Portable CO2 Tank

Anyone using a portable CO2 tank? Thinking about a Smittybilt or Powertank. How are you carrying it? What is your experience?

 

I've never used onboard air, much prefer knowing that when I need air, I have it. Sure, I have to refill it occasionally, but its what has worked for me for more than 20 years. It worked on a 117 degree Phoenix afternoon and a -20 Beartooth Pass (Montana) morning. I will have mine mounted in my new to me Off Road via Quick Fists on rear window Moly panels.

I made my own 10lb bottle system. I had an O2 cylinder from my wifes brewery. Bought a regulator, valve protector/handle from Amazon and a hose and fittings kit from ARB.

 

Do you have any pictures of it mounted? I just bought a 10lb Smittybilt CO2 tank, $368 shipped. It came with a nice carrying case, but I need to secure it somewhere in the vehicle.

 

Return the smittybuilt if you can. You’ll have regulator issues and failures very quick. It’s better to build your own or buy a power tank.

 

I have not mounted yet but will be on a set of rear window MOLLE panels. I had it mounted to the angeld rea roll bar on my JKU previously. But like this:

 

I'd highly recommend a Power Tank. I was able to snag it used, but would have gladly paid full-price given how great its performed. Makes airing up my 33s a breeze, and is always there when I need it.

 

Interesting. It’s this same perspective that would make me choose a compressor over a tank.

 

My thought is this. There are only about 12-15 actual points of failure in a tank setup. I was a paramedic for 10 years in the field. I had people on oxygen or a ventilator 3-8x a day. Know how many failures I had (3 shifts a week x avg 5 patients a day x 52 weeks x 10 years = ~7,800)? Zero.

There are more than 50-80 points of failure with a compressor setup. I chose the path of least resistance. I see the appeal of a compressor hidden away in the engine bay or under a seat and then plumbed out to a central point of hookup to plug into. I get it. But again, with 4-7x the failure points, it just isn't something I'm interested in.

 

I owned a Powertank for several years (5-6?) and it lived in the bed of my Tacoma.

Day and night, rain or shine, it lived outside strapped and locked.

Never had an issue with any part of the tank or regulator.

Once I got my 4Runner though, I opted for a

$200 Viair 400P - 40043 Portable Compressor Kit. Tire Pump, Truck/SUV Tire Inflator, For Up to 35" Tires

Viair 400P, knowing it would cost me nothing to move my Powertank over as I already owned it.

I wouldn't want the risk of something happening and having o2 displaced from my vehicle and have been quite happy with my Viair.

 

Why does everyone use CO2 tanks? Why not Hydrogen gas tanks to reduce weight?

(Sorry, couldn't help posting that)

 

I have a good quality medium duty compressor from an auto parts store. It doesn’t get daily use but I’ve had it for many years tucked into the tool box in back. Never had any compressor failure but I recently bought a

$77 Viair 88P - 00088 Tire Inflator Portable On/Offroad Air Compressor for Car, Truck, SUV & RV | 12V Heavy Duty Pump 120 PSI, Alligator Clip, Twist Chuck

Viair 88P to have a spare. Two compressors take up less room for me than a big tank.

 

Good point.

 

Running out of CO2 isn’t something I’m interested in. ;-D

Seriously though, I think there are good arguments to be made for either option. I’ve used a tank before and it’s much faster and more convenient than a compressor. I think Electroboy is on to something with the redundancy of two compressors. Maybe a CO2 tank supplemented with a compressor is ideal.

… with respect, from a fellow grumpy old guy.

 

OK, I'm ignorant, but what are you guys using CO2 for? I use it in home brewing beer but can't think what I would use it for in my 4R.

 

Yeah, why CO2 and not dry nitrogen? Cost?

 

Maybe availability?

 

If you are airing up and down semi-frequently, Nitrogen makes no sense form a cost and availability standpoint. If your rig is a mall crawler, there is no need for a bottle or a compressor.