I just got a new CO2 tank and was wondering were you OC boys refill your tanks. So far the cheapest I found is $20 for a 10lb refill. Thanks

That's about what I pay. I get mine done at a welding supply shop down here in the Long Beach harbor area.

I use a fire extinguisher shop in Eagle Rock- $15 for a 10# tank. Rather than piece a sytem together this guy has a quality, affordable package deal. Nice guy too.
http://www.ultimate-air.com/products/exlt10.htm

I go to AirGas in Duarte. I spoke to the guy and get the contractors price (level 8), and it cost 11.52 for a 10lb tank.

I use a fire extinguisher shop in Eagle Rock- $15 for a 10# tank. Rather than piece a sytem together this guy has a quality, affordable package deal. Nice guy too.
http://www.ultimate-air.com/products/exlt10.htm

That's the tank I got.
Thanks for the info guys. I talked to a welding supply house close to where I'm at and he says he only charges $9. I'm going there this week.

That's the tank I got.
Thanks for the info guys. I talked to a welding supply house close to where I'm at and he says he only charges $9. I'm going there this week.

That's a nice price! The shop that I go to in Hunt. Beach charges something like $20.......:no: I fill mine about twice a year and it costs just as much to drive over there as it does to fill the tank.

I get mine filled at the ACE hardware. 5 bucks for a 10lb tank. Their setup is made for the smaller paintball tanks so it takes a little longer to fill but you cant beat the price.

How many tires (35in)can you air up with a 10# tank? about.

Check here
http://www.powertank.com/charts.specs

Check here
http://www.powertank.com/charts.specs

Sweet,maybe this is a better way to go than an oba compressor. Olus one day the air compressor will break.

Wow, all you guys are lucky!!! Best place I found is in Northridge, of course I'm in the SF Valley....but still I found a Tavern supply place and they charge about 14 bucks...
The others you guys are talking about, is that a fill or an exchange? There's only a few places here in the valley that actually fill as opposed to swapping. Most are in Van Nuys.

Anyway, love the CO2 setup, less expensive to setup, and can get about 2 or 3 weekends in (have 31's) plus dust blow-off.
Great if you don't want to spend thousands on oba yet.

After seeing how quickly Highway420 aired up after Millers, I "found" me a tank. It's 20#, kinda big, but it was free. I went to Airgas and bought a regulator and fill. The regulator was $75, fill $22. I used the connectors from my air compressor, so, now I have CO2 for about $100.

Sweet,maybe this is a better way to go than an oba compressor. Olus one day the air compressor will break.

That's what all the CO2 guys told me when I put my York on the YJ - almost 10 years ago.

I can count all the folks I've run into with broken York systems on the trail on one hand. Folks who've run their CO2 dry? Let me take my shoes off.... :)

I pay $15 for 20lb here in the central valley.

That's what all the CO2 guys told me when I put my York on the YJ - almost 10 years ago.

I can count all the folks I've run into with broken York systems on the trail on one hand. Folks who've run their CO2 dry? Let me take my shoes off.... :)

I think I filled up one of those broken York guys, which coincidently finished my tank off on that trip.:bonk:

The key is know how much the tare is of the tank and put the bathroom scale to work. :geek:

stupid question... what about the 12 gram units that the bike riders use? I am looking to get something even cheaper and smaller than the power tank stuff, and a box of 12 grams is pretty small and cheap...

I will just wheel with someone that has air,then i dont care what they have :-)

Folks who've run their CO2 dry? Let me take my shoes off.... :)

I guess that shows you who does not do a pre-trip inspection before they hit the trail. There are pros and cons to both setups. Just a couple I can think of off the top of my head.
York OBA

Pros: unlimited air as long as your engine is running.
reliable if well maintained.

Cons: expensive
Can only be used on one vehicle at a time. I just met a guy that has 5 Jeeps. That would be an expensive endeavor to put a york in all 5.

CO2

Pros: moved from vehicle to vehicle easily.
reliable and safe
If you have an onboard welder you can use the CO2 as a shielding gas.

Cons: limited amount of pressure, run out on trail you are screwed
availability of refill locations/hours of said location. decide to go wheeling sunday morning you won't find a refill location open.

I have the Powertank 10lb right now but when finances allow it I will be putting on a York system.

That's the key...
You have to weigh it before you go. For a 10#'er aluminum,it's 14.5 (without the regulator, don't forget that, it will throw off your measurement unless you know that weight).

And, another little factoid....they always 'under fill' the tanks. Remember, these have about 1500 psi inside, so to account for expansion without explosion, <---kinda poetic, isn't it? :geek:
they don't fill it all the way.
With a 10# AL tank, it's about 22-23 full.

The tare weight should be stamped right on the tank near the top. If not, just weigh it when you've completely run it out, without the reg.

As far as the 12 gr units? I'm not sure about those...do you think it would have the volume to do anything? It's good for bike tires, I think, in part that the tires only use 10 or 15 pounds normally. Right?

Oh, and about the 'running out of CO2'.....just bring the 'ol portable pump that's sits behind my seat all the time anyway...:eek: ;) :8

I dunno about the 12 grams, thats why I asked... I was hoping somebody had already tried it for me. I know you can get a box of 12 grams at walmart for cheep, so I am gonna air one of my 35mtr's down to 10 psi and see how many 12 grams it takes to bring it back up to 30psi... and if its a pain in the rear or not, and how long it takes... and then maybe I will try one of the 20 oz paintball tanks... I just dont have alot of room for that big air tank in my jeep!

I dunno about the 12 grams, thats why I asked... I was hoping somebody had already tried it for me. I know you can get a box of 12 grams at walmart for cheep, so I am gonna air one of my 35mtr's down to 10 psi and see how many 12 grams it takes to bring it back up to 30psi... and if its a pain in the rear or not, and how long it takes... and then maybe I will try one of the 20 oz paintball tanks... I just dont have alot of room for that big air tank in my jeep!

One of my buddies uses the small paint ball tanks for filling up. I think he has to carry four. One for each tire. But it works.

Used my tank for the first time this weekend. I'm in love! :) I have it strapped behind my seat. From there I can reach all 4 tires. It took just less than a minute to take my 35's from 12 to 30 psi. I filled mine, Geebo's (33's) and Phoenix's (33's) in the amount of time it took me to fill just mine with an air compressor.

I used mine this weekend also and it is fast. I highly recommend CO2. As for the comments about running out on the trail. Keep track of the weight and it shouldn’t be a problem. CO2 level should be part of your pre run checklist. I also still have my compressor as a back up that I’m mounting under the hood.

I have just picked up a second co2 tank. That eliminates the guessing game on how much is left in my tank. I know that I can safely get 4 fills out of my 10lb tank- when I have done 4 fills, I load up the other tank and refill the first.

I also gave a guy a fill who had OBA recently. He complained that his system was too slow.

What did he have for an OBA system - an ARB compressor? :)

I have just picked up a second co2 tank. That eliminates the guessing game on how much is left in my tank. I know that I can safely get 4 fills out of my 10lb tank- when I have done 4 fills, I load up the other tank and refill the first.

I also gave a guy a fill who had OBA recently. He complained that his system was too slow.

When you say 4 fills I hope you mean all 4 tires 4x's. You should get a few more then that unless your running 42" tires and airing up from 3lbs.

ok the 12 gram sys is not gonna work, the super 16 sys doent do it for the right amount of cash, too expensive. the 20's paintball tanks work, but as was said, it takes at least 3 and they cost too much to fill, so back to the power tank, or other comparable systems... gosh that seems like a waste of time and money... but somebody had to do it I guess. i have bike rider friends that carry such small stuff for their tires, but of course the volume is apple to oranges...

....more like apples to orange orchards.. :)

ok the 12 gram sys is not gonna work, the super 16 sys doent do it for the right amount of cash, too expensive. the 20's paintball tanks work, but as was said, it takes at least 3 and they cost too much to fill, so back to the power tank, or other comparable systems... gosh that seems like a waste of time and money... but somebody had to do it I guess. i have bike rider friends that carry such small stuff for their tires, but of course the volume is apple to oranges...

I carry the small CO2 cartridges when I ride my bike and they work great. That’s one of the reasons I went with the CO2 in my Jeep. Doesn’t quite fit in a fanny tool bag but it works just as well. The selection of an air system is a personal preference and everyone’s an expert on each type and will tell you why yours was a waste of money or won’t work. Sounds like your doing the right research. Good luck.:thumbs_up

When you say 4 fills I hope you mean all 4 tires 4x's. You should get a few more then that unless your running 42" tires and airing up from 3lbs.

That is what I mean- thanks for the clarification.

What did he have for an OBA system - an ARB compressor? :)
Don't know, I didn't look under the hood. Sounded like the thing made alot of noise but didn't do much. Before I got a co2 system, I have bummed air from other OBA guys who seemed to have much more efficient systems.

Anyone in the Arlington, TX area
Kimbrough Fire Extinguisher will charge CO2 tanks,
about 15 for 5lb, 18 or 18 for a 10lb and 22 for a 20lb.

just picked up a 5lb Alum tank from them for 75 also.
Ended up with a new one since the guy that brought it in was in a hurry, so they just switched his tank out, Lucky for me HI HI

can i fill a scuba tank with co2?

One of the guys in the club I am in gathered this info.

Tips

http://www.4x4training.com/Articles/Equipment/CO2TankTips.html

Locations

http://www.4x4training.com/Articles/Equipment/LocationstoFillAirTanks.html

One of the guys in the club I am in gathered this info.

Tips

http://www.4x4training.com/Articles/Equipment/CO2TankTips.html

Locations

http://www.4x4training.com/Articles/Equipment/LocationstoFillAirTanks.html

Hey, thats some really great info thanks.

ok im getting really interested in this. I was going to do another thread, but think ill just add on here.
http://www.beveragefactory.com/draftbeer/tanks/co2.shtml one of the #15 would be plenty for what I will be needing, but might be just too big for inside a jeep. Does anyone have a write up on using one of these tanks? Or is it basically what Stu has on his site? maybe i just answered my question

I ended up with a used 10# aluminum, and it lasts at least three or four trips. And it fits inside just fine.
I know it doesn't sound like much, but in the summer, I use it to blow out the inside a little after I fill up. I'm sure it will last more, I just like to make sure it's almost full. I weigh it before I go each time as well.

This is the least expensive way to go, that site seems to be cheap. The only other suggestion I could make is the pre-set regulator from Williams Balloons. http://www.williamsballoons.com/ It seems to stand better against the common freeze lock. I've been using the 125psi, and surprisingly I can fill up all four tires at next to freezing temps. Your local airgas can order the valve if you don't want it online. And they are cheaper than the variable regs.

:2:

Those tanks will work and if your building it your self highway420 is right about that valve. I know people that have used the Williams Balloons valves with much success. Make sure you get one thats 125lbs. That will run air tools if you desire and also fill up the tires much quicker. Also check out
http://www.polyperformance.com/shop/home.php?cat=766

Oh yeah, two more things....
There is an insert that threads on the inside of the valve on the tank, that makes a 'fixed' seal so you don't have to use the fiber washers every time you put the reg on. It's a brass piece with an o-ring pressed in the front of it. It just stays there, and when you put the fixed reg on, you don't need a wrench to tighten it. It works by hand.
Second...
Tavern Service, where I get mine filled, also set me up with a sort of protective cover for the threads and dust when the regulator is not on...I have my tank on my carrier more often than inside. So I asked for something to cover it.

It's basically a nut with a hole, I know, just wait....I said the same thing.....He proceeded to put a penny in it and then threaded it on the valve. Perfect!! It works great. The whole enchilada cost about 100 by the time I was done. Still cheaper than buy a new shiny Powertank.
Harbor Freight,(the Candy Store for Men) is my supplier of the rest of the parts, i.e. quick releases for the air, and hose.

one of my buddys said that these tanks freeze up and dont fill up tires that fast. EVERYONE PROVE HIM WRONG!
I thought these tank, since there built for US, have special regulators so they dont freez up. am I right? Also anyone have an air tank a fill up some 35s?

one of my buddys said that these tanks freeze up and dont fill up tires that fast. EVERYONE PROVE HIM WRONG!
I thought these tank, since there built for US, have special regulators so they dont freez up. am I right? Also anyone have an air tank a fill up some 35s?
I think he may be talking about the regulator. I have heard of that happening but not the tank freezing. There are regulators out there that will freeze. Thats why it's important to get the right one. With mine I fill my 33" tires from 13psi to 25-30psi faster then any compressor I have used. Valve has never frozen.

I think he may be talking about the regulator. I have heard of that happening but not the tank freezing. There are regulators out there that will freeze. Thats why it's important to get the right one. With mine I fill my 33" tires from 13psi to 25-30psi faster then any compressor I have used. Valve has never frozen.

That's why I got the 'fixed' regulator.
I went a snow run in Frazier a couple weeks ago, and by the time we were finished, it was dark and close to freezing if not already there, and I still filled all four from 14ish to 35 in less time than the pumps that were next to me, AND without freezing. Don't get me wrong, the valve/hose had plenty o' frost, looked like it was about to freeze over, but never did.
The preset regs only have minor moving parts,if any, just a strong spring and some seals. Where as the variables with the gauges and adjusting valve body, have more 'things' to freeze up. It's also bulkier and more likely to get damaged, since it sticks out.

Just scroll down for a desc. of what I have....
Others have seen it on the trail and have liked the combo.

Tell you what, though.....in the summer temps... whooohooo....boy, it's perfect. Just get the sun to shine on top of the tank....and presto...auto defrost!!

But that last fill in the really cold temps sold me on the setup...I was hesitant at first, but it proved itself worthy, and that's what counts.:thumbs_up
:tree: :tree: :tree:

so you think having a fixed regulator is better? I mean I think 98% of the time I will be airing up where its warm. I mean come on its California! I just thought having the regulators would be nice to have. Do they tell you how much CO2 is left when its getting low?

Also do you have any type of gauge that tells you how much PSI is in the tire while your filling, or do you have to keep checking?

so you think having a fixed regulator is better? I mean I think 98% of the time I will be airing up where its warm. I mean come on its California! I just thought having the regulators would be nice to have. Do they tell you how much CO2 is left when its getting low?

Also do you have any type of gauge that tells you how much PSI is in the tire while your filling, or do you have to keep checking?
No matter what your regulator is going to frost. Remember CO2 is liquid dry ice. If your tank is clean and there's no moisture in it you shouldn't have any issues. The clogging comes from the CO2 freezing the moisture(water) in the tank.
There are regulators that show (in psi) how much CO2 is left in the tank. The problem with the beverage type is that the outlet pressure is really low and it will tank a long time to fill the tires. Then there's the ones from Powertank etc. to much $$ for my taste.
I weigh my tank and use a regular tire gauge to check pressure.:2:

thanks, Im looking at getting a Source http://www.wheelersoffroad.com/co2systems.htm
from Brett at Offroad Werkz and just want to make sure its what im looking for. They are way cheaper than Powertank!

Nice! I went with Ultimate Air.

ok going to bump this up again.

SO, Im thinking I dont need a fancy CO2 with the cool regulator, How many of you guys run one with a fixed regulator?
I think that should be fine for what I am doing.

Any negatives to running one with a fixed regulator?



p.s. Brett!!! if you read this PM me a quote already!

Mines fixed and has been trouble free.

hey guys just wanted to bump this up and say thanks for your help. I ordered my air tank thanks to Brett at Offroad Werkz. Not in time for TDS, but still was able to bring home some cool stickers to slap on my tank. I went to AirGas today only to be told they cant fill it up for me. Only exchanges. They were nice enough to steer me over to West Air in El Cajon where I was treated very well and had my tank aired up in about 10 min. Cost me $23 though! but... after 5 fills, I get a free fill!!!! now thats a deal!
Soon as I got home, I screwed on the regulator and took my tire down to 10psi. Had it aired up to 25psi in no time. maybe 1min. Ill do a exact test later on.


I have one question for you guys that have these tanks. I do have a mounting bracket that came with the tank and found a great spot to put it. I am all set to put it in, and then thought...wait I am not going to have the tank in there all the time (only on 4x trips) so the mount will be hard mounted... This thing will rattle like crazy if I do that!!

What have you guys done? Any easy way to have the bracket mounted quickly?

go to a irrigation supply place and git a pvc coupling that matches the tank diameter and put that in the mount to keep it frum rattling?

im sorry, what I meant was when the tank is not in the jeep, how can I keep the bracket from rattling. I dont think the tank in its mount will be that bad, just without the tank.

I wrap a small bungee cord around the bracket. Works perfect.

yeah, that was my schtick, use the PVC coupling in place of the tank... that way the bracket thinks it's holding the tank... and shuts up!

Just got a 10# power tank with bracket to mount to roll bar house and everything for $100 used once! Im really excited about it.

anyone ever seen anybody that runs the ARB system where you can run your ARBs off the tank??

Just got a 10# power tank with bracket to mount to roll bar house and everything for $100 used once! Im really excited about it.

anyone ever seen anybody that runs the ARB system where you can run your ARBs off the tank??

what kind of bracket do you guys use to mount it to your roll bar? I got a home made setup. with a 20lb. And want it up higher to get room in the tub.

I have not mounted mine yet, but I just have the one that comes with the Source tanks. It pretty good, but I dont want to hard mount it bc I it will be loud and rattle all kinds.

what kind of bracket do you guys use to mount it to your roll bar? I got a home made setup. with a 20lb. And want it up higher to get room in the tub.



if you go on powertank.com they have brackets that fit around your roll bar and then go into whatever kind of clamp you buy to hold it in place

if you go on powertank.com they have brackets that fit around your roll bar and then go into whatever kind of clamp you buy to hold it in place

So your thinking like a hose clamp or something. Can you point me in right direction. I tried to find oversize clamps from local hardware store and found nothing. I know of the power tank bracket. Is a nice bracket. Aluminum and 60 bucks.

if you go on powertank.com they have brackets that fit around your roll bar and then go into whatever kind of clamp you buy to hold it in place


Okay just bought the 20# power bracket and the red roll bar clamps. got bracket for 60 and clamps for $40. Kinda expensive but gets it out of the way. Just have to wait till the end of week when I get them, then will post pics.

Okay just bought the 20# power bracket and the red roll bar clamps. got bracket for 60 and clamps for $40. Kinda expensive but gets it out of the way. Just have to wait till the end of week when I get them, then will post pics.

So after all that the tank wont fit in the space. only 15 and smaller will fit on the rollbar clamps. Will have to return the roll bar clamps. Mounted it to the pass wall by tail gate.

out of curiosity, how come you went with a #20 tank? I have heard of people wanting to get rid of there #15 tank bc its too big and gets in the way. cant imagine a #20 tank.

anyway hopefully you can get everything all figured out. I get to test out my air tank again this weekend out in JV. I think the tank will be tested the least compared to all the other components

a 20 will last for a long time. but originally bought the wrong one. used to bother me but am over it now.

I figured out a great way to mount your tank, and be able to leave that bracket attached to your roll bar and not rattle. Its nothing fancy at all, but it wil work. Basically got some nice u-bolts for the bracket, then instead of all the rivets on the hinges, use some kind of easily removable pin.
heres a better idea:
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b348/miguelitojeep97/IMG_3761.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b348/miguelitojeep97/IMG_3762.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b348/miguelitojeep97/IMG_3763.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b348/miguelitojeep97/IMG_3760.jpg

I figured out a great way to mount your tank, and be able to leave that bracket attached to your roll bar and not rattle. Its nothing fancy at all, but it wil work. Basically got some nice u-bolts for the bracket, then instead of all the rivets on the hinges, use some kind of easily removable pin.
heres a better idea.

That looks great. Nice location. The only thing that would worry me is the regulator sticking out the side like that. Might want to turn it in a little.