We will be going on an extended trip in a couple weeks (Alaska). The DH was wondering which would be better: an electric impact wrench (hooked to our generator) or an air impact wrench (hooked to the air compressor)
for using to break the lugs on the fiver tires should the need arise. We do carry Good Sam roadside assistance, but in remote areas we may not be able to contact them if the need arises. What do you more experienced RVer's think ??? electric vs air Thanks !
A good extension on the lug wrench could eliminate the need for either one. You can get a lot of torque with a 2' extension. The odds of needing it in an area of no coverage is not that great.
2003 Newmar Mountain Aire, Workhorse W22, 2008 Saturn Vue, Falcon 5250, & US Gear Unified Tow Brake
The quality of the tools now days makes it where it's not going to matter. Heck, I've seen the Mechanics with the cordless (like a drill) impact guns, and they work great, and are lighter and easier to use (but more money).
I have both, though older ones, and the capacity is about the same....but it's easier to pull an extension cord than an air hose
You might want just make sure that the lugs are "tight", but not too tight, before you leave on a trip. And keep a length of pipe as a "cheater" bar for your lug wrench, if needed. When I have new tires put on any of our vehicles, I go around and make sure that they are not too tight, so I can get them off. Some shops will have their air guns set too high, and can even distort the lug. I usually ask them to hand tighten....but double check when I get home.
Happy Camping
Bill & Claudia / DD Jenn / DS Chris / GS MJ Dogs: Sophie, Abby, Brandy, Kahlie, Annie, Maggie, Tugger & Beau RIP: Cookie, Foxy & Gidget @ Rainbow Bridge.
2000 Winnebago "Minnie" 31C, Ford V-10
Purchased April 2008 FMCA# F407293 The Pets
I would think that an air compressor big enough to run an impact wrench would be big enough to require electricity. If that's the case, why not go with the electric one and skip plugging in the compressor?
I would select neither. It is a tool that is only good for taking the lug nuts off. You still need the proper socket and torque wrench to install them. So why not simply carry one tool for the whole job? And save about 5 pounds in the process.
Donn,Lorri,Max (The Rescued Lab)
Resident Know It All
A lot depends on your air compressor but there is a reason shops use air powered impact wrenches.
I have a Sears, 2 gallon "pancake" compressor with a 150 psi rating (Actually pushes the guage to 160 PSI)
It, and my half inch air powered impact wrench, will remove the tires from my motor home (450 foot pounds of torque when tightened) Though I do admit I'm running a bit more pressure at that point than the manual recommends on the wrench, and I have to wait for it to "Recharge" between lugs.
But it works.
Hand tightening... Well, I've been known to do that too on a Ford F-350 Custom (10,000 GWV option) and when the tire guy hooked HIS impact wrench (Bigger than mine) to remove that wheel later... He did not think it was going to come off.
So a good hand wrench beats both.
But still.... I like my air powered hammers.
Nothin adds excitment like something that is none of your business
Kenwood TS-2000 housed in a 2005 Damon Intruder 377
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Thanks !
FMCA# F407293
