PowerTank versus air pump for large tires

[kaupke5]

I would like to hear any opinions on the Power Tank (CO2 tank) compared with on-board air pumps for filling large tires. Advantages/disadvantages, real-life experiences, etc. Thanks
Jeff

[Ski4Ever]

Not exactly "large", but I have had no problems using both methods (not at the same time ;)) to fill up my 33" tires. Both ways seem to work about equally well. CO2 may be a little quicker, but not by much. I'd say you really can't go wrong with either system.

HTH,
Matt

[kevh2]

initially, a CO2 tank (with regulator, hose, etc) is cheaper and easier to aquire and set up but you do have to get it refilled every so often (depending on how much/often you air down) which will cost you ~10 bucks.

true OBA on the other hand will cost you a couple hundred bucks but you wont have to worry about refilling. i have heard of yorks and sandins and plumbing a tank fairly cheaply, but those are parts you would have to find.

for comparison: a 5lb CO2 tank will take a set of 4 33X12.50s from 10 to 30 or 35 around 4 or 5 times

i have CO2 (not saying it is better or worse than OBA) and recently picked up the following:
5lb aluminum tank-$70
125 psi regulator-$30
hose kit with many attachments-$20
total-$120
this is all new stuff and i am sure you could find it a little cheaper (maybe used) elsewhere.

[offroader5]

Oh yes, can definitely find it cheaper if ya look hard. I found a place here in Phoenix that sells the 10# cylinders for $65 and 20# cylinders for $75-$80. 20#'ers are a bit large to tuck out of the way though for trail use. Also one trick is to not pay a large amount for a CO2 adjustable regulator. Instead buy the fixed regulator at say 110 PSI then get some "shim springs" that will up the regulated pressure to around 150 PSI. Then go to Home Depot/Lowe's and pick yourself up a run of the mill Campbell Housfield mini regulator with gauge for a mere $20. This will allow you to regulate to a low pressure and use the CO2 for welding if you want, but turn it up to 150 again for airing up those big meats really quick:D

I would go with the CO2. It has one more use than the A/C compressor systems or 12v systems....which is welding gas on your on-board welder (if equipped). My $.02

[Underdog]

CO2 is drier then compressed air also so your air tools /lockers and tires will thank you;)

[satan]

Originally posted by Underdog
CO2 is drier then compressed air also so your air tools /lockers and tires will thank you;)

That is, if the tools can overlook the extra corrosiveness of carbon dioxide - oil and clean em well!

I do like the tanks better - they're simple and can be brought to the problem - sometimes getting a hose from an OBA system to a problemed ride can be difficult or impossible -- the portability is a plus -- If you refil with dry (beverage grade) CO2 then oxidation is a little bit quicker than would be with normal compressed air, but proper maintenance of tools and tires should help to alleviate that - I'd caution strongly against getting oiled CO2 - it's GREAT for tools, but tires aren't as happy with it.

[YJ DAVE]

CO2 is classified as an inert non-flammable gas. At STP CO2 will not liquefy until it hits minus 78 degrees Celsius (-110*F). in over a decade of working with compressed CO2 the only problems that I have seen is with the severe temperature change that parts under go as the gas changes peruse, and condensation forms on the outside of the part. CO2 MSDS (http://www.hoopersupply.com/msds/co2.htm) The crosion that you are thinking of could be caused by carbonic acid what can form if H2O and CO2 combine and form H2CO3.carbonic acid (http://www.gps.caltech.edu/~ge148/1998B/co2.html) CO2 on it's own is totaly inert.