Multi Custom CO2 Trail Tire Kit.

[Hondasxs]

This past weekend I had a chance to use my Custom CO2 tire kit on the trail. Seeing it in use, I was asked about it by several members and figured I would build a topic on it to share.

During our Friday night ride, the line came to a stop. After waiting a bit, I learned a rider had busted a wheel off the bead. I had my kit with me and decide to head back to check on them. Within a few minutes, I had the tire back on the rim and everyone wanting to know what I had just done. The next day we were running hard and another rider hit a rut, busting their tire off the bead. Within no time, we were back on the trail!

What I used was a custom CO2 tire kit. This kit has been a life savor for myself and many other riders alike stranded due to a busted bead. Now, most riders carry a standard 12v mini compressor. While those small pumps are good for adjusting pressure they just don't produce enough volume to set a bead. Ya, the ratchet strap method can help but more than not it too fails. Another fun and dangerous option is to use ETHER. While this does work, many riders are not able to call it a success. But for me, nothing compares to CO2!

CO2 offers tons of volume and all the pressure you need. I carry a 20oz tank and have done up to 6 tires on a single tank depending on the weather. Once empty take it to a sporting goods store that refills paintball tanks to have it refilled.

Building your own is fairly easy. It requires the following parts:
CO2 tank. 12oz shown, I have upgraded to a 20 oz!

ASA adaptor or fill adaptor.

3000 PSI line. 1/8 inch MIP ends.

Adapter, 1/8 inch MIP to 1/4 inch FIP

Air Chuck.

I also carry plugs.

 

[Hondasxs]

Here is the parts I just sourced this week to build this kit.

$10.00 - Lock-On Chuck - Amazon.com: Coilhose Pneumatics CH15 Closed Lock-On Chuck, 1/4-Inch FPT: Industrial & Scientific
$3.00 - Reducer - 1/4-in MIP x 1/8-in FIP Pipe Reducer Bushing at Lowes
$20.00 - PaintBall remote line with fill adapter - Amazon.com : Heavy Duty Remote Coil Air / Co2 Paintball Gun 5000 Psi From Trinity Paintball : Sports & Outdoors
$25.00 - 20oz CO2 Tank - Amazon.com : 20oz Co2 Paintball Gun Aluminum Air Tank : Sports & Outdoors
$10.00 - Tank cap w spare O-Ring - http://amzn.to/1XJvNSa
Total cost around - $60.00



Few more pictures with my current tank with a cover.



I have found that some fill adapters do not fit correctly. They are short and engage the tank by just screwing them on. Other fill adapters come apart and could get lost.
Top one comes apart. Middle one pre-engages the tank. Bottom one by Ninja works great!



And below is my actual hose system. I choose a straight hydraulic hose vs the coiled to save on space.



WARNING: This kit does not work like your normal compressed air line. You must use the fill adaptor as your control valve and should NOT allow the line to build pressure. If it builds full pressure your chuck will become useless and you will need to relieve the pressure before use. That is because this tank can produce 1000psi where your standard home air system has a max of 180 typically. Sure you can add a regulator but to me that's just something else to break when I can do it manually just the same.

Best method is to hold the chuck on the valve stem and turn the adaptor engaging it. Then turn the adaptor off when done.

Also, this system will get COLD. Always use the tank in upright position to prevent liquid CO2 from existing. Liquid CO2 will freeze anything it touches so be sure to wear gloves. Your gloves may freeze to the chuck for a short time during heavy use.

 

[Plumber32]

It was a ride saver for sure! Thanks for sharing I'm going to build one after seeing it in action!

 

[joeymt33]

It is cool, thanks for sharing. I too will make one!


Sent from my iPhone 10s

 

[walexa07]

Do you have to use any special air chuck due to the higher pressure?

This is a cool idea - I plan on making one.

Waylan

 

[joeymt33]

Do you have to use any special air chuck due to the higher pressure?

This is a cool idea - I plan on making one.

Waylan

I think the locking type would make it easier for one person to do.

Another thought, when i mount tires at my house, I remove the valve stem core and install my locking air chuck. I then open a valve on the air hose to quickly inflate it. I think removing the core would help.

 

[joeymt33]

One more thing, when you remove the valve stem core, you also have to remove the valve core from the air chuck.

Anyway, @Hondasxs do you think the locking chuck would stay on?

Removing the core would help seat the bead but then you would have to reinstall the core fast or be forced to get out the small compressor. Then I'm sure that I would drop the core in the mud.

Either way, I was impressed with it and I think I'll make a copy.


Sent from my iPhone 10s

 

[Hondasxs]

I actually just ordered a locking chuck for the new kit. It is tough to do it alone keeping the chuck tight, tank upright, and turn the knobs.
I only recommend removing the core if you have a difficult tire. Ya, drop the core and it's gone!

 

[Hondasxs]

Oh... and you can't let it build high pressure. The turn knob is your control. Just let out enough for the job. This tank will produce over 800psi.

 

[Delton]

Well that just figures. While doing spring cleaning on my shop while back I ran across 2 20oz CO2 tanks and threw them away. I used CO2 instead of air shifter on my bike. Guess I'll go buy me another one. That's the last time I throw stuff away no matter how much the wife bugs me bout being a packrat lol

 

[JACKAL]

This seems to be a compact way to deal with those frustrating tire of beads situations.

 

[Hondasxs]

Updated post #2 with current source info.

 

[nbomar]

I have a Smittybilt quick air tank. It's much bigger than this, so I don't carry it on the trail usually, but it is the same thing but on a bigger scale. It also has a regulator so you don't have to worry about over inflating the line. They are life savers. I re-seated the bead and aired back up my buddies 52" Mickey thompsons on 20x12 wheels out on the trail. I also carry it when camping. Had a valve stem tear on my outer dual on my truck last time I went and I had to pull over every 30 miles and re air the tire to 80lbs. 250 miles of doing this with a tiny compressor would completely suck! (Worse than it did already)


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[joeymt33]

I'd added this to my Pioneer kit. I've been using one at home in the shop for years and this is one great tool when you need it.

Milton Industries S-443 Valve Extractor Tool https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00K0Z7XGO/?tag=sxsweb24-20


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[AggieVet]

I actually just ordered a locking chuck for the new kit. It is tough to do it alone keeping the chuck tight, tank upright, and turn the knobs.
I only recommend removing the core if you have a difficult tire. Ya, drop the core and it's gone!

Could you please post a link to this part please? I have already ordered the parts that you listed in your post. Or is it already on your parts list? I'm kind of confused.

 

[Tramguage1]

 

[Tramguage1]

Northern tool also carries a Milton brand locking chuck.

 

[Tramguage1]

just built 2 of these, very easy to build

 

[JTW]

just built 2 of these, very easy to build

This is on my to do list but it looks like it won't happen before Thursday!

 

[Tramguage1]

This is on my to do list but it looks like it won't happen before Thursday!

I will have one you can checkout.