BajaNomad

airing up tires

jimgrms - 7-11-2006 at 03:32 PM

, A question for you beach drivers do you use a air compressor or bottle to refill your tires when you return to the pavement, ? also any recomendations ?

A small compressor-------

Barry A. - 7-11-2006 at 03:38 PM

------really fast, and does not take nearly the space that a "bottle" does (unless you have one that holds a couple of thousand pounds of air).

I use a "Quick Air" compressor, 12 volt, and it cost me about $300 for the one in a steel box with all it's attachments and the compressor inside. I love it.

The cheapee compressors are less than satisfactory as they take forever to air up, and they often just burn up. Get a good one, or go with the bottle.

A not so satisfactory alternative are the old "spark plug" pumps, which I find a nuisance, and slow------but they do work.

Under-hood compressor...

Mexray - 7-11-2006 at 03:46 PM

...12 volt, Viair. If you go this route, don't get a small one...they have a limited duty-cycle, and will take a 'time-out' before you can refill larger tires. I made up a hose-harness, that clips on all four tires and refills em' all together at the same pressure, works neat!

See the latest issue of 4 Wheeler & Off Road Mag for a good article on airing down, and refiling tires in the outback.

Mexray---------

Barry A. - 7-11-2006 at 03:52 PM

-----a hose harness------what a great idea!!!! :light:

Thanks.

Neal Johns - 7-11-2006 at 04:27 PM

Here are some actual tests on several compressors (scroll down to the middle for a great graph). The TruckAir HD300 is the best poor man's compressor at around $40-$50 at several places. It does take a lot longer than the big buck ones.

http://www.eco4wd.com/newsletters/N0403.pdf

I have a TruckAir and also a Viair 400C. With my 32" BFG's and a 900 lb. (dry) pop-top camper, I usually run 25 lb. on the trails and 15-20 in bad (read Shell Island) sand. If really stuck, 8-10 lb.

Being a busy, important man (OK, lazy), I frequently leave it at 25 lb. until I get home. With BFG, no worries, mate!

On line air pressure info: http://www.4x4now.com/sfjun96.htm

[Edited on 7-11-2006 by Neal Johns]

bajalou - 7-11-2006 at 04:49 PM

Great stuff Neal, thanks

David K - 7-11-2006 at 06:48 PM

The one I have will inflate at the rate of 2 PSI per minute... I once tried the Quick Air II and it didn't do much better... and in fact failed as the heat caused a plastic compression ring (should have been copper) to melt. I was not impressed... Mine is a Campbell Hausfeld cordless.

We will come off the beach, hook up to a tire, pop open a beer and go about 5-10 minutes per tire depending on how low my tires were and where I am going (graded or paved roads).

Roberto - 7-11-2006 at 07:35 PM

I don't get it. Why don't more people use 110V compressors with an inverter. A 1000W inverter will drive quite a few compressors that outperform MOST 12V compressors, except maybe the most expensive, and you have the benefit of the inverter which you can use for many other things.

1000W Xantrex inverter = ~$80
Home Depot portable compressor = ~$100

With this combo, I can inflate my 37" BFG Mud-Terrain tires in just a few minutes.

jimgrms - 7-11-2006 at 07:40 PM

I am not running real big tires 235 /70 16 bfg at on a jeep cherokee, guess i am going shopping tomorrow for a compressor a full size spare, and some plywood i want to build a slide in shelf for the back of the cherokee .so i can stow the spare and plastic bins on the bottom and soft stuff on top and then sleep on top , roberto i would do that except for the size a cherokee is not all that roomy.
thanks for the response

[Edited on 7-12-2006 by jimgrms]

David K and Roberto-----

Barry A. - 7-11-2006 at 08:14 PM

David-----the "Quick Air II" that you tried must have been a lemon, and the failure that you mention I will bet is covered by the company. I have had mine for about 8 years, and it performs like a jewel, and always has. I never actually timed it, but I believe that I can put 20 lbs. into each of my 285 x 16's in about 5 min. each.

Roberto-------I really think you are right about the inverter thing---------I never thought of that, but I bet it works great, for a lot less money. I am going to look into that------

Thank you.

David K - 7-12-2006 at 07:19 AM

Thanks Barry... a plastic compression ring for the air tube was a joke... I used to sell plumbing parts and know a copper ring was a no brainer in a hot situation like that compressor created... The Quick Air belonged to Amo Pescar, and he and I were using it to pump up the 4WD van's tires after the drive on the beach at Cielito Lindo in 2001... it had gotten stuck in the dunes when the transfer case popped out of 4WD. If you got 20 PSI in 5 minutes (4 PSI: min.) that is about twice the speed of the 'cheaper compressors' and not sure if $300 vs. $25 is a good deal for 2 more PSI per min.

Diver - 7-12-2006 at 07:56 AM

It's taken my a while to admit it, but, I have a Campbell Hausfield like DK.....

I also carry a 50 cf scuba tank on occasion; that baby will fill four tires, twice each, in a HURRY ! It will also fill my Zodiak in 60 seconds !
If you already own one and you know you will only have to air-up once or twice, they're great ! Probably not worth the investment if you don't already have one.
.

David-----

Barry A. - 7-12-2006 at 09:04 AM

-------the decision to buy what I thought was "the best" air compressor came after my horrible "stuck" at Boca Grande on the drive to San Francisquito from BOLA. I was so mad at el cheapo air compressors after that experience that "money was no object", and I did not know of any alternatives. Now I learn that there ARE alternatives, that make lots more economical sense than the "Quick Air", perhaps.

BUT, it sure is fun to air up quickly with my little "Quick Air" :smug:

Until you just posted, I was not aware of the "Campbell Hausfield" compressor that you, and others, own.

Thanks for the input from you, as well as Roberto and others.

bajataco - 7-12-2006 at 01:48 PM

I too have had good luck with my QA2. Although mine is the "hard-mount" type (not in the portable box) and didn't come with an air hose. Was the hose with the plastic fitting a QA product? I'm also not familiar with a compression fitting (like for refer tubing?) being used with a QA. I thought they just use standard QD fittings. That is a bummer though. When I had mine mounted in the engine bay it would run super hot, but never shut down or melted my hose. Now I have it in the back of the truck and it runs much cooler. I have been using it for about 7 years now with good results. Takes about 2.5 mins per tire (32x11.5x15) to add 16 psi. (18 to 34 psi)

HERE is a nice, fairly recent comparo on air supply devices. Included in the test is the 4 Crawler 4-Air manifold system, which is a topic mentioned in this thread. Roger makes them as a kit for anyone who would rather purchase than build.

And one on deflators too.

Extreme Outback has some incredible 12v offerings.

bajataco - 7-12-2006 at 01:52 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Roberto

With this combo, I can inflate my 37" BFG Mud-Terrain tires in just a few minutes.


That is impressive. Do you mean all 4 tires in just a few minutes? And what kind of pressure differential?

Sharksbaja - 7-12-2006 at 02:12 PM

Mini-pancake 1/4 hp 110v. Easy and fast! Just plug it into my 2500w inverter. BIG tires consume LARGE amounts of air!:lol: Plus I use it for a 1000 other uses.

David K - 7-12-2006 at 07:05 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajataco
I too have had good luck with my QA2. Although mine is the "hard-mount" type (not in the portable box) and didn't come with an air hose. Was the hose with the plastic fitting a QA product? I'm also not familiar with a compression fitting (like for refer tubing?) being used with a QA. I thought they just use standard QD fittings. That is a bummer though. When I had mine mounted in the engine bay it would run super hot, but never shut down or melted my hose. Now I have it in the back of the truck and it runs much cooler. I have been using it for about 7 years now with good results. Takes about 2.5 mins per tire (32x11.5x15) to add 16 psi. (18 to 34 psi)

HERE is a nice, fairly recent comparo on air supply devices. Included in the test is the 4 Crawler 4-Air manifold system, which is a topic mentioned in this thread. Roger makes them as a kit for anyone who would rather purchase than build.

And one on deflators too.

Extreme Outback has some incredible 12v offerings.


Yes Chris, it was the one in the box... the coiled air hose where it connects to the compresor was the end with the plastic compression ring that melted... Brand new unit.

Try and make it to El Rosario... it's a blast!

jimgrms - 7-12-2006 at 08:23 PM

wonder if i should hook up my medical oxygen to air up tires a m6 {2 liter bottle) holds 165 cu liters @ 2000 lbs pressure ,i can see the cherokee floating off like a balloon , and me siting there gasping for air

Al G - 7-12-2006 at 09:04 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajataco
I too have had good luck with my QA2. Although mine is the "hard-mount" type (not in the portable box) and didn't come with an air hose. Was the hose with the plastic fitting a QA product? I'm also not familiar with a compression fitting (like for refer tubing?) being used with a QA. I thought they just use standard QD fittings. That is a bummer though. When I had mine mounted in the engine bay it would run super hot, but never shut down or melted my hose. Now I have it in the back of the truck and it runs much cooler. I have been using it for about 7 years now with good results. Takes about 2.5 mins per tire (32x11.5x15) to add 16 psi. (18 to 34 psi)

HERE is a nice, fairly recent comparo on air supply devices. Included in the test is the 4 Crawler 4-Air manifold system, which is a topic mentioned in this thread. Roger makes them as a kit for anyone who would rather purchase than build.

And one on deflators too.

Extreme Outback has some incredible 12v offerings.


This without a doubt is the best combo for my Motorhome.
http://www.extremeoutback.com/index.cgi?pid=34
Has anyone attempted or researched installation.
8 cfm @ 100 psi is very good. I could build Cabinets in the middle of Baja! :lol: It is an engine mount, because they offer V-belt or serpentine. Anyone know where to get better mounting instructions or drawings?

Barry A....

Mexray - 7-12-2006 at 09:08 PM

...Here's kinda' what my 'hose harness' looks like:

http://www.4x4now.com/4wstlqf.htm

I built mine for about $40...

I have a quick-disconnect fitting to hook to the compressor that has a pressure guage/vent valve, attached. I then have hoses connected together in the form of an 'H' to connect to all four tires with clip-on hose chucks to keep em' hooked up.

I just hook up the harness and vent air till I get to the desired aired-down pressure - equal in all four tires.

Back on the highway, it's the same process, only I let the compressor do it's thing till we get back up to pressure...monitoring the gauge - and all four tires are equalized...just wish I had a larger compressor! The old ViAir 200 doesn't have a 100 percent duty cycle - so it has to take a rest if it's really hot outside.

Last year I put a pair of 8"x4" Stainless louvers on the engine hood to help the airflow up front. While I didn't check the actual temp differences, it seems to be noticeably cooler around the air compressor and seems to help keep it running longer!

[Edited on 7-13-2006 by Mexray]

oladulce - 7-13-2006 at 12:39 AM

We've had this model for a few years and Mr. oladulce says it was worth every penny.

Extreme Aire

El Camote - 7-13-2006 at 10:20 AM

I'll put in a vote for the Campbell Hausfeld I bought many years ago after reading an endorsement for it on the old Amigos site. I paid about $50. at Home Despot.

Downsides:
The largest tires I have on any of our vehicles is 15" and it does great for them but I tried it on a friend's 16"ers and it seemed to take forever to fill. I believe it's only supposed to run 15 minutes before it needs to cool down.
Also, I don't know how long the rechargeable batt. is supposed to last but it's not replaceable and mine seems to have lost a bit of capacity through the years.

Upsides:
Cheap, even if it is disposable after the batt. goes south. The portability is great, no cords or long hoses, just move the whole unit next to each tire. Charges on AC or DC with cig. lighter plug. Charge while you drive. The motor isn't huge but much bigger compared to the cheapie $20. models to make a significant difference. And it has two cig lighter receptacles for running other small 12v loads, like charging a cell phone or making my spotlight portable.

It's definitely a good step-up from the $20. crappy units! :bounce:

just my dos centavos

Bajalero - 7-13-2006 at 10:56 AM

I bought 3 of these. For the price you can't beat it . Kragen and PEP Boys used to carry them from $25 to $50 but are getting hard to find

We compared the performance to a quik air and came to a fast conclusion that the QA is not worth the money

These have heavy clips to hook directly to your battery , weigh about 5 or so lbs. and come with a nice nylon stow bag

http://gearinstalls.com/pepboys.htm

http://cgi.ebay.com/SUPER-FLOW-NEW-HIGH-VOLUME-PORTABLE-AIR-...

Sharksbaja - 7-13-2006 at 12:44 PM

I use that awesome "Truck Air" comptressor a lot........... on my Lawnmower. ;D

bajalou - 7-13-2006 at 01:28 PM

One thing some of the explorers of the area around here did was mount a A/C compressor on their desert buggy running from a 2nd pully on the crank (same pully as used for the power steering in the VW powered race cars). Then mount a small tank somewhere convenient and carry the usual tire filling hose - also air tools. Just activate the elect. clutch and build up the air you need. I've seen these on half a dozen rails around here.

:light:

Roberto - 7-13-2006 at 05:53 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajataco
That is impressive. Do you mean all 4 tires in just a few minutes? And what kind of pressure differential?


Yes, all four tires in a few minutes - say 20psi differential in about 2 minutes per tire.

Taco de Baja - 7-14-2006 at 07:43 AM

My hard mount Firestone compressor works very well.

It produced enough pressure that I was able to re-seat a bead on a large 265/75/R18 tire last summer...try that with a chepo-plug in compressor from Pep-boys :rolleyes: However, for insurance, I still carry a backup chepo-plug in in case the firestone fails....;D

I attached a block of aluminum to the top to assist with the cooling, and have since added a quick disconnect for the airline attached to the air tank.

[Edited on 7-14-2006 by Taco de Baja]

bajataco - 7-14-2006 at 12:10 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Roberto
Quote:
Originally posted by bajataco
That is impressive. Do you mean all 4 tires in just a few minutes? And what kind of pressure differential?


Yes, all four tires in a few minutes - say 20psi differential in about 2 minutes per tire.


For 37" tires, that is great. So what kind of weight/dimensions does it have?

Roberto - 7-14-2006 at 06:46 PM

It's about 36" * 10" * 10" mas o menos - weighs about 20lbs I guess. Not tiny. Check out this one: http://www.bostitch.com/default.asp?TYPE=PRODUCT&CATEGOR... . Available on eBay for about $85.


[Edited on 7-15-2006 by Roberto]

Desertbull - 7-15-2006 at 05:03 PM

All Great ideas and uses...but what about the very simple bottle of CO2 or Nitrogen with a high-flow valve. I have 5 or 6 of these that I pass out when we race and they run air powered impact guns, air rachet guns etc..and fill tires fast than any of the rest. They don't require any 12V or 110 and they can be stored almost anywhere. You don't need to get the fancy PowerTank--- make your own for 1/3 of the package pricing they sell them at...you can fill them up along the Peninsula and they can be used for about 101 different things...i.e. such as blowing the old crusty boogers off of the old guys like Neal, letting your Angel blow dry her hair on the beach...ah-right---LOL, but seriously you can use them to clean out carbuerators, air mattresses, change tires, air tires, blow off the ice from the top of your Pacifico....

I just returned from 6,000 mile road trip and just back here at The Nomad Nation to see what the heck is up with you slackers...:lol:

Air Up Amigos!

DB:cool:

sunshine - 7-23-2006 at 12:08 AM

For cheap compressed air, find a friend who works at a restaraunt, they always have an old CO2 regulator with a bad gauge floating around. Hook the regulator to a 25lb tank and screw the pressure gauge all the way down. You can then pick up a coiled hose with disconnects and all the fittings in kit form at Sears for about $20.00. A little teflon tape and 5 minutes and your in business. I keep one in my garage, runs the kegarator most of the time, but on vacation I use it for filling tires, very fast and very cheap.

Axel - 7-23-2006 at 07:11 AM

You can get a bottle and regulator at a welding store for about $160. Way less than the ones they sell at offroad stores. If you are looking for speed this goes quick. Also can run airtools.

bajataco - 8-2-2006 at 05:26 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Desertbull
...they can be used for about 101 different things...i.e. such as blowing the old crusty boogers off of the old guys like Neal, letting your Angel blow dry her hair on the beach...ah-right---LOL, but seriously you can use them to clean out carbuerators, air mattresses, change tires, air tires, blow off the ice from the top of your Pacifico....

I just returned from 6,000 mile road trip and just back here at The Nomad Nation to see what the heck is up with you slackers...:lol:

Air Up Amigos!

DB:cool:


LMAO... hairstyling... now that's one I hadn't thought of! :lol:

6,000 miles?? NICE - where'd u go?

Desertbull - 8-2-2006 at 08:57 AM

Eastern Michigan above Lake Michigan and all throughout Wisconsin...too bad its so far from Baja...otherwise I'd be pedaling cheese curds...LOL

Tim

bajataco - 8-2-2006 at 09:53 AM

Whoa! That IS far from baja! Must've been a family-related journey ;D I hope you had a good trip.

Cheese curd rocks! :yes:

LOL

Desertbull - 8-6-2006 at 09:32 AM

Nah---CORR Racing/(Championship Off Road Racing) short course stuff 1.5-3.0 mile tracks at 100 mph...it's like NASCAR in the dirt, but trucks side-by-side raging.

You can check it all out at DirtNewz.com - Providing live event coverage from off road racing events throughout the US, Canada and Mexico.:tumble:

[Edited on 8-6-2006 by Desertbull]

[Edited on 8-6-2006 by Desertbull]

Neal Johns - 8-6-2006 at 02:40 PM

DB, those are not old crusty boogers, they are Burro Biscuits. I get them because I am a Baja Aridologist and prefer a good roll in a burro wallow to letting water touch my pristine young body. Got that? :lol::lol::lol: