Recommendation for Tire Deflator?
 

I'm looking at several options for tire deflators, including the simple brass tire deflator kit that comes in probably 5 or 6 brand names, or a Rugged Ridge deflator/inflator with a nice guage. I'm looking for one that will quickly and accurately get me down to 15 or 20lbs, depending on what I'm doing.

The brass kit looks like it would be very quick. Not sure about accuracy.

It also has to be cost effective. I've seen the brass kit for 20 bucks. I don't like the ARB because it is expensive and it appears, if I'm correct, you have to take the valve stem center out. That's too complicated, and I'd worry about damaging or losing it.

The Teraflex deflators are neat because they screw together into one piece when not using them. They are also only 16 bucks and you can use your tire guage right on them without taking them off to check. Anyone like that one?

Just knocking another item off the list for Moab! I picked up a Viair compressor, so I've got that end covered.

Thanks!

Check out the Staun tire deflators :)

Those look great, but I can't do $80. The Aussies know a thing or two about off-roading, for sure.

If your Vair is like mine you can just use the hose that came with it to deflate but you might need separate tire gauge Im not sure if it has a check valve.

I'll take a close look at it. I'm thinking though that I want to deflate quickly and not pull the compressor out. Afterward, when airing up, time won't be as big a deal.

I know a couple guys that use Stauns (or clones) and they are the fastest Ive seen but they are pricey. I've been eyeballing a set.

The TF ones work just fine. It's what I use. I don't get the point in spending so much on something that does the exact same thing for $16. I've seen arguments that one can "walk away" without having to keep an eye on them to get to the pressure you want. My thoughts are so what? TF ones only takes a few minutes and I spent $60+ less then they have. Just buy the cheaper ones. And with the TF ones you don't have to remove the stem. That's my 2 cents.

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I have the ARB one that pulls the stem. Impossible to lose the stem as you screw on the connector then remove stem so it is trapped inside the tool. I can air all my tires from 30 to 12 psi and someone else's jeep the same before my brother staun type deflates his tires.

Is there any chance of damaging the stem or stripping the threads on them with the ARB?

Is it true you can put the tire guage right on these without taking them off?

I'm looking into the ones from barricade they are $30. Not sure of how accurate they are but if they can get me close it will be good enough.

Yes. That's what I do. I put all four on then by checking them I just put the gauge right on the deflator. Works great. After you use them a few times, you're able to figure out about how long it takes.

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I like my Currie E-Z Deflator - http://www.4wd.com/Jeep-Wheels-Jeep-...pn=CURCE-9029E)

I also use the ARB. Never had a problem with screwing up the threads on the core. Does a pretty quick job. I do carry spare valve stems and cores just in case though....

X2 on the Currie...appears to be the same as the ARB only slightly less $$. Makes quick work of airing down, easy to use and keep track of PSI.

Been using the brass style ones from rugged ridge,gets my tires down to 6psi.Works great

How easy is it to adjust them to a specific pressure and keep them there?

This one is looking better, pricewise, for sure, except with shipping, it will still get close to $40, which is more than I want to spend. I'm still leaning toward the brass though, if they are easy to adjust and bring the pressure down consistently and accurately, every time. It is looking like this is the way to go, for speed, though. I'll be tuning them for 20lbs for most situations, and probably 15 for slower, more technical situations, like rock crawling, so adjustability has to be easy.

Edit: The Curry just got a boost, as I saw there is free shipping at 4wd Hardware. I'm now leaning that way. $30 is still steep, so I'm waiting to hear back from the brass users to see how accurate and easy to adjust they are.

It's easy to adjust them, a little bit of patience is all it takes.
None of the Staun-type deflators, including the Staun itself, can be counted on to keep the adjustment, but there's a simple cure -- a drop of Locktite on the threading.

Another interesting option, expensive, but with multiple pressure options - you just push and rotate to set a desired psi.
This one has the range of 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 or 20 psi :

Attachment 597012 Attachment 597013 Attachment 597014

His deflators must be crappy knock offs, I have the staun II's and no way anyone with an arb deflator comes even close.

Here is a good test for anyone considering getting them (or another brand)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9XtZ1QOP9Pg

I don't tend to count on advertizing... including this video by Staun.
The last one to be "bashed" is the 'Mil-Spec Multi Choice Deflator' which I use (pictures in my previous post). It doesn't matter if it stops abruptly or a little bit more slowly, it is accurate.
It also makes noise, so I can hear it stop and know when to remove it.

However, the Staun have been the most copied deflator type, and they've always been better than their copies.
The improved new Staun II is even better (BTW, it's made in the USA).
For increased accuracy, it comes with an extra color-coded coil spring -- use the spring that fits the psi which you use. The instructions make it clear which spring to use.

Very true, any video put out by a manf. I take with a grain of salt.

So far my Staun II's have performed great, accurate, quick, awesome, lol. I have routine with them now, when everyone stars airing down I slap these guys on, change out of my flip flops into my boots, get the camera gear out, talk a little, take deflators off, snap a few 'before' photos, and walk around and mingle with all the guys using the arb style deflators while I preach how they should get Staun's :rotflmao2:

Oh all my mods I'd say the Staun's are one of my favorite, it really frees you up to do what you will (change footwear, pre-put recovery straps on, attach winch controller, move gear around, chat,etc.. ) instead of being stuck attached to the tire deflating one by one.

I went with the TF and used them 2 or 3 times and then went with the Stauns. The Stauns are worth the extra money if you are airing down a lot. I keep the TF ones in my bag in case someone else needs them when our group is airing down but you do have to keep a close eye on them.

Another vote for the Staun II for all the reasons already stated.

Very impressive!!

I ordered a Curry for $30 shipped, which is more than I really wanted to spend.

Seems like most off-roading products out of Australia are really well done. I guess you wouldn't want to be stuck far in the outback with crappy equipment.

Here's an interesting article from a couple of years ago on Four Wheeler Network:

The Great Tire Deflator Shootout - Four Wheeler Magazine

The fasted way to air down a tire is to pull the core. There is no denying that

I know the Staun came out with the II which now has a locking collar and is quite a bit shorter then the original. Not sure how many of the other ones changed over the years. Still a decent article to show the various options though!

It takes about 20-30 seconds per tire for me to drop 18-20psi

Add another vote for the ARB/ Currie deflator. Fastest deflator I've seen

ARB/Currie for sure.

Yes, with one even quicker option - a larger valve:

Shittybuilt has a Staun clone, Idk if its any good though.....

Another vote for ARB/Currie Deflator. I have the ARB one because I liked how it has a marking for each psi, whereas the Currie has a marking for every 2 psi. Either way, Very fast and affordable. :thumbsup:

The ARB deflator is super easy, quick and accurate.

The fastest tire deflator...

Attachment 597277

Makes airing back up hell, though.

I use the Staun II, awesome to screw them on and walk away for a few minutes.

ARB / Currie works great as well.

I have the Smitty Built's and while they are a clone they get the job done just fine. Set all 4 going and it saves you a lot of time. Then fine tune and confirm with a gauge at the end.

Although with the staun style deflators is it true you can only air down by by like 12lbs or so? I know that wouldn't be enough for me as I usually air down to 10 psi when wheeling.