Originally posted by Sean K.:
Just an FYI for those of you carrying your CO2 tank: Make sure the tank is somehow strapped down in the vehicle. If you roll over it will become a very heavy blunt object. If for some reason the top gets broken off, it'll become a missle.
As for running ARBs, I WOULD NOT use CO2 from a tank for running the arb in anything but an emergency situation.
For one thing the rubber O ring in the arb is somewhat temperature sensitive (as most rubber is). Shrinking and expanding it with dramatic temperature changes such as liquid to gas CO2 provides will decrease the already limited life span of that ring.
Further, when I tried this method of actuation when my compressor took a dump, the regulator had to be bumped to 105 psi to engage it. At that time my ARB was one of the first they made and required higher pressure. Now I believe they come from factory at 80 psi but can go as low as 60.
Another issue is that if you have to air up tires, run tools etc, you may not have enough CO2 left to run your ARBs. Bad situation if you needed them to get to where you are. Most likely you'll need them to get back out.
As for air supply, alot of guys are now disconnecting the arb compressor and leaving all wiring in tact as a back up. They are now running belt driven a/c compressors and using a valve that you manually open (small lever in cab) and close to acutate the locker. That way there is really no electrical component that can go bad. Good idea IMO. I'll probably use it in the 60 if I do ARB again.
More than a few cents,
Sean
A few have contacted ARB about using CO2 to actuate the locker. ARB does not have a problem with it, nor will it void the warranty. As long as pressure is regulated properly, there should not be any problems.
CO2 will not act as a missile. CO2 is actually very safe for automotive use. It is good to have it strapped down though.
Cliff
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