CO2 Tank for onboard air- what size?

[Java]

I'm considering this, and I've found a ton of 5lb tanks for under $50.00. Is 5lbs enough? Anyone running CO2, can you describe your setup? THANKS!!!

[Chris]

10lb is pretty standard Paul but 5 would work, just need to fill it more often which isn't normally a big deal. Basically you just need the tank and a regulator which is the key part. I had a homemade setup previous to the Powertank I have now and it worked fine until the regulator failed.

[Java]

That sounds simple enough, and I remember a recent post about quickfists that should work for a mount. I guess I could get a second tank if it turns out to run out too quickly. Anything special to look for in a regulator / anywhere with good prices? Thanks!!

[Chris]

I ended up biting the bullet and buying one from the Powertank people. Pricey but trouble-free so far though previously mine was used for some other purpose. Obviously I'm not recalling the details but check the tech section, there's info there.

[Brody]

There is a breakdown in the OBA section in TECH that lists all the sources for the valves, the most expensive stuff to sort out, as well as sources for the tanks themselves. I believe that you can put the whole system together for around $125 with some careful shopping.. The smaller tanks will work better in a Jeep. Most of the welding supply places, like General Air Service and Supply, stock various mounts. I don't know whether you would be able to get one of the FIST ones big enough to go around a small tank.

[Java]

These guys have the best deal going that I've found so far for tanks, and they're certified w/ a warranty. 10lb tank for under 80.00 including tax sounds about right- with the valve on top of the tank, do I also need a regulator?

The Liquor Barn in Denver sells Draft Equipment (https://thedenverliquorbarn.com/index.php/draft-equipment/)

From that site:

The Liquor Barn Buys & Sells CO2 Tanks
https://thedenverliquorbarn.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/CO2-5LB-Tank-New-173x300.jpg The Liquor Barn Buys & Sells CO2 Tanks

5LB Brushed Aluminum – New $79.99
20LB Brushed Aluminum – Used $109.99
50LB Brushed Aluminum – New $229.99
2.5LB Steel – $39.99
5LB Steel – $59.99
10LB Steel – $72.99
15LB Steel – $84.99
20LB Steel – $99.99
50LB Steel – $195.99
We exchange empty tanks for full tanks. Swap prices are:
2.5LB Steel – $6.00
5LB Steel – $10.00
10LB Steel – $12.00
15LB Steel – $14.00
20LB Steel – $19.00
50LB Steel – $40.00


These purchase prices are for FULL tanks, with new or current hydrostatic stamps. For an upgrade charge, you can trade for larger tanks, or switch steel to aluminum. Some conditions apply. If your tanks stamp is older then five years, you will need a hydrostatic test, and an extra $15.00 charge will apply. We don’t always have every size, so call first. We always have lots of tanks, and will always work something out with you.

[dcoop]

I built my 10lb tank for about 125$.

Aluminum Co2 Cylinders, CO2 tanks, CO2 cannisters (http://www.aquariumplants.com/Aluminum_CO2_Cylinders_CO2_tanks_CO2_cannisters_p/t.htm)

Poly Performance JEEP/TRUCK & BUGGY :: CO2 & Nitrogen Kits :: Poly Performance CO2 & Nitrogen Kits :: CO2 Fixed Regulator - 4X4 Off-Road Parts, JK Synergy Suspension Systems, Fox Racing Shox, Beard, CNC Brakes, Johnny Joints®, Currie Enterprises, Edelbrock, Pit Bull Tires, Ramsey Winch, ARB, Walker Evans, Wilwood, Mastercraft, VIAIR, Sway-A-Way (RaceRunner) Shocks, Co2 & Nitrogen Kits, Total Chaos, more.... (http://www.polyperformance.com/shop/CO2-Fixed-Regulator-p-297.html)

78$ for 10lb aluminum tank, 40$ for regulator.

[Brad]

That's a pretty good deal Dylan, thanks for the links! :thumb:

[Java]

Thanks, Dylan!! I'm debating a 5lb tank. I usually don't go below 20 lbs and then back up to 30, and I have 33x12.50/15s. I found this discussion about it: 5 lb. CO2 tank - JeepForum.com (http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f9/5-lb-co2-tank-246316/)
I guess it depends how you look at it... it's a very small tank, that's the advantage. It's 1/2 of the 10, that's the disadvantage. :D If the chart can be believed I should be able to go from 20 to 30 maybe 4 times for all 4 tires, so refill every 4 trips that don't require unexpected air. Or air tools.

I may also get a small compressor too, Home Depot has a $30.00 one now, HF always has those.

[Chris]

Paul, 10lbs is really a nice size and I suggest seriously considering going over what you think will be good. Kind of like tires, you know, 33's would be good but 35's better but this is a whole lot less. :rolleyes:

My 10lb sometimes lasts a full season, 2 fills always does and you have to consider the convenience of less frequent filing. Nothing worse than running out in the middle of a Moab trip. Yes, a compressor is a good backup but after using CO2 you'll find a compressor annoyingly slow and inefficient. The cost & space for a compressor would probably be about the same as going with a 10lb tank. Just my :2c:

[Brad]

I want the tank for air and already have a back up compressor!

[Kory]

How many tires or sets of tires are you guys getting on a 10lb tank?

[Chris]

Sorry Kory, I've never kept track...

[Java]

How many tires or sets of tires are you guys getting on a 10lb tank?

the Jeepforum link above has a chart:

http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/2958/co2stats4sd.jpg (http://imageshack.us/)

[Kory]

I have been comparing a good pump and a co2 tank for awhile now and just recently realized that the tank is almost twice as fast. I knew they were faster but I did not realize the difference was so big.

[scout man]

My york OBA is the same speed as CO2, and cost me less and I never have to refill it. I can fill a 35x12.5r15 in just over a minute from 10 to 30 psi. Can also run air tools off of it without the concern of running out. :2c:

[Brad]

I only noticed when I was always the last to air back up! :p

[Java]

My york OBA is the same speed as CO2, and cost me less and I never have to refill it. I can fill a 35x12.5r15 in just over a minute from 10 to 30 psi. Can also run air tools off of it without the concern of running out. :2c:

OBA for less than $120??? Sign me the **** up!! Can you post a link to it?

[Kory]

Most of the co2 tanks fill 15psi to 30psi in 87 seconds.

[Java]

Just found this on Stu-offroad:

TJ York OBA - 1 (http://www.stu-offroad.com/otherwriteups/oba/oba-1.htm)

looks like more reading than I can do on my lunch hour, but the cost does seem low and the benefits are clear. I'm going to look it over- I'll probably still do a CO2 tank atleast for now since it's so fast and easy to get going, but long term that may be the way to go. It's a thinker. Thanks, Steve!!

[scout man]

Hey, you answered your own question before I even got to it! :D I must admit though that it was a bit easier on my rig, as it came stock with a york for the air conditioning, so most of the hard part was already done. Mine was literally just changing hoses and adding a pressure switch and some tanks. But with the results I acheived, I will never go any other route! It works amazingly well, and I use it for all sorts of stuff.

In case your wondering, Scouts had the larger of the york compressors installed with any of them that had the optional AC. There are several compressors for sale on CL right now for cheap, and if you find a scout in the junk yrad, there is about a 50% chance it will have the compressor that you want in it. MIne will fill 5 gallons of air tanks from 0 to 125 psi in under a minute.

[scout man]

I had a writeup on here about mine somewhere, as I think I did it a lot cheaper than most of the writeups who buy special high-dollar adapters and tubing and stuff, but I havent been able to find my writeup for a while now. I will have to do another one when I get time, which wont be untill probably mid July.

[dcoop]

I would highly recommend the 10lb tank over the 5lb tank. It's not that much more and doesn't take up that much space.

I had a York sitting in the garage, but decided not to use it. I don't keep air tools in the jeep, no interest in wanting to use them on the trail. I rarely break out the impact gun in the garage, I don't really need it on the trail. For just airing up tires it's hard to beat CO2. I don't yet know how many tire fills I get out of a 10lb tank as I haven't had to have it filled yet. Only cost me 12$ to fill. When I was comparing the cost to install the York I was looking at years before the CO2 set up started costing more, and that's assuming nothing on the York ever breaks. That was figuring 2 or 3 fills a year. At the rate I use CO2, in 10 years I'll have spent >120$ in fills. I can live with that.

[Chris]

I have the Powertank brand which has a setting for tools but hope to never need to use it for that though I do carry an impact gun just in case.

[Brody]

I would highly recommend the 10lb tank over the 5lb tank.

Me too, especially if you don't have huge tires. I swapped my 10 pound to Chris for his 20 pound as the CO2 doesn't last that long filling up 38" tires from 10-30 pounds, no matter what anyone says. Fast, yes. I also use the CO2 for carpentry stuff when I do small projects and don't need a big compressor or need an impact for an out of the shop project, so the bigger tank makes sense to me. Didn't do this stuff and if I had 35s or something smaller, the 10 pound would be fine. I think the 5 pound CO2s are more an emergency tank...or someone's idea of an expensive joke....