As a complete non-technical Overland newbie, I found this to be incredibly useful and informative. I have watched a number of videos on airing down tires and this is the first time I have understood it. Thank you.
I currently am running Falken Wildpeak AT3W in 255/80/17 on a 14 Tacoma at 35psi highway pressure. I air down to 20-22psi for dirt/gravel, and 7psi for snow. Previously, I have had Goodyear Duratrac tires in 285/75/16 and 235/85/16, and also ran them at similar aired down pressures. At 7psi, I am able to ride on top of four feet of snow in most conditions.
Thank you for sharing this. I regularly highlight the benefits of airing down, and I regularly have commenters mock me for doing so. It absolutely positively makes a very real difference when you get off pavement. BFG KO2 on a Subaru Forester, running 40 psi on pavement. I air down to: Basic forest roads: 22 psi Technical terrain needing increased traction: 18 psi Sand or snow: 12 psi Air up with Viair 88p
Hey question, I have a 2016 Crosstrek. I do go off road, but not like how you do it. I stick to dirt, gravel, and washboard roads. I go 5-10 mph because it feels harsh. Am I gonna damage my vehicle if I go any faster? I see people going 40mph on washboard roads, stock! I just don't know if the suspension can handle it long term.
Falken wildpeaks at3W 265/75/16 Air down using arb analog deflator,air back up using a arb single on board comp. Digital gauge Pavement 35-38 psi Dirt,light rocks 15-18 psi on a Tacoma trd orsb 4x4 Thanks for the video happy trails everyone!
We just drove the Owyhee Uplands Byway (Southwest Idaho) which is 103 miles of gravel in our van. 265/75/15 Toyo AT. These tires seem to have pretty soft sidewalls, I aired down to 26 psi from 44. The van rode very smoothly, cornered without drifting sideways on washboards, and I never slipped a tire driving in and out of campsites on sketchy tracks, rocks, ruts, and mud. Took about 20 minutes to air back up with a Harbor Freight 12V “high volume” air compressor. I reinflated to about 35 for the drive home and used the compressor at home to fully reinflate.
I have a Jeep TJ at 4400lbs, 38x14.50r17 Goodyear MTR. I run 18-20 on the highway, 10 on gravel, 7 on rocks and sand, and 2 in deep snow. Dirtylife beadlock wheels. Thank you for mentioning the fact that the tread grows both in width and length, most people do not realize this. I like that you mentioned the tire pressure should depend on weight but you didn’t really get into it enough, I always tell people to go to 2-3 psi per 1000lbs for gravel and rough dirt roads to smooth out the ride.
Probably the best video ever done about tyre pressures. Brilliant! 285/75/16. 3 ton troop carrier. Pressures exactly as you stated but checked to fine tune if ambient temps get hotter.
Thanks Michael. I have VIAIR OnBoard, ARB portable, & Power Tank in my rig at all the times. Running 265/75-R16 Cooper SST's on my 5th Gen3 4R. I operate in 4X4 required terrain over 100 hours a week. The OB family and your videos help keep me safer on the job everyday.
Love the campy one takes! Heavy 3500 crewcab Ram with XP Camper 295/60R20 Toyo Open Country M/T 34.2" 80psi highway, 40psi off road, 30psi sand and rock crawling. We never go below 20psi because we are HEAVY!
(Live in In England) Kumho Road Venture. 33 12.5 R15 LT. 108Q "Groceries!" Loving the one take wonders, keep em up please. 98%of my use is on tarmac and light camping so I typically stay at 38psi for engine economy sake. My rig is a 1997 XJ Jeep Cherokee, with 197k on the clock
‘14 Grand Cherokee 275/65/18 went out yesterday to a place we’ve been going for the last 10yrs for plinking and never had a 4wd vehicle before this. And aired down for the first time ever to 25psi made it up a hill I tried last weekend and couldn’t make it at 38psi. Didn’t have the means to air down our back up last weekend and this weekend I was prepared. It made a world of difference with just a 13psi drop. And the washboard road and “high clearance 4x4” road were so much more comfortable. Will try 20psi next time.
Like the One Take Wonders! Thank you for putting them out! I run LT285/70/17 Load C Nitto Ridge Grapplers on my 2015 4Runner. Using the JT Brooks auto-tire deflators. They're a bit tricky to set to the desired psi so I don't mess around with changing them. For off-road (trails, rocks) 18psi On-road 38psi seems to be the sweet spot for good rain-traction and confident handling.
33 inch BF Goodrich KO2 for Jeep JK 4 door with XD Rockstars 18 inch wheels. Usually air down to 18 for light rocky trails and if there are a lit of rocks I have aired down to 10 psi without any problems.
Great video, as always! I run 31 inch Toyo ATIIs with 15-inch rims on my 3rd gen 4runner, usually at 18 psi. (With 3 inches of suspension lift) I'm in South Central AZ, so lots of sand, rocks, and washes. 18 psi Seems to be the sweet spot for how I run and drive. If I'm in a wash or heavier sand for awhile, I'll lower to 14 or 15.
O4 Ford F150 new style. About 10-15psi on soft dry sand, 15-18psi wet semi-damp sand and 25-30psi off road gravel roads...this was on a previous set of AT 10 ply 285/70R17. Now have a new set of Milestar Patagonias 315/70r17 or 35's and will test this year as to psi and terrain.
@11:53 air down for rocky road! ............. and steaks tomorrow! 15 psi with 33" 10.50 15 BFG KM3 mudders , 1983 FJ40, Now I'll go down to 10 psi, thanks Micheal
Pro Tip for OVERLAND touring on long corrugated dirt tracks (as opposed to rock crawling/sand); stop every now and again and immediately get out and put your hand on the sidewalls of the tire. If it's too hot to keep your hand on, your pressure is too low. The heat will destroy the tire casing and it will, repeat: will, come apart on you eventually. Maybe not that minute or even that day or week. But when it lets go it will be total failure with no warning. That can be especially dangerous if you are back on the highway going at cruising speed when it decides to unglue. Happy trails!
great video. you may have already covered this, but if you haven't, would you do a basic 'tire kit' video? (patch kit, stems, tire irons, ...) (edit, and is it easy to set those tire deflators to a set pressure so you can easily switch between one setting for general off-road, and one for more technical areas?)
I have a set of the Coyote deflators, they work great. I am running 285-70 17 Falken Wildpeak AT3-W on a 2016 4Runner. I set my deflators for 18 psi and so far I haven't found a need to go lower, but I do need to experiment. The first time I aired down I was secretly embarrassed that I hadn't done it before. Such a difference, not only in grip but in ride comfort, especially on washboard.
Thank you!! Your answered my question again. I run a Jeep jk on km3’s 7.50r/16E’s, they are just a little more narrow than a 235/85/16. I run such a skinny tire because of the clay mud in my area. Not a true trail rig but very capable. Gravel roads and mud - 20 psi. And 33-36 on pavement. If I were to get stuck I would air down depending on situation.
Hey, Great vid. We also have the BFG KM3 315/70/17. So slightly diff size. We’ve tucked a Viair twin compressor w/ 2.5 gal tank where the spare was. LOVE IT!! No issues w/deep water crossings or deep mud. We air down in the same range you do. Looking forward to your cooking video.
KO2 for long trips with lots of highway driving, such as Dempster Highway, White Rim, or Continental Divide trails. Typically18 to 22 psi. Cooper Discoverer STT Pro for technical trails such as Kokopelli (we live in Moab). Typically 18 psi or a bit less. Seldom less than 15 psi, but may go lower after watching this video. Tires are 35" by 12.5" on 17 inch rims. Truck is heavily modified 2012 Tacoma with Marlin Crawl Box. Thanks for making these videos, and for the channel. These are difficult times, and your videos are both entertaining and mood lifting. All the best, Michael
BFG KO2 T/A all-terrain (255/55R18) on a 04 Land Rover Discovery 2. Usually air down on gravel/rocky at 22-24 psi which is also my go to pressure or if its really rocky like 17psi, sand at around 14psi.
Thanks for these videos. New or overlanding and I find them informative. I run 35” Nittos ok 17” rims. I typically air down to 15 psi. I have the tools in case I roll a tire but I really don’t want to be in the position on the trail. So I stay a little high to be safe. I think though I’m going to try 10-12 and see how much of a difference that makes
2007 Nissan Xterra fully loaded weighs in at 6200lb, Tires are Nitto Ridge Grapplers, 285/75R17 (34OD) E-rated. I run ~18-20psi when I'm off pavement, and if it gets technical I will drop down to around 15psi. Sand I run 15psi, snow I run 12-15psi or lower.
Another important consideration for airing down is overheating your tires and blowing one when driving too fast for too long. When the tire is aired down and the sidewall is flexing out, the tire is absorbing bumps and energy that, in a fully-inflated tire, is normally transferred to the suspension. Energy equals heat. Going fast on bumpy or corrugated roads for long stretches with your tires aired down really low can overheat them and blow out the sidewall. I know, 'cause I've seen it, and I've done it.
Milestar Patagonia M/T, 31”x10.5”-15R on 8” wide Jeep rims under an ‘86 Suzuki Samurai (GVWR less than 3000 lbs). 25 PSI on the pavement. Down as low as 5-8 PSI off road. This extremely light vehicle allows for these low pressures that you wouldn’t want under heavier rigs. Side note: By scale factor, a modest 31” tire renders impressive approach, departure and break-over angles given the tire placement (close to bumpers) and short wheel base.
You're doing well with the one take videos! I run the KO2 in a 34x10.5 R 17 on a Jeep Wrangler JKU. For dirt road and light trails I run 18. For more aggressive trail about 15. Then in snow I'll run into the single digits but typically start at around 10-12 just to leave a buffer should conditions change.
Wow this was super helpful. New offroader here. I got a Ford Bronco Wildtrak 2022 35s. the driver's doors calls for 40PSI on road, I run 38psi for a more confortable ride. on the trails I go down to 20-22 psi. sometimes 18psi is the lowest I go. I do mud ruts mostly and some baja fast speeds. I am interested to see what yall thnk about those pressures. I am pretty new. I run the VIAIR 400P - 40045 for inflating the tires. I love it. I love the ARB505 deflator and it works great and fast.
Hey, I’m glad the video was helpful. If you were doing Baja speeds, it kind of depends if you are confident it is mostly sand you can air down more in the teens. If there’s a chance you’re going to hit a rock I would not want to be air down that low because you could damage a wheel or slip a tire. For mud go as low as you’re confident with if your wheels are untested and you don’t know how well they hold a tire at low pressures be conservative.
I'm not an overlander, but will be doing some remote camping in Big Bend which requires about 12 miles on loose gravel and some uneven road. No big rocks to get over. I'll be on stock 20 rims and Cooper Discoverer ATP2. You'd recommend going down towards 22psi? Then airing back up when I get back to pavement? I'll be doing this multiple times a day over the week. Just trying to not waste time but travel well. Thanks, great vid for a guy who knows nothing.
Thanks for the videos... K5 Blazer running Milestar Patagonia MT 35x12.50 17 on H2 factory wheels. Have run down to 13 psi rock crawling (these wheels hold the bead pretty good), but was pretty sketch without bead-locks. It's a heavy truck and with about 300lbs in tools/recovery gear/fridge I run 15-18 lbs for trails and rock crawling. That works amazing for me due to the weight of my rig. If really sandy, I'll drop a little more temporarily. I recently purchased a power tank (total convenience and luxury) but also have a built in compressor which I'll keep as a backup.
I’ve got a 2017 Jeep Wrangler Sport (2Door) with 35” BFG K02’s on 17” Wheels. After doing a chalk test, I found that my tires work best (daily driving) between 30-35 PSI. When off road, (I’m predominantly an Overlander) I usually only air down to about 20 PSI.
Great Video! Recently purchased a 2000 Toyota 4Runner to do trail riding. It came with fairly new TOYO A/T P265/75R16 Open Country tires on the original Toyota Aluminum wheels that I run at 32 psi. I have no idea what pressure to run on other terrain That's the reason I'm watching videos Like yours
I run 16x35 Mickey thompson MTZ3. 22psi for gravel and 14psi for crawling. 38psi for regular road use tends to make them last longer. I could probably go less for crawling but just not confident enough in the boulder (fake) bead lock wheels. I've contemplated on KM3s but stuck with Mickeys becouse I had great luck with them. Thanks for the videos and the content! You guys are great!
Happy wife, happy life...Just saying she seems happy. Good for you guys and thanks for all the positivity and videos in these trying times. I will be using this information once we get out of this mess..
I have a 20 year old viair compressor. Still works great not as fast as their new compressors. My primary is my co2 tank viair is my backup now. Falken wild peak at3 12-20 psi rocks - washboard roads Colorado
01 ram 2500 with a lance 815 on the back most of the time offroad. 35x12.5x17 toyo open country m/t usually only need to air down to somewhere in the 35 range. But we have alot of weight and don't usually get super technical when we tip the scales closer to 10,000 pounds.
2010 JK stock rims 31" BFG KM 3's @ 32 psi have never aired them down off road mainly because until recently did not have a way to air back up. New air system is unconventional, running small 120V compressor ( HF 1 gal Fortress ) off my inverter, the compressor is whisper quiet. Also invested in a set of similar deflators so this season will be my initiation.
BFG KM3 in the popular 286/75R16. Depending on terrain and speed for pressures. Highway long trips 37-40psi. Easier trails, desert 25psi. More rocks and slow stuff 12-15psi
285/75 R16 KO2s on an 03 Sierra 1500. I'm new to overlanding so I don't have any preferred pressures yet (open to suggestions). Thank you so much for this wealth of knowledge!
Front to back increases, interesting I didn't consider. Thanks I needed help airing down nonBeadlock'd wheels Xtreme Recon JL. '22 JL Xtreme Recon stock 35" BFG KO2 came in @ nearly 40PSI.
Know that elevation changes along the trail will affect your indicated tire pressure as well, although not likely significantly unless running a very low pressure across a high degree of elevation change.
BFG recommends 20psi @ 20mph max. On of off road. You can play around these parameters, but it’s a good place to start. OB 4516 03 Suburban Z71 285/70R17 BFG A/T KO2 40 on street, 20 gravel/fire road, 15 harder trails.
I myself have not gotten a new set of tires with the new truck, most likely going with KO2's. But i would like to point out something people often lack knowledge on, Properly airing down and lowering speed on corrugations. To get a better ride on corrugations , you would need to either lower you pressures to what you typically would on sand, if not a little lower, and lower your speed a good bit to not only have a comfortable ride and have your suspension last longer, but it also does less damage to the road/trail your on. The only other thing you could do is raise your speed to an unsafe level but that's not something you would do. Stay safe put there yall!
I’ve only taken my Nitto Trail Grapplers (285/75R17) on stock JKUR wheels to 20psi. It was on the Bald Mtn trail at Rally to the Sierras last fall. That was very conservative, but haven’t built the experience with the tires and wheels to know how low I can go without breaking the bead.
So you are correct, You can drive on road with air down tires, BUT the main issue is HEAT. Heat will destroy a tire from the inside out. Max speed of 40mph for a mile or less. Also wheel width/tire size make a bid difference in the pressures you can run. I run 35x12.50's on 15x8 wheels at 28psi on road. Thats the PSI where I have even tread wear. The wider tires on narrow wheels also help buldge the sidewall and help protect the rim. I go down to 12 psi max. usually 16-20 is my range for most wheeling.
Cool video. I just finished a build with 35K02 on 17.9 wheels On an F350 diesel carrying a 3000 pound truck camper on the bed with airbags I've never aired down before and with this weight I'm guessing 25 28PSI in the front and maybe 30-35 in the back . Any suggestions?
ning stock 265s if i remember correctly on my little truck I'm running 33x12.5R15 BFG KM3s i air down using the ARB air down tool. Depending on terrain im in. Between 15psi and 20psi.
Falken Wildpeak A/T3W 265/75R16 34 street, 22 fire roads, 14 soft stuff (sand, snow). Just a reminder for folks about the driving on road aired down, the problem is the heat in the sidewall. If you are going to do this, speed and distance are the critical factors. Better be short and slow. I personally wouldn’t do this below 20 psi for more than a mile under 30 mph. Why those numbers, total guess on my part. Did it only once, and the sidewalls were not crazy hot. The safer plan, take some time to enjoy the scenery while you air back up.
I run a ko2 33/12.50r15 aired up around 40psi aired down 21-18 on trails on rocks and slow stuff 18-15 also my rim is just a regular steel rim no bead lock 👍🏼
Very good and informative, thank you. "Did you get the rocky road?!" ...😂.. great to know about those deflators, will check them out. ... am running 215/75r15 Yokohama Geolandar go15's on method 502vspec's.. will air down to 18 for beach sand and soot. Otherwise I'm always at 33... 🙏🏼👊🏼🤙🏼
Is there a reason to not remove the Staun deflators after they've done the airdown work? Just install regular valve stem caps to minimize length and avoid contact. Have to remove them to air back up anyway, right?
On my 2013 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited I have Ironman All Country M/T LT37x12.50R17 on Fuel Offroad Oxide 17x9, non-bead lock, wheels. I have ran them down to 15 psi. I think I will try down to 10 next I am out though.
This helps. Would you give me your thoughts on van tires and dirt roads? 144” Sprinter. 2WD. KO2 tires. Stock rims. Not technical but rugged forest service-type roads. On highway runs PSI 49 front 70 read. Agile Off Road RIP package. ARB under hood dual compressor. After a smoother ride at 18 mph. Not a speed thing but comfort thing. I’m thinking 20 psi less per tire. Thanks. ( my next vehicle is a Rubicon BTW, I don’t know when however)
You have to be super careful with van loads that typically run high tire pressure for at least a couple reasons. Larger heavier vans with the relatively smaller tires will quickly react to airing down and the lateral sway can be exaggerated. I’d watch the “bulge” around the bottom of the tire, keep it conservative and run some mild trail. Start with a little. Your 20 psi is probably a ok start. May as well start with 10.
Overland Bound thank you so much for the response. Despite smaller size it still runs 10K+ lbs. and the Agile package did move the center of gravity up a couple inches. Running the AlCan Hwy last summer, and the 60 mile dirt road to McCarthy, AK last summer specifically, was stress free due to the upgrades. Peace out.
35” Maxxis Razr MTs with 17” Black Rhinos. I typically air down to no lower than 17psi for fear of slipping a bead. You go down to 5 and even 0 psi with no bead locks? From everything I’ve ever heard from people that know more than me, that sounds like a recipe for slipping a bead. Do you drive at speeds above 20 with that kind of pressure or are you airing down that low for specific obstacles then airing back up to 10 or 15?
Thank you for this helpful video! I have 225/55/18 all-season tire and is on a 35 psi per manufacturer guideline. I occasionally drive through graveled trail roads when i go to camp sites. Do you recommend that I air down my all-season tire? If you do, how much do I air it down to? I’m also putting in a all-terrain tires soon, but in the same exact tire size. How much Do I air those down ? Thank you !
Great info thanks. Just getting started with this. Been running my 2006 Xterra 4X2.(I know, it’s the Wife’s old ride she gracious gave me. 😐) Shopping around for a 4X4.
I like the One Hit Wonders better than the edited stuff, feels more like we're just hanging out talking.
As a complete non-technical Overland newbie, I found this to be incredibly useful and informative. I have watched a number of videos on airing down tires and this is the first time I have understood it. Thank you.
Same here, just getting started with a bone stock 80. It's quite intimidating to get into, glad channels like this break it down for newbies like us!
32” Falken Wildpeak AT on a 16” rim.
32 pavement,
20 gravel/mild trail,
12-14 rocks.
South west Texas desert and mountains.
I currently am running Falken Wildpeak AT3W in 255/80/17 on a 14 Tacoma at 35psi highway pressure. I air down to 20-22psi for dirt/gravel, and 7psi for snow. Previously, I have had Goodyear Duratrac tires in 285/75/16 and 235/85/16, and also ran them at similar aired down pressures. At 7psi, I am able to ride on top of four feet of snow in most conditions.
The real question is, how did you squat that long?
FOR REAL
Thank you for sharing this. I regularly highlight the benefits of airing down, and I regularly have commenters mock me for doing so. It absolutely positively makes a very real difference when you get off pavement.
BFG KO2 on a Subaru Forester, running 40 psi on pavement.
I air down to:
Basic forest roads: 22 psi
Technical terrain needing increased traction: 18 psi
Sand or snow: 12 psi
Air up with Viair 88p
Hey question, I have a 2016 Crosstrek. I do go off road, but not like how you do it. I stick to dirt, gravel, and washboard roads. I go 5-10 mph because it feels harsh. Am I gonna damage my vehicle if I go any faster? I see people going 40mph on washboard roads, stock! I just don't know if the suspension can handle it long term.
Falken wildpeaks at3W 265/75/16
Air down using arb analog deflator,air back up using a arb single on board comp. Digital gauge
Pavement 35-38 psi
Dirt,light rocks 15-18 psi
on a Tacoma trd orsb 4x4
Thanks for the video happy trails everyone!
We just drove the Owyhee Uplands Byway (Southwest Idaho) which is 103 miles of gravel in our van. 265/75/15 Toyo AT. These tires seem to have pretty soft sidewalls, I aired down to 26 psi from 44. The van rode very smoothly, cornered without drifting sideways on washboards, and I never slipped a tire driving in and out of campsites on sketchy tracks, rocks, ruts, and mud. Took about 20 minutes to air back up with a Harbor Freight 12V “high volume” air compressor. I reinflated to about 35 for the drive home and used the compressor at home to fully reinflate.
BFG KM3 37x12 on 17” bead locks Jeep JLUR. Run 28 normally, 14 light terrain, 10 for rock, sand, snow normally, 6 for max traction situation.
I have a Jeep TJ at 4400lbs, 38x14.50r17 Goodyear MTR. I run 18-20 on the highway, 10 on gravel, 7 on rocks and sand, and 2 in deep snow. Dirtylife beadlock wheels. Thank you for mentioning the fact that the tread grows both in width and length, most people do not realize this. I like that you mentioned the tire pressure should depend on weight but you didn’t really get into it enough, I always tell people to go to 2-3 psi per 1000lbs for gravel and rough dirt roads to smooth out the ride.
Probably the best video ever done about tyre pressures. Brilliant!
285/75/16.
3 ton troop carrier.
Pressures exactly as you stated but checked to fine tune if ambient temps get hotter.
Thank you!
Thanks Michael. I have VIAIR OnBoard, ARB portable, & Power Tank in my rig at all the times.
Running 265/75-R16 Cooper SST's on my 5th Gen3 4R. I operate in 4X4 required terrain over 100 hours a week. The OB family and your videos help keep me safer on the job everyday.
Love the campy one takes! Heavy 3500 crewcab Ram with XP Camper 295/60R20 Toyo Open Country M/T 34.2" 80psi highway, 40psi off road, 30psi sand and rock crawling. We never go below 20psi because we are HEAVY!
(Live in In England) Kumho Road Venture. 33 12.5 R15 LT. 108Q
"Groceries!" Loving the one take wonders, keep em up please.
98%of my use is on tarmac and light camping so I typically stay at 38psi for engine economy sake.
My rig is a 1997 XJ Jeep Cherokee, with 197k on the clock
‘14 Grand Cherokee 275/65/18 went out yesterday to a place we’ve been going for the last 10yrs for plinking and never had a 4wd vehicle before this. And aired down for the first time ever to 25psi made it up a hill I tried last weekend and couldn’t make it at 38psi. Didn’t have the means to air down our back up last weekend and this weekend I was prepared. It made a world of difference with just a 13psi drop. And the washboard road and “high clearance 4x4” road were so much more comfortable. Will try 20psi next time.
Like the One Take Wonders! Thank you for putting them out!
I run LT285/70/17 Load C Nitto Ridge Grapplers on my 2015 4Runner.
Using the JT Brooks auto-tire deflators. They're a bit tricky to set to the desired psi so I don't mess around with changing them.
For off-road (trails, rocks) 18psi
On-road 38psi seems to be the sweet spot for good rain-traction and confident handling.
33 inch BF Goodrich KO2 for Jeep JK 4 door with XD Rockstars 18 inch wheels. Usually air down to 18 for light rocky trails and if there are a lit of rocks I have aired down to 10 psi without any problems.
With no beadlocks
Great video, as always! I run 31 inch Toyo ATIIs with 15-inch rims on my 3rd gen 4runner, usually at 18 psi. (With 3 inches of suspension lift) I'm in South Central AZ, so lots of sand, rocks, and washes. 18 psi Seems to be the sweet spot for how I run and drive. If I'm in a wash or heavier sand for awhile, I'll lower to 14 or 15.
O4 Ford F150 new style. About 10-15psi on soft dry sand, 15-18psi wet semi-damp sand and 25-30psi off road gravel roads...this was on a previous set of AT 10 ply 285/70R17. Now have a new set of Milestar Patagonias 315/70r17 or 35's and will test this year as to psi and terrain.
@11:53 air down for rocky road! ............. and steaks tomorrow! 15 psi with 33" 10.50 15 BFG KM3 mudders , 1983 FJ40, Now I'll go down to 10 psi, thanks Micheal
Pro Tip for OVERLAND touring on long corrugated dirt tracks (as opposed to rock crawling/sand); stop every now and again and immediately get out and put your hand on the sidewalls of the tire. If it's too hot to keep your hand on, your pressure is too low. The heat will destroy the tire casing and it will, repeat: will, come apart on you eventually. Maybe not that minute or even that day or week. But when it lets go it will be total failure with no warning. That can be especially dangerous if you are back on the highway going at cruising speed when it decides to unglue. Happy trails!
Thanks Michael . 33x12.5x15 Falken Wildpeak MT 1985 FJ60 Land Cruiser Yuma AZ. 22PSI corrugations 14-18PSI rock and sand.
great video. you may have already covered this, but if you haven't, would you do a basic 'tire kit' video? (patch kit, stems, tire irons, ...) (edit, and is it easy to set those tire deflators to a set pressure so you can easily switch between one setting for general off-road, and one for more technical areas?)
I have a set of the Coyote deflators, they work great. I am running 285-70 17 Falken Wildpeak AT3-W on a 2016 4Runner. I set my deflators for 18 psi and so far I haven't found a need to go lower, but I do need to experiment.
The first time I aired down I was secretly embarrassed that I hadn't done it before. Such a difference, not only in grip but in ride comfort, especially on washboard.
Thank you!! Your answered my question again. I run a Jeep jk on km3’s 7.50r/16E’s, they are just a little more narrow than a 235/85/16. I run such a skinny tire because of the clay mud in my area. Not a true trail rig but very capable. Gravel roads and mud - 20 psi. And 33-36 on pavement. If I were to get stuck I would air down depending on situation.
Hey, Great vid. We also have the BFG KM3 315/70/17. So slightly diff size. We’ve tucked a Viair twin compressor w/ 2.5 gal tank where the spare was. LOVE IT!! No issues w/deep water crossings or deep mud. We air down in the same range you do. Looking forward to your cooking video.
BFG KO2s 15-18 psi standard trail running.
KO2 for long trips with lots of highway driving, such as Dempster Highway, White Rim, or Continental Divide trails. Typically18 to 22 psi. Cooper Discoverer STT Pro for technical trails such as Kokopelli (we live in Moab). Typically 18 psi or a bit less. Seldom less than 15 psi, but may go lower after watching this video. Tires are 35" by 12.5" on 17 inch rims. Truck is heavily modified 2012 Tacoma with Marlin Crawl Box.
Thanks for making these videos, and for the channel. These are difficult times, and your videos are both entertaining and mood lifting.
All the best,
Michael
VERY HELPFUL!! I run a K02 265/70/16 but just learning about the pressures. Thanks!
BFG KO2 T/A all-terrain (255/55R18) on a 04 Land Rover Discovery 2. Usually air down on gravel/rocky at 22-24 psi which is also my go to pressure or if its really rocky like 17psi, sand at around 14psi.
Adding to the LR thread. LR4 on Toyo Open Country AT3 (255/60R19) 20-25 psi.
Thanks for these videos. New or overlanding and I find them informative. I run 35” Nittos ok 17” rims. I typically air down to 15 psi. I have the tools in case I roll a tire but I really don’t want to be in the position on the trail. So I stay a little high to be safe. I think though I’m going to try 10-12 and see how much of a difference that makes
2007 Nissan Xterra fully loaded weighs in at 6200lb, Tires are Nitto Ridge Grapplers, 285/75R17 (34OD) E-rated.
I run ~18-20psi when I'm off pavement, and if it gets technical I will drop down to around 15psi.
Sand I run 15psi, snow I run 12-15psi or lower.
Another important consideration for airing down is overheating your tires and blowing one when driving too fast for too long. When the tire is aired down and the sidewall is flexing out, the tire is absorbing bumps and energy that, in a fully-inflated tire, is normally transferred to the suspension. Energy equals heat. Going fast on bumpy or corrugated roads for long stretches with your tires aired down really low can overheat them and blow out the sidewall. I know, 'cause I've seen it, and I've done it.
Milestar Patagonia M/T, 31”x10.5”-15R on 8” wide Jeep rims under an ‘86 Suzuki Samurai (GVWR less than 3000 lbs). 25 PSI on the pavement. Down as low as 5-8 PSI off road. This extremely light vehicle allows for these low pressures that you wouldn’t want under heavier rigs. Side note: By scale factor, a modest 31” tire renders impressive approach, departure and break-over angles given the tire placement (close to bumpers) and short wheel base.
285/75/16 Toyo open country mt. I run 18- 22 off-road and sometimes lower in rocks with the TJ rubicon wheels with no problems.
You're doing well with the one take videos!
I run the KO2 in a 34x10.5 R 17 on a Jeep Wrangler JKU. For dirt road and light trails I run 18. For more aggressive trail about 15. Then in snow I'll run into the single digits but typically start at around 10-12 just to leave a buffer should conditions change.
Wow this was super helpful. New offroader here. I got a Ford Bronco Wildtrak 2022 35s. the driver's doors calls for 40PSI on road, I run 38psi for a more confortable ride. on the trails I go down to 20-22 psi. sometimes 18psi is the lowest I go. I do mud ruts mostly and some baja fast speeds. I am interested to see what yall thnk about those pressures. I am pretty new. I run the VIAIR 400P - 40045 for inflating the tires. I love it. I love the ARB505 deflator and it works great and fast.
Hey, I’m glad the video was helpful. If you were doing Baja speeds, it kind of depends if you are confident it is mostly sand you can air down more in the teens. If there’s a chance you’re going to hit a rock I would not want to be air down that low because you could damage a wheel or slip a tire. For mud go as low as you’re confident with if your wheels are untested and you don’t know how well they hold a tire at low pressures be conservative.
I'm not an overlander, but will be doing some remote camping in Big Bend which requires about 12 miles on loose gravel and some uneven road. No big rocks to get over. I'll be on stock 20 rims and Cooper Discoverer ATP2. You'd recommend going down towards 22psi? Then airing back up when I get back to pavement? I'll be doing this multiple times a day over the week. Just trying to not waste time but travel well. Thanks, great vid for a guy who knows nothing.
2018 Ford F250 Nitto Ridge Grappler 325/65R18: towing 65psi, Daily Driver: 55psi, Light trial driving 55psi, Moderate trails 25-20psi , Hard off road obstacles 12-8psi
Thanks for the videos... K5 Blazer running Milestar Patagonia MT 35x12.50 17 on H2 factory wheels. Have run down to 13 psi rock crawling (these wheels hold the bead pretty good), but was pretty sketch without bead-locks. It's a heavy truck and with about 300lbs in tools/recovery gear/fridge I run 15-18 lbs for trails and rock crawling. That works amazing for me due to the weight of my rig. If really sandy, I'll drop a little more temporarily. I recently purchased a power tank (total convenience and luxury) but also have a built in compressor which I'll keep as a backup.
37x12.50x18 Toyo R/T on a 2018 Ram 3500 cclb diesel.
Sand: 10psi front, 8 psi rear
Gravel road: 18 psi front, 16 psi rear
Rocks: 16 psi front 12 psi rear
Snow: 20 psi front, 18 psi rear
Daily: 38 psi front, 30 psi rear
00 Wrangler- 35x12.50 ProComp X-treme M/T... 25-30 pavement, 12 psi on trails (rock crawling) non bead lock.
33×12.5R15 BFG mud terrain on 92 Wrangler running 12 to 14 psi. Could go lower to around 10 on rocky trails to smooth the ride.
I’ve got a 2017 Jeep Wrangler Sport (2Door) with 35” BFG K02’s on 17” Wheels. After doing a chalk test, I found that my tires work best (daily driving) between 30-35 PSI. When off road, (I’m predominantly an Overlander) I usually only air down to about 20 PSI.
Thank you so much for that, you are definitely right about the lack of information on air pressures. Six Thumbs UP! 12779
Great Video!
Recently purchased a 2000 Toyota 4Runner to do trail riding. It came with fairly new TOYO A/T P265/75R16 Open Country tires on the original Toyota Aluminum wheels that I run at 32 psi. I have no idea what pressure to run on other terrain That's the reason I'm watching videos Like yours
Jeep JKUR
37" BFG KM3
17" Hutchinson Rock Monster dual beadlocks
26 on pavement
15 on most trails
10 in the big rocks
I run 16x35 Mickey thompson MTZ3. 22psi for gravel and 14psi for crawling. 38psi for regular road use tends to make them last longer. I could probably go less for crawling but just not confident enough in the boulder (fake) bead lock wheels. I've contemplated on KM3s but stuck with Mickeys becouse I had great luck with them. Thanks for the videos and the content! You guys are great!
Happy wife, happy life...Just saying she seems happy. Good for you guys and thanks for all the positivity and videos in these trying times. I will be using this information once we get out of this mess..
I have a 20 year old viair compressor. Still works great not as fast as their new compressors. My primary is my co2 tank viair is my backup now. Falken wild peak at3 12-20 psi rocks - washboard roads Colorado
I typically run BFG KO2 285/75r17 at 12 psi on the dunes.
01 ram 2500 with a lance 815 on the back most of the time offroad. 35x12.5x17 toyo open country m/t usually only need to air down to somewhere in the 35 range. But we have alot of weight and don't usually get super technical when we tip the scales closer to 10,000 pounds.
What are you running on the street?
@@kholtzen1 60
@@huntingstill nice... after reading some of the other comments I was thinking I was I was running high. Thanks
2010 JK stock rims 31" BFG KM 3's @ 32 psi have never aired them down off road mainly because until recently did not have a way to air back up. New air system is unconventional, running small 120V compressor ( HF 1 gal Fortress ) off my inverter, the compressor is whisper quiet. Also invested in a set of similar deflators so this season will be my initiation.
BFG KM3 in the popular 286/75R16.
Depending on terrain and speed for pressures. Highway long trips 37-40psi.
Easier trails, desert 25psi.
More rocks and slow stuff 12-15psi
Jeep JKU running BFG KO2's 37 12.50 17s, sand or gravel at 14 psi works great. Never been stuck at that pressure in the dunes.
Firestone Destination AT 265 70R17 rated, 20 PSI on rocky trails and dirt roads, 07 FJC
Stock wheels? I have the same tires. 08 4runner
285/75 R16 KO2s on an 03 Sierra 1500. I'm new to overlanding so I don't have any preferred pressures yet (open to suggestions).
Thank you so much for this wealth of knowledge!
285/70R17 10Ply 13 to 18 off road depending on terrain. Switching to Methods M701 rims from TRD rims.
Thanks for being real!
Stoked about finding this channel
33x12.5 15
BFG KO2
30 psi when pulling camper
26 psi normal hwy
18 - 20 psi trail pressure
"06 Jeep LJ
These are your best videos. One take. Its the future, we're all human with real lives.
Front to back increases, interesting I didn't consider. Thanks I needed help airing down nonBeadlock'd wheels Xtreme Recon JL.
'22 JL Xtreme Recon stock 35" BFG KO2 came in @ nearly 40PSI.
I use the fake Staun air down valves and they work relatively well and I also use a Viair 300P for my 315/75/16 Toyo MTs and it works great.
Know that elevation changes along the trail will affect your indicated tire pressure as well, although not likely significantly unless running a very low pressure across a high degree of elevation change.
Milestar Patagonia MT (32X10.50R16LT) "E" Rated on CJ7 25psi hwy speeds, 12-14 rough gravel road.
BFG recommends 20psi @ 20mph max. On of off road. You can play around these parameters, but it’s a good place to start.
OB 4516
03 Suburban Z71 285/70R17
BFG A/T KO2 40 on street, 20 gravel/fire road, 15 harder trails.
Really like the one take wonders!
2015 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro
BF KM3’s
275/70/18’s
Hwy- 40 psi (discount tire recommends)
Off Road-18psi
35/12.5-17r falken MT on a tacoma
Sand- 14psi
Rock- 14psi
Snow-14psi
Fireroads - 18psi
I myself have not gotten a new set of tires with the new truck, most likely going with KO2's. But i would like to point out something people often lack knowledge on, Properly airing down and lowering speed on corrugations. To get a better ride on corrugations , you would need to either lower you pressures to what you typically would on sand, if not a little lower, and lower your speed a good bit to not only have a comfortable ride and have your suspension last longer, but it also does less damage to the road/trail your on. The only other thing you could do is raise your speed to an unsafe level but that's not something you would do. Stay safe put there yall!
Love spontaneous videos like this :)
I’ve only taken my Nitto Trail Grapplers (285/75R17) on stock JKUR wheels to 20psi. It was on the Bald Mtn trail at Rally to the Sierras last fall. That was very conservative, but haven’t built the experience with the tires and wheels to know how low I can go without breaking the bead.
So you are correct, You can drive on road with air down tires, BUT the main issue is HEAT. Heat will destroy a tire from the inside out. Max speed of 40mph for a mile or less. Also wheel width/tire size make a bid difference in the pressures you can run. I run 35x12.50's on 15x8 wheels at 28psi on road. Thats the PSI where I have even tread wear. The wider tires on narrow wheels also help buldge the sidewall and help protect the rim. I go down to 12 psi max. usually 16-20 is my range for most wheeling.
Cool video. I just finished a build with 35K02 on 17.9 wheels On an F350 diesel carrying a 3000 pound truck camper on the bed with airbags I've never aired down before and with this weight I'm guessing 25 28PSI in the front and maybe 30-35 in the back . Any suggestions?
33” toyo r/t 16”rim
30 cold psi highway
20 warm psi off road dirt/gravel
12-14 warm psi rock or crawling.
Awesome timing! Just now putting a air system in my rig. 🤙🏻
33 inch km 2s, 18 PSI for washboard roads, 10 to 14psi for mud, snow or Rock climbs. Stock rims 2009 jku-x
ning stock 265s if i remember correctly on my little truck I'm running 33x12.5R15 BFG KM3s i air down using the ARB air down tool. Depending on terrain im in. Between 15psi and 20psi.
Sorry correction 33x10.5r15 , i was falling asleep as i was trying to type the comment. 😐
Makes it more comfortable in washboard areas too
Yes!
General grabber X3 265 70 R17
35 highway
24 gravel
15 sand
Cool video, thanks.
Falken Wildpeak A/T3W 265/75R16 34 street, 22 fire roads, 14 soft stuff (sand, snow). Just a reminder for folks about the driving on road aired down, the problem is the heat in the sidewall. If you are going to do this, speed and distance are the critical factors. Better be short and slow. I personally wouldn’t do this below 20 psi for more than a mile under 30 mph. Why those numbers, total guess on my part. Did it only once, and the sidewalls were not crazy hot. The safer plan, take some time to enjoy the scenery while you air back up.
I run a ko2 33/12.50r15 aired up around 40psi aired down 21-18 on trails on rocks and slow stuff 18-15 also my rim is just a regular steel rim no bead lock 👍🏼
Very good and informative, thank you. "Did you get the rocky road?!" ...😂.. great to know about those deflators, will check them out. ... am running 215/75r15 Yokohama Geolandar go15's on method 502vspec's.. will air down to 18 for beach sand and soot. Otherwise I'm always at 33... 🙏🏼👊🏼🤙🏼
Jeep JLUR
BFG KM3
37x12.5x17
34 - 38 street
10-12 rocks
14-20 forest roads
Is there a reason to not remove the Staun deflators after they've done the airdown work? Just install regular valve stem caps to minimize length and avoid contact. Have to remove them to air back up anyway, right?
2018 JLU Sahara 5k lbs
35x12.5x17 K02 on M/T classic 3
Street 35-37
Forest trail 17-20
Technical 8-12
On my 2013 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited I have Ironman All Country M/T LT37x12.50R17 on Fuel Offroad Oxide 17x9, non-bead lock, wheels. I have ran them down to 15 psi. I think I will try down to 10 next I am out though.
This helps. Would you give me your thoughts on van tires and dirt roads? 144” Sprinter. 2WD. KO2 tires. Stock rims. Not technical but rugged forest service-type roads. On highway runs PSI 49 front 70 read. Agile Off Road RIP package. ARB under hood dual compressor. After a smoother ride at 18 mph. Not a speed thing but comfort thing. I’m thinking 20 psi less per tire. Thanks. ( my next vehicle is a Rubicon BTW, I don’t know when however)
You have to be super careful with van loads that typically run high tire pressure for at least a couple reasons. Larger heavier vans with the relatively smaller tires will quickly react to airing down and the lateral sway can be exaggerated. I’d watch the “bulge” around the bottom of the tire, keep it conservative and run some mild trail. Start with a little. Your 20 psi is probably a ok start. May as well start with 10.
Overland Bound thank you so much for the response. Despite smaller size it still runs 10K+ lbs. and the Agile package did move the center of gravity up a couple inches. Running the AlCan Hwy last summer, and the 60 mile dirt road to McCarthy, AK last summer specifically, was stress free due to the upgrades. Peace out.
John Fisher sounds like a great setup!
35” Maxxis Razr MTs with 17” Black Rhinos. I typically air down to no lower than 17psi for fear of slipping a bead.
You go down to 5 and even 0 psi with no bead locks? From everything I’ve ever heard from people that know more than me, that sounds like a recipe for slipping a bead. Do you drive at speeds above 20 with that kind of pressure or are you airing down that low for specific obstacles then airing back up to 10 or 15?
Thank you for this helpful video!
I have 225/55/18 all-season tire and is on a 35 psi per manufacturer guideline. I occasionally drive through graveled trail roads when i go to camp sites. Do you recommend that I air down my all-season tire? If you do, how much do I air it down to?
I’m also putting in a all-terrain tires soon, but in the same exact tire size. How much Do I air those down ?
Thank you !
Great vid. My like put it at 1k ! More importantly, it was informative enough and presented well enough, I subbed.
Thank you!
2018 jku loaded weighs about 6400lbs BFG KM3 35x12.50-17 38psi road, 15psi most off Highway. Factory willys wheeler wheels
35s BFGKM3 315/75r16 18 for gravel 12 for crawlin.
What are you running on the street?
I run around 36, but go up to 40-45 for a long haul weighted down.
question, what about wet, muddy trails with deep (1-2ft) water holes?
New the game.... Ram 2500 factory wheels, 35-12.5/20 Nitto trail grapplers. What is your recommendations on aired down psi?
2000 4Runner 3rz (31' x 11.50' x 15R KO2) On road I run 2-3 Bar. Off-road I usually ran 1Bar
I'm running 33' Nitto Ridge Grapplers. I air down to 25 psi when on dirt/gravel and 15 on rocks.
Great info thanks. Just getting started with this. Been running my 2006 Xterra 4X2.(I know, it’s the Wife’s old ride she gracious gave me. 😐) Shopping around for a 4X4.
Thank you for posting. Good info.