Compressor vs. Compressed Air Tank

[Oh_Jeepers]

Having run both a power tank and running my epic Kraken with the ARB brushless twin. My vote is to go with the Kraken hands-down I just never felt comfortable having that big heavy tank sitting in the back in case I got into an accident. As I’m driving a 2 door jeep, space is at a premium and the power tank just takes up to much space.

Another benefit of having my Kraken is made a trip back to Colorado and the beginning of winter, not planning to wheel, but my tires were a little low and was able to air up on the go without having to lug my power tank always nice to have my on board air with me

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[Ear Responsible]

I am trying to decide to get either a compressor or compressed air tank to air-up my Jeep tires when going off road. I am told that the compressors can be time consuming, taking as much as 30 minutes to air-up tires when coming back onto pavement. A compressed air tank takes a matter of seconds. Having an air compressor mounted in my Jeep is expensive. Carrying a portable compressor takes up valuable room in the back of my Jeep. Also, a portable compressor needs to plug into the cigarette lighter which is a 12 volt system and can be very time consuming. Is this true? I do not know the answer to this question.

The compressed air tank fits on a rack so does not take up room in the Jeep. The downside of a compressed air tank is it needs to be refilled. However, one 10 pound tank can fill 30 tires which should be plenty for a road trip to say, Montana for 4 days.

The compressed air tank is the same price as the portable compressor. I am writing this to get opinions on which way to go. Do I go with the compressed air tank, or the installed compressor? I do not want to deal with a portable compressor, although both the installed and portable compressor operate off of a 12 volt battery.

No unit that plugs into a cigarette lighter is going to be adequate. I didn’t want the hassle of installing an on board system so went with a portable but powerful unit recommended by another forum member. Probably made in the same Chinese factory as the “name brand “ units at a fraction of the cost . It’s also important to purchase the 4x hose.

 

[BAKNBLK]

I've had a Powertank since the late 90's and I switched to their hi output regulator when it came out. Only draw back is getting the tank filled, for me its never been a issue as I just take it into a local Fire suppression shop. I also have 2 10lb tanks. Pro's I can fill up all 40's faster than all my friends 35's-37's and their different systems and elect pumps. Usually I'm done before they get 2 tires done. Then get to give them shit for their slow methods and holding us up from leaving. Another benefit is adding air to my MH's 315/80/22.5's. They run 120psi and even with a big shop compressor take a long time to fill, not with a powertank. It also can run air tools... I don't have battery tools. I also use Jflatters to air down as its fast as hell.

Second picture was mounted in my JKU

 

[Fabtech Motorsports]

I have run both in the past. I prefer the PowerTalk for speed, for sure. I was coming off the Rubicon and was airing up with an old school ARB compressor. It stalled out on the 3rd tire, my friends came over with their PowerTalk, topped off the first 3 tires and filled the last one all the way up, and we were out of there!

 

[azbobver]

CO2 tank. Mine is a 25lb tank. Easy refill at my local welders supply. Extremely fast air up times.

 

[Northridge4x4]

Airing down / up is a social thing.

Get something where you do all four at once so you can chat about what you're going to do or just did.

100%!

The Bulldog 4-tire inflation kit is a hot option for inflating all 4 at the same time:
https://www.northridge4x4.com/part/...lldog-winch-4-tire-inflation-deflation-system

For those who have one of the ARB twin compressors, their Air Pressure Control kit is a nice add-on. You can use your phone to set tire pressures:
https://www.northridge4x4.com/part/tire-accessories/0830001-arb-pressure-control-kit

It may work for other compressors to, but it is designed to control the ARB compressors.

 

[kah.mun.rah]

Then get to give them shit for their slow methods

Says the guy that had to spend 1/2 hour at the fire suppression shop before the trip....

 

[WillysMeow]

The new ARB dual brushless motor setup looks great, mount it under front passenger seat I'd think.

 

[HighvelJL]

Power Tank is the way to go. Yes, it takes up space, and yes it is heavy. I can air up all 4 tires 1 at a time in the time it takes guys with a device to set up 4 tires and a manifold to a compressor. No hoses to coil back up and compressor to put away

 

[GRAK]

Says the guy that had to spend 1/2 hour at the fire suppression shop before the trip....

my powertank refill spot is a homebrew shop that grew into a wine bar/taphouse up front, works out well for me

 

[Medsker]

I have both. I think it depends on what you value more. If it's time, then get a Power Tank. if it's convenience, then get a compressor. I have a compressor (Brush-less Dual ARB) hard mounted to the Jeep which I mainly use and then mainly use the Power Tank around the shop and for helping others when I don't want to drag out the shop air compressor.

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