I am considering going with a CO2 tank for my air supply for now and know very little about them at this point. Any recommendations as to what size I would want to get? Would a 3# tank have plenty in it to air up 4, 35" tires about 15-20psi each?

What types of places do you typically have to go to in order to have these re-filled?

Any cons to using a CO2 tank for my air supply?

Would one of these be at all useful for running any type of air tool at all - say an impact wrench long enough to change a tire?

 

I've been using CO2 for about 3 yrs. now. I think it is really easy and costs are very affordable. I live in East Tennessee and fill mine and several other customers on a regular basis at Holston Gases here in Knoxville. I run a 10lb. tank in an XJ with 33s and will usually fill my tires up as well as 3-4 other vehicles at the end of each ride (16 total tires). The size is pretty compact, and there is even a 5lb. kit that's about 6" in dia. at the base. It will run air tools great, we've managed to whittle down an axle replacement trailside to 10 min. with this kit. I would recommend liberal oiling of tools since the CO2 has more moisture than normal compressed air. A 10lb. kit will last me two trailrides with airing up all of the vehicles after we're done. Hope this helps.

 

I did the 15# tank from "Powertank". Sent direct to my house. Go with the 15#....nothing smaller. The tank needs to be "upright" in order for it to work. I mounted mine standing upright up against the rear passenger fenderwell (4-door Unlimited). Don't have to remove the tank from the jeep to easily reach all 4 tires. Most places charge "by the fill", so a larger tank will save time and money on the fills. Plus, while doing the Rubicon Trail, we used air tools.....thank God we had a larger tank.

 

The 10# works well for me. Unless you want to carry the tank around to each tire as you air up be sure to order the long (25' I think) coiled extension - I recommend the heavy duty 150PSI version sold by PT. I also have the fixed 150PSI regulator on mine but you can opt for the adjustable with meter.

 

The Power Tank gear is nice, but you can put something together at a much more affordable price.

I first bought a used 20# tank from a local refrigeration company. Then I bought a commercial heavy duty 100 PSI fixed regulator off ebay and then some hoses and things from Home Depot.

I put it together in 2001 or 2002 for about $170 total and have been using it problem free since then.