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Getting stuck too often
Posted: 22 Feb 2016 14:01
by vanhack
So due to my laziness of not wanting to break out the air compressor, I am getting stuck a lot lately. I use a portable compressor from Bushranger, does the job, but setting it up and putting it away is something I try to avoid...only to get stuck.

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So I need to make the deflation and re-inflation process a little more user friendly (read "age appropriate").
So I have seen Bruin Bear's awesome AC compressor solution and WOW

I would love that, but don't want to spend too much, I only run 275/70/16 tyres which I have no intention on changing, and maybe the AC compressor maybe over kill for my requirements.
So would my portable consumer grade offroad air compressor pumping a 10l reservoir tank pumped to 150psi be a good idea, how much time would I save I am going to hardwire the existing compressor either in the cabin or the chassis, depending if I can get it protected enough from the elements. The AC compressor would fill that tank faster, and my electric compressor much slower. Is there any danger in keeping a reservoir tank filled and driving around, offroad/onroad or should be kept empty always?
Re: Getting stuck too often
Posted: 22 Feb 2016 14:24
by Herrie
What type of tyres do you have on your Patrol?
Years ago I was told that it is not good to use the M/T tyres on the sand and H/T tyres will be beter on the sand - I am still wandering about it.
Re: Getting stuck too often
Posted: 22 Feb 2016 14:39
by Tinus lotz
Herrie wrote:What type of tyres do you have on your Patrol?
Years ago I was told that it is not good to use the M/T tyres on the sand and H/T tyres will be beter on the sand - I am still wandering about it.
Mud terrains are the best all terrains around .....but having the correct pressure is way more important. ......

Re: Getting stuck too often
Posted: 22 Feb 2016 14:53
by Wilkie
we use a dive cylinder with an adaptor to inflate tyres

Re: Getting stuck too often
Posted: 22 Feb 2016 15:01
by vanhack
I use Yokohama Geolanders ATS, they are a light tyre, which is important. The mud terrains and aggressive treads for sand are not great, although the jeep folks and FJ folks use them here, you are right a less aggressive tread is needed. The sand tyres we have here, which are great for sand but not for the road, practically have no tread, but are tall, so when deflated the footprint is very big length wise.
Refilling scuba tanks would require a scuba shop?
Re: Getting stuck too often
Posted: 22 Feb 2016 16:13
by Tinus lotz
I use 33 on my trol what are you running?
Re: Getting stuck too often
Posted: 22 Feb 2016 16:23
by Wilkie
Well then when you hit the sand ....buckle up and hit the ride side pedal and don't loose momentum

Re: Getting stuck too often
Posted: 22 Feb 2016 18:05
by Alex Roux
Wilkie wrote:Well then when you hit the sand ....buckle up and hit the ride side pedal and don't loose momentum

If I don't blow down properly and put pedal down, I just plow in a deep hole.
I am useless without blowing down.
Re: Getting stuck too often
Posted: 22 Feb 2016 18:09
by Peter Connan
To answer your questions directly:
Regarding the tank. A pressure vessel can be very dangerous depending on construction and instrumentation fitted. The problem is that atmospheric air always contains water vapour. When it is compressed, this water is squeezed out. This will collect in your air tank. If it is made from mild steel, this will eventually rust your tank through and cause a rupture. This rupture could easily come in the form of an explosion.
So if you want to do this, get a stainless steel or aluminium tank (an old dive cylinder works well) and make sure you have a pressure relief valve (safety valve) fitted. However, inflating to only 150 psi will not help you much.
Assuming you want to air up to 36psi, that's a ratio of 4.16:1. Thus your 10l of air in the tank will turn into 41.6l of air at 36psi. The volume of one 275/75R16 tire is in the region of 60L. Thus your 10l tank will probably only inflate 1 1/2 tires, depending on how far you aired down.
Mounting a compressor in the vehicle is probably a better bet. It won't speed up the process but does make it less PT. Make sure you mount it with the cylinder upright, otherwise the aforementioned water will cause you problems.
Of course, make sure the electrical lead is heavy enough and has a fuze fitted.
Re: Getting stuck too often
Posted: 22 Feb 2016 19:36
by Bruin Beer
Vanhack,
I used a stainless tank and due to the high delivery rate of the A/C pump I leave the tank empty.
I also have a safety valve fitted to the tank at the lowest point.
From time to time I force a little air into the tank and then pull the ring on the safety valve to deflate the tank and drain any potential water from the tank.
It work like a charm (for me).
I nee to post an updated video indicated the inflation rate from ambient.
All the best with your project.
Bruin Beer