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Thread: Cheaper CO2 setup

  1. #1
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    Default Cheaper CO2 setup



    I thought some folks might be interested in putting together a compressed gas inflation setup.

    I have an on board compessor that powers my lockers and reinflates my tires. It works okay, but tire inflation takes almost 4 minutes per tire if I'm airing from 10psi to 28 psi. I've looked at the kits, but they're a little pricey for my taste. But I pieced together a great alternative.

    I bought a new 10 lb. tank off eBay for $89, free shipping. Be sure it's an American made, certified tank. Then I bought a fixed regulator off eBay for $49, with shipping. It doesn't have gauges, but you really don't need them. It comes with a air hose quick connect installed. I added a rubber strap mount kit for $10 from Sportman's. I already had the air hose, air chuck/gauge. I had to buy a carry handle for the tank for $10.

    For $160, I have a mounted air tank that should save quite a bit of wear and tear on my compressor.

    I filled it today at High Country 4x4.
         

  2. The Following Member Says Thanks to alanmikkelsen For This Post:

    FINOCJ (March 3rd, 2019)

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    Default Re: Cheaper CO2 setup



    That's GREAT!

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    Default Re: Cheaper CO2 setup



    Looks good! Pretty much the same approach I took to save some cash. One safety caution though - make sure that your hose and chuck are rated to hold the full 800+ psi of the CO2 in case the regulator ever fails (ask me how I know).

    I believe that type of carry handle is typically retained with a large snap ring. If planning to use one, you also need to select a tank that has the groove to accept the snap ring (many/most smaller tanks don't have this groove).
    ___________
    ~Not All Who Wander Are Lost~ (at least not all the time)

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    Default Re: Cheaper CO2 setup



    I don't think I've ever seen an air hose rated to 800 psi. Mine is rated 300 psi. Regulator is set at 150 psi.

    Ditto on the snap ring. Sometimes a tank comes with a carry handle. Mine is a 'catalina' tank and handle. Apparently the 'catalina' means it's a U.S. tank, according to the folks that filled my tank. I'm curious if anyone has a cheaper place to fill tanks. My 10# tank cost $18.00 to fill.

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    Default Re: Cheaper CO2 setup



    Looks good! FWIW my experience with hose selection was the yellow coiled nylon 1/4 inch hoses would not hold up to repeated exposure to the cold temperature near the regulator. I tried two different types and both developed a crack in the hose right after the connector. I switched to good 'ol rubber hose and haven't had a problem since.

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    Default Re: Cheaper CO2 setup



    Yeah, I'm not a fan of the coiled hoses. I have several of the flexible polyurethane hoses in my shop in MT and have a 25' in the Jeep. I really like the flexibility of the hose.

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    Default Re: Cheaper CO2 setup



    I hate the coiled hoses, but I carry one in the bone.
    it Tucks nicely next to the compressor under the back seat.
    As long as it’s short term use and not overstretched it’s workin fine
    ___________
    In a never ending search for the proper mix of dirt & rock !

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    Default Re: Cheaper CO2 setup



    I have been using a hose like that (yellow instead of blue) for many years and it has held up great.

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    Default Re: Cheaper CO2 setup



    Just a followup report: I used this last week when I did the Gulches and it worked great. About 90 seconds per tire and no running my onboard compressor for 15 minutes! Most people say I can get four fills out of it, but I think I'll refill after 3 this first time around, just to make sure I have enough for a 4th trip! I'm very pleased with the setup!

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    Default Re: Cheaper CO2 setup



    You can weigh the tank to see how much is left in it.

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    Default Re: Cheaper CO2 setup



    https://powertank.com/apps/help-cent...e-hose-for-co2

    Can I use a hardware store hose for CO2?

    No. Our Super Flex coiled hoses and Ultra Flex straight hoses are made special for us to be as safe and reliable as possible. The hoses we use can withstand 1000 psi burst pressure at -40F, crucial to deal with the freezing temperatures of CO2. We spec a swivel at both ends that is perfectly usable, even at 400 psi line pressure.

    The ones they sell say "300 psi working pressure and a 1200 psi burst pressure". FYI.

  13. #12
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    Default Re: Cheaper CO2 setup



    I'm pretty comfortable with my setup. I've handled gas bottles for various things, mostly welding, most of my life, as well as compressed air, and I think what I'm doing is plenty safe. The flexible polyurethane hose I'm using is more forgiving than the hard plastic coiled hose, which I'm a bit suspicious of with the cold CO2 gas.

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