CO2 tank options

[Crismateski]

After seeing a CO2 tank in operation this weekend, I finally decided to get one. The power tank kits look nice but are way out of my Price range so I am looking at some of the "off brands" or a Diy setup. What I have found so far to do a full set up (10lb Alum tank, regulator, Mount, and hose) is this:


I am right at $200 for a diy set up with Fixed regulator, 209 for the Source with fixed regulator, 283 for DIY adjustable regulator, 259 for source adjustable, and 373 for a powertank regulator kit and my own tank

The powertank regulator kit has best flo rate, but also the biggest price tag

I am attaching a spread sheet that has the breakdown of what I figured and where I found the items at. Any advice, suggestions, or sources for parts would be greatly appreciated. I keep going back and forth on the decision, do I go with the budget, or blow the budget and go with the flow rate

C.

[cruiserlarry]

Here is some biased advice (since I am a Powertank distributor):

When purchasing equipment you will use in situations to same time, or increase your safety factor, or just to get the most bang for the buck, using the least expensive product isn't always the best deal.

We carry Powertank exclusively; not because other systems don't work, but because they don't work as well. Powertank uses the finest equipment in their systems, from the DOT-approved tanks, powder-paint finishes, finest CO2 specific regulators, best cold temp hoses, highest grade, most accurate tire pressure gauges, etc...basically, you'll more than get your money's worth, even though you spent more to start with. I've been using the same system for almost 10 years - a long time to beat the s**t out of a precision component without failure. Not many home brew or brand-x kits can say the same.

Can you put together a functioning system for less - of course. But if you want the fastest, best constructed, longest lasting kit on the market, proven by the off-road, racing, and construction industries for over a decade, buy a Powertank system (IMO, of course ).

[socal_rubi]

Holy Powertank batman!!!

Larry, I went to your website to check out your PT systems. You have 12 pages, with 24 items per page of just PT stuff. That's 288 different PT items!

How the heck is anyone supposed to wade through all of that to find the one they want?

I've been to the PT website too, on several occasions, and it's the same thing over there. Page after page of items, which all seem to be the same item or kit, with the only difference being this one has a different regulator, or this one has a different hose. With very little explanation, or no explanation, of the difference between the various items. It's like they want you to be confused and disorientated.

It's daunting!

OK, rant over.

But seriously, I've been wanting to get a PT system for a while, but I could use some help picking out a kit.

[sdnative]

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[cruiserlarry]

Larry, while I appreciate your enthusiasm to sell powertank, most of this seems to be marketing hype. That being said, I am sure powertank makes a quality product.

DOT approved tanks - aren't all CO2 tanks DOT approved? I doubt you'll be able to get it refilled without a DOT stamp.
Powder-paint finishes - okay, but how does this affect functionality?
Finest CO2 specific regulators - a good regulator is important, but you can buy a quality regulator at most any gas supplier.
Best cold temp hoses - what does this mean exactly? Again you can buy a quality hose at most any gas supplier.
Highest grade, most accurate tire pressure gauges - really?

Marketing hype ? Wow, we are jaded...

For what it's worth, I used to sell the Source systems as well - but we had issues with regulators, and delays with customer service, so we opted to stick with Powertank. Anyone who has talked to Steve or Bob up there knows they know their stuff.

DOT approval is required to transport the tanks, not to fill them. I have had plenty of folks come in with non-DOT or out of date certifications on tanks they got "cheap".

Powder paint does not add to function, I'd agree. But, it does provide a smooth surface compared to some spun metals that will not snag or damage other stuff it come in contact with. The Powertanks also come with tank boots that protect the bottom from damaging other surfaces (Yes, you can buy them separately at welding supply shops too). Additionally, the tanks look nice ( anyone who says they don't care about what their vehicle looks like can leave me their vehicle for an hour - and see if they change their mind )

I'll put the Powertank regulators up against any generic regulator you find. The materials are highest grade, the seals are superior, the fittings work well consistently ( with both auto and industrial fittings), and they can accurately be adjusted for different output pressures, which are correctly displayed on the oil-filled gauge provided. These gauges do not suffer damage from off-road vibration / bouncing like many standard gauges will. And they fill faster, which is the main point of a CO2 system.

Sure, you can buy a similar type cold-temp cord-reinforced coiled flexible airline, with locking quick-release fittings, but you'll probably pay more. And since CO2 starts at about 60 below zero, it is easy to damage a standard hose after running the gas for a while and then trying to bend it, so a cold -temp hose works better for CO2.

Yes, there are differences in the accuracy of tire pressure gauges. If you are running 10 psi in a tire designed to be at 60 psi, you should be as accurate as possible to minimize tire core damage. If you are filling your tires to run home at freeway speeds, again accurate reading are better - just common sense. And better constructed gauges (like everything else) hold up better to off-road abuse.

I certainly didn't respond to get beat up on, or to sell Powertanks to those who feel they can build their own. But there is a difference, on every part in the system, and for me and many folks, buying something like this once is the goal. There is nothing wrong with constructing your own system, but it's not the same. Let's be real here - you drive a Landcruiser FZJ80 because it's among the finest off-road vehicles available, not because it's the cheapest vehicle that will do the job.

My point was the Powertank units use the top components available, and come as a complete, first-class kit for those who want to save time and get top quality as opposed to just save money and get by. Both work, just one works faster and lasts longer in my experience - that's why I use and sell them.

Were you trading that cruiser in for a home brew 4WD any time soon ???

[sdnative]

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[gon2srf]

My Power Tank bought from Dirty Parts is one of my favorite tools and I feel like it has been worth every penny. After 4 years and countless fills and refills I can count on it to work properly every time. I carry air tools and have used it to make super quick wheel changes and like the fact that the reg has a setting specifically for air tools. Last month when I was out at Holcomb, one our crew left a bit early and we ran into him at the highway. He was using the same $40.00 back up compressor I own to fill up. He was working on tire one while I began to fill mine. Part way through tire two I had filled all four of mine (fresh tank) and offered to fill his remaining two tires. He was blown away at the speed at which the PT did it's job.

Personally I think the product is worth it. Mine still looks brand new and it has been used and a just a little abused.

I also think a board member of this site who financially contributes to our sport by giving away great products to great causes and continually goes out of his way to help people in this sport should not be criticized for promoting a quality product as if it were some type of road show hair tonic. If the product were some over-hyped crap they would have gone out of business a long time ago.

[ssc]

I bought a powertank system from larry and am quite happy with the performance--except when my bottle runs out. The regulator works great and I have never had a freeze issue. For me there was a learning curve and now that it is mounted, it is very convienent. It was a bit of a pain in the speed bag. The only negative comment is that the fill attachment/tire gauge has broken twice. I seem to recall that Larry or powertank replaced the first unit and once again, the tire gauge is broken. One of the screws has come out of the face and is floating around inside the gauge and the plastic ring is again cracked. I will contact powertank about this issue. I always carry my little compressor for emergencies and for when I run out of CO2--unless Eric or Ollie or Larry or Scott etc is close by with a bottle.

Cheers, Steve

[cruiserlarry]

Well, I appreciate the support...

I think Eric's point is well taken - while there are commercially available products that are excellent, it is possible in many instances to construct a similarly functional equivalent on your own for less money.

I love to tinker, and I am an undisputed gadget freak. But there are times, IMO, when it is less cost efficient to "build your own", especially if you are using equal quality / function components. In the case of Powertank, and most major, successful product manufacturers, you can't build the same thing for half the price - you can build something that will be functionally similar. The manufacturers would not stay in business long if the product was all "marketing hype".

So, in summary, my point is there is nothing wrong with doing that if you like (or are capable), but it doesn't make the more expensive commercial product less of a value just because you can make your own cheaper. You usually get what you pay for.

[gon2srf]

The only negative comment is that the fill attachment/tire gauge has broken twice. I seem to recall that Larry or powertank replaced the first unit and once again, the tire gauge is broken. One of the screws has come out of the face and is floating around inside the gauge and the plastic ring is again cracked. I will contact powertank about this issue.

Cheers, Steve

Steve-

I also had the screws and gauge face come loose years ago and solved it by using just a touch of Loctite on the threads. I'm sure Powertank will gladly replace the damaged plastic face.

Scott