Calgary Jeep Association

4x4 Related Groups => Tech Talk => Topic started by: dac on March 02, 2009, 11:07:45 AM

Title: on-board air??
Post by: dac on March 02, 2009, 11:07:45 AM
I'm looking at adding some form of on-board air.  Probably only for filling tires and camping stuff.  I think something portable would be best so I could use it in the family jeep and would take up less space; but one with a tank might prove useful ???.  ARB would be ok, I've heard the warn compressor is good but expensive.  Has any one heard of this stuff (Viair)
(fixed with tank)
http://www.quadratec.com/products/92043_602.htm

or
(portable)
http://www.quadratec.com/products/92043_005.htm

what do you guys think?
Title: Re: on-board air??
Post by: fug on March 02, 2009, 11:12:03 AM
Bunch of us run Viar... and everyone I know loves it.  Yeah it isn't as fast as an engine driven pump like a York setup... but its far less complicated and it does the job.  If you can afford it and you have the space... you can run a dual compressor setup for some serious air.
Title: Re: on-board air??
Post by: dac on March 02, 2009, 11:13:42 AM
is it worth getting a tank for basic stuff?
Title: Re: on-board air??
Post by: fug on March 02, 2009, 11:24:12 AM
I have the tank and I like it.  Makes airing up a bit quicker when you have the reserve.  I think Dom runs the portable one so he can comment on it.  I know bnine runs dual compressors and tank... and some of the XJ folks run dual tanks/compressors.  We were able to hook a few tanks together to run an impact gun to remove my front axle at last years ACE event.
Title: Re: on-board air??
Post by: calltrex on March 02, 2009, 11:35:34 AM
if u want to save hasle get a co2 powertank. they have different sizes. it will do anything you need it for and can carry it around if you want. dont need your jeep to power it in anyway. 

no messing around with electrical, no plumbing tanks, lines, switches, no messing with engine for york compressor.

ive had the viar -  not good enough for me
ive had the York -great but expensive

I will get a co2 power tank next.
Title: Re: on-board air??
Post by: cLAY on March 02, 2009, 12:15:37 PM
I'll second the CO2 tank. Just seems to be way less hassle and more compact. Someone I was wheeling with last month had one and I needed to air up a flat tire. He was 2 rigs ahead of me on the trail that was pretty deep in snow. Would have be near impossible for him to get back to me.

In 30 seconds he had the tank out of its mount and and disconnected from his airline and was headed back to me. Unfortunatly I had poked a hole in the sidewall so it didn't really help. It did however reinforce my desire to go that route.
Title: Re: on-board air??
Post by: dac on March 02, 2009, 12:17:15 PM
you have to take the co2 tank to a shop to get it filled though right?
Title: Re: on-board air??
Post by: w squared on March 02, 2009, 12:39:58 PM
That's right.
Title: Re: on-board air??
Post by: Immortal on March 02, 2009, 03:17:22 PM
We just did an OBA system couple weekends back. Converted the A/C compressor into an air compressor. Works slicker than snot on a doorhandle.
Write up is here.....

http://www.na4wda.org/index.php/topic,1668.0.html
Title: Re: on-board air??
Post by: yyc_tbird_sc on March 02, 2009, 06:37:13 PM
I've currently got a 63cu/ft SCUBA tank in my truck right now...it works well. However, they don't hold near the same about of volume as a CO2 so I've got a 20lb tank (donated from concession stand at work ;)) and with a new regulator coming in it should fit the bill for whatever may be needed
Title: Re: on-board air??
Post by: dac on March 02, 2009, 06:48:03 PM
I like the idea of the pump though, because a bottle could be close to empty and you could end up finishing it before you're done airing up or what ever.  Perhaps I'm a little paranoid though?
Title: Re: on-board air??
Post by: w squared on March 02, 2009, 06:55:35 PM
I've currently got a 63cu/ft SCUBA tank in my truck right now...it works well. However, they don't hold near the same about of volume as a CO2 so I've got a 20lb tank (donated from concession stand at work ;)) and with a new regulator coming in it should fit the bill for whatever may be needed

How many fills of what size tire do you get out of that SCUBA tank? (If you don't mind me asking)

I may be able to source a very reasonably priced (almost free) 45 cu ft. tank and regulator.
Title: Re: on-board air??
Post by: Fredduck on March 02, 2009, 06:56:44 PM
concession stand ????????-- HMMMM?
Title: Re: on-board air??
Post by: calltrex on March 02, 2009, 07:24:37 PM
co2 tanks hold a lot and will last a while as long as your not filling up other peoples tires  at the end of the day all the time
Title: Re: on-board air??
Post by: boggincj7 on March 02, 2009, 07:51:08 PM
If you go the Viair route northshore offroad is now a stocking dealer. Their prices are really good too, close to US prices when I got some viair parts from them this past summer.
Title: Re: on-board air??
Post by: sn4cktime on March 03, 2009, 04:19:08 PM
I'd go with a york-style setup before electric - can be costly though.

I went with CO2 and love it.  Last time I went out I aired my tires down to around 8 PSI.  It took me longer to remove the valve-stem caps and plug on my fourway airsplitter than it did to fill them.  300+PSI at 45CFM = fast fills.

BUT, like you said, when the tank's empty, it's empty, then you're F'd.  I keep my spare a little over-aired up just incase.  Then I can split it's 35PSI into my other tires.
Title: Re: on-board air??
Post by: esi on March 03, 2009, 05:08:09 PM
If you don't use the A/C to frequently converting it shouldn't be to much of a job since its already mounted and driven. That's my plan after I get some other additions finished on my Z.
Title: Re: on-board air??
Post by: w squared on March 03, 2009, 07:18:26 PM
I'd go with a york-style setup before electric - can be costly though.

I went with CO2 and love it.  Last time I went out I aired my tires down to around 8 PSI.  It took me longer to remove the valve-stem caps and plug on my fourway airsplitter than it did to fill them.  300+PSI at 45CFM = fast fills.

BUT, like you said, when the tank's empty, it's empty, then you're F'd.  I keep my spare a little over-aired up just incase.  Then I can split it's 35PSI into my other tires.

Couple of questions for you on the CO2...

#1. How many fills of your 35's do you get?

#2. What size bottle are you running?

#3. Where do you get it filled, and how much are they charging you?
Title: Re: on-board air??
Post by: dac on March 03, 2009, 07:26:40 PM
If you don't use the A/C to frequently converting it shouldn't be to much of a job since its already mounted and driven. That's my plan after I get some other additions finished on my Z.

Get rid of A/C?? Are you nuts?    :o

Title: Re: on-board air??
Post by: Immortal on March 03, 2009, 08:28:21 PM
Get rid of A/C?? Are you nuts?    :o

That's what I say....
Title: Re: on-board air??
Post by: esi on March 03, 2009, 10:23:36 PM
My AC needs a charge and I haven't done it, so I haven't got used to having it, It still has 1-4 80 air. I don't have to sit in traffic with it either.
Title: Re: on-board air??
Post by: w squared on March 04, 2009, 07:49:42 AM
Get rid of A/C?? Are you nuts?    :o



Yeah...my JK is also my DD, and I have to commute from the south side of Calgary to Airdrie. I don't really want to do that without A/C during the summer months.
Title: Re: on-board air??
Post by: Bnine on March 04, 2009, 10:00:26 AM
For the amount air is required either a small electric or a tank system are the easiest and most affordable solutions.

Yorks are great for a ton of air, but they are expensive, and do have their drawbacks. All for more air then you really need.
Title: Re: on-board air??
Post by: JackstandJohnny on March 04, 2009, 11:04:42 AM
i hear the roofs in those Jks come off......... why do you need air ;)


last summer when my ZJs AC kicked out i just took off the doors........



jusk kidding, i like the AC lol its necessary
Title: Re: on-board air??
Post by: yyc_tbird_sc on March 04, 2009, 12:09:40 PM
Couple of questions for you on the CO2...

#1. How many fills of your 35's do you get?

#2. What size bottle are you running?

#3. Where do you get it filled, and how much are they charging you?

#1 It depends on how low you're airing down your tires to....see the attached chart from Power Tank's website:
(http://powertank.com/graphics/nc900.gif)

#2 I've personally got a 62cu/ft SCUBA tank, and a 20lb CO2 bottle. The CO2 lasts forever with only 31's and will be great with 33's. If you don't have a SCUBA certificate, you're most likely not going to be able to get those tanks filled or even bought.

#3 Any place that fills welding gas bottles, or even CO2 for bars and pop systems. I just change mine with the full ones we have at work and give the concessions guys $5.
Title: Re: on-board air??
Post by: w squared on March 04, 2009, 06:45:33 PM
I don't have a SCUBA certificate, but I won't have a problem getting a bottle, or getting it filled. I have access to a 4500 psi cascade system and compressor at work.  ;D What we've got in the back shop would make most SCUBA shop owners wet themselves.