Build your own C02 tank

[Drewminator]

Ok, so here’s my write-up on how I put together my C02 tank with a minimal amount of $$$. After reaching the web again and again for parts to make my low cost C02 tank project come to life, I purchased a brand new brush polished aluminum #10 tank for $69.99 + S/H for a grand total of $81.42 from http://www.aquariumplants.com/Alumin..._Tanks_p/t.htm. The tank comes already Hydro tested and is stamped on the tank that is good for five years. I purchased a Western 150lb fixed regulator for $46 at www.airgas.com . I didn’t purchase gauges because the pressure stays pretty much constant in the tank until it is empty, so gauges don't help much. Then I went to Lowe’s and bought a fixed female quick air coupler for the regulator and a 160lb polyurethane Kobalt coiled air hose that wont crack under constant air use since it gets pretty cold from the C02, for the total cost of $23. If you wanted to put a sick looking camouflage decal onto your tank to give it a little more flare, then you can visit www.edecals.com/accents/camo.htm where I purchased mine. That would cost extra in your budget or you could spray paint to the color of your desire to give your tank a little more bling-bling. So the grand total to have your own C02 tank would cost you a total of $150.42. Also, I am in the process on a write-up on how I used a simple/sturdy and cheep way to mount the #10 tank onto your Jeep for less then $10 bucks.

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My daughter Jordyn who volunteered to model for daddy's project
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[inVERt'D]

Cool writeup--looks great too! I'd never pay several hundred dollars for a CO2 tank and regulator. You can also get tanks at welding supply places--but they won't be that lightweight aluminum. BTW, does the tank seem fairly sturdy?

[JeepGal]

cool write up!

Thanks for sharing

Tam

[Drewminator]

Yeah the tank is solid as a rock. Very good tank and only weighs 13-1/2lb. The welding supply tanks weigh a ton and look pretty beat up depending on what they give you in exchange.

Cool writeup--looks great too! I'd never pay several hundred dollars for a CO2 tank and regulator. You can also get tanks at welding supply places--but they won't be that lightweight aluminum. BTW, does the tank seem fairly sturdy?

[dr.dirty]

looks great

added to my long list of junk to do

[SAR Jeeper]

I went with a variable CO2 regulator (a little more) so I can dial it down to use air tools (which likes 90 psi).

[Guest]

I went with a variable CO2 regulator (a little more) so I can dial it down to use air tools (which likes 90 psi).

Have you play with the tools a little? I wonder how long you could run a impact gun (how many tires can you remove), etc?

[SAR Jeeper]

Have you play with the tools a little? I wonder how long you could run a impact gun (how many tires can you remove), etc?

Can't do too much. Use it only when I have a real tight one. I wouldn't waste the money on CO2 to change a tire!

[Schmo]

Can't do too much. Use it only when I have a real tight one. I wouldn't waste the money on CO2 to change a tire!

I always wondered how much the guys that spend 1000 or more on a OBA set up really use it for anything more than airing up their tires. I guess I could see it if it was a work truck or some gnarly trail rig that was constantly needing trail repairs, but for the most part, the work I do on the Jeep is at home and I'm not interested in shelling out that kind of cash to air up or swap out the occasional flat.

I like this idea . . . might look into this when my $50 Pep Boys special kicks the bucket!

[Jason]

That was probably the best $150 I spent when I did my CO2 set up. $50 for a 20lb tank which I swapped at Arigas for a 10lb filled. Smaller and lighter. $100 for a regulator and a hose and I was good to go. It costs $15 to swap for a new full bottle when I need to replenish.

[SAR Jeeper]

That was probably the best $150 I spent when I did my CO2 set up. $50 for a 20lb tank which I swapped at Arigas for a 10lb filled. Smaller and lighter. $100 for a regulator and a hose and I was good to go. It costs $15 to swap for a new full bottle when I need to replenish.

I agree. I was very lucky and got a 20lb tank for free (from a soda machine that was being discarded). I enjoy the 1 minute per tire fill!!!

[OU812]

Co2 is awesome but I still like OBA. And if people are willing to shell out $1000 for is send them my way and Ill set them up. An OBA should not cost you more than $200. There are definitely pros and cons though. I’m not trying to discount Drewminators set up. Thank you for including links and prices.

[xjkevin]

i like using the co2 in the summer, and use oba in the winter... the co2 freez's up to quick in the cold weather for me. ive used all hoses and they all feel like there gonna snap they get so cold..i def wont be carrying a tank anymore as a rollover could be bad! i just picture that valve snapping off and boom, but it will always be in the tow rig...i also use a 20# tank the 10# ran out to quick when i had 35s,

[Drewminator]

Hey Steve,

Building the C02 tank was for a backup air system incase my OBA failed. It's kind of nice to have two sources of air if needed. Plus I always wanted a C02 tank but just couldn’t justify the prices they were going for.

Drew-

Co2 is awesome but I still like OBA. And if people are willing to shell out $1000 for is send them my way and Ill set them up. An OBA should not cost you more than $200. There are definitely pros and cons though. I’m not trying to discount Drewminators set up. Thank you for including links and prices.

[paulhead]

I found a 5lb aluminum bottle on ebay for $80 shipped, a 20lb steel bottle on cragslist for $20, traded it in for a filled one at airgas for an extra $15 since it need to be test stamped. $35 for a fixed regulator at the CO2 place. $15 for a Goodyear hose at Harbor Freight. Can't beat it doing it youself.