Why I'm Throwing My ARB Air Compressor In The Trash For A New PowerTank CO2 System
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- Опубликовано: 30 сен 2024
- UPDATE 2024! My PowerTank got demoted after I got this new high-speed low-cost air compressor - Watch the video here: • Thor's Lightning Bolt ...
Links:
Visit the Power Tank store here:
amzn.to/3Ny1kH1
My ARB CKMA12 Twin on-board air compressor:
amzn.to/2nBGg8j
UPDATE: March 2019 - After only using the ARB Twin Canister for the 2nd time since making this video, it finally died.. We are still sticking with the PowerTank CO2 system but instead of throwing the ARB in the garbage I think we'll see how good the ARB support is/how well they stand behind their product after this 3rd failure...
After just over two years my ARB on-board air compressor is failing for the third time. In that same amount of time I have had several air-fittings and hoses fail - So I'm replacing the ARB compressor with a PowerTank 15LB Co2 system. I got "Package C" which comes with everything I need: regulator, hoses, air-guage, roll-bar clamps & mounting bracket, and also comes with a emergency tire-patch kit for those bad days on the trail.
Watch the video to see why I LOVE MY POWERTANK and why the ARB is junk in comparison.
Apologies for all of the quick-cuts and poor video quality.. It's summer in Southern California and the temperature in the studio (aka, the garage) was approaching 100°F so I had to get in & out quickly. I had to do the whole video in 1 only or two takes and there was an issue with the lens used.
UPDATE 2024! My PowerTank got demoted after I got this new high-speed low-cost air compressor - Watch the video here: ruclips.net/video/wtbNlDP55GM/видео.html
What size tires?
35" tires. Usually airing down to 7-8psi and always airing back up to 30psi
I was able to get 14 out mine, going from 12 to 30 with my 37's
On my 98 ZJ Laredo the AC evaporator has a gpod leak in it, so i cut the lines off the AC compressor and added an old empty 20lb propane tank to my jeep, an standard air compressor pessure cut off switch, some lines, a toggle switch, self feeding oiler inline and ended up with a grand total bill $75 for onboard air.
Also have an "octopus" manifold valve setup that allows me to connect to all 4 tired and air up at the same time, will air all 4 from 0psi to 35psi in about 1:30 to 2:00 mins
@@patrickgronemeyer3375 lol because the co2 tank is at 200+psi. That arb will never get you there. That's why he can fill up so many times. Try filling your tires once on 15 tank of just standard compressed air with no air pump to help out. Never going to happen. Now mind you I will never leave home with out my pump. It never runs out of air when you need it the most.
Bike pump. It takes me about 3 days to fill back up but my shoulders are big as can be...
Hmmmm... i should try a dick pump!
😂😂😂😬
😂😂😂
Fart pump, need lots of beans and a tight A##
I've done this for a friend who was in a bind and I just happened to have it in my jeep because I brought my bike with me. One tire took about 15-20 minutes, but it felt like an eternity...and I'm not covered in gym lumps (ridiculously large muscles). Let's just say...I don't recommend it as something to squeeze into a cross fit routine.
Most welding supply stores also fill CO2 tanks. Typically they are a lot less expensive than paintball shops.
I think your biggest problem with the air compressor is that you mounted it in the engine bay. Heat is the killer of a lot of things including compressors.
Randy another drawback with a power tank is you loose rear storage area and with that larger tank you loose a lot of room.
I agree they do take up room, and for a Jeep sized vehicle I'm sure space can run out pretty quick if you carry a lot of gear...I had a 1/2 ton truck with plenty of room in the bed, so for me it wasn't an issue...
John Garcia definitely a concern for me as I sleep in the back of my Jeep when camping.
You can mitigate that a bit though. He bought the biggest tank available. The 10lb tank is quite small and their are roll bar mounting options that get it off the floor. Still it is larger than the ARB compressors.
The primary disadvantages of a power tank are size, capacity, recurring cost, and opportunity time loss. The problem with the original compressor system was that it was badly engineered and manufactured to fit in a restricted space in the engine compartment. Alternate installation locations combined with small increased in size would have a low impact on cost (probably lowering it), while improving reliability and serviceability..
AND IT'S A BOMB. Mount that thing in the wrong place, roll into a sharp rock, and goodbye hearing.
Refill cost too much. I would rather wait 2.5 min and it free
I don't have the dual ARB, but I have the mid-size ARB, which drives my ARB lockers, and I also use it to air up. It takes 3 minutes and 10 seconds per tire to air from 10 pounds up to 27 pounds with 37" tires. I air down and up on the average once a week, year round. My ARB pump cost under $300, and I mounted it on the driver side tray in my LJ for about $10 worth of parts, including extra hose and fittings to go to the front bumper. I installed it 4 years ago (over 200 airups), and have not had it fail or show signs of wear.
When I installed the ARB, I stopped using my two 10 gal CO2 tanks. (I didn't throw them away :) The reason I switched was that filling the tanks cost me about $20 each to fill at local welding supply shops (such as Airgas) and each 10 gal tank was good for about 11 tires (a little less than 3 air-ups) so each complete air up of my jeep cost me about $7.00 in CO2, totalling $350 per year.
You complained about overheating your ARB after airing up just 9 tires, so you must be airing up a couple of your friends each time. I've never overheated my ARB, but I only air up my jeep. I air it up year round on the desert, so temps go up to 120 degrees (much hotter under the hood). For me, reliability is not an issue (yet!)
If you are airing up 9 tires very often, your CO2 cost would be over $25 for each 9 tires. I did like being to air up quickly with the CO2, but to me the cost of saving a few minutes doesn't justify the expense and inconvenience in taking the tanks to the shop for refills. When I was wheeling in remote places ("Overlanding") it was impossible to keep my tanks filled. In those cases the electric pump is a lot more convenient . So, if you just run out and back local trails and don't mind paying for the convenience of airing up fast, the tank is great. If you are wheeling often or airing up multiple times in remote places you can save a lot of money with an electric pump. BTW, in our local club, that holds runs weekly year round, only a few of the over 100 members use tanks, and most of them carry a portable electric pump so they can always be able to air up if they run out of CO2.
very well said. Thank you for the input
Let me tell you a story that may save some lives. In 1994 I worked as a sanitary pipe welder. We dealt with lots of stainless steel, pumps, valves, etc. While working at a soda plant in California that produces the uncola we had to install a ss tank that was about 6 feet in diameter and 20 feet tall. I had to send a guy into the tank from the manhole on the top in install the uhmw bushing that the manufacturer forgot to install. Ordinarily breathing air should not have been a problem for 1 man in the tank. The tank had a 2 inch opening on the bottom with nothing attached and the manhole on top. As my coworker went in the tank somebody else that wanted to be in charge but had a problem paying attention stuck what he thought was a 1/4" air line in the bottom of the tank. The majority of the valves in these plants are air operated and there are air lines all over the place. The difference here was that this particular soda pop plant ran Co2 to all of it's valves. Co2 is odorless, colorless and will kill you before you even know it. Before I found out about the Co2 line in the tank I noticed mu coworker couldn't climb out and he was getting light headed and confused. Had it not been for the SCBA or Self Contained Breathing Apparatus that the plant had for emergency's they would have pulled a corpse out of that tank. Having a Co2 tank inside your vehicle with a regulator and hose that goes off road is a disaster waiting to happen.
An accident thankfully avoided but caused by negligence. When mounted properly and used according to directions, a Power Tank is harmless in even extreme situations. Our brackets are tested at the King of the Hammers and the Baja 1000. Our regulator guards are machined in the USA from solid billet aluminum to protect the valve and regulator assembly. There is a blow off cap set at 3000 psi to prevent bottle or valve damage from over pressurization. And unlike Carbon Monoxide, there are signs of elevated CO2 concentrations, as you've stated yourself. If you suspect a leak, simply open a window, a task made much easier when you're not trapped in a pipe.
Only it you think it is air.
When all else fails your solution is open the window??? I think you need to open one.
@@PowerTankOfficial i don't agree with you. First mistake is thinking your product is 100% accident proof.
Most accidents are human operator induced.
Bicycle pump and my children to operate, no flabby arm kids 🤣🤣🤣 good video as always 👍
Running a modified York A/C compressor, belt driven from the engine (not 12v). 150psi. Old BBQ gas bottle as the tank. Hard lines to outlets on both sides of the 4WD
I hope you at least got them a good floor pump! Those frame mounted hand pumps are no fun for even bicycle tires! 🤣
No tuckshop lady arms in your household.
I just call AAA and have them come air up my tires after wheeling
haha, great idea! Would probably be faster than using the ARB !
@@TheNotaRubicon You must make pretty good money. You've spent about $2000 on putting air in your tires.
I just carry my, under $200 pancake compressor 150lbs and free refills.
"Hey AAA... I just passed through Hell's Gate in MOAB. I could use a little top off."
Powertank is cool, and yes it is faster, but one thing that i believe makes it more versatile is its application in colder environments or seasons. A powertanks pressure will drop dramatically in colder conditions, leaving you with less filling capabilities. What make the ARB nice is its versatilitty in different conditions.
Simply solution to this whole thing. Instead of adding this CO2 tank. Add a air tank for your compressor to store air and call it a day. Done deal.
It doesn't work that way. CO2 tank is about 800-900 psi, compares to portable air compressor, which can pump upto about 120 psi.
Even a tire shop with powerful air compressor, with large air tank, takes about a minute to air up 37" tire. Small CO2 tank does that in 30 secs.
There's now 27 more people that share your ignorance on how c02 volume works.
Coming from a lowrider n custom car background, I have bagged hundreds of cars since the 90s. So when I took to offroading, I went with a 5 gallon Hoosier tank and dual Viair 444 compressors. They have worked reliably over the years for all my customers and my rides. I use it to inflate from about 15psi to 50psi on my 10 ply 35x12.50r17s on my 08 3500HD. I also run air tools off of it when necessary. Stuffed it under the bed where factory spare went. I run dual spares in my bed instead. I will say, if it's cold as balls outside, 30 seconds per tire is great! I just cant see paying $30 for refill whenever I run low.
having a compressor inside your engine bay is a very bad idea. they dont like heat and you stick it right next to the hot engine.. no wonder it failed so fast
Powertank is great. The fast air up is addictive.
But, I stopped using it because of a few things:
1. Refilling gets expensive
2. You always run out when you need it most, then you're stuck or bumming air off someone with a compressor. People end up buying a second tank as backup...
3. You have to pressure test the tank to keep up on it. Obviously needed for safety but the tank is a consumable, not a forever item. For this reason, people build their own setup with cheaper steel tanks or a bevmo aluminum tank.
4. If you have one tank, and it's 2/3 empty, you end up having to refill anyway for a trip. It's no good if you can only refill three tires before empty. It's impossible to tell how much you have left. Many have set min. prices for fills, so again, added hassle and expense of refilling all the time.
5. air tools EAT through CO2 tanks. Don't expect to use accessories except in emergencies or unless you have a couple large tanks.
I ended up going back to a compressor and tank setup just because it is reliable and you will always have air. Yes, it's slow but you're on a trip, a couple more minutes isn't going to kill you.
Just my thoughts using CO2 for years and just getting burned out on constantly dishing out money to use it.
Personally, if I am going to drop that much money to run CO2 I would go ahead and buy a compressor or a means to refill it myself. I have a high output compressor I bring with me to air up but since I am planning on going Air Locking Diffs (someday after re-gearing...), the ARB mounted compressor just seems like a no brainer. Spending 3 minutes to air up a tire is not the end of the world to me. Great video though :)
Put your ARB in the back of you car not the engine bay. This will stop you from cooking it, ever time you drive the car. Good luck with co2 hi presser tank in your car on a hot day. You may blow the burst disk from the elevated heat.
if you just put a 10lt tank on the arb compressor it takes the heat out of the air and it doesn't overheat at all. ARB pressure switch is 150psi which it plenty.
Thanks for creating another great video! We are currently working on redesigning our JKU Mount once the JLU Mount is in full production within the next few weeks. We appreciate the feedback as it helps us constantly improve our products.
My tank got grooved from the mount. I’m not sure if it was loose or not. How deep of a groove is dangerous. The gas shop said they probably won’t fill it again and I might have to buy a new tank. Thanks
I've been running a 10lb tank for so many years I've lost track...It was mounted in the bed of my 2wd pre-runner and yes I'm the envy of every other guy waiting for his cute little compressor to air back up...Since that was a 2wd I really only aired down the rear tires which means I got a fair amount of air ups...Now I've got a my first ever 4wd truck (a 2018 Ford Raptor) so will have to see how long the 10lbs lasts...
A couple of hints: First get the PT digital scale so you can really tell how much there is left in the tank, second don't run power tools (which I did for several years) instead there are really great cordless 1/2" guns out there for the lug nuts which will really save on CO2.
I also really like the PT air chuck with the liquid filled gauge and the clip on end...
The regulator and hose end does get very cold but one reason the PT stuff costs so much is its really high quality and can take that cold.
Sorry for the long comment...enjoy your videos!
I appreciate your assistance with the hints! You definitely know your stuff and congrats on the new truck! Let me know if you have any questions about getting your Raptor set up.
I used an old a/c compressor rigged up with a fire extinguisher bottle and a toggle switch on the clutch. Junkyard parts didn't cost much, and you can switch it around so you can pull vacuum as well. I did it like that specifically because I didn't want to spend a lot of money on it......works ok.
One of the best pumps. You can get very high pressure out of an ac pump, very few moving parts too. However, you need to be drawing in clean dry air as the ac pumps are built for being in a sealed system and also pumping gas with oil in it for lubrication. It will fail at some point, but they tend to run for a good while before they do.
A predictably unsafe setup,. Fire extinguisher bottles are not rated for high-pressure gas containment, not even the output of an A/C compressor.
A C02 fire extinguisher bottle is
@@Sethjxl get a York
@@psdaengr911 Most are pressure tested to 300-500+ PSI its fine. Be sure to read.
Awesome video. I too agree with the Powertank or a DIY CO2 canister. I’ve seen the ARBs fail too often and like you said, the more connections and fittings you have, the more likely you are to have a failure.
Hey! Awesome review! I just happen to know Steve (PowerTank), so I'll tell him about that self-tapping screw issue. Steve will definitely want to hear feedback like that. Happy trails!
I try to blow air in them like I'm blowing a balloon up. Takes a while but my VO2 is off the charts
Is there a safety factor carrying the CO2 system inside your Jeep? After enjoying your off road adventures and you're home, do you replace the CO2 with regular compressed air in your tires? My Jeep is a daily driver too. My buddy gave me a 20lb CO2 tank from his restaurant. I assume it would be fine to use. All I need is a regulator and a mounting bracket for the tank.
One of the main benefits of a Power Tank over other CO2 systems is our billet Regulator Guard designed to protect your regulator and valve from a 4 ft vertical drop onto concrete. Our competitors use cheap cast parts or typical, standard plastic handles. We saw a Power Tank survive a nasty rollover accident (as well as the occupants inside, thankfully) because of our handle. Check it out: instagram.com/p/Bty-GqejfXQ/
Fortunately, our Power Tank handles fit multiple standard tank necks so they can be fit onto your beverage CO2 bottle.
CO2 is perfectly safe to leave in your tires. We have a whole page dedicated to the subject on our website and include third party articles: powertank.com/pages/nitrogen-truths-and-myths
every 5 years you have to get the tank hydro'd.
that only costs about $30
Hey guy's co2 is also welding gas 15 buck's 20#
tomintexas817 try running nitrogen it's better for your air tools, no condensation. And I thick its about the same price or cheaper
And if I'm not mistaken nascar pit crews use nitrogen two
I've gone for a scuba tank system. I already had the tank and the regulator as I'm a diver. A low pressure inflator tyre inflator and a foam tank holder were the two purchases I had to make. Super fast to inflate tyres... About 2 seconds per 1 psi.
$14 To refill my 10 lb tank. Runs all my air tools better than any compressor. Luvin it.
useless for big trips in Australia, you wont see any co2 refill place for weeks up in the desert.
I mean if ur pump fails your sol too
I started out with a C02 system from PowerTank and i love it for the speed and it's ability to run my air tools, then i added the twin ARB under the passenger seat as well as a backup to the tank in case i was on a trip out of town and ran out of CO2 and that works out nice as well. I have found a nicer solution to the paint ball shops that worked out pretty good... i bought a 60# siphon tank and get that filled and got a transfer hose and a scale and just refill my own...
1) for the cost
2) the paint ball shops i was using were only telling me the tank was full but they only out in about 1/2 and unless you use a scale there is no way to tell.
3) getting my 60# filled in only $31 including tax
4) the down side is you have to buy the 60# tank the 1st time ( mine was $300 ) then you just swap it out for a full one.
The issue with filling tanks is that if you don't freeze the tank or really cool it down quite a bit it's not possible to fill it all the way, so i put mine in the freezer over night and then you get a perfect fill every time.
it all works great for me
Thanks for that info Chris.
Very true! When shopping around, it's good to check if the shop does a transfill (like your paintball shop) or if they have a CO2 pump on premises. Whether they have a pump or not, it's a good idea to chill your bottle before bringing it in. Even with the CO2 pump at our shop, we still chill all of our bottles for about half an hour in the freezer before filling.
plus a long time ago i saw a shop submerse them in a cold water tank as well... obviously they did lots of fills to have a tank like that set up in advance, what i'd like to do is set up something like the propane bottle distribution locations only in 4x4 shops that will just exchange bottles used for airing up so you can get a nice looking bottle back.
It's best to have the compressor *and* the PowerTank. If price is a concern, you can DIY with a DOT approved tank and a regulator.
10 years with an ARB CKMA12, no issues...except for waiting 4 months for an O-ring rebuild kit that even ARB didn't have in stock.
Thank you! What I've been saying
Harbor freight sells metric and standard O ring kits
That's amazing, maybe they made them better back then. The two I've had crapped out in less than 2 years.
I'd always rather have a compressor because eventually you will run out of air and what if it happens when you're on the trail. Plus the cost of refilling.
I'll keep my ARB, plus I'll have a Power Tank...👍
Same mate, I'll keep my ARB twin compressor. I don't run a power tank
Aren't there laws about venting CO2 in to the atmosphere now, you know since this climate change thing became an issue.?
No
No, you're thinking of R12 freon probably
Thank you for the honest opinion on the ARB on board compressor! I was considering getting one but now I know I made the right decision. I used a small portable compressor for a couple years. It works but it's slow and heats up quickly. I opted to buy the Smittbilt 10lb CO2 Tank for cost reasons compared to the Power Tank. Smittybilt $278. I can fill up all four 35" tires from 14psi to 30psi 4 to 5 times easily. It takes about 38 -40 seconds per tire. Tank refills at the local Home Brew Beer supply store for about $23. The only issue I had was the regulator on the tank quit working the 2nd time I used it. Smittybilt stepped up right away and sent me a new regulator no questions asked. The Smittybilt tank seems a little less quality compared to the PowerTank as far as the gauges go but it does get the job done and it cost about half as much as the PT. I keep the portable compressor on board as a back up.
How dangerous could a tank like that be in a serious crash
Not very. A Power Tank survived a nasty rollover accident (as well as the occupants inside, thankfully) due in large part to the stout billet Regulator Guard that is machined in the USA out of solid aluminum. See the pictures here: instagram.com/p/Bty-GqejfXQ/
Additionally, all CO2 tanks manufactured in the USA will have a safety burst disc to prevent over-pressurization in the event of being overfilled or overheated. And CO2 is relatively safe and non-toxic in low concentrations. In a standard vehicle, there is not enough CO2 to displace the standard air in the cabin.
I’m using a 25 lb co2 tank got from my buddy’s restaurant. He charges me 32 bucks or the exchange. I bought an adjustable regulator off ebay that looks very similar to the power tank regulator. Works great and runs my air tools. I’ll be using this to spray raptor liner as I can dial in the exact pressure, unlike an air compressor that varies. The tanks are ugly, so I cut up a pair of the wife’s yoga pants to make a sleeve for the tank. Kinda like a reusable wrap.
HA! Love the wrap idea. 😂
I'm finishing up my first air locker setup on my Cj, honestly I never had to contimplate. I already use co2 in my daily life as a air brush artist, l blow people's minds when they see me working off a silent setup that's
unbelievably consistent. With zero Condensation Great video but!
I have had my Power Tank for many years (maybe 10+) and love it. We use it in the toy hauler when taking dirt bikes or a UTV and obviously when we take the jeeps out.
I have never had a onboard compressor. I like the mobility and simplicity of the Power Tank.
The ticket: a small Sears portable 110v compressor and a small dc/ac converter for power. Total cost, less than $200.00. Done. Mine happens to be Sears when my local store went belly up, I got for $100, but there are many small good air compressors and they don't take much space. Love it, easily and cheaply replaceable.
CO2 diffuses through rubber. Some tests indicate upwards of 20% in two weeks. Compressed air would be a better long term solution than CO2.
Care to share these tests, please? We've been using CO2 in our tires for 20+ years without fault.
CO2 is soluble in butyl rubber.
Not exactly scientific, and this guy took 3wks to lose 20%, but he has a point. www.exploringoverland.com/overland-tech-travel/2016/3/25/3izopxom72k7p3vxpvjtfuhk7ouscc
I used Power Tanks for my 87 YJ because it had ARB Air Locker. When I aired down to 15 lbs and then aired back up with the CO2, the tires would bleed back down over a period of 3-4 weeks to what I had them aired down to. The CO2 I put in seeped out through the pores of the tires until it was all gone. I would then air back up with the garage compressor to 32 lbs and the tires never lost any more after that. BUT, every time we went wheeling and aired back up with CO2, they bled back down to the off road pressure. If you wheel every weekend, you will never realize this. BUT if you only wheel once every couple of months, it's very obvious. Do the experiments. Happened every time. We use a Portable Viair 450P 100% Duty Cycle placed on the RF floor board with the A/C running full tilt on it to keep it cold rather than mounting it and allowing it to get hot. Hasn't failed me yet. I am thinking about getting the Portable ARB Dual compressor in the box with the tank so I can keep it cool with the A/C also. ALSO, the Power Tanks regulator (older ones) would ice up pretty bad on humid days.
I'm running a hard wired 1500w continuous / 3000w peak sine wave inverter and a dewalt 6 gallon pancake compressor (10 amp, 165 max psi, 2.6 scfm) that I take with when needed. The inverter was less than $100 and I already had the compressor. For less than $100 I have have a mobile air source that will air up a 35 inch tire in 30 seconds. Even if you had to buy everything you need to duplicate this setup, it would cost under $250. As an added bonus, you have a 110v air compressor thay you can use for light duty chores and an inverter that you can use to power 110v tools in the field. Just make sure you secure the compressor when you're out on the trail.
This is the most practical solution I've seen! what power inverter brand are you running?
I was thinking about aunning a tank. But i looked around and decided im going to get (2 )12v dual piston portable compressors off ebay around 50-60$ a piece and hard mount them under my hood to the battery. And fill the tires on both side of my jeep at the same time! Cutting my fillup time im half. It easily keeps them in thier duty cycle and dont have to worry about overheating. Ive been told a hard wired portable compressor works a littler better than the alligator clips and also i fill mine and a buddies tires at the same time if needed. Also ive ran 2 compressors of the same battery before without issue. And the whole set up is just over $100. So i could fill all 4 tires in 6 min and not have to pay hundress of dollars. You just need the space under the hood. My 93 yj doesnt have an AC compressors so i have plenty of rool to make a bracket and mount mine there without issue. Also ive never heard of anyome trying this soo it should be afun experiment and a very good saving if it works out.
I no longer actively use CO2; I had a 20lb CO2 tank originally. I found that after a few flats letting out the CO2 it attracted too many mosquitos. On the trail I had the spare filled with CO2 as well, airing it down to trail pressure also attracted the mosquitoes. YUK! I do carry paintball 20oz cylinders for emergency use, but for myself in the summer the CO2 was an great annoyance. Also use CO2 for the air locker activation. Do like the silent operation of CO2 versus the electric motor noise of compressors.
What I mostly use is an over pressurized (65lbs) spare tire that airs up all four tires from 8-12lbs to 18-19lbs for on the road use with 35-40lbs still left in the spare tire after airing up. The spare tire acts as an air tank. Application is 31/10.5/15" on a Samurai. I will be testing using the spare on my Tacoma in a similar way when I get around to it. Most tires sized for the Tacoma have an on-road use maximum pressure of 80lbs. I would have no problem exceeding this pressure MAX 80lbs as the spare is not being used. My on-road pressure currently is only 28lbs on the Tacoma.
Also find the local hydroponic supplier warehouse they will trade tanks out on the cheep.... But you would have to abandon the pretty paint no
All I got out of this is, absolutely no upside to getting a power tank! So I’ll be sticking with my arb twin which I’ve had for almost 10yrs & has never let me down!
Could you use the CO2 as a fire extinguisher. I could therefore discard my extinguisher and compressor to justify the size and weight of this tank.
I have a jeep , they're known for fires so I have a big extinguisher, as well as a compressor. I could possibly make a fire suppression system, like mining vehicles.
So you said your ARB would shut down after filling 10 tires, that’s a lot of use! But now you’ve limited the use of the PowerTank to just 17 tires over four trips. ARB takes up less space and is always ready, PowerTank takes up more space, runs out when you least expect it and cost $$ to refill plus to save air, you are limiting its use. That convenience comes at a high cost..
I have my ARB compressor installed, in 2007 JK Rubicon, in the floor storage compartment behind the rear seat. Excellent, caus it's in an area of low temp, receives cool, clean air, and runs without any probs. It runs to activate ARB diff locks front and rear and inflate tires. CO2 system takes up tooooo much room!!! Space is important. Cheers, Phil - New Zealand
I run smal ARB CKSA for lockers & Smittybilt Compair co2 tank to air up. I originally had a Powertank that some douchebag stole right off the rollbar mount at the offroad park. Figured I'd try to Smittybilt version at $200 cheaper and it's just as good, pretty much the same damn thing.
I haven't had the doors or top on my jeep for over 2 years...I'd be worried my power tank would walk off. I'm thinking ARB for me.
Interesting, Thanks for the review! I use a SmittyBuilt compressor. It works well enough for what we do. The one thing you didn't address is how big that tank is. Looks like it's really in the way of your cargo area. I wonder if you can mount them to the roof rack so you can use them for #overlanding.
A few people have mentioned how much space the Powertank uses, but honestly it does not take up much space at all.. it's mounted on the rollbar and touches the floor but I could raise it several inches to save some floor space.. We have the larger 15lb tank - the smaller 10LB tank is much smaller.
Did you hear how much that thing cost? On the roof so some crackhead can pawn it
They can be mounted nearly anywhere! Our brackets lend themselves well to custom mounting solutions and we have roll bar clamps from 1.5 to 2.5" diameter tubing. The bracket itself accepts a padlock and the Power Tank is easy to remove if you also use your rig as a DD.
For at least 10 years, I’ve used a 20lb grey CO2 tank with a fixed Powertank 150psi regulator. I usually swap it out after 5 fills, 10 psi 35” KM3 to 40psi (lots of highway driving to trails). I used to just swap it out at hydroponic suppliers here in Las Vegas for $12-18 a swap. Sometimes you get aluminum tank, sometimes it’s steel. The two shops I used to go to are gone! So I went to a welding supply shop. $58 for a swapped tank. 😓 not sure what I’ll do going forward. I’m on 38” now so a compressor doesn’t seem like a good idea for me.
You can get scba tank that is carbon fiber they go up to 4500 psi and fill them yourself with a high pressure compressor.PCP air gunners use these tanks.The tank your using most likely only goes to 3000 psi.
Two 10# Powertanks. One for ARB lockers front and back, as well as 4 airbags for suspension. Another is used for airing up and down, but I don't do that much. The Scorpion is at 8# front 6# rear all the time, as it is not something I will drive on the road for any distance. MT Baja Claw 39x16" tires are too expensive to kill on asphalt. It is street legal with a plate, though, (mostly). I did make a one to four hose that has clip-on connectors at the tires so I can air up all 4 tires at the same time to the same pressure. I do this on the tow/support vehicle when it has to go off-road: '07 GMC Yukon XL, 3/4 ton, 4wd, 6.0L Whipple supercharged, 4.56 gears, 32" Ridge Grapplers. Electric pumps are stupid.
I use the Viair RV450 system. Everything fits in one bag; easy to move between vehicles; 10psi to 40 psi in 90 seconds (faster than ARB, slower than CO2); lower cost; longer cycle time than ARB; takes up less space; quieter than ARB. Onboard air is over-rated. If I need a supplemental air tank, for lockers, air horns, air bags, etc., I can still mount one inside the frame underneath and plumb it to fill with the Viair when needed (I did this on my F-350).
Biggest negative I see with the Powertank is that you have to pay to refill it. I guess it all depends on how often you actually need to use air. Filling up tires, possibly using air tools, etc. But let's take a look at an example using figures discussed in the video. ARB compressor costs $500. Then $100 for the bracket, and $200 in labor to have it installed. Total of $800. Now lets look at the Powertank. He got Package "C" for $600. He installed it himself so no labor costs. To get it refilled, however, It costs between $20-$30. So, for the sake of the argument, let's go with the lower figure. At $20 refills, you only get 10 refills before you match the total cost of the air compressor. ALL REFILLS AFTER THAT put you over the cost of the compressor. Now, he said he got 17 tires filled on one tank so far. assuming he's not empty, let's just guesstimate that he can fill 20 tires per tank. (This is where longevity comes in) 20 tires per tank puts you at 200 fills to match the price of the compressor. Being that you have 4 tires that's only 50 times to air your tires up. Mathematically at 20 tires per tank you're paying $1 per tire filled. So if you plan on filling 1,000 tires, there's an extra $1,000 that Powertank costs. (Let's say you have some buddies who need their tires filled as well) meanwhile, once you pay for the compressor.....AIR IS FREE!!!! You can fill 2,000 tires and total cost is still only $800. Just something to think about.
I have not use a CO2 system however I do carry 2 1.5l 9k psi nitrogen tanks intended for paintball or PCP rifles.
They do me well long as there is a local paintball ship where I can fill them. I have always dreamed to install a PTO compressor or Hydraulic compressor that I could install into my road service truck.
My onboard air system airs up all 4 tires in 4 min 50 seconds. I can also air down in 4 min 30 sec. My whole system including 4 linked hoses only cost me $330. I always beat my 3 buddies with power tanks. I air up to 30 psi and air down to 12 psi. Every time my buddies have to pull out their tanks then hook up their hose then attach and detach 4 tires. I only need to quick attach 4 air chucks and flip on the power switch. And yes the twin ARB system sucks. They have failed several times with my buddies. I have 37” STT Pro tires D rated. I can share my system if anyones interested. In all fairness, if you use a 4 link hose system with the power tank you can air up all 4 in about 1 min or less. If you air up one tire at a time with the power tank it will take you about 4 min since you have to connect and disconnect four times. In my opinion if I can air up all 4 tires in 5 min or less then that’s fast enough for me and it never costs me a penny more. If I had a power tank I’d go broke refilling it as often as I air up. Plus power tank is going to cost you about $550 for the equipment to get started. And if you buy the 4 link air hose system it’ll cost you about $120 to build yourself or $250 to buy a good quality one on Amazon.
I've been using an ARB compressor for about 3 years. It keeps blowing hoses close to the compressor because the air coming from the compressor gets really hot. As a result I've been considering trying a power tank but I will be keeping my ARB as a back-up...
G'day from Australia... I use a "PX07" 3/4hp 12 volt air compressor (100% duty cycle), coupled to a LPG cylinder (you guys in the states call it "propane"). The compressor is the first thing I fire up each time I start the Silverado. It provides air for a couple of LARGE and loud sets of horns as well as front/rear quick connects and air bags (both rear suspension assist and the Airsafe Hitch. Here in Australia, we tend to do a lot of remote travel and filling a CO2 bottle wouldn't be possible a lot of places we go. I'm wondering what pressure you were operating your ARB unit at please? My system cuts off at 120psi.
I use a York210 AC Compressor to just pump air. There are two 4.5 Gallon Air Tanks I mounted on the Frame Rails of my Dodge RAM. The York takes about 3 minutes at idle to fill the tanks from 0-200PSI. The Refill from the 165-200PSI switch is 15 Seconds at idle and 8 if I am driving. I have a tool port under the hood regulated to 100psi and one in my tool box that goes strait to the 200PSI tanks. The compressor can do 9+ CFM @ 90PSI by itself and can run most air tools by itself. I paid $37 for the compressor at the U-Pick-it Parts place from a 1973 Mercedes. The compressors are found on a lot of mid '70 to mid '80's Cars and trucks. I designed the brackets to mount the Compressor on my HEMI engine and they were cut out of 3/16 steel with a 1400W Laser. To get room to fit it, I had to replace the intake & filter with a cold air kit. I also have a filter to remove Water and Oil from the Air line. a 235psi blow off valve, and a 300 PSI sensor to a digital gauge on the dash. I also installed a sight glass to monitor the oil level in the compressor. It uses about 1 oz of oil per hour of run time.
The cylinder I have is a quarter size of yours, 3000psi AIR not CO2, costs £2 ($2.50) to fill and very portable
Second hand cylinder, second hand regulator, maybe $50 the lot
I use a compressor that feeds a set of hoses to each tire, such rig NOT mounted on vehicle. So getting it out and stowing it away is a royal pain in the clock. I typically air down to 8 psi and highway pressure is 36. So a tank feeding my 4 tire rig would be great! If I do what you have done, could I use nitrogen from a welding supply shop? Seems it would be cheaper by eliminating the retail middle man.
Why CO2? SCUBA cylinders would be cheaper to fill wouldn't they? Different fittings and guages/regs, but cheaper DIY surely?
I have an 1400 watt inverter with a Thomas Air pancake compressor. Great for tires and all beach inflatable toys. Will inflate a tire from 17psi to 38psi in about a minute and all a 6 foot long canoe in about 2 minutes. Been using it for 10 years and this compressor hasn't need maintenance or refills. 😁
It seems if I was only using for myself and had the ability to fill conveniently, wouldn't a 5lb tank work. There are plenty of 5 and 10lb tanks on amazon for under $50. I am just thinking about the lack of space in the jeep and keeping the cost down. I don't think I would need a regulator so maybe just a gauge and some connectors
I would like your ARB compressor if you intend on throwing it away. My 1996 Range Rover 4.6 HSE has a lousy air-bag system, but it does have an air reservoir, what it needs is a decent compressor that can produce up to 150 PSI, and those non computerized switches you have, those would solve the $1,500 dollars in typical maintenance parts this vehicle seems to require on a yearly basis. Please leave a comment here if it's still available, I am very close to retro-fitting coil-springs.
I have an ARB twin pump under the passenger seat and 1 gallon air tank under the Jeep by the passenger foot well. Never had a problem... My whole campsite is inflatable - 2 queen mattresses an inflatable tent... So it’s running for about 15 mins solid at every camp site 3-4 Site’s per trip - then for about 5 mins on the way off the trail for tires. 8-10 times a year for 5 years. A tank wouldn’t be able to cope with the volume of air for my camp site as its primary purpose. I’d run out 1/2 way and be stuck with nothing unless I had two large tanks - one of which would always be half full. Or the backup hand pump sweating away at that... The ARB twin and tank are invisible and always there...
I have used a 15 # power tank for 15 years or so. Still the same unit, had an issue with the regulator and they rebuilt it for me no problem...even gave me a bunch of stickers with the bill. It was WAY out of warranty. I am building a York based compressor for my Jeep as a back up.
Don't let any of that highly toxic greenhouse gas escape! It might make the trees grow. And those trees might produce more oxygen. And then Joe would be real mad.
Viar OBA CF with 2.5 tank. Compressor is tucked under chassis and the tank is mounted in the rear cargo area. Came with an ARB Hose that easily reaches all 4 tires & Installed by 4WP. Have not used it really to speak of yet but beats the Master flow I used at Big bear Last summer. Very Happy with it so far. My only gripe is that I want a hose with a built in air gauge.
BTW anyone know of an adapter for compressors to let you use them on rafts? Something that increases airflow reducing pressure with a PSI cut off? Good video
ARB Dual with an 2.5 Gallon Slim tank. Yes it doesnt inflate in less than 30 seconds, take about 2 minutes per tire for 35-12.50 but since its air, doesnt introduce acidic content that eventually will damage your TPMS sensors, degrade the rubber in the tires and even damage the inside of the rim. Every time you fill up with CO2 you are generating a good amount of moisture due to the rapid pressure change in the tire. This happens with regular air too, but regular air isnt acidic. That moisture combined with CO2 produces an acid that then sits in the tire. The more you do it the more acid you build up in the tire. This can lead to potential catastrophic tire failure, damaged rims and failed TPMS sensors. Not to mention having a compressed CO2 tank at about 4000PSI in your jeep. This is why the only compressed air that any tire manufacturer and car company recomends is either Air or Nitrogen.
Hah! I just went the other direction and replaced my home brewed Power Tank ($200 total) for a portable ARB twin compressor. Smaller size, similar cfm output, and easier to move between various vehicles. I’ve kept my CO2 system in the garage instead of having a big shop compressor.
Grass is always greener on the other side.
I'll go with air compressor on board the vehicle, simple enough to rig up a tank to hold reserve air for different projects. Much more versatile.
Just purchased the 10 lb. tank system...will never go back! Thanks for sharing!!
i am using a power tank 20 pounds. i went that big because, my jokey box use it. so when the jokey box is not being used we use it for camping quads trucks. we usally go to gorman pismo, dumont , when we air down our trucks for sand, my tires are 37 13.50 10 20 i air down to 12 pounds when towing a 28 toyhualer so i will not get stuck in the sand
I’ve been sitting on a compressed air tank from my paintball days for some 15 years in my garage... now I know what to do with it!
Would system would you recommend if you need to air up a Nuetech Tubliss System for Enduro bikes...need to get to at least 110 PSI
This just in. HAM operators informed me that Powertank is not approved for transmission over GMRS frequencies.
I'll continue with my cheap compressor hooked to a 5 gallon tank than ran out to an accessory hose and my air horns
I don't go off road, but I would love to have your ARB for an emergency way to do a tire fill. I know they are much better than the harbor freight el cheepo's. If you would be willing to sell it please let me know. Thank you.
Great video, I do love CO2 tanks for carbonation water or to make soda water, I own 3 X 10 lbs CO2 tanks, 2 tanks are used at home for the water fountain and the the last tank is in my car, I bought the cheap version of the Power Tank, this is the Smittybilt Compact Air system. I drive a BMW and I am really tired of adding air to my tires with an electric pump that takes 2-3 minutes for a couple of lbs. BMW's are kind of sensitive with air pressure, just 1 lbs under and will turn the TPMS light ON. This tank is bulky and heavy, but takes a few seconds to add air. If I stop at a gas station, sometimes they charge $ 3.00 for air and it also takes a few minutes to add it. This tank is around the $ 300, the purpose is to make it faster rather than saving money.
Thomas air compressors, as far as any of these "mini" compressors go you cant beat em, there all 100% duty industrial compressors, expensive, but ive only had to buy them once instead of multiple times in few years for the other ones (Firestone etc). As far as airlines and hoses failing, not sure what you got there but it sounds like cheap junk. I just good quality air hose and parker fittings and that system has been going strong for 12 years now.
I carry a $30 harbor freight 12v compressor. Its still going strong after airing up many times over the past 2 years.
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Compressor for me. Viair portable. Because lithium powered impacts do they job wirelessly and your only as fast as the slowest guy in your group. I also prefer not to have a large pressurized tank holding that much psi in the cabin.
I did co2 thanks long ago and it was best decision ever order a mounting clamp on amazon for $35 and all cost me under $100
Tank is a 20 pounds is all you for several fill up from 15 psi ,and refill for $9 from a friend .
I use a Typhoon twin pot air compressor at the moment.
In a previous vehicle I made my own system out of an old air-conditioning compressor plumber in to an old converted forklift LPG cylinder mounted under the tray.
I would engage the compressor clutch 100m from the car park and by the time I got there I had a full 150 psi head of air and could air up 4 X 1050 R 15 tyres from 12 psi to 30 psi in 2 minutes flat.
Unfortunately no room for an extra A/C compressor in my new car 😞
I'm using Co2 on a 20lb tank with the interstate products Co2 fill kit with a tank adapter. It take a little longer to fill tires like 5min to do all 4. 35s 22-55psi. A quarter the cost. And I just trade my tank for fills
My personal opinion - ARB compressor mounted under the hood taking on the engine heat and dust from the trail all day has got to be bad for it. I use a ViAir compressor that I run a hose from the compressor to my spare tire/wheel. I went and added a 2nd tire valve on to the wheel. Then I attach a 2nd hose to the spare tire and then run it around to the 4 tires that are on the ground. This essentially gives me a free spare air tank (low pressure 80psi max, high volume) that takes up zero extra space and does not require the compressor to run as much to pump up the 4 tires.
I had a mini truck and used viair compressors that lasted years.
These arb compressors are made in China and the quality control is all over the place. You can get a good unit or a bad one it's luck of the draw.
If the compressor fills a tank then you use the air from the tank it will give the compressor longer life. Allows it to cool down
Can't understand the price and I'll probably buy one, but you could probably buy everything you need from a welding shop and make your own
I have had to go back to arb twice with my compressor because it would get that hot the hose would melt and blow off the plug that goes in the compressor. The first time I used it they had a different release and it didn’t have any coverage of the metal release mechanism and it burnet three of my fingers and it was about 3-5mm deep and when I showed them they said it would have to be sent to Melbourne HQ to be assessed. When I got it back two weeks later it had been changed to the new mechanism which is covered in thick rubber and I had the same issue with the hose melting and they got me to show them how I used it to pump up my tyres. So I showed them and they tried to say I had pumped it for to long in between tyres and then I said in the manual it states that I could do two tyres then let it cool before doing the other two. The funniest part of me showing them is I couldn’t even be bent over for that amount of time as I had trouble with my back and I said when I do my tyres I have a ice cream break in between the first two tyres and then my son helps with the second two and we take about 20-30 minutes to do all four tyres. So they gave me a new one used once on 4x4 and more show on channel 7 and a spare hose and said they couldn’t do any more with it as they had done all they could because I was past the warranty and my father in-law got a Aldi one ($99.95) and it does same size tyres and twice as fast for a fifth of the price?????
Comparing a compressed air storage tank to a compressor is like comparing a dorm room to the cabin of a large SUV. Yes, they share some features but one just sits there while the other does actual work. It's not a replacement, it's a displacement. Now someone else owns a better compressor, and you pay for that compressor, $25/fill.
Looks like a reasonable thing if you live and 4WD close to a major centre, but here in Aus where a lot of us head out to remote areas to get away from the crowds and find the best campsites/fishing spots/tracks it can be thousands of km away from the nearest place to refill a tank on such a system. I'll stick with my ARB compressor as not only does it do my tyres, it also runs my rear pro locker
I have believe your location is the issue. I have mounted mine under the passenger seat in the cab, and many others in my group have as well. Not a single issue with the in cab mounted compressors. I need a compressor to run my lockers, and that's really important. Just as important is that space in my cargo area. This seems like a clever solution for people who dont spend much time away from "town" when they go offroad.
9 or 10 tires at once? I think I see your problem.
For real. Way out of it's duty cycle. Even mid sized viair electric compressors only do about 40-80% duty cycle.
I don't generally like to keep a 2000 psi bomb, lightly mounted, in the back of my vehicle, but that's just me. I'd hate to roll over, knock the valve off and that thing El-Kabong me in the cranium... Small cartridge CO2 cylinders in a hand-held inflator don't imperil people inside your vehicle if you must go that route.
CO2 has a typical bottle pressure of 5-800 psi. Nowhere near the 2000+ psi of HPA or N2 bottles. There is also a safety seal in the valve that is set at 3000 psi which will harmlessly purge excess pressure if the bottle exceeds 3000 psi. Our brackets are put to the test at the King of the Hammers and Baja 1000. Our regulator guard will protect the regulator and valve assembly from a four foot drop onto concrete. If you have any other safety concerns, I would be happy to assuage them.
CO2 tanks do not explode if properly maintained and tested properly. There is a safety pressure release device on all Power Tank valves in case of fire exposure and the entire valve is surrounded by a solid aircraft aluminum guard. It is nearly impossible to puncture the tank. In military testing, a Power Tank was shot with a bullet. The material simply spewed out of the bullet hole while the highly engineered tank maintained its integrity. The biggest danger is anything becoming a projectile in an accident. All Power Tanks should be well secured in a vehicle.
CO2 tanks are much safer than Nitrogen tanks from the perspective of exploding because the contents are mostly liquid. If there is a mechanical failure (such as the valve shearing off or the tank being penetrated) the gas expansion is limited by the thermal energy available to convert the liquid to gas. A large fraction of the liquid will convert to dry ice (solid CO2) and the expansion rate of the remaining liquid will be far less than Nitrogen (which is also generally much higher pressure). The volumetric storage efficiency of CO2 is also much higher due to the phase change. That said, CO2 is heavier than air, odorless and colorless and kills if the percentage breathed is too high. Entire towns have been wiped out when CO2 is emitted in bulk from lakes in the wrong circumstances and this mass of CO2 flows downstream (since it is heavier than air) and kills everything that breathes in its path. Just 1% in air causes drowsiness, and 8% unconsciousness. Always close the main valve on the tank when not using it, don't rely on the regulator, hoses and fittings. Don't remove the protective guard around the regulator. Be Safe!