached to the schrader fill valve for true hands free use.

Kyle, I like that idea for inflation. That would be sweet to hook it up to the Co2 and go for it.
Let us know how that project turns out.

 

[jfarsang]

Is it just me or are the ARB and Currier E-Z deflator's identical ?