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Portable CO2 Tank

Discussion in '5th Gen 4Runners (2010-2024)' started by T4R_Lara, Feb 22, 2022.

  1. Feb 22, 2022 at 10:19 PM
    #1
    T4R_Lara

    T4R_Lara [OP] New Member

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    Anyone using a portable CO2 tank? Thinking about a Smittybilt or Powertank. How are you carrying it? What is your experience?
     
  2. Feb 23, 2022 at 6:17 AM
    #2
    Overland WT

    Overland WT Grumpy Old Guy

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    I've never used onboard air, much prefer knowing that when I need air, I have it. Sure, I have to refill it occasionally, but its what has worked for me for more than 20 years. It worked on a 117 degree Phoenix afternoon and a -20 Beartooth Pass (Montana) morning. I will have mine mounted in my new to me Off Road via Quick Fists on rear window Moly panels.

    I made my own 10lb bottle system. I had an O2 cylinder from my wifes brewery. Bought a regulator, valve protector/handle from Amazon and a hose and fittings kit from ARB.
     
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  3. Feb 24, 2022 at 6:16 AM
    #3
    T4R_Lara

    T4R_Lara [OP] New Member

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    Do you have any pictures of it mounted? I just bought a 10lb Smittybilt CO2 tank, $368 shipped. It came with a nice carrying case, but I need to secure it somewhere in the vehicle.
     
  4. Feb 24, 2022 at 1:13 PM
    #4
    newlife

    newlife Not all who wander are ...... squirrel

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    Return the smittybuilt if you can. You’ll have regulator issues and failures very quick. It’s better to build your own or buy a power tank.
     
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  5. Feb 24, 2022 at 8:23 PM
    #5
    Overland WT

    Overland WT Grumpy Old Guy

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    I have not mounted yet but will be on a set of rear window MOLLE panels. I had it mounted to the angeld rea roll bar on my JKU previously. But like this:

    [​IMG]
     
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  6. Feb 25, 2022 at 5:05 AM
    #6
    AZ_Trails

    AZ_Trails New Member

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    I'd highly recommend a Power Tank. I was able to snag it used, but would have gladly paid full-price given how great its performed. Makes airing up my 33s a breeze, and is always there when I need it.
     
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  7. Feb 25, 2022 at 8:32 AM
    #7
    Captain Spalding

    Captain Spalding . . .

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    Interesting. It’s this same perspective that would make me choose a compressor over a tank.
     
  8. Feb 25, 2022 at 9:56 AM
    #8
    Overland WT

    Overland WT Grumpy Old Guy

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    My thought is this. There are only about 12-15 actual points of failure in a tank setup. I was a paramedic for 10 years in the field. I had people on oxygen or a ventilator 3-8x a day. Know how many failures I had (3 shifts a week x avg 5 patients a day x 52 weeks x 10 years = ~7,800)? Zero.

    There are more than 50-80 points of failure with a compressor setup. I chose the path of least resistance. I see the appeal of a compressor hidden away in the engine bay or under a seat and then plumbed out to a central point of hookup to plug into. I get it. But again, with 4-7x the failure points, it just isn't something I'm interested in.
     
    Last edited: Feb 25, 2022
    T4R_Lara[OP] likes this.
  9. Feb 25, 2022 at 10:01 AM
    #9
    Kwikvette

    Kwikvette Kwik Fab

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    I owned a Powertank for several years (5-6?) and it lived in the bed of my Tacoma.

    Day and night, rain or shine, it lived outside strapped and locked.

    Never had an issue with any part of the tank or regulator.

    Once I got my 4Runner though, I opted for a Viair 400P, knowing it would cost me nothing to move my Powertank over as I already owned it.

    I wouldn't want the risk of something happening and having o2 displaced from my vehicle and have been quite happy with my Viair.
     
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  10. Feb 25, 2022 at 10:09 AM
    #10
    kmeeg

    kmeeg LionRunner

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    Why does everyone use CO2 tanks? Why not Hydrogen gas tanks to reduce weight? :p
    upload_2022-2-25_11-9-34.jpg
    (Sorry, couldn't help posting that)
     
  11. Feb 25, 2022 at 11:28 AM
    #11
    ElectroBoy

    ElectroBoy Ad astra

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    I have a good quality medium duty compressor from an auto parts store. It doesn’t get daily use but I’ve had it for many years tucked into the tool box in back. Never had any compressor failure but I recently bought a Viair 88P to have a spare. Two compressors take up less room for me than a big tank.
     
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  12. Feb 25, 2022 at 12:04 PM
    #12
    SlvrSlug

    SlvrSlug Slightly bent.

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    Good point.
     
  13. Feb 25, 2022 at 3:48 PM
    #13
    Captain Spalding

    Captain Spalding . . .

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    Running out of CO2 isn’t something I’m interested in. ;-D

    Seriously though, I think there are good arguments to be made for either option. I’ve used a tank before and it’s much faster and more convenient than a compressor. I think Electroboy is on to something with the redundancy of two compressors. Maybe a CO2 tank supplemented with a compressor is ideal.

    … with respect, from a fellow grumpy old guy.
     
  14. Feb 25, 2022 at 4:24 PM
    #14
    lowflyer

    lowflyer New Member

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    OK, I'm ignorant, but what are you guys using CO2 for? I use it in home brewing beer but can't think what I would use it for in my 4R.
     
  15. Feb 25, 2022 at 4:47 PM
    #15
    ElectroBoy

    ElectroBoy Ad astra

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    Yeah, why CO2 and not dry nitrogen? Cost?
     
  16. Feb 26, 2022 at 6:13 AM
    #16
    Captain Spalding

    Captain Spalding . . .

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    Maybe availability?
     
  17. Feb 26, 2022 at 11:44 AM
    #17
    Overland WT

    Overland WT Grumpy Old Guy

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    If you are airing up and down semi-frequently, Nitrogen makes no sense form a cost and availability standpoint. If your rig is a mall crawler, there is no need for a bottle or a compressor.
     
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