On the big lap do you need to carry an Air Compressor?
How often did you /do you use it ?
Thank you all again for all the advise.
I am sure some of our Newbie questions sound simple to the old hands but your advise is really appreciated.
Dickodownunder said
09:18 PM Dec 23, 2017
Yes, if only for the fact that it is difficult at most service stations to get to the air gauge.
I also suggest that you need an accurate portable gauge so that you are ensuring the pressures are reasonably accurate.
If you have air bags a compressor and accurate gauge is essential. ( Iknow...I know, you can use a hand pump)
I have even used the compressor to help push fuel through when bleeding the air out of the system if you have to change a fuel filter. Probably applies to diesel engines more so than petrol.
-- Edited by Dickodownunder on Saturday 23rd of December 2017 09:20:28 PM
-- Edited by Dickodownunder on Saturday 23rd of December 2017 09:21:10 PM
Dickodownunder said
09:23 PM Dec 23, 2017
For air bags you may use it every time you unhitch an hitch up again.
You may also want to adjust tyre pressures when you unhitch and hitch up again.
You may also need to use it on dirt and stoney roads as well as sand tracks.
For the cost of them in my opinion they are essential.
rockylizard said
10:04 PM Dec 23, 2017
Gday...
I agree with all preceding comments.
In addition, it becomes extremely handy if you develop a slow puncture and you can pump up the tyre regularly to get you to a service place.
For the small cost of a good one, I wouldn't go anywhere without one ... been one in my vehicles now for more than 30 years.
When you get one, make sure it can re-inflate a flat 4x4 size tyre up to pressure in a fairly short time - without taking 15 minutes and overheating twice.
cheers - John
hako said
10:13 PM Dec 23, 2017
To be honest, we only checked our tyres once during our lap and that was about half way round in Perth, and we were away for 120 days. Most roads we travelled were bitumen but not all and I personally think that it's not worth the worry to play with pressures.
I do carry a manual pump and have carried one in all my cars for the last 56 years but never ever used it. (Rega double pumper BTW). Used it for many pushbikes however.
We carried spare oil, quite a few spanners and a fanbelt...all unused.
Necessary is maximum cover with RACQ/RACV etc who will rescue "any" situation.
Our vehicle was 8 years old with over 200,000km on it when we did our lap by the way.
Modern cars are very very reliable.
Good Luck.
Aus-Kiwi said
11:15 PM Dec 23, 2017
Yes Your right Hako . The day Iâll leave ours behind . Will be the time I NEED it !! Mind you itâs a small one with puncture kit . 10 minutes to pump a 19.5 X 225 tyre up . Some out back service stations only go to 40 or so Lb .Mind you even on a motorhome ? 40 lb would get you going . Just limit speed !! Thing is Iâve used the puncture kit for other people . Ok though !!
Tony Bev said
11:25 PM Dec 23, 2017
I carry a middle of the range 12 volt compressor for two main reasons.
My tyres pressures are higher than the standard 50 psi, at many servos
In my local area, is is not unknown for the air at the servo to be out of action, so I will assume that it could be the same elsewhere
I have never used my compressor on my own vehicle while travelling, but I have assisted others
They weigh next to nothing, and take up very little room
Hey Jim said
12:02 AM Dec 24, 2017
Hi Col,
What do you want to do and see.
We go bush a lot. If I get into trouble, I expect to get myself back out. Some of the roads out back might not see another sole for anywhere between a hour to days at a time. We do a lot of fishing both off the beach and boat launching over the beaches.
So for us we have the biggest twin pump that we can get.Ours is at the top end, for all the above reasons. inflates a full 4x4 tyre in 45 seconds from 20psi back up to 45psi.
You have to look at the duty cycle of the pump in question.High volume pumps, draw high apms in our case. So the cars engine is running while we inflate both the 4 x4 and the four on the boat.
For piece of mind IMO, Yes. A mid range pump $100 and above.You may never need one.
Ask yourself first, this question. When did you last check your tyres.???????? that may help, with your own discission.
Regards Jim
Meredith said
01:27 AM Dec 24, 2017
We carry a compressor and use it fairly regularly as we like to do a lot of travel on dirt and sandy roads and lower the tyre pressure accordingly and are able to reinflate the tyres before going back on the bitumen. It really depends on the places you intend to go. On our last trip to WA for example we used it in several places in the Kimberley, on the railway road between Tom Price and Karratha, on a trip out to Mount Augustus, and without the caravan on day trips to Steep Point, Francois Peron National Park and a few other places. Lowering tyre pressure on these types of roads decreases your chance of puncture on gravel and the chance of getting stuck in sand. If you intend to stay on the bitumen I wouldn't think its necessary.
Col Rennie said
02:12 AM Dec 24, 2017
Once again great advise .
Now the search begins to find the compressor.
Invaluable feed back as always
vince56 said
06:42 AM Dec 24, 2017
Hi Col,
Agree with all above, compressor is an essential bit of kit.
When purchasing I suggest have a look on line, I bought a no-name brand that is exactly the same unit as sold in a leading 4x4 shop, a fraction of the cost, just in a plain wrapper.
Cheers Vince
Dickodownunder said
07:49 AM Dec 24, 2017
vince56 wrote:
Hi Col, Agree with all above, compressor is an essential bit of kit. When purchasing I suggest have a look on line, I bought a no-name brand that is exactly the same unit as sold in a leading 4x4 shop, a fraction of the cost, just in a plain wrapper. Cheers Vince
Good advice, you may pay a lot more money for the same compressor.
The one I have now I have had for close to 4 years. It is what I would class as a mid range unit and it does the job reasonably well.
If you are doing sand and off road work opt for the unit with the best capacity but keep your engine running to prevent draining your battery.
JayDee said
10:17 AM Dec 24, 2017
Aldi had them on special from time to time.
There is a Aldi in just about every State ( I Think) so no issues re returns.
Yes, buying an Aldi or ebay one will suffice. I purchased a double piston type once and it seems to labour on 12v. I.e larger doesnt mean better.
Alternatively if you want a very good one contact Air Ride Suspension Supplies
2/19 Jersey Rd, Bayswater VIC 3153
(03) 9729 5556
https://g.co/kgs/kTa25D
They sell good quality compact and light pumps along with anything airbag related.
Used it many times to keep check on tyre inflation during LAP last Winter. Easier than trying to manoeuvre to servo air hose.
Also used it to inflate 4 x man dinghy.
They don't take up much space.
TheHeaths said
04:25 PM Dec 24, 2017
We carry a compressor and I use it probably once a week while away to check/adjust tyres and airbags. Not intrusive in items carried in the Cruiser, and cost about $150.
Also used it on a couple of occasions to help others who needed tyres pumped up, and that made me feel good to be able to help.
I would carry one.
dieseltojo said
08:36 AM Dec 25, 2017
Hi Col,
I do, but I also carry a repair kit and a spray bottle filled with soapy water. I have had to repair quite a few flats with nails or screws. With out going into the right or wrongs of the plunger kits, I can repair a simple nail puncture in 20 min with the tyre not needing removal.
There is a bit of a learning curve but if you follow directions or let a mate show how it is done it works well. I had a flat in my ford ute the day after delivery and it remained patched for almost 48,000 klm.
Guidence again please .
On the big lap do you need to carry an Air Compressor?
How often did you /do you use it ?
Thank you all again for all the advise.
I am sure some of our Newbie questions sound simple to the old hands but your advise is really appreciated.
Yes, if only for the fact that it is difficult at most service stations to get to the air gauge.
I also suggest that you need an accurate portable gauge so that you are ensuring the pressures are reasonably accurate.
If you have air bags a compressor and accurate gauge is essential. ( Iknow...I know, you can use a hand pump)
I have even used the compressor to help push fuel through when bleeding the air out of the system if you have to change a fuel filter.
Probably applies to diesel engines more so than petrol.
-- Edited by Dickodownunder on Saturday 23rd of December 2017 09:20:28 PM
-- Edited by Dickodownunder on Saturday 23rd of December 2017 09:21:10 PM
You may also want to adjust tyre pressures when you unhitch and hitch up again.
You may also need to use it on dirt and stoney roads as well as sand tracks.
For the cost of them in my opinion they are essential.
Gday...
I agree with all preceding comments.
In addition, it becomes extremely handy if you develop a slow puncture and you can pump up the tyre regularly to get you to a service place.
For the small cost of a good one, I wouldn't go anywhere without one ... been one in my vehicles now for more than 30 years.
When you get one, make sure it can re-inflate a flat 4x4 size tyre up to pressure in a fairly short time - without taking 15 minutes and overheating twice.
cheers - John
I do carry a manual pump and have carried one in all my cars for the last 56 years but never ever used it. (Rega double pumper BTW). Used it for many pushbikes however.
We carried spare oil, quite a few spanners and a fanbelt...all unused.
Necessary is maximum cover with RACQ/RACV etc who will rescue "any" situation.
Our vehicle was 8 years old with over 200,000km on it when we did our lap by the way.
Modern cars are very very reliable.
Good Luck.
I carry a middle of the range 12 volt compressor for two main reasons.
I have never used my compressor on my own vehicle while travelling, but I have assisted others
They weigh next to nothing, and take up very little room
Hi Col,
What do you want to do and see.
We go bush a lot. If I get into trouble, I expect to get myself back out. Some of the roads out back might not see another sole for anywhere between a hour to days at a time. We do a lot of fishing both off the beach and boat launching over the beaches.
So for us we have the biggest twin pump that we can get.Ours is at the top end, for all the above reasons. inflates a full 4x4 tyre in 45 seconds from 20psi back up to 45psi.
You have to look at the duty cycle of the pump in question.High volume pumps, draw high apms in our case. So the cars engine is running while we inflate both the 4 x4 and the four on the boat.
For piece of mind IMO, Yes. A mid range pump $100 and above.You may never need one.
Ask yourself first, this question. When did you last check your tyres.???????? that may help, with your own discission.
Regards Jim
Once again great advise .
Now the search begins to find the compressor.
Invaluable feed back as always
Agree with all above, compressor is an essential bit of kit.
When purchasing I suggest have a look on line, I bought a no-name brand that is exactly the same unit as sold in a leading 4x4 shop, a fraction of the cost, just in a plain wrapper.
Cheers Vince
Good advice, you may pay a lot more money for the same compressor.
The one I have now I have had for close to 4 years. It is what I would class as a mid range unit and it does the job reasonably well.
If you are doing sand and off road work opt for the unit with the best capacity but keep your engine running to prevent draining your battery.
Aldi had them on special from time to time.
There is a Aldi in just about every State ( I Think) so no issues re returns.
Also try
Adwww.4wdsupacentre.com.au/Offroad-Outdoor/Accessories
1800 883 964
Merry Christmas.
Jay&Dee
Got this one on Ebay...
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Car-Air-Compressor-12V-200L-MIN-4x4-4WD-Car-Tyres-Bike-Deflator-Inflator-Portabl/172302343288?hash=item281e051c78:g:ifMAAOSwgZ1XrKWy
Has been a great performer!
Used it many times to keep check on tyre inflation during LAP last Winter. Easier than trying to manoeuvre to servo air hose.
Also used it to inflate 4 x man dinghy.
They don't take up much space.
Also used it on a couple of occasions to help others who needed tyres pumped up, and that made me feel good to be able to help.
I would carry one.
Hi Col,
I do, but I also carry a repair kit and a spray bottle filled with soapy water. I have had to repair quite a few flats with nails or screws. With out going into the right or wrongs of the plunger kits, I can repair a simple nail puncture in 20 min with the tyre not needing removal.
There is a bit of a learning curve but if you follow directions or let a mate show how it is done it works well. I had a flat in my ford ute the day after delivery and it remained patched for almost 48,000 klm.
Not recommended for side walls though....
Excellent feed back
Compressor is now on the list to carry
Thank you