I made a choice to run CO2 instead of a compressor for these reasons:
CO2 inflates the tires much more quickly than an air compressor does.
CO2 runs my air tools. Why air tools? Because if you're going to do a front axle swap on the trail or going to do do some hard core repairs, many of the OEM torque specifications are considerable and good luck getting the 35MM axle nut off. You can't run air tools with an onboard compressor.
I store the Power Tank on the rack on top. Yes, I could put a compressor in the engine compartment. Not a bad choice, but the engine compartment is essentially "full" at the moment. The MAF auxiliary fuel tank will be going between the rear axle and the rear bumper - so it would need to go inside and space is an issue.
So that's why. I think that the acid concerns are a non-starter. People have been using CO2 for a LONG TIME NOW with no difficulties - which is also my experience.
There are downsides to CO2
There are recurring costs to tank fills where an air compressor is a one-time purchase.
Weight - my complete load out on CO2 for a long trip is 30 pounds (1x10 lbs PowerTank and 1x20 lbs PowerTank). Usually I opt for one or the other but I do have two. If I anticipate a very difficult trail repair where I'll be running the air ratchet, I bring extra CO2.
Most importantly, CO2 runs out and the compressor doesn't. For very long term expedition use there is a trade off between the potential need for air tools and the longevity of supply from a compressor.
__________________
There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unaltered, to find the ways that you have changed.
Location: Parker County, TX and Santa Fe County, NM
Posts: 2,213
Re: Does CO2 work well?
Quote:
rutherk1 previously said:
The only reason to use CO2 is that the molecules are larger and your tire will not go flat as fast.
Well, another reason to use it is that a C02 tank maintains the same pressure until it's empty, unlike compressed air. Very handy if you're using it to run air tools on the trail.
__________________
KE5VTE
TLCA # 16550
All men dream: but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds wake in the day to find that it was vanity: but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act their dreams with open eyes, to make it possible - T. E. Lawrence
I will get a new reg. and use one of my 20lb beer CO2 tanks. I got a 5lb tank also, but that might be a bit small...
Just keep some oil in the air tools...
Ever overheat a full tank? I had a 20oz. paintball tank pop the ralief valve once (left in a car window). The valve was a 3500psi valve!
Say, as a guess, what kind of run time should I get with air tools on a 20lb tank?
Thanks for the help.
__________________
Need more money, for new truck!
If you have any compressed air in your tire, and you add CO2 to the tire to air it back up, won't the water in the tire's air, mix with the CO2, and make carbonic acid? Carbonic acid eats most everything...
The CO2 is essentially dry in the tanks. If water is getting into the tire, you have other problems. In short, don't even think twice about this problem. CO2 will not eat your tires. period.
Quote:
SkyKing previously said:
If you had any water in your air tool (just from the air), and used CO2 in it, wont the CO2 eat the air tool?
same answer
Quote:
SkyKing previously said:
Does CO2 kill the life of your tools and tires?
nope
Quote:
SkyKing previously said:
I am thinking it might take a few years to see this damage, if it even happens, but still, I would stick with compressed air if this is a problem...
The only reason to use CO2 is that the molecules are larger and your tire will not go flat as fast.
.
CO2 + water = H2CO3. You get some carbonic acid but not very much without something as a Catalyst. Even at that its an extremely weak acid. Carbonic acid is component of your blood. Hey, you could fill your air compressor with blood.
Sure you can use it but regular air is just as good. Plus regular air is easy to find.
I scored 1020 on my SAT's........am I ok? Or should I curl up into the fetile position now?
CO2 sounds like it will save me a lot of install work and thats real nice for me. Also, a lot less parts to fail on the road (or off).
If CO2 is okay to use, has anyone put nitrogen tanks in a truck. If ya fill your tires with it, the pressure should not change when its goes from hot to cold outside. Would think it would also work air tools (at about 1000 psi over CO2).
$.02 on this?
__________________
Need more money, for new truck!
CO2 sounds like it will save me a lot of install work and thats real nice for me. Also, a lot less parts to fail on the road (or off).
If CO2 is okay to use, has anyone put nitrogen tanks in a truck. If ya fill your tires with it, the pressure should not change when its goes from hot to cold outside. Would think it would also work air tools (at about 1000 psi over CO2).
$.02 on this?
You can fill more tires with a 10lb CO2 then a 10lb nitrogen. That is a major reason to use CO2.
__________________
Click for the "Genie" build up
Sandoo Blue FJ
Walker Evans adj. F&R reservoir shocks. Pro Links. AP F&R bumpers. Demello skid. Mile Marker SE9500C. Viking Trail Line. Super Swamper LTB 34s on Tacoma wheels. 305 MTR on Wheelers wheels. Trail Gear Sliders, Aeroflow, Lightforce Blitz 240, Powertank 10lb, Hi-Lift, Jack Mate, Pull-Pal.
Re: Does CO2 work well?
Mods:
Bud Built 5 piece skid plate under armor 
Linear Mode
