Air tank for bag set up

[Bagged Dually]

So I've been trying to look outside the box for an air tank for my bag set up. I think these things are way over priced and everyone is using the exact same type of tank unless they're on Nitrogen
Anyone have any ideas on a tank that would be cheap, 3-5 gallons, and hold up to 200PSI?? I was thinking about using a couple of old 20lbs propane tanks. They'd be free and who cares what they look. They'll be under my bed anyway. I just can't see paying 200-250 bucks for a couple of tanks to mount under my truck and beat on. there has to be a cheaper, smarter way.

 

[crazy4offroad]

Small oxygen tank might work good. If you were closer I could hook you up with one.

 

[Bagged Dually]

I never thought about that kind of tank. I'm looking for about 3 to 5 gallons per tank. Are there oxygen tanks that big?I wonder how big a Co2 tank from a fountain drink set up would hold? Welding fitting into aluminum isn't an issue so that doesn't matter to me either.

 

[crazy4offroad]

I had talked to some guys about using the O tank for an onboard air system and was told you can have it tapped to accept the correct fittings, instead of welding. The one I have is about 8" or so in diameter and about 3 feet tall, I assume it is around 3 gallons. Not sure about the CO2 tank but I know the O tanks hold a lot of pressure.

 

[Bagged Dually]

Ya that would be perfect. Whats the best way to go about procuring an oxygen tank??

 

[crazy4offroad]

When my wife's mom passed away we had to handle her estate and there was a few at her house that wherever she got them from didn't care to get them back. I'm really not sure where you could find one short of lucking out, most of those things are rentals. Might check craigslist.

 

[Bagged Dually]

Might have to start hitting some estate sales or auctions. There's surely some unneeded tanks laying around here some where. Thanks for the idea.

 

[HotRodPC]

Uhhh, I'm not certain a 20lb propane bottle will withstand, or is rated for 200psi is it? Aren't they like 80psi or so???

 

[skysurfer]

I run less than 20 psi in my Ride Rites, do you really need a system with 200?

 

[HotRodPC]

He's not talking air shocks or air helper bags I don't think. He's talking about a bagged/ Cnotched lowered truck I think. Basically, no springs at all, just bags.

 

[Bagged Dually]

Ya my dually is chopped up right now and I have a pile or air ride parts laying here waiting to go on. Just need to get my tanks now. My bags are rated at 500 PSI but I'll only be running about 180 psi. I just wanted a tank to go to 200 in case my pressure switch ever fails and the compressor keeps running since it's capable of build 200psi.
As for the 20lbs propane tanks I've read that they are usually filled to 177psi. That also might have been LP tanks. So I might need to get LP tanks or something. Still trying to find out for sure.

 

[skysurfer]

So guys actually run the bags with 180 psi in them? Not just 180 available? I can level out my Suburban when it's carrying 3300 pounds with about 25 psi. The most I've ever added to my helpers is 40 psi. It felt like I took out the springs and welded in I-beams.

I'm having a hard time wrapping my tiny brain around a suspension system that can flex at such high pressure. Time for me to get googleducated.

 

[HotRodPC]

Sky, you have OEM spring suspension, so your bags are just helper or comfort ride. His truck will be riding on bags only, no springs. Its takes alot more pressure to hold the weight of a truck in a rubber bag. Totally different suspension system than yours.

 

[dhamp]

What about those cylinders from the welding supply places?

 

[Bagged Dually]

Ya the modern air suspensions we have available just a phone call away amaze me still. As far as air bag set up's if you have any question shoot me a message sky. I've built a few that definitely took some abuse and on a cheap budget. There really isn't much to it.
I just enjoy trying to make something work where it shouldn't and save some cash in the mean time.

I forgot to mention that I usually don't run my bags at 180 or 200 PSI unless I just want to get full extension out of my bags. Normally when I'm running down the highway about 100-120 is my favorite riding pressure range. It's kinda stiff like a sportcar but still not beating you up. It's great to be able to adjust your ride quality with a switch.