On Board Air

[WanderingTs]

So for those of you who have followed and contributed to the thread I started on Air Down vs. Not, thanks for your input. Here is the followup -

One of the other reasons I haven't been airing down is that my most common wheeling areas are far from a nice air compressor. My little Wally World $19 air compressor takes all day to air back up one tire (great for emergency, not so great for regular use).

What do you have for on board air? How well do you like it? I am especially interested in those of you who do not have on board air integrated with your winch (Knappster, I love your setup, but I already have a winch). Anyone have a compressor that plugs into the winches power supply but is not part of the winch?

[NeilSmith]

There are good compressors at Harbor freight and such that will run you a couple hundred bucks for a nice one. If you wheel on a regular basis i would think it would be a good investment. They just hook up to the battery terminals. you can drive for a little bit to get to a station with air and be ok. Of course the quicker the better. I only went down to 22 psi, if you go on down to 15 or so, just drive a little slower on curvy roads so not to roll the tire and break the bead. I had to drive about 40 minutes on the asphalt to get to air when I left Flagpole Knob, but Im not doing that on a regular basis neither.

[LWM]

Hueypilot purchased several at Harbor Freight a few years back and I gave one of those away at Camp Commander 2009, They were small and worked well. Maybe someone who has one will share their experiences with it.

[HueyPilotVN]

The Harbor freight compressors were on sale and were only about 50 or 60 bucks each. I also got an aluminum case and an air down tool. Here are some pictures.

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2010/08/008-2.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2010/08/005-2.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2010/08/004-3.jpg

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2010/06/027-1.jpg

[El Cid]

I have the same kind of air compressor Huey shows -- though without the kickass case. Mine's a T-Max, but it's the same design. There are probably dozens of similar single-cylinder compressors. Can it air up as fast as the Conoco in Silverton? No. But it gets the job done.

I was keeping mine under the hood beside the Hemi until this summer. Moved it out and have been working on an underbody mount for it.

[Rocky Mountain Canary]

I also have the same I pump carry in back mostly for the chance that my wife comes out after work to disscover that a tire has gone flat she could air up and get to a service station or home so that i could take care of the problem she can get grumpy if she is stranded.

The pump seems to work fine and was about $60.00

A CO2 tank would be better but expencive

[07JeepXK]

I need to pick myself up one of those. Everytime I air down I have to jump through hoops to get them filled back up again.

[WanderingTs]

I am seriously looking at Puma PD-1006 that I found recommended on another generic 4X4 forum. Does anyone have experience with either this specific compressor or the Puma brand?

[IamJEEP]

ViAir makes good compressor. I use to run a Viair in my old bug with air ride. It would pump up a 5 gallon tank from 0psi to 180psi in 5 minutes. That one ran me $200 but, it wad well worth it. They also make smaller ones for tires for around $70.

[Doc in AZ]

i've pretty much tried them all...

i tried the harbor freight pump as recommended by many people both here and on another forum i'm on... it sucked. it didn't even air up one tire before it got a healthy appetite for fuses. brand new out of the box trying to use it in my garage... that's just my experience but others attest differently.

then i switched to co2. not a bad idea and there are less expensive ways to do it than a POWER TANK. i went to the welding shop and got a 10# bottle and a 150psi fixed regulator. the good thing is it airs up pretty quickly... that is until the fixed regulator starts to freeze up, then it slows down... but still faster than the HF pump. the really bad thing about it is that it's a consumable rather than a never ending supply. it cost me about $20 to fill it and a tank was only good for about 4 trips when filling 33" tires from 8lbs to 24. the worst thing is when you get ready to air back up and realize you forgot to close the valve the last time you went out. i had to drive about 10 miles on the interstate at 8lbs in my tires to get to a gas station. so that trip cost me $20 to air up one set of tires.

then i switched out to a compressor mounted in the back of the tub... i can't remember the brand anymore but it was a twin cylinder and cost about $400. pretty much worth the money in my opinion. i do a lot of hard trails and have had to air up flats for myself and others, so it's nice not waiting all day.

i currently have the warn powerplant... pretty much the best thing ever. i aired up my 35" tires and my buddy's 37" tires before another guy aired up two of his 35" tires with the HF pump.

there is nothing i know of that you can integrate into a standard winch that will work as an air compressor. if you want to go hardcore, and have the room in the engine compartment, take a look at york compressors. another idea, and i know you said you've already got a winch, but smittybilt is making a unit comparable to the warn powerplant for about half the money.

[cico7]

I was at Walmart last night and saw this refillable Co2 tank for paint ball guns. I wondered if you could use Co2 to fill with.
How big of tank and how to regulate the pressure.

[Doc in AZ]

see my post above for some of the info, but here's some more.

the common sizes of co2 are sold by weight - #5, 10 & 20 - although i'm not sure of the tank pressure, it's probably around 2,000 or so. you can get two types of regulators, i had a 150 psi fixed regulator it had no adjustment or gauge, or you can get an adjustable that reads cylinder pressure and output pressure. the adjustable regulator will flow faster and is suitable for running air tools like an impact, the fixed regulator is really only good for airing things up like tires or beach floaties.

here is a chart from powertank's site - it should help you get an idea of the volume necessary. as i said before each tank fill will cost $15-20

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2010/09/powertank-2.gif

[WanderingTs]

I read about the Vair elsewhere too, but it seemed people were happier with Puma, mainly for the speed. My normal time to use this would be after a day of hard hunting with a long drive home and the last thing I want to do is delay laying my head on the pillow waiting for a compressor to catch up.

Physically, what size of tank are you talking about for the #20 CO2. I am guessing the size of a welding tank which would make size/weight and issue.

The Warn Power Plant sounds like a great choice.......but to much $$$$ to justify.

[Doc in AZ]

XRC10HD Winch by Smittybilt $750 (http://www.4wheelparts.com/Winches-Winch-Accessories/XRC10HD-Winch-by-Smittybilt.aspx?t_c=18&t_s=300&t_pt=100702&t_pl=6426&t_pn=S%2fB99210) i can have these drop-shipped to your door for about $650 depending on zip code

Rated Line Pull: 10000LBS/ 4536KG, Single Line
Max Pressure or Air Compressor: 150PSI
Air Flow: 72L/Min
Length of PU coil air hose: 8m
Winch Motor: 5.5hp/4.0kw 12V
Control: Handheld remote switch
12ft/3.7m lead
Gear train: 3-Stage Planetary
Gear Reduction Ratio: 148.2:1
Clutch: Sliding Ring Gear

The new Smittybilt XRC 10 HD is a 10,000 lb thoroughbred that has the looks and performance to handle any situation you get into. It is really the total package! We start off with one of the largest motors in its class - 5.5 State-of-the-Art Series Wound Motor and equip it with 3-stage planetary gear system with a 148.2:1 gear ratio that delivers lightning fast line speed. The all new HD comes standard with built in 150 PSI Air Compressor with a 2.5 gallon reservoir tank that can be mounted anywhere. The compressor/tank combo will provide more than enough on board air to inflate your tires after a nice day of wheeling or run air tools like an impact gun when a change is necessary. The XRC 10 HD is the next generation in winching technology!

[brendon]

D@mn you Doc, now I might just have to go ahead and get that winch. I see it weighs about 67lbs. according to the Smittybuilt website so it could work on a cradle. The Warn Powermate weighs in at something like 110lbs. if memory serves.

I was all set to get the Superwinch LP8500 at Farm & Fleet for $400...

[Doc in AZ]

i recommend stepping up to the sythetic for the weight savings, especially on a cradle mounted winch. i have always run it and when i got the powerplant i could barely lift the box. when i took the steel rope out of the new winch i could then lift it with one hand... amazing difference.

[GPCDR]

XRC10HD Winch by Smittybilt $750 (http://www.4wheelparts.com/Winches-Winch-Accessories/XRC10HD-Winch-by-Smittybilt.aspx?t_c=18&t_s=300&t_pt=100702&t_pl=6426&t_pn=S%2fB99210) i can have these drop-shipped to your door for about $650 depending on zip code

Why have they stopped manufacturing these?

http://www.smittybilt.com/product/index/62.htm

[Doc in AZ]

Why have they stopped manufacturing these?

http://www.smittybilt.com/product/index/62.htm

last i checked it seemed that after the prototyping was complete and deemed reliable the changes necessary to meet the marketability pricing was disasterous to the winch. they just couldn't get them to work / last and still beat out warn's powerplant. i have seen them and checked them out and was blown away by their pricing thinking it was impossible to build them for half of warn's price, or warn was ripping everyone off - me included. turns out that it's impossible to build a GOOD one for that price.

[WanderingTs]

Still wondering if anyone has experience with Puma brand?

[WanderingTs]

I did end up buying the Puma brand PD-1006 from Buzzard Gulch, through Ebay. I highly recommend it from my use so far. It takes my tires from 22psi to 50 psi in just under 2 minutes per tire. After doing all four, it only takes the time to put away my airs hose and pressure gauge for the compressor to be cool enought to touch the cooling fins.

It claims to be able to run air tools, but I haven't put it to that test yet.

[El Cid]

Good to hear, my friend. Thanks for letting us know.

[Matt]

Bringing this thread back up. Hows that puma pump working out for ya?

I ran a self made OBA kit years ago that used a 5 gallon tank but want to go a different route this time. Looking to put together a basic kit just for airing up the tires.... don't need to run air tools (I have dewalt 18v tools to bring in my kit).

And while ill never run larger than a 33 on my XK, I want to make sure I have a pump that can do mine and a friend or two's vehicles after wheeling without overheating.

[pjmjr508]

I have picked up the dual compressor from Smittybilt & love it. Here is a link to it.
http://www.4wheelparts.com/Towing-and-Tools/Smittybilt-Dual-Cylinder-Compressor.aspx?t_c=67&t_s=3&t_pt=4644&t_pl=5822&t_pn=S%2fBQ89

Part Number: S/BQ89
Dual Cylinder Compressor
Easy twist screw on brass inflator top
Quick release 16-foot coil hose
Auto-thermal cutoff switch
Built-on cleanable airfilter
Storage bag included
Integrated 150 PSI - Easy to read pressure gauge
3.17 CFM


It connects to my battery via battery clamps like jumper cables & very happy with it

[WanderingTs]

The PUMA compressor has worked great. Still love it. I am running it on homemade extension wires with cheap Harbor Frieght clamps that I attach to the battery. Runs like a champ and really doesn't seem to have much amp draw.

If you are going to share the air like you were talking about, one thing you will really appreciate is how fast it cools off. It doesn't get super hot to start with, but by the time I wind up my air hose, my power cords, and am ready to put it away, it is cool enough to touch. I mainly have been using it in the fall hunting season, so it is cool outside, I have no idea how much this might change in the Moab heat or similar.

Info I found on another 4X4 site lead me to this http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=481447

I bought mine from Buzzard Gulch who by far had the best price. They have an Ebay store I bought it through, but I couldn't find it to link it here. They didn't have the compressor listed at the ebay store when I wanted it, so I called them and they put up a buy it now special for me. I found them very helpful and having great customer service, although their homepage needs a lot of help to navigate (like an easy way to search). Best way to deal with them is probably phone 800-821-2932.

[Matt]

Searching for the Smittybilt, i came across this:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000L9D8LI/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_2?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B001CF4V0C&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=15Z4FEFT66PC4BVMY34V

Not bad....

[Matt]

VIAIR 400P-Automatic:
http://www.amazon.com/VIAIR-400P-Automatic-Function-Portable-Compressor/dp/B000X9B32M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=automotive&qid=1305775400&sr=1-1
http://www.viaircorp.com/OffRoad/400P-A.html
$250, fills up 35" tires from 15 to 30 psi in 2 min 20 seconds and has automatic shutoff.

^^I kind of like that...

[WanderingTs]

The auto shut off is a nice feature. The Puma has that also as it has a tank which is filled to pressure by the compressor just as a large conventional compressor is. Keeps the compressor cooler by not running all the time, and it is nice to have quiet when it is not directly in use.

[Matt]

how much did the puma run ya?

[cico7]

how much did the puma run ya?All the way to the ground, they run pretty fast.

[WanderingTs]

Sorry, I don't remember, but I do remember it was less than a comprable Viair. You have have to check current pricing.

[Matt]

Yeah i've been finding it for $200-$250 which is basically the same price as the VIAIR kits i was looking at. Although the Puma looks like it'll fill the tires a bit faster based on specs, I like the compactness of the VIAIR kits... and that'll still fill up the XK tires in less than 2 minutes. Throw a good tire plug kit in that bag and leave it in the vehicle and you're good to go if you get a flat or something as well.

[SKIUTAHJEEP]

I just ordered this compressor off amazon today. I will let you know how I like it.
Q Industries MV50 SuperFlow Hi-Volume Air Compressor
http://www.amazon.com/Industries-MV50-SuperFlow-Hi-Compressor/dp/B000BM8RT8/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1306202519&sr=8-8-spell

[Matt]

Awesome. Let us know how it works. Maybe do an air down test and time how long it takes to go from 15 to 35 psi for us.

[HueyPilotVN]

I just discovered what might be the ultimate "On board Air" package and I did not even know that I had it. I just watched the DVD that came with my Country Coach Motorhome and it showed me three air line hookups under the front bumper on the driver's side. These three connections each have shut offs and are all the standard 3/8 inch threaded female ports. I put quick disconnects on them for three air lines. I got a 50 foot Goodyear airline and I already had a couple of less expensive airlines for my portable compressor. The compressor on the coach is very powerful. It fills both the primary and backup air tanks in about 15 secconds after starting the diesel engine. It will also lift about 25 tons or 50,000 pounds several inches up within 30 seconds of starting. I do not know the constant flow rate but I do know that both air pressure guages stay at about 80 psi all the time. I think that this will come in very handy as a base camp air supply with three hoses. It should also provide plenty of air for air tools.

Here is a picture of the coach. I will take pictures of the air connections tomorrow in the daylight.

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/05/504-1.jpg

I guess I might have to put a coin operated timer on it...... Thats my story and I am sticking to it.

[SKIUTAHJEEP]

I recieved my portable air compressor a few days ago. Q Industries MV50 SuperFlow Hi-Volume Air Compressor. I took my tire down to 20 psi and it took 2 min and 15 sec to pump it to 36 psi. So far I think it works great!! It was $65. Its small and easy to store in the XK.

[HueyPilotVN]

Here is a couple of pictures of the air connections under the front left of my Motor Home. I put quick disconnects in the three air ports so that I did not have to screw in the male end of the air line every time I wanted to use it. By the way, I thought the two air tanks normally were regulated to hold 80 psi, actually they each hold 120 psi all the time. I aired up a flat tire in about 30 seconds using the hose today.

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/06/00231-1.jpg

with one air hose connected

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/06/00330-1.jpg

[LWM]

That can come in real handy at Camp Commander.

[AcidCold]

I have had my Viair Heavy Duty #10005 for a little over 2 years now with no problems, and I do have it mounted up side down.
I placed it in the spare tire location with the tank being protected by the rear 4x skid.

[Sal-XK]

I have had my Viair Heavy Duty #10005 for a little over 2 years now with no problems, and I do have it mounted up side down.
I placed it in the spare tire location with the tank being protected by the rear 4x skid.

I would like to see that mod!

[AcidCold]

https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/08/DSC00815-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/08/DSC00818-1.jpg
https://theultimatejeep.com/images/imported/2011/08/DSC00821-1.jpg

The only pictures I have on it.

[Sal-XK]

That's pretty cool I like your setup.

[cico7]

Would a fire extinguisher hold enough air?

[pjmjr508]

I like that setup

[Omelet]

I have an ARB CKMA12. I haven't used it much, but it did surprise me how fast it works. I never did time it though. I might have to go home today and see how fast it is and get back to you guys. It might not be the fastest one out there, but the selling factor for me was that they are very reliable and can take a beating, also that they are rebuild-able. I will never have to buy another one! If something ever goes wrong then I just buy replacement parts which are a lot cheaper than a new compressor. I used to have a cheap $50 unit for the XJ, but that quickly gave up. What a waist of money that was! I got this one from 4wd.com on sale with a discount. I got the compressor (ARBCKMA12), inflator w/pressure gauge (ARBARB605US), and tire inflation kit (ARB-171302) for about $250 shipped. I couldn't pass up that deal! I also just scored a 3 gallon pancake tank that will be mounted in the spare tire similar to what Russ did.