sdnative wrote:
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 I have had plenty of folks come in with non-DOT or out of date certifications on tanks they got "cheap".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
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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 ???
