PT-10 Power Tank Air Storage System
Compressed Air
to Go!
I
have always wanted a better way to air my tires up after a trail
run. I hated waiting an hour to air up my tires with my little 12V
compressor after a trail run. I had thought of getting a larger
($500) air compressor and storage tank. But the costs of the
compressor and tank (add another $150) were a bit much and I was
worried I would damage the compressor in deep water crossings. So
along comes the Power Tank. It can air tires up faster than any
compressor you can carry, is only 27 pounds (full), and costs about
1/2 the price of a quality air compressor and tank.
Testing
I removed the valve core from a
tire and it takes about 40 seconds to go down to 15 psi. Airing
back up takes less time than letting the air out when using the
PT-10 tank. With the core installed the time to air back up
is only 35 seconds. It's faster then a gas station air hose! The
Power Tank's output is controllable from 0 up to 150 pounds so it
can be turned down for use with air tools or welder and then back
up for airing tires up fast. This unit stores an incredible amount of compressed gas. Enough to air up all four tires on 9 trucks at the end of a trail run (assuming 33 X 12.50 tires). It took about 15 minutes per tire with my Truck Air unit or about a hour to do all four tires.
Air
Tools
The air tank comes with a coil
hose with one quick disconnect (1/4" type "T") and an air chuck. I
chose not to use the air chuck and instead installed a second quick
disconnect on the other end of the hose. This way I could easily
switch from one air tool to the next very quickly. I also purchased
a gas station type filler as pictured above.
The PT-10 is rated to provide 20
minutes of continues air tool use. Most of the time when you use
air tools it's just a few quick shots and the bolt is off, so 20
minutes is a lot of time. It's a good idea to put a drop or two of
oil into your air tools as there is no lubrication coming from the
Power Tank.
If you ever find your self needing to do major repairs on the
trail like a clutch job or replacing a transfer case, having power
tools along can make the job much faster and easier.
This type of tank is used by some
racing teams as a race truck mounted air supply for air tool and
air jacks. This allows for the quickest tire changes
possible.
Reseating
tires
I enjoy rock crawling and as such
I see a fair amount of tire damage/abuse on the trail. Often it's a
sliced open sidewall and a plug or two is all that is needed to fix
it. Some times a patch is needed. By using a hilift jack the tire
can be dismounted and a tube and/or inside patch can be installed.
Using the Power Tank to air it back is quick and
easy.
To remount a
tire after a repair is made, I removed the valve core from the
wheel. Then turned the air pressure up to 150 psi. Next I put a
little water around the bead of the tire on both sides. I put the
air chuck onto the tire and aired up. At the same time I bumped the
tire a little. Instantly the tire seated and in less than a minute
the tire was fully inflated.
Welding
with the Power Tank
Filling the Power
Tank
Filling the tank is easy. I found
a fire extinguisher company a few blocks from my house that would
fill it for $10. It takes about a minute to remove the handle and
regulator from the tank before filling. Due to limitations in the
refilling process the tank can not be topped off. The tank must be
emptied before it can be filled. It's is easy to see how much is
left in the tank by placing it on a bathroom scale. The tank and
C02 weighs 27 lbs when full. 10 lbs is the weight of the C02. So
when it gets down to 22 lbs it is 1/2 full. At 17 lbs it is
empty. |
Tank
operation
Mounting
Bracket
Available for an additional $50
is a well-built bracket for mounting most anywhere. There are six
holes in the back and five holes on the bottom of the bracket that
can be used to mount the tank to most any fixed object. I was very
impressed with the large rubber pads on the front and back of the
bracket. These hold the tank very well and prevent any squeaking. I
have the tank bolted to a large tool box inside my truck and
it is absolutely quiet on the trail. I would consider the bracket a
"must buy" with this product. You don't want to have a 30 pound
tank moving around inside your truck when on the
trail. |
The PT10 tank is 24" tall and 6.5" in diameter (with handle and regulator). It holds 10 lbs of C02. It costs $299 and $50 for the bracket. The PT-5 is a little shorter at 21" and 5.25" in diameter. It holds 5 lbs of C02. Costs $279 and $50 for the bracket. |
|
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Related
Links:
Toyota SectionE-mail steves@powertank.com Advanced Air Systems 2214 Babson Drive Elk Grove, CA 95758 Info. line (916) 691-6806 Fax line (916) 691-6809 Ordering (800) 641-3206 Review By: Chris Geiger November 1998 Project Rock Runner Sponsors |
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