I wasn't sure what forum, but many autoxers use airtanks, so this seemed a good choice.

I just bought a 10 gal tank from Sears and it has warnings on the instructions that basically say:

- many convenience type gas stations don't have suitable air pumps to fill the tank, use a real full-service garage's air supply.
- don't leave air in the tank for long periods, drain the tank after use, or condensation will cause rusting.

Are those real issues?

If so, it's not going to work for me. I don't have access to a full-service garage and I wanted to keep it filled so that I'd always have air.

Thanks.

Dry air is better than wet air. Vent the condensation every 2-3 weeks and the tank will still out-live you.

Most gas stations pumps will meet your needs... but may not be the dryest air.

Fitz

Most gas stations pumps will meet your needs... but may not be the dryest air.
Look for "Free Air" and take note of where to get the best air/dollar if not. A lot if coin operated machines pump really slow and max out around 60 PSI. Sitting there for five minutes holding the nozzle on while you pump quarters in sucks.

I use a scuba tank and old regulator with a "tire chuck" on the BC inflator hose. I quit diving about 5 years ago, so I put the old equipment to new use! :) Also... get VERY dry air fills at the scuba shop. And, a tank at 3000 psi will last a LONG time.

Mike

I use a scuba tank and old regulator with a "tire chuck" on the BC inflator hose. I quit diving about 5 years ago, so I put the old equipment to new use! :) Also... get VERY dry air fills at the scuba shop. And, a tank at 3000 psi will last a LONG time.

Mike

Damn!!! That's a great idea... I got an old Oceanic first stage I can use.

I actually do the same thing, except mine is a firemans breather tank. My buddy is a fireman, so I just take to him and he fills it at the station for nothing. It can hold 4500lbs...although we dont usually fill quite that high... :)

The main thing to remember about the Sears air tank is that Sears has a very large legal staff whose job it is to remind everyone else not to do stupid stuff and to cover the corporation's butt against every conceivable legal problem.

"..if you fill this tank with propane and tow it behind a snowmobile thru a field of rocks, it may explode and take your head off. This will also void the warranty." etc etc

I have used an el cheapo VIP Walmart type tank for years, toting it to events twice a month with zero probs (except when some goobah leaves the valve open and the pressure bleeds out). Has been refilled at all sorts of weird air machines...if there's a little water in the tank so what, you turn the tank upside down and blow it out. Don't obsess over little stuff like this -- when you need air, anything is better than nothing.

Cheers,

Dave G
www.lastditchracing.net

Thanks everyone.

i reccomend a portable air compressor.

i had a craftsman one that worked really well untill i lost it.

about 50 dollars.

i would use it to bump up afew pounds or fill the tank that day.

you can get nitrogen tanks from welding shops very cheap. tank rental+the cost of the nitrogen, and then you do not have to worry about any water at all.

sam

""..if you fill this tank with propane and tow it behind a snowmobile thru a field of rocks, it may explode and take your head off. This will also void the warranty." etc etc"

LOL! thanks for the early morning laugh! :)

BTW, you can get an "air chuck" at most scuba shops for a few bucks. I plugged all the outlets on the regulator first stage (except the low pressure BC outlet). So, I don't have any extra hoses hanging off... just the one for filling tires.

Mike

Mike

I'm not careful about the water issue at all, but I do intend to replace my tank every 4 years just to be safe. Or...I might get an aluminum tank.

Thanks again. I guess corrosion is really a non-issue.

Anyway, in the end I returned it and got a small 120v pump for $50. I'll use this to inflate the autox tires before each event. I already have 12v pumps to make small adjustments at the event, so I guess I'm covered.

You'll be happier, you'll find there all kinds of benefits to having a small compressor around.

You'll be happier, you'll find there all kinds of benefits to having a small compressor around.
Exactly, inflatable beds, friends, etc.