DIY CO2 Tank (Power Tank)

I have been thinking about air options. I like the Viair system for continuous supply, as well as others, but seem to be drawn to the Power Tank type. I don't want to spend that much money (PTs run from $400-$600). So I think I could make my own CO2 tank system. There are 10lb aluminum tanks available on ebay for $70-$100 and then a descent regulator $25-$30 and an air hose from Lowes for maybe $20. So I'm thinking I can have a system for not much over $100.

Questions:
1. Tanks can be filled with CO2 or Nitrogen for basically the same price (need different regulator for nitrogen). Why would you choose one over the other?
2. Does anyone know of safety issues with this system, ie. storing in truck (would probably remove when not needed).
3. Any other thoughts and or concerns about this project.

Here is a write-up I found...
http://www.stu-offroad.com/recovery/co2/co2-1.htm

No problem storing in a vehicle what so ever. Also dont skimp on the regulator. They can freeze up quick then your waiting for it thaw out. Mine does't freeze shut but I have been around other that have. Also get an adjustable regulator. Mine does both Co2 and Nitrogen. Nitrogen Is good because you can fill your tires up with it as well as fine ture the pressure in coil overs and better rear shocks. I am not sure how far 10lb of nitrogen will go compared to CO2. One issue with CO2 I have found is after a few days the air pressure i the tire starts to go down. Not much but enough to tell. I think this is due to the property of the CO2 itself. After a day of wheeling and airing up with CO2 I deflate all my tires and air up with my air compressor at the house. Keeps the a fore mentioned from happening.
Just for reference on the freeing I was using a cut off wheel with my CO2 and in under 2 minutes it was frozen solid. and took 10 minutes to thaw. It also got so cold that it was uncomfortable to hold on to.
Now the power tank has a siphon tube like a nitirous bottle so I can leave mine installed at the angle it is and use it.
Here is a pic of mine installed. It is a 20 pound tank and I wouldn't look back. I like having the 20 pound over the 10. I get more out of it. It cost my buddy 12.00 to get his 10 pound filled and me 15.00 to to get the 20 filled.

Thanks for the info. Nice storage box as well.

So when your tires pressure goes down, do you have isues with the Tire Pressure Sensors?

Where do you get your tank filled?

No sensors on my truck, Its a 07. Sucks I know but owell.
I fill up at airgas. Use this link to check your area I know now that there are a few in the Fayetville area. Also I have both CO2 and arb compressor. The CO2 is so much better and user friendly. No wiring or noise issues, no current draw or lackluster performance. Arb dosnet recommend puttting a tank on the compressor either. The CO2 you mount and use as needed you just have to refill it every so often. I got a great deal on my tank from 4x4groupbuy.com, I ordered one brand and the certain brand kept screwing with them so my order didnt ship. They contacted me and got me a powertank setup for much less than advertised. esp. with the regulator upgrade. Those guy stepped up to the plate and took care of a customer in a situation that could have gotten real ugly.
http://www.airgas.com/customer_service/site_locator.aspx

Here is a pretty good posting from another forum...

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=286226

Some good reading there!

I am still thinking about the CO2 tank route, but have also been looking at other air sources. Aside from the big bucks ARBs or Viair systems, there are the smaller portable compressors. I saw this one at 4Wheel Parts and the guys there spoke highly of it, plus it is around $90. It connects to the battery not the lighter. Does anyone have an opinion about this air source?

For the money, it looks like a good unit if you aren't going off road all the time. If you start to wheel a lot more often, this could become your backup unit to a CO2 tank or even a larger compressor. With that said, I've chosen to go CO2 verses Nitrogen purely because of air volume. My research shows a 10lb CO2 tank will give about 87 cuft of air while a similar size nitrogen tank only gives 40 cuft of air. In my case, I'll use my tank for air tools as well just for the convenience of it. It'll handle my nailguns with no problem and is a lot easier to deal with, especially at jobs with no power yet.
The main downsides I've found for CO2 is that the air has more moisture than Nitrogen and I assume smaller molecules since it leaks out of tires faster. Moisture is bad for air tools, but I'm good about keeping them oiled, so no worries there.
In the end, the compressor you're showing will work though much more slowly than a CO2 tank. For the money, and smaller space requirements, it'd be a good fit if you're not going to use it all the time.