Comparison of MV-50 to other compressors and CO2 tanks

[Steve_in_29]

Here is a link to a write up of a comparison test on various air compressors as well as CO2 tanks. The MV50 comes off exceptionally well compared to the much higher priced options.

Compressor Test

A friend of mine did a test comparing his MV50 to his QuickAir and came up with similar results as well.

 

[kcowyo]

I picked up 2 of these a few years ago when someone posted Checker was selling them off for $25 apiece.

Almost 3 years later, regularly filling up 285's and the Airlift airbags, I can report no issues other than a crimped alligator clamp (my fault). I haven't even pulled the second one out of the box. Great little units for the budget minded folks.

.

 

[Steve_in_29]

That's when I got mine (picked up 4) but even at the current price they are a great little compressor.

 

[StumpXJ]

I got one about 1.5 years ago and love it! Great little item.

~James

 

[rusty_tlc]

After using my CO2 for a long day doing a differential swap on the Rubicon I doubt I'll be replacing it in the FJ40. That said I carry the Harbor Freight version of the MV-50 in my 100 series Land Cruiser. It works great for that application, but I'd hate to fill 36" swampers up from 8# to 30# with it.

Once again, the question is not what is the best tool, it is what is the best tool for the application.

 

[go4aryd]

Love mine as well - and bought a second that still sits in the new packaging.

I have noticed the MV50 runs a bit cooler if I run the engine while I'm pumping to the tires....

 

[cruiseroutfit]

Great comparison, though some of the models including the ARB are now several years outdated as their new models are on the market. It would be neat to see it repeated with their newer offerings. The Superflow by far has the best "bang for the buck", though its failures are now just becoming more evident with 2-3 years on the market.

 

[Bergger]

Great write up. I too bought 2 MV-50's a few years back for $25 each. Both still work great. I keep one in the truck and on in the Chaser.

 

[bat]

I say as a spare inflating device you can't go wrong. For me putting my co2bottle setup and mv 50 for under $125 I couldn't go wrong. I use my bottle all the time but it is nice knowing I have something for a backup.

 

[teotwaki]

Great comparison, though some of the models including the ARB are now several years outdated as their new models are on the market. It would be neat to see it repeated with their newer offerings. The Superflow by far has the best "bang for the buck", though its failures are now just becoming more evident with 2-3 years on the market.

I was thinking the same thing, then realized that I have both the new ARB and the MV50. Work is nuts right now but if no one has compared the two I'll post a write up when I get more time for myself.

 

[motomech]

So if one was to buy two MV-50's and hook them up side by side with a five gallon or so air tank, that would be pretty good set-up?I was thinking for the price i should use them?

 

[Alaska Mike]

My thought was that the MV-50s (and MF-1050s) are pretty much disposable. If one fails, just get another one and press on. While economically it makes sense, perhaps environmentally it doesn't. I find the Q-89 interesting, but haven't read enough about them to get one.

I have an old ARB that does double duty for the lockers and airing up, although I've been known to mooch air off of anyone with an engine-driven compressor or just drive to the nearest gas station to air up after a trail ride. My CJ-5 doesn't ride that much differently at 10 PSI than at 25 PSI with bias ply tires, but I wouldn't consider it on a heavier vehicle.

I have a York sitting in the garage with a rebuild kit and all of the fittings and adapters, but I've just never gotten around to installing it. Electric compressors just have such a clean install (less space) and my ARB is chugging along nicely. Perhaps when it dies...

 

[Bergger]

So if one was to buy two MV-50's and hook them up side by side with a five gallon or so air tank, that would be pretty good set-up?I was thinking for the price i should use them?

Here's a link to a portable system using one MV-50 and a 2 gallon tank.

http://www.4x4wire.com/tech/portable_oba/

 

[madizell]

I have noticed the MV50 runs a bit cooler if I run the engine while I'm pumping to the tires....

This would be true of any electrical device. It is not the voltage that creates the heat, but the watts of power consumed getting the job done. As the voltage goes up (wattage being constant), the amperage needed goes down, and the fewer amps running through the device, the less heat generated.

W=VA. With that equation, you can solve for any of the three variables, where W = Watts, V = Volts, and A = Amps. To solve for amps drawn, divide both sides of the equation by volts, and you get W/V=A. So, if wattage is constant and voltage increases, amperage goes down.

 

[gearbox]

Anyone know how hot these can get before lifetime runs down?