12V Compressor vs HP Air Tanks - Pros & Cons?

[XJLI]

I love my CO2. Using an old 35lb fountain soda aluminum bottle. Costs me $30 to fill locally (and it costs a little extra to get certified and tested every couple years). I got 1.5 seasons out of it on 35s, now on 31s in my Disco it is going to last a long time between fills. I'm on the beach a lot, and in under 2 minutes can go from 7-8 lbs to 30 lbs in all four tires. I'm running a 90PSI fixed regulator, and leave it mounted inside. My air hose reaches all 4 tires.

 

[bluejeep]

My solution for the last 10 or 15 years was a 110 volt air compressor, running on a DC - AC voltage converter / inverter that I installed in the Jeep.

Advantages include the compressor runs at a much lower rpm (in my mind that translates to longer life, and it is much quieter), the voltage inverter is available to power other things, and since the compressor is not hard mounted, it can be used around the home as well.

Disadvantage = not as fast as the co2, but I'm rarely in that big of a hurry. also, can't run air tools (but, I don't own any air tools, soooooo......)

hope this contributes at least 2 cents worth

 

[Scott Brady]

CO2= Day Trips
Compressor with Tank= Everything

Try to get that PowerTank across the Belize border

 

[Tumbleweed]

Whichever way you choose, do not skimp on the air hose you buy. The little yellow $7 ones from the hardware store will fail when you least expect it. Go to a hydraulic hose shop or truck stop and get the good coiled 25 ft or so hose and put your choice of fittings on it. I like the QD fittings. The cheap hoses will break in cold weather, will kink in hot weather; etc. I paid roughly $35 for a 25 ft hose that is guaranteed not to kink, and is tough. Got seven years on this one with no issues.

 

[1stDeuce]

I used a REALLY cheap 12v pump for several years. (I won it at an offroad event and used it just to see how long it would last...) It was REALLY slow, but I must have aired up 100 tires with it before it finally died. I mostly used it to go from low pressure (15psi or less) up to 20-25psi for whatever drive I had to get to a compressor.

After it died, I actually missed it, so I bought a more capable 12v compressor, the MF-1025 off Epay for ~$30. It works quite a bit faster and a little bit quieter, and is capable of hitting 30psi in a more reasonable time, but it's still pretty slow. For occasional use, it was fine.

Then I found the best solution of all. The 4.0L that I put in my jeep came with an A/C compressor, but my Jeep is non-A/C. I finally got off my ******** and plumbed up the pump to an old ARB hose. WAY FAST!!! After a few years I wore out the hose so it wouldn't stay on the valve stem, so I had to hold it. Then it wouldn't seal anymore... Time to do something different!

I mounted a 3 gallon aluminum tank under the back and plumbed it to the compressor through an actual switch and oil separator. Perfection! If you have room underhood for an additional compressor, or provisions for a stock compressor that you're not using, this is the HOT TICKET to on board air!! Even with the small aluminum tank, it's still half the weight of a CO2 system, and I can fill tires just as fast.

I've used it to run an air impact, which works fine. Haven't tried painting with it yet, but I know it would put out enough volume.

You may have to put a little extra effort in to get it all working, but after that, it's a lot less effort to use than either of the other options. I've been using it for 3 years now and it's still working fine with occasional oiling.

Chris

 

[SoCal Tom]

Then I found the best solution of all. The 4.0L that I put in my jeep came with an A/C compressor, but my Jeep is non-A/C. I finally got off my ******** and plumbed up the pump to an old ARB hose. WAY FAST!!! After a few years I wore out the hose so it wouldn't stay on the valve stem, so I had to hold it. Then it wouldn't seal anymore... Time to do something different!

Chris

This was my favorite option on my Early Bronco, It had a mustang motor, I just used teh A/C compressor, plumbed in a small tank, and a pressure switch. Fast air, ran air tools. I did put an oil seperator on teh output to try and keep the oil out of my tires, but it was easily my favorite option.
Tom

 

[bfdiesel]

I have a dewalt nail gun compressor and inverter. I can run air tools as I have also turned my suburban's front bumper into a reserve tank. Not the quickest but it works. Once I get the engine swapped in f350 I will have an engine mounted one on it and the dewalt can just live in the suburban.

 

[Crom]

Buy a viair 90P compressor. About $75. Reasonably fast, light, small and reliable. That's what I use.

 

[RoyJ]

No one running a Puma?

I've got some cheapies for now (under 1 cfm), and want to make a serious upgrade. My heart says Oasis XD4000, my wallet says Puma! Wish I had bought the Warn VTC when it was still available for $600; a good middle ground.

An Oasis is total overkill for my Explorer, but since I don't have a 2 stage compressor at home, it can also fill up my bus tires (100+ psi).

 

[Ducky's Dad]

Wish I had bought the Warn VTC when it was still available for $600;

I got one of the single cylinder versions of that compressor for $400 just as they started to clear them out. Puts out 12CFM free air and requires no plumbing for OBA because it has its own power switch, pressure switch and expansion tank. Just wire it to the battery and you are good to go. Too bad they are gone.

 

[RoyJ]

Too bad they are gone.

Yeah thanks for making me feel better!

 

[Ducky's Dad]

Try eBay and CraigsList. They were around for quite awhile before they finally sold out. I think they were just too expensive for market conditions during the recession.

 

[Skinny]

I'd have to say my favorite and probably towards the higher end of cost is the engine mounted compressor. You can use an existing A/C compressor and build it dirt cheap or do a York which requires a bit more leg work to find and get appropriate brackets. I've literally ripped off my A/C hoses, got the correct barbs, installed an oiler and dryer, then wired the factory A/C module to the air tank pressure switch. Truck idles up correctly and just simply works. Most amount of pressure/volume for the money and makes air all day long quietly.

If you already have good working A/C or not enough engine room, you are out of luck then.

 

[Jersey4x4]

Hmm I thought you guys would of had freezing issues with the CO2 tanks...

When using CO2 to weld we have to run a CO2 heater before the value to warm up the gas to avoid freezing the valve

Which could lead to Ethier failure or seizing open

 

[Skinny]

I've had zero issues with freezing of my cheapo regulator. Smashed plenty of gauges though!

My tank used to frost which was nice to see what level was left inside and the regulator would get a nice coating but never froze up. I was also drawing into a yellow flexy hose with little flow so maybe that helped with all the restriction.