BajaNomad - Air changes in tires: how do you do it?

Air changes in tires: how do you do it?

Whale-ista - 1-3-2014 at 09:54 AM

Several posts here recommend deflating tires on certain stretches of off-road, then inflating when you return to the highway. My question is: do you carry a compressor with you to do this?

If so, what kind would you recommend? Are they sold in Baja or should I get one in the US?

Thanks for your input.

boe4fun - 1-3-2014 at 10:03 AM

Harbor Freight has some 12 Volt high output (about 125 PSI) compressors for these types of applications for around 50 bucks (get one of their 25% discount coupons). I use one on my 3500 GMC but I have to let it cool down for a while after filling 2 of my tires (60 to 70 PSI). Either one of these units will do or a bicycle pump if you have a couple days!

David K - 1-3-2014 at 10:22 AM

Have both the Harbor Freight model and the Tsunami MV-50. Both are about $50-$75 range (Amazon or HF).

The HF unit is in a bigger plastic case and the wire gets hot and has melted fuses (never blown them, but I carry spare fuses and replace when they melt).

The Tsunami has a canvas bag, doesn't melt fuses and is only a little slower at filling my truck tires.

The key is having a pump that clips onto your battery, not plugs into cigarette lighter... they are very slow taking 3 times longer (2 psi per minute compared to 5-6 psi per minute using the battery clip on pumps).

Bring a tire repair kit also, to plug holes caused by sharp rocks, nails, etc. Then you can refill your tires with your pump.

Here is the Harbor Freight unit:

Here is the Tsunami:

Out with the Old in with the NEW

durrelllrobert - 1-3-2014 at 10:23 AM

Just like New Years day. And it doesn't need any power to operate. Just refill at any gas station:

9 Gallon Compressed Air Tank 125PSI
•Gauge, Hose and Tire Chuck Pressure Gauge
•Air-line shutoff valve
•Manual pressure relief valve
•Large easy-to-read pressure gauge
•Built in handle for easy transport

Price: $88.99

Usually ships within 4 to 5 days.

Ships from and sold by DiscountGiantUSA.

rts551 - 1-3-2014 at 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by durrelllrobert
Just like New Years day. And it doesn't need any power to operate. Just refill at any gas station:

$36 for the 11 gallon tank at Harbor Freight. We use it for our quad at the races and end up helping everyone else. Little bulky for a lot of people but we carry it for the truck as well.

Ken Cooke - 1-3-2014 at 10:45 AM

I run a dual compressor setup with an air tank. You can see the setup behind Leidys - we were at the Drive-in Theater when this photo was taken (the air tank and compressors are hard-mounted).

motoged - 1-3-2014 at 10:53 AM

My pump is similar to the Tsunami model....the +ve battery clamp wire heats up within a minute to the point where it melts the plastic coating where the wire attaches to the clamp....little flames are the first indication of an overheating issue :lol:

Anyone have any insights or solutions to this issue? I haven't blown a fuse yet....well, the pump hasn't.....maybe I have when I discovered this issue :fire:

Desertbull - 1-3-2014 at 10:59 AM

Ken, Where is the tank in this photo?

You post a photo of that beautiful woman in a thread about airing up tires and you expect guys like me and Neal Johns to see a mounted tank?

David K - 1-3-2014 at 11:01 AM

I think it was Woody (?) who rewired his with heavier gauge wire? Mine has worked for years... and the Harbor Freight one also still works, but I don't take it because it did melt the fuses and is bulkier to pack in my small truck.

I had one of those air tanks, but that takes up a lot of room! Ken's deal takes up the entire back of his Jeep... The Tsunami or one like it is such a great little deal!

willardguy - 1-3-2014 at 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by motoged
My pump is similar to the Tsunami model....the +ve battery clamp wire heats up within a minute to the point where it melts the plastic coating where the wire attaches to the clamp....little flames are the first indication of an overheating issue :lol:

Anyone have any insights or solutions to this issue? I haven't blown a fuse yet....well, the pump hasn't.....maybe I have when I discovered this issue :fire:

yeah thats the weak link on these pumps. what I do is replace the stock wiring with a short pigtail coming off the pump with a 15amp female plug connector. another pigtail with quality clips and a 15amp male connector. then just carry a 25ft extension cord.

Timo1 - 1-3-2014 at 11:07 AM

I have one of those compressor/booster battery packs
Charge it up and it inflates all 4 tires no problem
Dead battery ???...no problem this puppy will boost ya
Takes about 6 hours plugged into 110v and the charge lasts for a month
unless you use it
Shuts off automatically when it gets hot and re-starts when cooled down
Too easy !!!!

willardguy - 1-3-2014 at 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Timo1
I have one of those compressor/booster battery packs
Charge it up and it inflates all 4 tires no problem
Dead battery ???...no problem this puppy will boost ya
Takes about 6 hours plugged into 110v and the charge lasts for a month
unless you use it
Shuts off automatically when it gets hot and re-starts when cooled down
Too easy !!!!

I like the sound of that! who makes it?

motoged - 1-3-2014 at 11:12 AM

I figured a re-wiring was the solution....thanks for confirming my remarkable mechanical theorizing....I will get my electrician friend (Mr. Resistor :biggrin:

) to translate your recommendations.

Gracias :saint:

monoloco - 1-3-2014 at 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by durrelllrobert
Just like New Years day. And it doesn't need any power to operate. Just refill at any gas station:

I know a few people who use an adapted scuba tank. You can fill a lot of tires with a 3-4000 psi tank.

Timo1 - 1-3-2014 at 11:24 AM

Willard

Mine is a Schumacher brand

750 peak amps

work light

12v Usb port adapter for your laptop

battery booster

compressor to 150 psi

Takes about 10 min. to go from 20 to 45 psi on 16 in. tires

Love it

55steve - 1-3-2014 at 11:37 AM

Mostly Jeep stuff here but this system is the best there is and allows air tools to be used also. I could air up a 35" BFG mud from 10 psi to 30 in about 2 minutes.

http://www.kilbystore.com/

[Edited on 1-3-2014 by 55steve]

David K - 1-3-2014 at 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by 55steve
Mostly Jeep stuff here but this system is the best there is and allows air tools to be used also. I could air up a 35" BFG mud from 10 psi to 30 in about 2 minutes.

http://www.kilbystore.com/

[Edited on 1-3-2014 by 55steve]

For over $1,000, I should hope so! Wow, what a set up!!

Thanks for the link... Which AirBoss do you have?

55steve - 1-3-2014 at 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

Quote:

For over $1,000, I should hope so! Wow, what a set up!!

Thanks for the link... Which AirBoss do you have?

I didn't have A/C in my 1979 CJ7 so I installed a York compressor in factory location and made my own - I used my nerf bars as air tanks.

Whale-ista - 1-3-2014 at 12:14 PM

Thanks everyone. I appreciate the suggestions and recommendations.

Isn't there a can of compressed air that both re-fills and seals leaks in tires? Could that be used in an emergency, even without a leak in the tires?

rts551 - 1-3-2014 at 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by willardguy

Quote:

I like the sound of that! who makes it?

costco has them for a pretty good price

willardguy - 1-3-2014 at 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Whale-ista
Several posts here recommend deflating tires on certain stretches of off-road, then inflating when you return to the highway. My question is: do you carry a compressor with you to do this?

If so, what kind would you recommend? Are they sold in Baja or should I get one in the US?

Thanks for your input.

on the other side of the coin, one of the best investments we ever made was a set of automatic tire deflators. set em at 20 lbs(or whatever you chose)screw em on and grab a coldy. 50-75 bucks a set and well worth it! :yes:

marv sherrill - 1-3-2014 at 12:34 PM

wow - Ken - where did you find a drive-in movie?

Ken Cooke - 1-3-2014 at 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by marv sherrill
wow - Ken - where did you find a drive-in movie?

http://www.vanburendrivein.com/

York Compressor Build Thread

Ken Cooke - 1-3-2014 at 12:54 PM

http://www.stu-offroad.com/otherwriteups/oba/oba-5.htm

[Edited on 1-3-2014 by Ken Cooke]

durrelllrobert - 1-3-2014 at 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ken Cooke

Quote:

Originally posted by marv sherrill
wow - Ken - where did you find a drive-in movie?

http://www.vanburendrivein.com/

Lotta classic cars at the drive-in. Was photo taken in the 50s or 60s?

Phil C - 1-3-2014 at 01:13 PM

I use a 10lb co2 tank mounted to the roof rack with enough hose to reach all 4 tires. reinflates from air downs 8 to 10 times before needing refilling.

woody with a view - 1-3-2014 at 01:20 PM

and don't forget to rotate the air in your tires annually!

edit: :light:

[Edited on 1-3-2014 by woody with a view]

55steve - 1-3-2014 at 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ken Cooke
http://www.stu-offroad.com/otherwriteups/oba/oba-5.htm

[Edited on 1-3-2014 by Ken Cooke]

Yep, this is what I did - served me very well for many years!

Propane tank?

neilm81301 - 1-3-2014 at 02:06 PM

I've heard of guys blowing up their tires from their propane tank (I know, use a pun, go to prison)

Anybody ever try that? They say the 'air' in the flat-fix cans is really propane, or some other flammable gas.

Neil

basautter - 1-3-2014 at 02:43 PM

I have a VIAIR 400P portable compressor that gets power from clamp on cables to the vehicle battery. It has a very high flow rate (quick inflation time), and has been very reliable. It cost about $200.00, but you get what you pay for. I deflate to ~22 PSI when on dirt. By the way, there are several companies that make tire deflators. They twist onto the valve stem, and deflate to a calibrated pressure (check out trailheaddeflators.com).

aguachico - 1-3-2014 at 03:57 PM

I gotta duty free 12 volt pump. It would take my 35inch tires from 10-40#'s in about 20 minutes. Split the cost between a friend. About 7 years ago it was $300. still runs great today. Never has to shut down for over heating.

BTW Ken: Beautiful foto congrats.

[Edited on 1-3-2014 by aguachico]

Barry A. - 1-3-2014 at 04:26 PM

I have a 12v clip-powered QUICK AIR II in a protective steel box that I have had since 1997-------it has never failed me, and can pump a 285x16 tire from 18 to 45 lbs in about 3 to 4 min., but it IS pricey at over $300 even back then. I use it more for pumping up bike tires, but when I need it in the boonies it is invaluable and worth every penny.

barry

(edited to change tire size from 265 to 285)

[Edited on 1-4-2014 by Barry A.]

Neal Johns - 1-3-2014 at 04:39 PM

Best inflaters in order of speed:

CO2 Tank - Quickest, takes up a little more space than a 12v compressor. Must be refilled. Expensive.

York or air conditioning pump belt driven - if you have room under the hood. A lot of installation work.

$200 12v Compressor (what I have - ViAir)

$50 12v Compressor - OK for one flat tire. Slow.

$10 12v Compressor - Don't even think about it. :lol:

Old style manual pump - Woman's Work

Costco option?

Whale-ista - 1-3-2014 at 05:07 PM

I don't find a compressor on their website. someone mentioned seeing one at costco. was it at a store location?

David K - 1-3-2014 at 05:50 PM

You were correct about Tacomas Neal... but I have to disagree with this:

"$50 12v Compressor - OK for one flat tire. Slow."

Of course, I got my first battery clip on compressor on sale ($49.95) when bajaLou recommended it at Harbor Freight. It still works, and had many times coming off Shell island or other places. The Tsunami 50 was actually given to me by someone who was cleaning out his garage... it was basically brand new. I think it was sold for about $69... and Doug even had one like it for sale here on the Tienda Baja Nomad.

Okay, so now the speed issue. Before the $50 HF pump, I had a Coleman cigarette lighter plug pump (for many many years of use at about $25)... and it would add air at a rate of 2 psi/ min. So going from 15 psi to 30 psi would take 8 min. per tire... 32 min. total... and that's a lot if it's summer in the desert!

The $50 HF (Harbor Freight) pump adds air at a rate of 6 psi/ min. or 2.5 min. per tire (265/75-16")... 10 min. total for all four.

The Tsunami is just a bit slower at 5 psi per min. or 12 min. total. I like the smaller case size, less room in the truck, and non-melting fuses that the HF one had... so the extra 2 min. is okay!

Pacifico - 1-3-2014 at 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Phil C
I use a 10lb co2 tank mounted to the roof rack with enough hose to reach all 4 tires. reinflates from air downs 8 to 10 times before needing refilling.

That's what I use. It was fairly cheap; not the Powertank version. We bought the various parts and made our own regulators (a friend and I). Couldn't be happier with it...

bkbend - 1-4-2014 at 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

The $50 HF (Harbor Freight) pump adds air at a rate of 6 psi/ min. or 2.5 min. per tire (265/75-16")... 10 min. total for all four.

Yes, but... with a real truck (not a toy) using load range E tires it takes quite a bit longer to get 55psi. Those pumps struggle and get hotter when you get over about 40psi. I can't pump all four tires to my preferred pressure, but can get enough in them to limp to a nearby llantera. Studying this thread for a new/better option.

larryC - 1-4-2014 at 01:08 PM

I use a scuba tank and oxygen welding regulator. Very fast to reinflate the tires and I own 3 hi pressure scuba compressors so cheap and easy to refill the tank. Takes up a lot of room compared to a 12v pump. I have a 12v pump but it gets really hot but has never shut down.

rts551 - 1-4-2014 at 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Whale-ista
I don't find a compressor on their website. someone mentioned seeing one at costco. was it at a store location?

Yes it was in both Tucson stores.

monoloco - 1-4-2014 at 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bkbend

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

The $50 HF (Harbor Freight) pump adds air at a rate of 6 psi/ min. or 2.5 min. per tire (265/75-16")... 10 min. total for all four.

I have a Tsunami and it takes 20-30 minutes to get one tire from 18 to 40psi on my F350, and it will overheat if not turned off and allowed to cool a few times. They are really only good for emergencies and doorstops.

Islandbuilder - 1-4-2014 at 01:19 PM

I've heard of the propane trick used to set the bead of a flat tubeless tire. In that case the propane is "floated" into the deflated tire, and when ignited the (hopefully) small explosion fills the tire quickly enough that it sets the bead.

A good cinch strap around the circumference of the tire and cranked tight will also work to force the bead onto the rim so that the tire can be inflated conventionally.

After the bead is set the tire is inflated with air, not more propane.

It seems like a bad idea to use propane to fill a sealed, but low on pressure tire!

larryC - 1-4-2014 at 01:28 PM

I have no idea what propane gas might do to the rubber in a tire. Other than that it would probably work OK to inflate you tires. I would just use straight propane and no air. Pure propane will not ignite, it needs oxygen and adding air will provide that. I also have no idea where an ignition source might come from inside of wheel and tire but if there was one it would be exciting.

basautter - 1-4-2014 at 05:12 PM

I shared my good experience with a ViAir 12VDC pump. If you want fast, cheap and light, watch the following video. I have not tried it yet, but will start carrying the necessary components as a backup, "just in case".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DyuHco1Z12Y

willardguy - 1-4-2014 at 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by basautter
I shared my good experience with a ViAir 12VDC pump. If you want fast, cheap and light, watch the following video. I have not tried it yet, but will start carrying the necessary components as a backup, "just in case".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DyuHco1Z12Y

very cool! definitely worth a try in a pinch!

basautter - 1-4-2014 at 05:28 PM

Glad you liked it, Ultra Nomad! Looks like fun.

Neal Johns - 1-4-2014 at 05:51 PM

If you want to know how to use propane or gasoline to seat a tire, ask DK. I had no idea he could move that fast.

The tire belonged to a fellow Nomad and none of us had used that trick. It took a few tries but worked when all else failed. Kudos to the Fast Mover.

David K - 1-4-2014 at 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Neal Johns
If you want to know how to use propane or gasoline to seat a tire, ask DK. I had no idea he could move that fast.

The tire belonged to a fellow Nomad and none of us had used that trick. It took a few tries but worked when all else failed. Kudos to the Fast Mover.

That was fun... I had read about Mexicans doing it in the old days (from Mike McMahan maybe?)... a little gasoline and a spark... woosh, tire reset on the bead! I was very pleased to get it to work. It would have been fun to have that recorded for Your Tube. I did film when 'hbmurphy' tried doing it first. If I can find that, I will post it here... success:

Click on this image to start the short video with sound:

PSX3 compressor runs off internal 18Ah battery, not 12V

Whale-ista - 1-9-2014 at 05:19 PM

Dave K- I remembered your warning about this, and checked the manual at CostCo before buying this model.

The compressor runs off the internal 18 Ah battery, not via 12V. It is limited to 10 minutes run time, then a 10 minute cooling break. Not sure how long it will take to fill tires.

The 12V plug is to operate items that can run off 12V. You can also recharge the battery via the 12 volt connection from the car lighter outlet --> battery outlet, though that's not to exceed 2 hours. The preferred charging method is via AC.

Mainly I took a gamble on this because CostCo stands behind their products, and if anything doesn't work as promised, they will take it back and refund the cost.

Whale-ista - 1-9-2014 at 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by durrelllrobert
The 18 Amp Hour battery remains charged as long as it's plugged in to 110 but if you drive around with it in your car for more then a week it will not jump start a car with a dead battery or inflate a flat tire. I took mine back to Costco for this reason and they would not give refund because unit was not faulty. I just wasn't using it properly (ie: keeping itr plugged into 110)

Hmmm...well, most of my trips are a week or less. I'll charge it at home, let it sit for a week or three, and see how the charge holds up.

I'd be surprised if CostCo would not accept a return. They say "satisfaction guaranteed," but I can see why they might question the reason in a case like this, suspecting you were basically renting it for a trip.

(They changed their policy on big screen TVs several years ago when, during playoff/SuperBowl weeks, they realized people were purchasing big screens for game days, then returning them afterwards.)

Marc - 1-9-2014 at 06:51 PM

Just drive on to the next lantirea (spelling?)

[Edited on 1-10-2014 by Marc]

chuckie - 1-9-2014 at 07:13 PM

When I have to change the air in one of my tires, I let all the old air out, move the tire at least 100 feet away, so no old air gets back in, and put new air in.....

vandenberg - 1-9-2014 at 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by chuckie
When I have to change the air in one of my tires, I let all the old air out, move the tire at least 100 feet away, so no old air gets back in, and put new air in.....

durrelllrobert - 1-9-2014 at 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by chuckie
When I have to change the air in one of my tires, I let all the old air out, move the tire at least 100 feet away, so no old air gets back in, and put new air in.....

My daddy always told me that to air is human (I think)

woody with a view - 1-9-2014 at 10:56 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Whale-ista
Next question: trickle chargers.

fret no more. get yourself one of these babies and never worry about a dead battary again!
http://www.amazon.com/Battery-Tender-021-1163-Solar-Maintain...

I already have this solar battery trickle charger, but...

Whale-ista - 1-9-2014 at 11:22 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by woody with a view

Quote:

Originally posted by Whale-ista
Next question: trickle chargers.

fret no more. get yourself one of these babies and never worry about a dead battary again!
http://www.amazon.com/Battery-Tender-021-1163-Solar-Maintain...

http://www.goalzero.com/p/156/guardian-12v-charge-controller

I attach this to a panel, for use when camping/parking for several days.

But it won't work inside a garage. So I have a DieHard 110 plugin trickle charger for extended absences.

Anyone else have experience with these scenarios?

woody with a view - 1-9-2014 at 11:41 PM

first off, just assuming you drove many hours to baja and are camping out, unless you use your headlights at night and listen to the stereo you should have a charged battery by the time you arrive. it should be able to sit for weeks and start right up.

if you are worried about the battery in a garage without a window to the south, can you remove the battery and put it in the yard with the panel charger? or just plug in your trickle 110v.....

David K - 1-10-2014 at 12:03 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Whale-ista
Dave K- I remembered your warning about this, and checked the manual at CostCo before buying this model.

The compressor runs off the internal 18 Ah battery, not via 12V. It is limited to 10 minutes run time, then a 10 minute cooling break. Not sure how long it will take to fill tires.

The 12V plug is to operate items that can run off 12V. You can also recharge the battery via the 12 volt connection from the car lighter outlet --> battery outlet, though that's not to exceed 2 hours. The preferred charging method is via AC.

Mainly I took a gamble on this because CostCo stands behind their products, and if anything doesn't work as promised, they will take it back and refund the cost.

OK, I thought I saw a cig lighter plug, so that's why I mentioned it. If you were mainly concerned about a dead battery, then I guess this is fine. But, if you want to add air back to tires, then you may want to pick up the small but fast pump I mentioned or another option given above.

When the Tacoma battery is about 3 years old is when it gets a new battery, and then no worries on a Baja trip.

DavidT - 1-10-2014 at 12:13 AM

From a post on big waters edge about a Bahia Asuncion trip.
One of the guys used his cigarette lighter plug in pump to air up, the harbor freight fuse didn't blow and it melted his dash wiring harness.
$3000 owie.
http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwevb/showthread.php?t=20520
Some nice fish porn though.

David K - 1-10-2014 at 12:23 AM

Nice fishing forum... I saw Mako Bob's comment about Harbor Freight fuses, but didn't see anything about a Harbor Freight or other air pump, on that post?

TLBaja79 - 1-10-2014 at 12:36 AM

How many tires will a 9gal tank fill up from 20psi to say 60psi? 5gal tank? 11gal tank?

I have always seen SCUBA tanks used but thats much more pricey and harder to recharge.

I have standard AT tires on Toy Tundra

willardguy - 1-10-2014 at 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by DavidT
From a post on big waters edge about a Bahia Asuncion trip.
One of the guys used his cigarette lighter plug in pump to air up, the harbor freight fuse didn't blow and it melted his dash wiring harness.
$3000 owie.
http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwevb/showthread.php?t=20520
Some nice fish porn though.

the fuse in the power plug is there to protect the wiring to the appliance, it was the car fuse that failed, good chance it had blown prior and someone stuck in whatever they had on hand (overfused). these are typically 10 amp circuits.

[Edited on 1-10-2014 by willardguy]

chuckie - 1-10-2014 at 04:10 PM

I ALWAYS throw away the lighter part and use alligator clips to the battery. Those small pumps get hot hot....

Barry A. - 1-10-2014 at 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by chuckie
I ALWAYS throw away the lighter part and use alligator clips to the battery. Those small pumps get hot hot....

Ditto, Chukie!!!

Barry

David K - 4-2-2014 at 03:45 PM

Amazon has a special on the Tsunami MV-50: $59

as well as the faster MF-1050: $84

[Edited on 4-2-2014 by David K]

DavidE - 4-2-2014 at 04:00 PM

Quote:

Anyone have any insights or solutions to this issue? I haven't blown a fuse yet....well, the pump hasn't.....maybe I have when I discovered this issue :fire:

Well hell, ya got pumped-up didn't ya?

Doug/Vamonos - 4-4-2014 at 07:43 AM

Yep. A set of Trailhead Tire Deflators makes airing down SOOO much easier, especially with large tires. Just screw them on and drive away slowly for a mile or so till they stop deflating. Awesome stuff. And LarryC!! I dropped off my scuba tanks last month and it's great to know who can fill them for me!!

Air changes in tires: how do you do it?

Out with the Old in with the NEW

York Compressor Build Thread

Propane tank?

Costco option?

More questions regarding charger vs trickle charger

PSX3 compressor runs off internal 18Ah battery, not 12V

I already have this solar battery trickle charger, but...