Equipment Recommendations for Airing Up

[Johnny Rebel]

I don’t see it mentioned very often, but if you ever break a bead on the trail, it's definitely good to have a 12V portable or onboard setup with a high duty cycle. The battery powered portables such as the M18 likely won't get it done (mine wouldn't).

It'd be even better to have something like a PowerTank CO2 setup available.

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[Oldhippie]

I don’t see it mentioned very often, but if you ever break a bead on the trail, it's definitely good to have a 12V portable or onboard setup with a high duty cycle. The battery powered portables such as the M18 likely won't get it done (mine wouldn't).

It'd be even better to have something like a PowerTank CO2 setup available.

good reason to carry a can of starting fluid…

 

[redvettx2]

Adding a 10Lb Co2 system as my air solution. Speed to fill.

 

[Johnny Rebel]

good reason to carry a can of starting fluid…

I’ve done it a few time on big tractor tires. Things can get “interesting” in a hurry, though….

 

[popo_patty]

 

[swamp2]

Yes, as others have stated, get a CO2 tank system and couple it with a set of Monster Valves (rugged, oversize, metal, shrader style valve stems). About 20 seconds per tire to drop or add 20 psi. You'll be blown away upon first use. Simple, light, refillable and blazingly fast. You'll never want to muck around with big, slow, scorching hot, complex to install, compressor systems.

You can even build your own tank setup for way less money than the Power Tanks brand.

 

[Jwis]

I like the CO2 Powertank which replaced a Viair tank, which was way slow. The Powertank inflates a 35-inch from 12 to 36PSI in about 20-30 seconds each. I bolted mine inside my Tuffy enclosure on the right side, but they have Bronco mounts. The tank is easily removed when not needed. Also may be used for air tools. Detriment is it needs to be refilled, which I have not done in about 8 uses.

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[Jmanly]

I have the Thors setup with molle mount. It’s hardwired. Very convenient and fast. Because it is so easy, I air down a lot more. We go on FS roads a lot and it cuts down on the rattling and beating up my Bronco. I put on the CRS hose/reel just because I saw it and liked it.

 

[obx_rick]

Personally, I don't really off road enough to spend $900 on a built in one so I picked up this one on Amazon for $199 and it inflates each tire from 17 to 40psi in about 2 minutes each.

ALL-TOP Air Compressor Kit, Dual Cylinder 12V Portable Inflator

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BXX761KQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[LangleyBen]

The ARB Twin compressor is the first mod going into my Bronco! You can definitely get away with a lot cheaper, but for me it was:

• Saving interior storage space for other things when camping, plus its always there when you need it
• Worrying less about killing the compressor by accident with a cheaper unit and larger tires (worry less about duty cycle and air volume).
• Quicker/easier air up (using the ARB Twin with a Morrflate Quad hose)
• Option to control the compressor from an upfitter switch and use the onboard TPMS to monitor pressure during air-up (works while compressor is on, hose mounted gauges require you to turn off the compressor to measure PSI) - I haven't done this wiring yet, but I can when I want to.
• Lower maintenance compared to filling CO2 power tanks, and lower storage space requirements than power tank (just need a hose)

That said A LOT of people that attended the last local meet-up I went to had portable compressor units. I'm sure cost is part of that decision.

 

[MJ12]

Question for the group - Besides having a built-in solution for airing up your tires, why does one buy a $900 compressor over a $120 portable solution? Also, what are your recommendations for airing up/down?
$980: ARB Twin 12v Air Compressor

$120: Dewalt 20v Portable Inflator

I run the ARB twin dual compressor. Personally I bought it because quality, convince and size. Filling 4x 35s from 12(ish) PSI back to 38 PSI in the middle of nowhere takes some work for a little compressor. ARB engineers their equipment to withstand these extreme working conditions and temps. It fits in the engine compartment, is wired to an aux switch and takes less cargo space away from the rest of my gear. I also use Indeflate 4 with it and it has made things a lot easier for airing up or down and ensures equal PSI on all 4 tires simultaneously. And I was able to swing the expense. When it comes to off road equipment, If you can swing the expense for quality you should... hope it helped.

 

[Bigmoose]

For deflating I have done the screw on staun deflators which worked ok but they were not as accurate as i would like. They sometimes closed early and left a good variance between tires. I now have new method wheels with Apex valves and can accurately deflate in less than 10 seconds. These things are fantastic.

On the inflation side i originally had a viair 400p and it was just ok. Definitely took time to do all 4 tires with a home made 4 way setup. These things 4 way setup was bulky and took time to setup. Sometime you would get sand in the valves and they would leak.

Then i moved to a CO2 setup which is fantastic. I bought the mount from powertank. Instead of buying their way overpriced steel bottle, i just bought a 10# aluminum filled from my local airgas for half the price. I bought a nice 100psi brass fixed regulator online for less as well. Now i inflate one at a time with a single hose in just a few minutes. I’ll never go back to a pump.

 

[Robs]

Question for the group - Besides having a built-in solution for airing up your tires, why does one buy a $900 compressor over a $120 portable solution? Also, what are your recommendations for airing up/down?
$980: ARB Twin 12v Air Compressor

$120: Dewalt 20v Portable Inflator

I have the morrflate two tire system with the 5-10 inflator. It works flawlessly and saved money over the larger compressor and 4 hose system.

 

[swamp2]

• Lower maintenance compared to filling CO2 power tanks, and lower storage space requirements than power tank (just need a hose

Only lower space since it is tucked away, right?

Lower maintenance? Uhhh, no. Perhaps you are referring to refilling as maintenance? Tanks almost never need any maintenance.

 

[LangleyBen]

Only lower space since it is tucked away, right?

Lower maintenance? Uhhh, no. Perhaps you are referring to refilling as maintenance? Tanks almost never need any maintenance.

Exactly! You got it. One less thing in the trunk (space), one less errand to run around town to get a refill (time). Time & Space = Money.

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