On board air vs. Co2

[scully]

I'm looking for some feedback on which system is better. I've been looking at one of Viair's 100% duty compressors with a 3 gallon air tank. Would this system be able to handle filling four 33" and four 31" tires?
Or would the Co2 work better for something like this? Where can you get the Co2 tanks filled? How often do you have to refill the tanks, is one system more reliable than the other, etc..
Let me know which system has worked well for you and any problems or raves!

Thanks,

[papajeep]

I have a ARB compressor hooked to a VIAR tank. It fills 1 tire from 12 to 30 fairly quick but the other 3 take a few minutes. CO2 is definately faster, but then again you have to refill the tank. 6 of 1 half dozen of the other if you want my 2 cents worth.

[k7mto]

Both are good systems and both have benefits and drawbacks. I'm sure there are more, but here's a few...

OBA:
- After initial system costs, air if free
- If belt driven compressor, it's another piece of equipment running off the engine (but the system only runs while filling the air tank)
- If engine isn't running air doesn't work (once tank pressure drops)
- Not portable - can only air up within reach of the Jeep

CO2:
- Cheap to install, but must be refilled periodically
- Self contained/portable - can remove the tank and carry it wherever air is needed


I use CO2 and can fill 4 35" tires from 8psi to 25psi in under a minute

[1BLKJP]

I echo Matt's sentiments on the benefits and drawbacks to each. My 20lb tank and setup cost me about 150 off ebay. I can fill my 35's about 5 or so times before a refill and I have mine filled at Thunderbird Cylinder on 40th St. and University for about 19 bucks.

[SavageSun4x4]

As all have said each have +'s and -'s. I initialy thought I would go with C02, but after much research I went with OBA an electric system.

I like the unlimited and continued air pressure. Yes the C02 can fill 4 tires from x to x in faster than a speeding bullet. HOWEVER the next 4 are a little bit slower, etc, etc untill you would be better off farting in the tires. Remember the pressure decreases as time goes by. Then there is the hassel of going to X place and gettting it done and NO they are always open when you want to go. And NO there is not always somebody available to help you..

For the casual wheeler, I would say the C02 system is better. For the guy who wheels and wheels often, with many trips to Moab and other distant wheeling spots, get some OBA, either electric or York. I like electric myself.

[LOWTECH]

Agree with CO2 vs onboard air - now I went a radical direction, I took the SCUBA tank & fill station fitting my kid use to use for paint ball, a pressure regulator from a used tool shop. Cost depending on what ya have or can find used is =/< than a CO2 tank. Fills a 33" tire in about 30 sec. mine last 6 months between refills and a refill cost me 2$ at a dive shop.

[rvisokey]

Yes the C02 can fill 4 tires from x to x in faster than a speeding bullet. HOWEVER the next 4 are a little bit slower, etc, etc untill you would be better off farting in the tires.

I would have to disagree. With the proper regulator you get great PSI until the CO2 runs out. It's not compressed air but a liquid changing into gas form. You can't think of it like a normal air compessor tank.

As far as CO2 or OBA being better... it just depends upon what you want to do with them. As always you need 'the right tool for the right job' and CO2 is just one of them. I use my CO2 tank a lot and find it extremely fast and convenient, however, I hate the fact that I have to keep an eye on the needle to prevent running out and having to "fart in the tire". :-)

My $.02

[Mad_Medic]

Since I always seem to have problems blowing the bead on my tires while wheeling, I personally prefer CO2 to reseat it. And if that doesn't work, I love it for my air tools when I have to take off the wheel while balanced on a rock somewhere.

Just another 2 cents...

[SavageSun4x4]

I would have to disagree. With the proper regulator you get great PSI until the CO2 runs out. It's not compressed air but a liquid changing into gas form. You can't think of it like a normal air compessor tank.

As far as CO2 or OBA being better... it just depends upon what you want to do with them. As always you need 'the right tool for the right job' and CO2 is just one of them. I use my CO2 tank a lot and find it extremely fast and convenient, however, I hate the fact that I have to keep an eye on the needle to prevent running out and having to "fart in the tire". :-)

My $.02
In that case I stand corrected ;)

[D-Dub]

York belt driven compressor systems are the way to go if you can afford it. You can run air tools with a tank and filling tires/reseating beads is cake. You don't have to have some bulky CO2 rank inside the jeep. No refilling of tanks. I think it is definately the better alternative if you set it up right.

[Antman]

I think I paid $70 for my complete 20# CO2 setup including regular, hose and all, used. If you look around for awhile you can find one for the right price. :D
I really like it because I can also run my air tools on the trail. The CO2 bottle is good to the last drop, pressure wise that is. I have a 90# regulator on mine and I have it mounted in the rear of my jeep.

That being said, I also have a Checker MV50 30A 72LM (2.4cfm) air compressor, I bought for $25.00 a month or so ago. I really like the 12dv compressor as it airs up a bunch of tires fast. We aired up 3 TJ's last time at the cracks from 10-12lbs to 28-30lbs in no time. You can actually see the tire coming up. I have done this a couple of times and although Checker no longer carries them, Pepboys does and the model number is MF-1050. Pepboys sell them for $59. They are a good buy still at that price compared to Viair and other "offroad" 12dc air compressors. I plan on getting one more of them for my other jeep and maybe hard mounting one in my TJ. The only complaint I have is the chense :D filter it has.

[YGOHOME]

on the subject of CO2... Thunderbird Cylinder at 42nd street and university (just west of 153 and university)have always filled my tank without me needing to call ahead or wait and I get to keep my own tank. They fill tanks weekdays between 8am and 2pm I believe. Takes just 5 or so minutes and I only have to pay about $13 to fill my 10# CO2.

- Ben

* I havn't kept track of exactly how many tires I can inflate cause I use mine for other stuff too... but I'd say approx 30 or so 33" tire refills on a 10# tank.

[scully]

Thanks for all the input! It's always good to get some real world testimonials on the products! I'm leaning more towards the air compressor and tank set up. I like the idea of not having to worry about watching the guage!
Another question. When mounting the air tank, where is the best location? We were looking at mounting it under the drivers side of the jeep, right behind the belly skid. It looked like it would be clear of the drive train, and hopefully the belly skid would offer some protection. Has anyone else mounted their air tank there?

[jeepsonly]

Another comment on the York belt-driven setup. I LOVE mine and it blows a lot of air. It's great but here are a few drawbacks:

1) Expensive. Yeah you can get a junk yard pump but add up all the fittings and hose, a coalescing filter (to remove oil from the air), input filter, new longer fan belt, etc. and for me the total is around $450.

2) Even with a nice expensive coalescing filter it still blows some oil.

If I was occassionally four wheeling and needed a cheap pump, I'd probably get one of those Pep Boys deals everyone is talking about for $75 or so. BUT, since I four wheel fairly often and I plan on using OBA to run my ARB locker (as well as a secret project that uses pressurize air), I'm sticking with the York. It's awesome.

If you go with the belt-driven OBA method, you'll want to check out www.onboardair.com (no affiliation).

[k7mto]

...(as well as a secret project that uses pressurize air)


Secret project, eh? Anyone up for a sneak attack on Bill's garage?

[Triple-XJ]

Why I like the CO2 set-up.
This is a Perfect example.

Last night while wheelin Scorpion, Cliff was in a bad spot to pop a sidewall.

The Passenger front tire just had way to much weight on it while the sidewall was being pushed in by a sharp rock, attempting to go down the second waterfall.

pssssssssss,

the air came out quick, he was on his way down a steep waterfall but was stopped in his tracks.

He didnt want to attempt the rest of the way down if fear of destroying his alum. rim, and it was NOT SAFE to change the tire where he was at.

We rolled the Jeep forward just enough to get to the hole in the sidewall.
Cliff stuck 2 plugs in it, I grabed my CO2 tank out the back of my Jeep and gave him a SHOT.

It was much better than trying to crawl over the bolders in reverse just to get close enough :eek: , and we still would need a long hose.


I just do my best to keep enough air in the tank at all times.
Some-times it doesnt always work that way. :)

[jeepsonly]

Secret project, eh? Anyone up for a sneak attack on Bill's garage?

hehe, well I'll explain when I'm done testing, etc. :p

[Tom Jacobson]

My on board air is in Matt's Jeep! :D

He's aried me up a number of times, and I owe him dinner for sure (next time at the Riverbottom, man!). Though after towing him out of FJ last night run, I made up some deficit...maybe!

Seriously, time to make some type of air system a part of the Jeep. Sounds like the little Pep Boys deal might do the trick.

[k7mto]

My on board air is in Matt's Jeep! :D

He's aried me up a number of times, and I owe him dinner for sure (next time at the Riverbottom, man!). Though after towing him out of FJ last night run, I made up some deficit...maybe!

Tom - that tow more than makes up for the air ups. It would've sucked to have to drive the CJ out, stopping every 1/2 mile to refill the radiator :eek:

AFAIC, you get free air ups from me until you get your own system installed ;)