BajaNomad - Info on bicycle style air pump for truck tires

Info on bicycle style air pump for truck tires

shari - 4-12-2008 at 06:00 PM

I was wondering in the infinite wisdom of Nomads...if someone knows about tire pumps...someone said they don't make em anymore...you remember..the old pump you could pump up your car tires with...like a bike pump but skookum (really works well) we are finding all the compressor types don't last very long at all and are for emergency use only but not regular use. Any ideas amigos?

[Edited on 4-13-2008 by shari]

Ken Cooke - 4-12-2008 at 06:04 PM

I have 3 sources of air: 1 bike pump that mounts on my road bike and is lightweight, another bike pump similar to what you described which is kept in the garage, and my Viair Extreme Duty OnBoard Air System that is hard mounted on the Jeep (pictured).

shari - 4-12-2008 at 06:18 PM

wow Ken, that's pretty skookum all right...so ummm...any idea where we can get a decent working hand pump for car tires????? in your garage?

Ken Cooke - 4-12-2008 at 06:38 PM

Why would anyone (not smoking crack) even consider a hand pump for a truck tire? Spend $600 U.S.D. and get what I have, and you can open your own Llanteria on the side of the road, charging $50 per tire change, and $200 per flat repair. :light:

shari - 4-12-2008 at 07:21 PM

Um Ken???WTF? smoking crack????? To begin with we don't have the $600, we could buy a car for that! We LIKE simple things that last and work that we can lend to our neighbour...low tech...inexpensive...replaceable in case the amigo we lent it to lends it to his amigo and it disappears.....here they charge $2 or sometimes $3 to fix a flat...problem is they are rarely open...never when you need air...we air down and up A LOT and just need a simple hand pump...good exercise too...really bummed about the crack comment amigo :?:

gibson - 4-12-2008 at 07:26 PM

chill, & get a foot pump. (way better for vehicles)
stop taking what u read on a msg board so seriously. u've got a long way to go gringa :lol:

shari - 4-12-2008 at 07:37 PM

Why is a foot pump better for vehicles? More air per pump? Funny thing is that the gringa part of me just let fly a few juicy cuss words I wish I could repeat here...but the mexican part of me got a bit offended...OK, so I'm sensitive....busted!

Russ - 4-12-2008 at 07:40 PM

???? serious??? I'd like to know a place that has a serious manual air pump too. Foot pump is fine. I just haven't found what I'd consider quality on the internet. Must be looking in all the wrong places as usual. Thanks for any serious help! :lol:

I'm better now

4baja - 4-12-2008 at 08:09 PM

get a low key hose that fits in a spark plug hole to pump up that tire. it is not my first choice but will work. i would prefer a co2 tank like i have but since you guys are low on money this is a great alt. good luck

Ken Cooke - 4-12-2008 at 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by shari
Um Ken???WTF? smoking crack????? really bummed about the crack comment amigo :?:

Sorry, I was trying to be funny. Honestly, if you expect to keep something, you don't loan it out. If a car costs $600 it might be stolen. A handpump in the desert with a broken down tire could be fatal.

Diver - 4-12-2008 at 10:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ken Cooke
[ A handpump in the desert with a broken down tire could be fatal.

Last year when I was leaving Asuncion, I bought a cheapo manual "bike" pump at the segunda for about $5. Realized that I had nothing and thought I'd better - it was all I could find.

On the retrun trip to Asuncion a month later, I had 2 flats.
Changed one with the spare and had to plug the second and refil it (up to 40 psi anyway) with the cheapo little red pump.

If I hadn't had a full toobox, a camper full of food etc, and the help of a very nice young man, I coulda died out there !! :lol:

True story but just funnin Ken - sure broke a sweat pumping that little toy for 40 minutes; a minute a pound !! :lol:

.
.

Ken Cooke - 4-12-2008 at 10:08 PM

I hear stories all of the time about people dehydrating out in the desert, dropping dead, etc. For under $75, a compressor could be kept in its' protective bag, and used only when necessary.

Its also a good idea to travel when friends if at all possible.

DianaT - 4-12-2008 at 10:17 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Diver

Quote:

Originally posted by Ken Cooke
[ A handpump in the desert with a broken down tire could be fatal.

True story but just funnin Ken - sure broke a sweat pumping that little toy for 40 minutes; a minute a pound !! :lol:

.
.

Ah, but think about the exercise. :lol:

Our on board compressor is not nearly what Ken has, but it has been well worth the money and saved the day more than once--- including putting air back in the tires after a major air down to get the truck back moving after John decided to park the Toyota in those four very deep holes on the beach near San Roque. Just think what it could do if we had been stuck.

Seriously, we love having the onboard compressor for us and for others. It is so much stronger than a portable one. Not only can it be a life safer, but it is such a nice convenience.

Ready to leave the house in Bahia Asuncion one day and tire is flat---big nail. So much easier to quickly put enough air in the tire to reach the llantera than to change the tire.

And Diver, next time, after using that hand pump, we are sure you will need our shower. Let's hope the water is on. :spingrin:

Shari, can't imagine a hand pump that would really be practical. I do remember the old pumps for the old tires with tubes---maybe that made it different. Maybe somone will come up with a practical alternative to a compressor.

[Edited on 4-13-2008 by jdtrotter]

mtgoat666 - 4-13-2008 at 12:07 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by shari
I was wondering in the infinite wisdom of Nomads...if someone knows about tire pumps...someone said they don't make em anymore...you remember..the old pump you could pump up your car tires with...like a bike pump but skookum (really works well) we are finding all the compressor types don't last very long at all and are for emergency use only but not regular use. Any ideas amigos?

[Edited on 4-13-2008 by shari]

the cheapo 12-volt air compressors, run off cigarett lighter plug, last about 3 hours total use before blowing out. useful only for emergency, a few times.

good floor hand pump for bikes costs $40 and will last for 30 years, and do up to 150 psi, but will give you a workout to pump a car tire. cheapo pumps can be had for 20 dolloars and willl last 5 years with heavy use.

there are foot pumps that do same thing, and are "easier" to use (bigger leg muscles), but hard to find in stores.

for home use (non portable), you can buy an electric compressor and use it for anything from running tools, pumping tires, and painting houses with spray gun attachment.

CO2

bajaguy - 4-13-2008 at 06:51 AM

I purchased 3 CO2 tanks (2 20lbs and a 5lb) on Craigs list for $150. 2 pairs of set volume regulators (150psi), hoses and air chucks with gauges were another $200. I now have 2 complete sets and a 5lb spare bottle for a total investment of $350, less than that advertised on 4wd websites.

CO2 works great for tire fills and also will operate air tools. Way safer than compressed air tanks and quicker than compressors.

Can get refilled at any (most) welding supply stores or beverage distributors. 20lb CO2 tank will fill about 100 tires!!!

jorgie - 4-13-2008 at 07:19 AM

get a double action hand pump as in inflatable boat pump. cut the strokes in half and four times volume each stroke. look under inflatable boat equipment....................

Roberto - 4-13-2008 at 10:00 AM

I really don't think that a hand pump is feasible to pump up car tires, especially if you're airing up and pumping four. Just takes to long, on top of everything else.

Something like this would work MUCH better:

.

It's a bicycle floor pump - pretty sure you could find some on craigslist at a good price.

Gadget - 4-13-2008 at 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajaguy
I purchased 3 CO2 tanks (2 20lbs and a 5lb) on Craigs list for $150. 2 pairs of set volume regulators (150psi), hoses and air chucks with gauges were another $200. I now have 2 complete sets and a 5lb spare bottle for a total investment of $350, less than that advertised on 4wd websites.

CO2 works great for tire fills and also will operate air tools. Way safer than compressed air tanks and quicker than compressors.

Can get refilled at any (most) welding supply stores or beverage distributors. 20lb CO2 tank will fill about 100 tires!!!

There ya go Shari, save some cash if you can and go this route, this is what I have which is nearly fool proof cause it has no working parts and will work if you have other issues like battery problems, or go the on board route as suggested above.

The problem with any manual pump is not the psi for a car or truck tire but the volumn of air required to inflate it.

If you air down and up alot I think a manual pump, in the environment you are asking it to work in, is a waste of money IMHO.

Hook - 4-13-2008 at 10:43 AM

There ARE good 12v pumps on the market and I dont mean the type that Ken Cooke is getting.

Many of us have the Costco model that sold for about 60.00 US and have many hours on it.

A manual pump in the desert for tires? Couldnt carry enough beer to negate the time interval being down.

Also probably couldnt bring back a bead very easily.

I ran a smallish B & D 110v Power Station inflator off a small inverter for many years. It would pump up to 120psi. Just had to have the engine running to put out enough 12v to run the inverter.

[Edited on 4-13-2008 by Hook]

[Edited on 4-13-2008 by Hook]

Taco de Baja - 4-13-2008 at 10:45 AM

You could go with either a Firestone or a QuickAir compressor. Both are reputable manufacturers, and are well made. Both can be had for under $200 and will last for years. Personally I went with a Firestone with a 0.5 gallon tank with a quick-connect plug that I could plug in any air tool into. It wont produce 2+ CFM like Ken's but it's enough to re-seat a dismounted tire, if needed, and quickly refill or top off a tire to its correct on road PSI.

Go with a hard mount unit, or at least one you can directly clip power to the battery. The ones that plug into the AC outlet will blow the AC outlet fuse, just when you need them most.

You will thank yourself for the ease of quickly filling up a tire when it is 110 outside and not passing out from having to pump up and down with the foot pump Roberto posted a picture of....Keep that for an emergency backup.

motoged - 4-13-2008 at 12:16 PM

Nomads,
Wow!!! A lot of gear-head expensive opinions that don't really answer Shari's question (aside from the bicycle standing manual pump).

It would seem that she is looking for an inexpensive and low-tech solution that is durable:

Shari....some info on options:

Michelin makes a few footpumps that are rated highly...some are available through Canadian Tire (Canuck Nomads could bring you one or two:light

http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/pw/michelin.htm

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/products/products/56696/foot_pumps.html

http://www.michelin.co.uk/uk/front/act_affich.jsp?news_id=19768&lang=EN&codeRubrique=43

These sites provide at least some info....tracking one down seems like a manageable project....the twin-barrel Michelin consistently gets good reviews.

Good luck, Shari..

BajaNomad's Tienda compressor

standingwave - 4-13-2008 at 12:23 PM

Does anyone have a review for the compressor sold in the BajaNomad Tienda?

Product Information

This dual piston compressor puts out 150 psi and 72 liter per minute. The handy 25-foot coil hose with gauge locking air valve makes airing up any project easy. Rubber grip handle is great for carrying, and the base tray with rubber anti-vibration feet help protect the compressor from the elements when set on the ground. Alligator power clips included, but can be modified for permanent wiring and mounting.

Please specify your choice of Chrome or Military Green finish for this item below.

Features:

* For trucks, SUVs, RVs & all other full-size vehicles
* Dual Piston compressor
* Quick disconnect 25' coil hose w/screw-on brass inflator nozzle
* 25-30 minute continuous cycle
* 25-foot coil hose w/gauge locking air valve
* Rubber grip handle
* Base tray w/rubber anti-vibration feet
* Alligator power clips included
* Max. 150 PSI

Price: $169.99

compressor.jpg - 20kB

Ken Cooke - 4-13-2008 at 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Taco de Baja

You will thank yourself for the ease of quickly filling up a tire when it is 110 outside and not passing out from having to pump up and down with the foot pump Roberto posted a picture of....Keep that for an emergency backup.

I changed a tire outside in Downtown San Felipe in June once. With power tools, this would have gone much faster. But, I know ya gotta do what ya gotta do...

Taco de Baja - 4-13-2008 at 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by motoged
Nomads,
Wow!!! A lot of gear-head expensive opinions that don't really answer Shari's question (aside from the bicycle standing manual pump).

It would seem that she is looking for an inexpensive and low-tech solution that is durable:

Shari....some info on options:

Michelin makes a few footpumps that are rated highly...some are available through Canadian Tire (Canuck Nomads could bring you one or two :light:

)

[/img]

Just be careful some of the manual pumps out there. The fine print on some of the foot pumps, and standing pumps say: "great for bicycles, small tires and mattresses"....

Like this one from Target for $15.

Bell foot pump

The double barrel Michelins look good, as they are probably designed for car tyres....maybe not truck tyres though...

Ken Cooke - 4-13-2008 at 05:06 PM

Should these pumps be stored in plastic bags to prevent dust from being sucked inside of them?

Gadget - 4-14-2008 at 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ken Cooke
Should these pumps be stored in plastic bags to prevent dust from being sucked inside of them?

Yep, there in lies the death of any "air pump". The seals or O rings or rubber washers or the like that make it a "pump" dies a brutal death at the introduction of dust, which there is alot of in a Baja environment.

msteve1014 - 4-14-2008 at 05:33 PM

deals can be found on the viair pumps. you do not have to pay $600 to build something to inflate tires. in the long run, they are the best and you wont have to kill yourself to air up after running on the sand. check ebay for used units that you can afford. even the best of the hand pumps will not do what you want for long. you will tire of the work quickly.

Hook - 4-14-2008 at 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Gadget

Quote:

Originally posted by Ken Cooke
Should these pumps be stored in plastic bags to prevent dust from being sucked inside of them?

the ones sold at Costco have replaceable, removeable air intake filters. Paper element.

gibson - 4-14-2008 at 06:19 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Gadget
Yep, there in lies the death of any "air pump". The seals or O rings or rubber washers or the like that make it a "pump" dies a brutal death at the introduction of dust, which there is alot of in a Baja environment.

this is so far removed from how things 'work' (and are made to work) in Mexico ... it's embarassing. As are many of the replies to this nice 'country' ladies' enquiry. Viva la grrreeeengo! sheez louise.

Roberto - 4-14-2008 at 07:40 PM

Gibson, why don't you go stick your head in a well? Or a septic tank?

Ken Cooke - 4-14-2008 at 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by gibson
this is so far removed from how things 'work' (and are made to work) in Mexico ... it's embarassing.

When time matters, or theres a long line of folks on the trail, maybe efficiency is a good thing???

10 Jeeps parked at Coco's Corner - Baja Grande #1

Hook - 4-14-2008 at 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Roberto
Gibson, why don't you go stick your head in a well? Or a septic tank?

Second that. Discussion?

Hearing none, let's vote.

All those in favor of Gibson getting a Septic Swirlie, signify by saying "Aye".

Frank - 4-14-2008 at 09:59 PM

What about this Shari?

Tire inflator that hooks up to a Scuba tank? I dont know if you have access to tanks or if the guys just dive with the hooka rigs.

http://www.joediveramerica.com/page/JDA/PROD/N6

motoged - 4-14-2008 at 10:58 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Hook

Second that. Discussion?

Hearing none, let's vote.

All those in favor of Gibson getting a Septic Swirlie, signify by saying "Aye".

C'mon, you guys....Shari asked a simple question looking for a simple solution. She has not received much good advice that was not pretty expensive....

Gibson (whoever he is) doesn't deserve to be gangbanged just because he makes a point that has a bit of truth to it.

Or am I just going to get the septic sneer for my thoughts?

Ged

Roberto - 4-14-2008 at 11:38 PM

Ged, I agree, and that's why I posted the response I did regarding a bicycle floor pump.

The comment on Gibson is prompted by the fact that he seems to do this type of thing on just about every topic. If it had been just this thread, things would be different.

[Edited on 4-15-2008 by Roberto]

Mango - 4-15-2008 at 12:53 AM

Well, I looked all over the internet the other night for a good simple and inexpensive pump... and didn't find one.

The point that has been made about getting heat exhaustion (or worse) when using a manual pump is very good point.

I checked on army surplus, pumps and what was used in the past on old jeeps, etc. It looked like a bicycle hand pump. Not very fun to use for extended times on a hot desert day.

I have seen pretty good looking air pumps at Costco in Mexicali a few months back for about 650 pesos. These might be the units Hook was referring to, and they would be my best suggestion. They looked much like the better units pictured here with cooling fins, coiled air hose, etc..

I've come to the conclusion that there really is no good answer to what you want. I'll keep looking though.

I think the old dilemma of of Fast/Good/Cheap comes in to play here. You only get to pick two.

You can have fast and good; but, it won't be cheap.
You can have good and cheap; but, it won't be fast.
You can have fast and cheap; but, it won't be good.

Take your pick.

double barrelled foot pump

standingwave - 4-15-2008 at 07:14 AM

...of all the manual pumps linked to in this thread - or I've seen myself while searching the 'net, the Michelin pump Motoged refers to is the one I'd like to try out...

Double-Barrel-Foot-Pump.jpg - 17kB

Hook - 4-15-2008 at 08:38 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by motoged

Quote:

Originally posted by Hook

Second that. Discussion?

Hearing none, let's vote.

All those in favor of Gibson getting a Septic Swirlie, signify by saying "Aye".

Do a recent search on gibby's posts; you'll conclude it was just more of the same. He is clearly trying to be reactionary at this point. My prediction is he is close to being banned.

60.00 for a pump is expensive? I would submit if you cant afford that for something as important as a pump, you cant afford to drive a car in Baja.

motoged - 4-15-2008 at 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Roberto
Ged, I agree, and that's why I posted the response I did regarding a bicycle floor pump.

The comment on Gibson is prompted by the fact that he seems to do this type of thing on just about every topic. If it had been just this thread, things would be different.

[Edited on 4-15-2008 by Roberto]

Roberto,

Oh.....for a moment there I thought the guy was going to get lynched....

Gadget - 4-15-2008 at 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Hook

Quote:

Originally posted by motoged

Quote:

Originally posted by Hook

Second that. Discussion?

Hearing none, let's vote.

All those in favor of Gibson getting a Septic Swirlie, signify by saying "Aye".

I hope one day to find gibson in some sort of distress in some back part of Baja.

I will stop and feed him
shelter him
cold beer him
fix his rig
pump up his tires
wash his windshield
help him until he begs me to stop

Just to show him that there is another attitude out there in the world other than a complete hater of everything.

All any of us have tried to do here is share what we know. I can't talk about the Viair pump or a double cylinder foot pump or anything else because that is not what I have. I have, like everyone else, made a decision on what to take as rescue equipment to Baja for my own reasons.

Shari is a smart gal, and I bet she is just reading all these post and saying, nope, nope, maybe etc until she finds something that suits her. If not I bet she does like we all wish we could do, and says man yan na.

Sorry, can't figure out how to get the tilde to go over the "n" so I had to go phonetic.

Gadget - 4-15-2008 at 12:22 PM

Thanks super mod man.
Testing......
ñ
Ñ
Yep, I got it, now I can write in Spanglish too. :smug:

Bob and Susan - 4-15-2008 at 12:38 PM

$50
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnu...

lightweight and cheap
2amps east to run on a small car inverter if necessary

[Edited on 4-15-2008 by Bob and Susan]

95060.gif - 38kB

motoged - 4-15-2008 at 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Gadget
Do a recent search on gibby's posts; you'll conclude it was just more of the same. He is clearly trying to be reactionary at this point. My prediction is he is close to being banned.

Nomads,
I did not know that

Thanks for the clarification....point taken.

Sure hope I never get banned from this forum...I am trying to behave myself :saint:

Ged

Mango - 4-15-2008 at 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by standingwave
...of all the manual pumps linked to in this thread - or I've seen myself while searching the 'net, the Michelin pump Motoged refers to is the one I'd like to try out...

Well, I stand corrected, not sure how I missed that one. The double barrel foot pump looks pretty good; and, about what Shari was asking for. Getting one in the US or Mexico might be interesting though.

gibson - 4-15-2008 at 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Gadget
I hope one day to find gibson in some sort of distress in some back part of Baja.

I will stop and feed him
shelter him
cold beer him
fix his rig
pump up his tires
wash his windshield
help him until he begs me to stop

wow. Saint Peter's just gonna wave you on through dude. (might clip you 'round the ear for plagarism tho!) :lol:

Gadget - 4-16-2008 at 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by gibson

Quote:

wow. Saint Peter's just gonna wave you on through dude. (might clip you 'round the ear for plagarism tho!) :lol:

Gosh, I thought that was all pretty creative and original holding out of the olive branch. Sorry you found a negative there.
Plagarism??? How so? Isn't that the unauthorized usage of someone elses written work?
I guess in this day and age we need to have authorization from someone to perform an act of kindness, but not acts of unkindness, negativity and hate?

Offer still and will stand. Just a little more difficult to impliment now.

shari - 4-16-2008 at 12:57 PM

muchas gracias for all your suggestions....nope,nope, maybe is right...thanks for understanding motoged and gadget. Ken, is taht foot pump available at Canadian Tire? Canuck amigos are heading down in May and maybe can bring us one...now about choices...we're in baja man so quick is not part of the equation...good and cheap works for us. We've bought cheap and good 12 volt compressor types and they just don't last long enough. Susan..where do you get that thing and can ya BBQ on it too? I appreciate all input and advice...we just bought a used compressor from a trooper's air conditioner and put it onto our Trooper and rigged it to fill tires....works great but still want an emergency pump for Juan's pick up.

Ken Cooke - 4-16-2008 at 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by motoged
Sure hope I never get banned from this forum...I am trying to behave myself :saint:

Ged

I was too much for Pirate4x4.com and RubiconOwnersForum.com those guys just don't like a good fight! hahaha :biggrin:

standingwave - 4-16-2008 at 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by shari
Ken, is taht foot pump available at Canadian Tire? Canuck amigos are heading down in May and maybe can bring us one...

Shari, no sign of it on Canadian Tire's website... indeed, I can find no sign so far of it anywhere outside of the UK or Europe. However, while searching I did come across these troubling user reviews,
"My footpump lasted one week before the plastic parts gave way and air was blowing everywhere but in the tyre. inflated my car tyres on the saturday and checked again the following saturday, it gave up completely when inflating my bicycle tyres so it only lasted for three (2 1/2) uses. Rubbish. I give it one star to reflect that it did actually work twice."
and
"I bought this believing it was a good quality pump. After about 5 minutes use, the pipe separated from the pump body. The engineering is crap - what they've done is used a metal to plastic screw attachment, presumably to cut cost."
at Amazon.uk

That doesn't exactly sound Baja-dependable...
:no:

Hook - 4-17-2008 at 10:37 AM

So, I guess Juan doesnt use scuba tanks because that sure seemed like a good idea.

Diver - 4-17-2008 at 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Hook
So, I guess Juan doesnt use scuba tanks because that sure seemed like a good idea.

They dive with a Hooka compressor.
There is no high-pressure scuba compressor in town, YET.
Eric ?? Mr. Gypsy ??
I have many tanks to fill - trade you some tanks for unlimited fills ?!
.

Diver - 4-17-2008 at 10:59 AM

This looks like a great pump for the money.

http://www.huskybicycles.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=P...

spike - 4-17-2008 at 04:59 PM

Hi Shari,
I use a bike floor pump similar to the one pictured. It works fine but takes a lot of pumps. I notice MEC has one on their web site for under $25.
Spike

Ricardo - 4-17-2008 at 05:31 PM

The double cylinder foot pump looks promising, but what I didn't see mentioned is jack your car up and take the weight off the tire before pumping up and you will be much more successful.
Rick