co2 tanks for onboard air

[tpolley]

i'm looking for an onboard air system. a friend told me about using offroad guys using a co2 tank and a regulator to take it down to 90psi. he said sometimes they mount the tanks to the frame of thier vehicle. this seems dangerous for vehicle use.
isn't co2 a liquid? so if you mount the tank sideways to a frame wouldn't it release the liquid?
also, i understand these tanks can hold up to 3,000psi. doesn't seem vary safe to be stored under a vehicle.
opinions anyone?

[PAToyota]

Probably referring to the PowerTank (http://www.powertank.com/) - there are others out there. I haven't seen that they are typically mounted under a vehicle, though, since you have to be able to access them to fill them up again.

Other people run compressors with storage tanks under the vehicle - like you'd have on a tractor-trailer for air brakes.

[-B-]

All DOT tanks( especially cylinders) have to be mounted in an upright position, as the design of the tank is intended the burst disks are designed for that.

Buy a good regulator with an input and out put gauge remember CO2 at nominal temperatures is at 850psi the hose you use should be rated for high pressure in case of failure of the reg ( it happens because of contaminates)

Find a good place with clean fills you best bet is a fire extinguisher service shop they use clean food grade gas.

[mrb]

wouldnt nitrogen be better than CO2?

[-B-]

wouldnt nitrogen be better than CO2?

No there is no expansion given the same size tank you will have less " air' from nitrogen. CO2 is stored as a liquid the gas works off of phase change there is much more potential cubic feet of air available then nitrogen in the same size. (3 to 1)

[JEdA]

I've seen people mount them sideways, but they put them upright when using them.

[nissan_crawler]

get a good regulator meant for the use, especially if you run air tools. THe power tank mentioned is probably the best. Regular regulators will freeze shut.

[Jared]

its only acetylen tanks that cant be mounted on there side as you will draw the acetone out of the tank.

[speed bump]

wouldnt nitrogen be better than CO2?

CO2 is about $10 or less a tank and nitrogen is $25-30 a tank.

[kvom]

My 20# tank has a cradle in the back seat area that is bolted to the floorboard. Last fillup cost $15 at local welding shop. In addition to airing up tires, I have used mine to power impact wrenches and nailers. They don't work that well with grinders though.

[Mattlt]

its only acetylen tanks that cant be mounted on there side as you will draw the acetone out of the tank.

Agreed. We use 02 tanks on their sides all the time.

Think of the 02 tanks in the front baggage compartment on an airplane. They sit on their sides.

[rocketman]

http://www.ultimate-air.com/

http://www.offroadairstore.com/servlet/StoreFront

A 10 pound CO2 tank can re-air up about 30 sets of tires really quick with a fixed 150PSI regulator. (less $$$ than adjustables) 4 wheelers use them on the trails all the time. Great for using an impact to remove lugs instead of a tire iron. You just have to make sure they don't bang around, especially in high heat, they can pop the safeties!