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jimgrms
Senior Nomad
Posts: 664
Registered: 9-30-2005
Location: oceanside ca
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Mood: its always good
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airing up tires
, 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 ?
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Barry A.
Select Nomad
Posts: 10007
Registered: 11-30-2003
Location: Redding, Northern CA
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Mood: optimistic
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A small compressor-------
------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.
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Mexray
Super Nomad
Posts: 1016
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: California Delta
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Mood: Baja Time
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Under-hood compressor...
...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.
According to my clock...anytime is \'BAJA TIME\' & as Jimmy Buffett says,
\"It doesn\'t use numbers or moving hands It always just says now...\"
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Barry A.
Select Nomad
Posts: 10007
Registered: 11-30-2003
Location: Redding, Northern CA
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Mood: optimistic
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Mexray---------
-----a hose harness------what a great idea!!!! 
Thanks.
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Neal Johns
Super Nomad
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Registered: 10-31-2002
Location: Lytle Creek, CA
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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]
My motto:
Never let a Dragon pass by without pulling its tail!
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bajalou
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4459
Registered: 3-11-2004
Location: South of the broder
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Great stuff Neal, thanks
No Bad Days
\"Never argue with an idiot. People watching may not be able to tell the difference\"
\"The trouble with doing nothing is - how do I know when I\'m done?\"
Nomad Baja Interactive map
And in the San Felipe area - check out Valle Chico area |
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64855
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
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Mood: Have Baja Fever
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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).
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Roberto
Banned
Posts: 2162
Registered: 9-5-2003
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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.
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jimgrms
Senior Nomad
Posts: 664
Registered: 9-30-2005
Location: oceanside ca
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Mood: its always good
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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]
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Barry A.
Select Nomad
Posts: 10007
Registered: 11-30-2003
Location: Redding, Northern CA
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Mood: optimistic
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David K and Roberto-----
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.
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64855
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
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Mood: Have Baja Fever
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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.
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Diver
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4729
Registered: 11-15-2004
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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.
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Barry A.
Select Nomad
Posts: 10007
Registered: 11-30-2003
Location: Redding, Northern CA
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David-----
-------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" 
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.
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bajataco
Nomad
Posts: 117
Registered: 11-26-2003
Location: Arizona
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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.
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bajataco
Nomad
Posts: 117
Registered: 11-26-2003
Location: Arizona
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| 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?
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Sharksbaja
Elite Nomad
Posts: 5814
Registered: 9-7-2004
Location: Newport, Mulege B.C.S.
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Mini-pancake 1/4 hp 110v. Easy and fast! Just plug it into my 2500w inverter. BIG tires consume LARGE amounts of air! Plus I use it for a 1000 other uses.
DON\'T SQUINT! Give yer eyes a break!
Try holding down [control] key and toggle the [+ and -] keys
Viva Mulege!
Nomads\' Sunsets
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 64855
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
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Mood: Have Baja Fever
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| 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!
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jimgrms
Senior Nomad
Posts: 664
Registered: 9-30-2005
Location: oceanside ca
Member Is Offline
Mood: its always good
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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
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Al G
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 2647
Registered: 12-19-2004
Location: Todos Santos/Full time for now...
Member Is Offline
Mood: Wondering what is next???
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| 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! It
is an engine mount, because they offer V-belt or serpentine. Anyone know where to get better mounting instructions or drawings?
Albert G
Remember, if you haven\'t got a smile on your face and laughter in your heart, then you are just a sour old fart!....
The most precious thing we have is life, yet it has absolutely no trade-in value.
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Mexray
Super Nomad
Posts: 1016
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: California Delta
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Mood: Baja Time
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Barry A....
...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]
According to my clock...anytime is \'BAJA TIME\' & as Jimmy Buffett says,
\"It doesn\'t use numbers or moving hands It always just says now...\"
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