What PSI do you air down to?

[rhombus]

I was just wondering what levels people have found work well.
With my SSR's I go to 15-20 (depending on the conditions).
With my Winter Duelers I would go to 16-18 for snow.

[rhombus]

I need to learn to type
I think you know I meant 'What' not 'Whay'

[Schludwiller]

Originally posted by rhombus
I need to learn to type
I think you know I meant 'What' not 'Whay'

I fixed it. Good question on the poll.

[rhombus]

I tried to hide my mistake but did not have permission

I was out last weekend and went down to 15 (from the 30 that I run the SSR's at). The Rover guys that I was with went down to 25 and 30 (they run there tires really high).

This just got me wondering what do other guys do.

[ChuckH]

I usually try not to go below 26 lbs unless I really need to. That way, I don't have to suffer on pavement in between trails and don't need to air back up right away. The lowest I've gone is 20 lbs, but I ran Moab at about 26 lbs (or maybe it was 24 lbs?) and it was fine. For snow I would probably start with 26 lbs and then lower as necessary. That's my general rule; start at 26 and go from there. I run on the street at about 34 lbs, BTW. Oh...Pirelli Scorpion A/T's, 31".

[spike]

When I'm running the (only) mud/dirt trail around here, I air down to around 26. When I'm out in the dunes, I bring them down to 16-18.

[Philosopher]

On-road = between 32-38 psi depending on lots of factors

Off-road = between about 12-18 usually, depends on how much ground clearance I need and how bumpy I want the ride ... although I have gone down as far as 9 lbs. of pressure a couple times. With 11.5" tires on a 7" rim, I don't have too much chance of popping a bead.

[Mobycat]

I've never been below about 17. Was on a trail run last weekend where a guy with a CJ-7 had his rears totally empty - but they were TSL/SX tires. Damn impressive - looked like they were totally aired up (and he had that thing LOADED with junk).

[swampwrecker]

Wow, my first post.

Anyway, PSI depends on condition, so a better poll would be to have several polls on PSI. I run 33x10.50r15 TSL/Radials and run 32-34 PSI on the road. When I'm in sand and mud I don't air down, I'd rather have the ground clearance, since where I 4wheel in sand and mud, deep water is usually around the corner. When I go rock crawling, I usually run between 12 - 18 PSI.

-Michael

[Lance]

The PSI is pretty much dependant upon the terrain and load. I run more air on rocks to keep some clearance and to give the tire some support to wrap edges and stiffen the lugs...and contact pressure.

Mud/sand just depends upon the consistancy/thrix properties, depends on any expected air time and degree of flotation needed for the expected speed ranges...from as low as the bead will keep...8 - 10 psi for me, up to 30 psi or so if there's a bottom to bite. (Ooops...There's a straight line for some one...)

Hill climb/loose surface detritus runs usually benefit from a more rock PSI type setting...say around 20 -25 psi for both on average is a good compromise.

If a newbie is trying to get a magic number...they'll just have to learn to experiment to see what works for them...some tires just work better with more or less pressure than others.

The jeep ahead of me last year looked like it was running up a climb straddling an erosion culvert with four FLAT BFG MT's. He couldn't keep the tires on the straddle lines because the rubber was slipping all over the place, and he lost his line, and flipped the jeep, almost crushing his dog (Leashed to roll bar....add to don't do list...)....So - There is a point of diminishing return with pressure.

I use an on-board compressor to make changes as needed, saves a trip to the gas station or three...cost about $40 - 50 if I remember, and can do a 32 x 11.5/15 from 10 to 32 psi in around 3 - 4 minutes, that's about 15 minutes or so to air back up as about the most time I need....and trail adjustments are much faster of course.

Good Luck!



- Lance

[Synchro]

which air compressor do you have the only costs $40-$50 and can air up a 32x11.5 that fast. i have used one that cost that much and it take like 20 a tire. my ARB compressor take 5-6 a tire from 15 -> 33 PSI.

for rocks i air down more cause then the tire will conform more to the rocks and grip better, IMO. for rocks i am usually 15-18 PSI with my 32x11.5R15 BFG MTs. especially for crawling through creek crossing that have a lot of rocks in them.

kirk

[OffroadX]

Lower pressure on rocks also makes for a MUCH more comfortable ride...

Brent

[Xlax]

Well I learned my lesson thsi weekend. Superjens adn I were scouting for the upcoming Canada run (PNWX). We hit some VERY new logging roads and were driving on "slivers" of what looked like slate. Result, busted tire !. I was running 28psi (yeah I am a dork).

We found some excellent trails, 6000ft with HUGE drops on each side keeping the balance took on a whole new meaning.


Claus :sun:

[Schludwiller]

Did you ever buy the BC 4x4 trails book? It has lots of trails listed for that area. I think Husky Equipment (something like that, they're near Boundary and 1st) carries the book. Just call around, I wish there was a book like that for Washington.

[Xlax]

Yep, I have been snooping for the book for a while now, but no luck. The guys from BC4x4 actually have some good runs listed on their website. BUT some of the stuff they do belongs in a Dome with a show titled monster truck.

Did you see Jens' email about the fishing?. Talked to a friend that works for Department of Fisheries, she confirmed that the fish in that river is Sockeye Salmon spawning...not under 15lbs !!!. I know what I am doing next weekend...i guess you do too eh !


C