So I finally had to air my tires down for the first time on my trip to Paragon. And I must say it was a royal PITA. It was no fun kneeling over to air down each tire in 23 degree temps. The air coming out of the tires was freezing cold and it felt like my finger tips were going to crack open. Not to mention it took forever, and I had to pay particularly close attention to the rear tires due to the locker. From what I was told, if one tire is off a few pounds and I engage the locker I can break something. Plus you have to constantly stop and check the pressure to make sure you're where you want to be.
So I've been searching for something, and I think I found it! They're a little pricy, but I'm sure that over time they will be very worth it. Check them out. Staun Tire Deflators. You can air down from 6 to 30PSI with them. They come preset at 18PSI.
A link that might interest you Rodge. This guy had them and ended up going to something a little different, the Currie E-Z Deflator. I'm not sure if that option would be open to those of us with the TPMS sensors though, because it yanks the valve stem core.
^ Those Stauns are the shit. Our event leader has them. Just set them using a spare (set the psi on the deflator, put it on the spare and let it go till it stops, check tire pressure, adjust deflator, start over till you get it just right). He can slap those on, and even though they don't deflate any faster, he is done long before I am b/c he does his all at once.
I have a Viar air-down gauge that works pretty good (built-in gauge), it actually lets the air go prety fast, but like I said, doing one tire at a time compared to 4 at once s just so much faster.
There was a jeep stuck on a liitle hill that had worked his wy over between two trees (front and rear of the truck). They were trying to air the tires down to get more traction for left to right movement so he could work his way out. After we stood there for a few minutes waiting for the guy to air down his 38's, the EL pulls those out of his pocket and made some quick friends. Not so much the jeepers, but the line of guys behind us.
Another option (especially if you have an air tank) is the power tank Monster inflator/deflator stems. They go super fast up or down.
When was the last time you aired down a tire in 23degree weather in SoCal? I assure you they are worth every penny.
Thanks Bill!
Oh yeah, I think I'm gonna ditch getting a CO2 tank. Looking at getting an on-board compressor. This way I have an unlimited supply of air, and I can run air tools if need be. Not to mention, I can get a compressor, and 25' hose for less than the cost of a tank/regulator/hose.
Another vote for the Stauns here. I think I've seen them for a little cheaper, I'll see if any of the shopping sites in my Favs. folder sells them for less.
Bill, what's keeping you from making up your mind? I figure with the compressor, you have an unlimited supply of air(granted that your battery doesn't die), and best of all, you can run air tools if need be. Impact wrench and a socket set, and you have most of the tools you need to fix your truck out on the trail.
^ with that set-up, you would still need an auxilliary tank to run tools. I mean, even if that compressor was continuous duty (which I don't think they are) the tank on it is still too small to run tools. Know what I mean...Like, you would be using more air than the compressor can produce. Plus the ARB compressors are s...l...o...w to fill a tire and judging by comments made by folks who have them, are best suited for simply running lockers. If you want a compressor system that performs as well as a C02 bottle, you'd have to invest more money, run wires, plumb tubing, find a place to mount the compressor, another place to mount the tank, switches, blow-off valves, etc. etc.
With a tank...I buy it and it is ready to use. No wiring, plumbing, switches, battery draw, fuses...I'd just have to have it filled for around $15 about twice a year. And, powertank promotes use of air-tools with their system. They just say to run the tool for about 20 seconds, then let it warm-up for 10, then go again.
I guess a tank is just so much easier. PLus, If I ever get rid of the truck, I don't have to burn another day removing yet another aftermarket part/system.
i was wondering if the co2 tanks could support air tools. good info to know. does anyone know anything about the wheelers co2 tanks? or are the powertanks a better/cheaper option?
I would think that compressed CO2...is well compressed CO2. Just depends on what kit comes with what. I mean hell, a tank is a tank. I'm pretty sure the only difference would be the regulator.
I might just say the heck with it and get a tank. Not going to be running a front locker anytime soon.
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