Air Compressor.

[vit94]

Yeah jeeps got air that's better than my commodore.
power windows
electric mirrors
map reading lights
good sound
clock that works
kitchen sink in the rear...

[MightyMouse]

My experience with electric compressors hasn't been all that positive - you do largely get what you pay for.

Some of the popular styles look identical but vary in manufacturing quality, yes they look like a bargain but when you strip them down you see the detail differences inside.

There are some very high quality electric compressors out there but to get the quality you pay the costs. IMO cut price has significant risks.

However the big name brands also fail, no matter what they say, hopefully far less often than the cheap ones and hopefully covered by warranty but when your in the bush a failure is a failure.

Has anyone heard of an endless system failing ? What went wrong ?

[vit94]

A mate of mine had an early model ARB fail so he's stayed away from them for over 10+ years. That shouldn't be a reason for me to not buy though, so I guess I hear what you are saying.
I take it you have stripped a few down your self ??
Not sure what your mean by endless system Is that one that runs off your motor??
Be interested if any one has heard off or tried MEGA GRUNT.

[thehanko]

increased load = more deformation in the tyre = uneven tyre wear, hence why the zuk guys are driving on 15-20 psi where other cars are using 35 odd.

but yes the extra weight in the car would increase he tyre pressure somewhat but it needs to go higher again to re form its correct shape.

im keen to hear more about that $149 option you mentioned, as i was about to buy a super crap one on special... they are darn cheap, hmmm how patient am i?

Im more after a back up plan after letting my tyres down last trip and my valve sticking open. luckily got it to finally seal before the tyre was to low but had me panicking about not having a compresor. hence why i thought a cheapy would be ok, just make a cuppa and wait.

[vit94]

Mega Grunt from " A MAN's TOY SHOP "

I'll Try pasting a link http://www.amanstoyshop.com.au/products ... election=0

They've got 3 there to chose from.

4x4 direct are suppose to sell them as well but I have't yet managed to get the web page up .

[MightyMouse]

Endless Air is a brand name for modified air con compressors that are belt driven from the engine...

works VERY well but they are more expensive and you obviously don't throw them in your tool box.

[Jeeps]

Endless Air is a brand name for modified air con compressors that are belt driven from the engine...

works VERY well but they are more expensive and you obviously don't throw them in your tool box.

Definately the way to go if you're after lots of air

[greg]

By the way I don't mind spending the money, but is it worth that price or am I just paying for a brand name.

If you have the money, then - just like some others are saying - buy an endless air.

I think the brand name comes with re-build internals (teflon?).

Regardless - they are definately where it is at. They are embarassingly quick compared to any electrical compressor... excepts perhaps an Oasis electric compressor.

[vit94]

Thanks guys I'll check them out.
I've seen people use air conditioning compressors adapted for air,
but thought they were a bit big to fit into a Vitrara that has already airconditioning.

[MightyMouse]

Do not try and adapt a vane type AC compressor, go for a piston type.

The vane type pump oil around the AC system in normal operation - which is no big deal as its a closed system. However when used as an air compressor the oil doesn't automatically return. I've tried all manner of schemes to separate and return the oil - all to no avail.

Others may have had more luck but it didn't work for me.

Axial Piston types however ( which the endless air are ) don't pump lubricant and are very successful. The old "York" type compressors also are effective - if a bit harder to mount.

[smccask]

get a v6 one of these

http://www.ecvv.com/product/vp614317/Ch ... 4NFCY.html

I've been running a converted aircon compressor for a few years and haven't had any issues. I squirt a bit of machine oil in occassionaly, prob bad for tyres tho. Cost nothing and it absolutely RIPS filling up tyres. when we head out to the dunes at wedge, nobody bothers to get out their compressors they just loan mine, lol. was very handy once in the pilbara when a mate ran out of repairable tyres and we had to keep refilling his best, limping 50kms, filling every 5 mins.

[vit94]

That's a good story about helping your mate out.
I had refridgeration compressor that i converted into an air compressor at home years back .
The outlet went to a regulater which had a sight glass ( bowl ), which collected alot of oil from the compressor , which you could drain manually.
Just wondering if you had something similar or does any oil go straight into your tyres.

[micks troll]

After hearing how good the ARB new one is I should connect it to my tank along with the twin piston one I have already hooked up (the new ARB compressor is just used for my front locker and mounted under the bonnet)
The twin piston is suppose to do 150 lpm,I bought my twin piston compressor from Autobarn at around $300 (after some stole my Bushranger one) It works well but has a thermal cut out and after pumping 4 33's from 12ish psi to 30 it cuts out and takes ages to cool down. I run a mini fan now while it's goin to help a bit, and my setup is mounted on a false floor in the back of the Troll so there's plenty of ventilation
Good luck in your selection and pricing

[smccask]

oil goes into the tyres. i try to give it a blast straight into the air after lubing to get the excess oil out. otherwise only need a small amount of oil, seems to be running still, so it seems oil needs are very minimal.

[balzackracing]

Wow your school teachers would be proud at the discussion s in this post - makes good reading.
Back on the subject. Thanks for everyones replies.
The ARB new compressor looks like it might be good value .
I have the older one (28 litre /min ) in my work 4x4 and my opinion is that it was probably only designed for air lockers . It just doesn't pump up the landcruser tyres well at all. I gave up on it the other day and drove round with the left front tyre 100kpa lower than the others for a couple of days before pulling in a servo.
Yeah joeblow 2 to 3 x dearer . That's right - when i first started looking I went to Auto barn super cheap etc to see what they had compared to the 4x4 shops. The sales people raved about there products which got me thinking , hence this post was started.
Good thinking macca67 gave that a try and came up with BIG RED and MEGA GRUNT from Rockhampton. The mega grunt has good specs ( $149 85 l/ min ) , so I've emailed the supplier for more info.

nicbear I;'ve been meaning to ask how did you land after that jump - looks outter control.

Here's a question for budding scientists. Why do they recommend to increase your tyre pressure when you load up your vechile for atrip???
Wouldn't the extra weight on the vechile increase the pressure in the tyre???

You will need to incresse the pressure in your tyres so you don't wear the sides. Best to run through a bit of water then onto dry concrete to get an idea of the tyre contact, then adjust till its at the sweet spot and remember the pressures for later on.

[balzackracing]

When sides I talking about the outer edges of the tyre, not the side wall.

[vit94]

I like that idea to gauge the correct tyre pressure for my vechile.
Will give it go . thanks

Came across www.explore oz while searching for mega grunt copressors. they have a thread there on maxi air compressors which makes interesting reading.

[-Scott-]

Here's a question for budding scientists. Why do they recommend to increase your tyre pressure when you load up your vechile for atrip???

Wouldn't the extra weight on the vechile increase the pressure in the tyre???

Yes, the extra weight increases the pressure in the tyre, but only marginally, and it's because the side walls have flexed more.

And the flex in the sidewall is why you should increase your tyre pressures. As the car goes around, each "section" of the sidewall bends as it comes to the bottom, then unbends as it moves away again. This continuous bending and unbending (flexing) creates heat in the sidewall, and it's this heat which destroys under-inflated tyres.

To work out what's the right pressure, measure it cold and again after an hour or so of cruising - if the difference is about 4psi, your cold pressure is about right.

The correct starting pressure will also change depending on the speed you drive at - higher speed, tyre turns faster, flexes more often, more heat. Lower speed, less flexing, less heat.

This is why the typical "what pressure should I run in my tyres" question is about as silly as those who give an answer. There are so many variables - tyres brand/type, size, vehicle size & load, vehicle speed, road conditions - even ambient temperature.

Then inflate to 38psi.

[BEU77y]

We've got a Twin Tongue under the bonnet. Built to last and run continuously. Is switched at 100psi hooked up to a 4.5kg Fire extinguisher as tank. Inlet is plumbed from the air cleaner. Also has a small set of Truck Horns tucked under the bullbar.... beep beep it is not.

[vit94]

I like the way you've got mounted and it looks well made as you say. Where do you get twin tonges from and how much are they if you don't mind telling me.Do they have a thermol protection on them as well ???

[BEU77y]

The Twin Tongue is the big brother of the Blue Tongue. You can get them from Opposite Lock shops.
The Blue Tongue puts out 45l/min and the Twin pumps 84l/min. The Twin does however pull 32 amps flat out, so a decent circuit is needed to run it.
I paid about $700 about 6 years ago. I think the Blue Tongue's retail for similar prices to the ARB units.
The OL website says the Blue Tongue has thermal protection but mine has never stopped on me. They are built for commercial use.
I think they did well by putting 1/4" BSP fittings for the in/outlets. Makes it really easy to plumb it up and customise.

I've pulled apart an old ARB pump and the design and build quality was rubbish.

Mine is mounted on rubber feet and has poly hosing in and out so it's super quiet. Never mount any compressor to solid metal, they sound horrid.

[vit94]

Hey thanks for your prompt reply.
I've only just managed to find those answers through other means.
They are built to last or as quoted 8000 hrs where as most others are only quoteing 500 hrs. But yours will run continuely as long as it's lower than 50 psi. So not bad for the money i think. Also I beleive yours would be made by Thomas which is American and not Chinese.

Any way I've 98% sure on my decision .
Considering I've got a Suzuki Vitara which only has small tyres 225/70,
and only pumped up to 28psi I don't often go to the beach and it's not really the type of vechile that i'll be going on a big outback trip with ,so i don't really need a quality compressor like the Blue tongue which is American made. How ever I'll go and have a look at one on ebay called True Blue which may also be packaged as Blue Tongue Budget . This one is made in China and has a steel sleeve bore claiming 90 l / minute with a life of 750 hrs for $ 140 . Duty cycle isn't continuse but simalar to other quality brands.

I'll post my thoughts and results when i pick this up in a few days hopefully.

[SIM79]

what? 2 to 3 times more expensive than other brands?....are the other brands $80 -$100 bucks?

Cheap=Crap

[vit94]

I agree, and cheap sometimes costs more in the longe run.
So what do you have>

[SIM79]

I had a Typhoon it was cheap and looked roughly made and it lasted about 1 year. It was used less than 30 times and kept dust free and always stored in its box.
I will have a new ARB compressor this week

[vit94]

Well I bought my compressor fom Ebay $ 150 called True Blue or packaged as Blue Tounge Budget.

I have a Suzuki Vitara with 225/70 normally pumped up at 28psi.
The test went as follows:

Car running Battery volts 14.21v compressor off.
Compressor running volts dropped down to 13.45v and slowly dropped until it reached 12.45v.
This test ran continuously , I pumped each tyre for 1minute 20 seconds each, switching the the compressor off to change tyres witch took 10 seconds TOTAL TIME 5 minutes 50 seconds.
First tyre 32psi
Second trye 30.5 psi
Third Tyre 30 psi
Forth tyre 29.5 psi

As I only drive a Suzki for fun on weekends this compressor will do the job. NOTE the compressor did get to hot to touch. To hot for my liking. If I had bigger tyres than I 'd be wishing that i would have bought a oringinal Blue Tongue that can be run continuouslly.
This compressor has a claimed life of 750 hrs so at 6 minutes each time i use it and say 10 times ayear than this compressor SHOULD last me 750 years. BETTER TAKE IT WITH ME WHEN I DIE !!!

Hope this is helpfull Peter