I Wish I KNEW This Before I Started Off-Roading

It’s well known that airing down your tires off road has some great benefits if you are out on the rocks or in the deep sand, but what if you are just on an easy trail? Do you really need to drop your tire pressure if you are on a beautiful scenic trail like this one Orasco Ridge? Today we are going to explore this incredible trail and talk all about tire pressure off-road.
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[@CMA212]

Thanks!

[@TrailRecon]

Wow! Thank you so much! I truly appreciate your support!

[@zachsteele6964]

This is the one off roading channel where the music is always on point, it's never too loud or corny.

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you! Sometimes choosing the music is the hardest part of the edit.

[@offroad-adventure]

Agreed. The music is so relaxing and matches the surroundings/views/location so well. Can’t express enough appreciation to Brad and Regina for the effort they put into these videos.

[@anthonygragg7321]

Dude 99% of off-road KZbinrs use the goofiest music I’ve ever heard, doesn’t make any sense or have anything to do with the video

[@dizi17]

​@@TrailReconis it AI generated?

[@V8AmericanMuscleCar]

That's why rarely put music in my videos, only if the sound is bad or as an introduction to the video. I prefer the sound of the engine, mud, tires, etc.

[@sladetheblade1684]

One more benefit of airing down not mentioned is it's actually easier on the components of your vehicle, just like it's a softer ride for the occupants it's softer on the components. Great video as always.

[@ronaldrrootiii6040]

Exactly. On easy ones I do 25psi or so hard ones 18-20psi.

[@RudyC27]

Yup 👍🏼

[@SkylinersYeti]

I take exception to always running lower tire pressures off pavement. I have been driving off pavement since the late 1960's. I also spent 30 years as a Forest Manager and Logging Engineer. I signed off on the checks to pay for road maintenance. For me it makes since to SLOW DOWN and smell the sagebrush. It is not the tire pressure that increases ware and tear on the roads but SPEED. I found that switching from 2 wd to 4 wd off pavement results in better driving, but keep the speeds down. It is not how many miles you travel each day but the quality of the trip that is important to me. In conclusion I live along the Oregon BDR. Please respect those of us that live next to your route. Slow down and reduce the DUST that prevents us from air drying our laundry and enjoying a nice meal on our patio due to the dust generated from others driving past our homes at a high rate of speed.

[@myemailiscool]

Interesting insights, thanks for sharing.

[@6226superhurricane]

lower tyre pressure less wheelspin = less dust less track damage.

[@paulfisher5902]

I totally agree especially if you have good tires. I am a search and rescue person and rarely air down. I do agree that the ride is smoother if you air down, however, I have noticed that releasing the sway bar makes it almost as smooth. I do run a stock Rubicon on my rescues. Many times I have to go into areas where lifted vehicles get stuck. Since I'm not lifted, I can't afford to lose that .5 inch from airing down. Finally, I don't ruin my tires any faster or more often than the folks that do air down. Just buy quality tires and feel comfortable not to air down if you don't want to.

[@olliehopnoodle4628]

I always air down but, to your point, I don't drive fast and I always slow down when passing residences, hikers or bikers on the trail. Sometimes they give me funny looks when I do but I just tell them why. And for horses, I stop and wait for instructions from the rider.

[@RudyC27]

👍🏼

[@VeryCoolJeep]

This trail is better than any of regular roads in my country

[@fern1493]

Does anyone else think Brad does it on purpose to stop and turn off the engine just to start the engine up again and hear the roar of the exhaust and engine! lol, another awesome video! Thanks Brad!

[@TrailRecon]

LOL! The sounds doesn't get old!

[@mprudhon]

I have a 392…..I do that 😉

[@mprudhon]

Hey Brad, I had a JK now a 392 😉 with the same load out I’ve noticed I’m running higher pressures due to the increased weight…. I assume you are doing the same?

[@user-ml7cv7mj1e]

I love this guy. Brad always has a smile on his face, is just as happy on a simple trail or a trail like the Rubicon. And the little pointers are always welcome.

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you! I'm just happy to be outside!

[@6226superhurricane]

we would have rissoles in australia, basically the exact same recipe as meatloaf but instead of baking a loaf we'd form them into palm sized balls flatten a bit on two sides but thicker than a burger patty and fry them up. usually eat them along with mash potato and vegetables but extra ones are made to go on sandwiches the next day usually cold and cut in half so yes we eat the same thing just differently.

[@spritemanplus4700]

I totally agree at 11:09 it’s the worst when the holes are large, especially from extensive use from past owners.

[@ramoneortiz]

Once again you nailed the video Brad. You have a way to explain topics that is very easy to follow. I appreciate the GPS coordinates at the beginning too. I hope you continue doing this in the future.

[@TrailRecon]

Glad to help!

[@EjNappe]

If for any reason at all, airing down for comfort is a must. Having a quality portable or on-board air up system is a must!

[@MD1936]

Here on the beaches in Delaware the state parks have air stations at each beach ramp. Free air!!! I do have a Viair for backup.

[@stoutmasta]

I think this little series you are doing (intentional or not) has been great. In sports we would always take the off season to go back to basics to really help dial in the advanced stuff later. These are great for new and experienced guys to go back and consider what and why they are doing what they are doing. Well done and thank you.

[@jameseroh6544]

I love the Ramona area. Back in '74 & '75, I lived on Old Julian highway, halfway to Santa Ysabel. I am a water guy for work. When I worked for LA County over 12 years ago. My duties included sampling water in fire department reservoirs accessed on similar roads. I had a lot of access to locked gates. I drove a 2006 Ford F-350 4wd. Not enough time to air down those 275/65-18 tires. Never got stuck. Now with my personal vehicles, I operate quite differently. And everything you coverd in this story usually applies.

[@williamthomas5918]

As a fellow veteran, thanks for your service. As a fellow off roader, thanks for your content. You present information in an easily understandable manner. You are very likable. I especially like when you include your wife and son. But the information you include about your vehicles is invaluable. I’ve never seen a better explanation for airing down. Keep up the great videos and I will keep watching. Your enthusiasm for off-roading is infectious.

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you and than you for your service! Oorah!

[@michaelchaney6118]

As a former San Diego County resident I used to run Orosco Ridge when it was legal shooting and there were no gates. You could run the ridge and make a loop through Guejito Truck Trail down into Pamo Valley on the north side. The forest service came in around the late 90's and removed Guejito returning it to a natural state. I had many friends in the valley back when Ray Foster owned Pamo but was forced to sell to the City of San Diego for a proposed dam project which never happened because of the projected environmental damage. The city allowed Ray to run cattle until his death in the early 2000's. Fun times back then.

[@rxmonkey5946]

I am enjoying all of these educational videos lately. Thanks for sharing your knowledge! We appreciate you!

[@oldakela6834]

Another thing to consider with how temperature affects tire pressure - if you camp out somewhere it was warm during the day, but has a strong temp drop at night like the desert in winter, you can wake up to some scary low tires so check that before you just drive off in the morning. Airing down seems scary at first but just do it, it becomes intuitive after a bit. As long as you have all terrains or better and err on the side of higher pressure when in doubt it’s hard to mess it up.

[@jeffmilks4501]

Thanks, Brad. Super informative and thanks for sharing all of the variables involved. Your videos never miss, best channel on KZbin. Gorgeous scenery in this one too. And that 392 always looks good!

[@robert5712]

Thanks Brad for another relaxing, informative and well shot off-road video. My air down methods and pressures are similar to yours and agree with your advice.

[@MochoTT]

Hi Brad, always such a pleasure watching your videos, great content and advice! Thanks!

[@reginaldwalton]

I just love that sound every time you start the engine.

[@scootypuffjr.]

My 10 year old daughter loves to help air down and totally understands the benefits, not the least of which is comfort.

[@ericschmidt3759]

I love that you are putting coordinates in your videos again. Thank you.

[@1oldarmyguy]

Great content as always Brad. It's nice seeing some of the old scenery again. Lived in Escondido for years and would go up to Romona and Julien quite a bit.

[@Stuka87]

With the rise of diesel trucks, trail conditions have certainly gone down compared to 20 years ago. And a lot of that is because they run 60-80psi in their tires, and spin on even mild hills. Sure, they make it, but it induces really bad wash board. And then on flat sections, the high pressure causes their tires to bounce which then causes wash board as well. Also, the chalk test doesn't work on newer tires, like the ones you are running. They are designed to have a crown to keep them more quiet (Per milestar).

[@ndafarachaitezvi1139]

Awesome as always.Thanks for sharing and taking us along

[@jeffquick7917]

Great super-debated topic, much like “what gearset to re-gear to when going to a larger tire”….all kinds of input and opinions, all of which ultimately comes down to you and your specific setup. Thanks Brad for covering and your input, it’s highly valued and appreciated, stay safe!

[@cowelk]

Brad, yes I enjoyed hanging out with you. You go on so many trails that are so scenic and stock Jeep capable. While some offroad challenges are fun, it is also fun to just get out in the country and drive.

[@dannnny4]

Great video man. Something so simple and useful. And a trail I would love to visit since I'm in the SD area. Thank you for the knowledge

[@Oli.tiene.alitas]

I love your channel!! The editing is perfect too!! I’m going on my first off road trail in about two weeks so these are really helpful! Thank you!

[@oni-one574]

Thanks for answering the questions I didn't know to ask.

[@ggarciacota]

Great video! Muchas Gracias!!

[@robertwhitemoto]

Great information, Great Scenery, great b-roll, and great music (even the exhaust music).

[@kode3020]

Thanks for all the valuable info Brad!

[@joshruybal]

I almost always learn something new from watching your videos and reading all the insightful comments, but these last few videos have been packed with so much useful info especially for a beginner like myself. Thanks a ton Brad!

[@TrailRecon]

You're welcome!

[@brianm1696]

Envious of the people out west... East coast does not have easy access to public land.... So you are stuck with long drives to off-road parks....

[@TrailRecon]

We are fortunate for sure!

[@iany1958]

I love how you edit your clips, from the air and near the ground, some effort you put into it.

[@jb5-pct]

Well done! Whether expert or beginner, this is info that benefits all. Thank you!

[@kentonseydellaolcp4785]

Ran all these roads and trails back in the mid 80's while stationed at NSBSD, great to see them again.

[@mrtopcat2]

Being relatively new to Jeeping, the 'airing down on an easy trail part' is something that I have been always wondering about. I guess I will air down more often with this info. Interesting about the TrailRecon shop as well. So far I have somehow missed that part and I used to watch out in the video for what equipment is used. Good to know I can find it here and thereby support the channel.

[@TrailRecon]

We've had trailrecon.com up for almost 2 years now, appreciate the support!

[@brunnie]

Great informational video. Heading into the off season, it is things like this that we all need to refresh ourselves with. Thanks for the info. Until next time... Travel safe.

[@edschneider1780]

Good video as always. Thank you for bringing up driving at a higher speed at low air pressure!

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you! Yes, I think talking about being aired down at speed was an important point.

[@sturek]

Great video with lots of beautiful scenery!! In my area of Minden, NV I always air down any time I hit the dirt...lots of easy roads to explore but lots of sharp rocks and I got bit one time I didn't drop the PSI....airing down is easy enough and I always carry a compressor so I'd rather spend a few extra minutes doing that than the changing or plugging a tire.

[@elack33]

Fantastic info! Loving these beautiful drives with good knowledge! Thank you for this!

[@TrailRecon]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@carolbrucecollett]

Beautiful scenery and great info. So much to learn!!

[@TrailRecon]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@anthonyarmijo]

Nice to get out and the scenery was awesome with the cloud cover. Thanks Brad, love your new wheels.

[@TrailRecon]

Thanks! I love flying on cloudy days, always looks better on video!

[@hartwigvanderneut]

Great and very informative video! Thank you!

[@LaddGardner4]

Fun to watch, with great pointers and general info about pros/cons of airing up/down. Only thing I'd add -- which will seem intuitive to longtime wheelers -- is that big tires means extra time and stooping over at the end of the day, and that can get old really quickly, especially when you're "a senior," and/or when you've got to get home quickly in the event of an injury or other unanticipated mishap. Dropping pressures on 37" (and over) tires to, say, 15 psi means double-digit minutes to air back up to 32/34 psi -- at least with my single-line and twin-ARB setup. On my 2019 JLU dropping to 25 psi (with 37" KM3s) is enough to yield a MUCH smoother ride over mild trails (like the one depicted), but not have you hunched over, indefinitely, at days end filling those cavernous tires. The weight of your rig (and suspension mods) will dictate the "sweet spot" for what defines comfort vs. what means unwanted delays at the end of the day.

[@yourstruly5687]

Thanks for this air down vid! I've learned so much from you!

[@TrailRecon]

You are so welcome!

[@unwrangler11]

Great advice, thanks.

[@ahmednesbitte4906]

Awesome video! Thank you for what you do for the off-road community! 🚗

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you ver much!

[@user-bz3kf3ow7b]

Even just a little deflation helps a lot on the lumps and bumps. 👍

[@user-bz8bh5gv3v]

Beautiful Video. Great information.

[@GoXplr]

Excellent video, especially for beginners like myself. I personally run 25psi all day long on 37’ Yokohamas. On and off-road. Seems to be the sweet spot for my vehicle. Safe travels ….

[@elietaylor4858]

I grew up in Ramona. I hiked Iron Mtn every weekend in the summers. I love this area

[@tammyayles8690]

Love your channel. Great info

[@user-vi3lx5mn9f]

Thanks Brad have been curious about that topic. Love your show.

[@TrailRecon]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@connorholcomb6141]

Awesome Videos man! Very well made and your narration is very laid back, warm, and welcoming. They are also a wealth of information and relaxing to watch.

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you!

[@timbaker4423]

Thanks for another great video. The scenery and terrain were perfect. I wish we had more of that in our area. Great information!!

[@TrailRecon]

Glad you enjoyed it! We are definitely blessed to have access to so many trails and public lands out west.

[@johndavis7257]

I learned to appreciate airing down on light stuff when I spent hours on mountain gravel roads with unreal washboards during a trip to New Mexico. I got weird looks when I was airing down on the side of the road. Just 10 lbs down made the washboards nearly smooth.

[@jimotten6206]

Great advice Brad,

[@matthewl.5059]

I’ve enjoyed following alongside you and your adventures. You do a GREAT job at telling your story. You said a key word that I think needs a follow-up, Ranger Station. Could you take a trip to the Ranger Station and possibly spend a day with them showing us all the great work that is done in the background so everyone can enjoy the work that is done? Thanks and one day Ill love to see you on the dirt road.

[@zalllon]

Thanks Brad. Good information for somebody like me who is really really knew it all of this.

[@TrailRecon]

Glad it was helpful!

[@TaleOfTwoIdiots]

Always enjoy your videos, Brad. 😊

[@Kevin01TJ]

Perfect video as always! Btw, your Jeep has never looked better. That is one sexy beast!

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you!

[@bboylorettoEight08]

That startup roar ! Gotta love it

[@markperza384]

Thanks Brad!!

[@TrailRecon]

You bet!

[@brucebenson9651]

My next question is when do I use my sway bar disconnect. I have a '17 JKU Rubicon Recon. And let's talk about when to use front, rear or both lockers. This is a great and very helpful video!

[@Vaejovis357]

You can tell by the comments that, like Brad, off road raiders are happy, decent intelligent people + No profanity. That’s a breath of fresh air in itself.

[@shane151184]

started following after your k'gari-fraser trip with patriot. glad i did. will definately be keeping an eye out for new videos

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you! Having Justin show us around K'gari was such an epic trip!

[@bethzarin6439]

I run on an air down pickup truck on the highway by default. It absorbs small potholes flawlessly. And it reduce the rattle at rough concrete pavements. It consumes a little more diesel, but it's negligible for the comfort I get.

[@olliehopnoodle4628]

I almost always air down. I have an older Jeep with leaf springs all the way around. I had them custom made, so they work well but they are still leaf springs and old technology. Even on my ZR2 I will drop it from street pressure to about 20ish or so, it takes the edge off on the washboards and such.

[@Mister510]

Sidewall temperature is a good way to know if the pressure is too low for the weight and speed. If the pressure is too low the sidewalls will get hot because the tires are flexing too much. At my 'general purpose wheeling' pressure of 15psi sidewall temp tells me I can go 40mph for about five miles or 35mph continuously on pavement. At 12psi 20mph is the maximum sustained speed. (4500 pound early Pathfinder on 33x10.5 Super Swamper TSL Radials.) If your sidewalls aren't smooth and are getting 'lumpy' you've run them too fast for the pressure/load.

[@tomassanesson902]

Awesome video and epik trail

[@justinotherig]

Great old-school TR content!

[@JT_Adventures]

I need to find one of those tire pressure calculators. Been guessing with my gladiator & think I’m close to knowing my sweet spot but would love to see what the calculator says. ❤ As always great video & info Brad.

[@neilpacey7980]

Great Episode and yes we enjoy Meatloaf in Australia 🇦🇺

[@kellychevallier4639]

canada likes the loaf of meet also :) just like mom used to make. Dude love your wholesome stories. Thank you

[@keewatin427]

Great video 👏🏽 Also, your 392 looks absolutely amazing.

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you!

[@quicktoevil]

New Jeep owner here. luv this channel's easy throttle, fun infused vibe :)

[@socaloutdoors7355]

Great vid, agreed, always air down unless it’s way too short of a trail..

[@turk_ctsv7181]

Shoes are on point, Brad. 😂

[@wesbarcus3761]

Not everyone has a 4x4 with coil spring comfort. I drive a 1993 YJ that's still got leaf springs. Airing down allows for a much nicer ride over chuck holes, ruts, and small rocks . Even a pressure drop of 10 pounds can make a big improvement.

[@OVRLNDX]

awesome video!

[@overlandingsmith]

Absolutely enjoyed watching this video. Great video Brad. I think airing down the tires isn't only for the 3 reasons you named. I bet airing down the tires means also less stress for a lot of suspension components.

[@TrailRecon]

Yep, there are lots of great reasons to air down tires. Thank you for watching!

[@user-ky7qy3wy8q]

Great video on airing down. You covered just about everything you need to know. Would enjoy to learn your transmission gears used in your 392 while off roading? Do you use the Manual gears paddle while shifting? Would lkie to know how you work the transmision with shifting while doing different terrain, rock, puddles, and sand hill climbing. Thanks for teaching me how to use my Jeep safely.

[@scottdunn1371]

Good video. I learned the hard way. My non-offroad stock tires got a flat on an easy dirt 2wd road. My KO2s aired down to 22-25 psi have been great for the last 5 years. I also learned my 1st cheap compressor was not worth it. A better compressor airs me back up 3-4 times faster.

[@TrailRecon]

Learned that lesson the hard way myself!

[@jimlund9514]

Brad's got his 392 lookin' pretty darn clean!

[@Doc-hr5ns]

While in the US Navy, I married an Italian from the foot hills of the alps and she makes something similar to meatloaf with leftovers.

[@JF-lt5zc]

Ramona is near my old stomping grounds in Poway. Used to play in the BLM lands off of 67. That trail looks pretty doable for even a stock Wrangler or WK.

[@paulblack5883]

I gotta say I'm jealous of the access to some beautiful country to do some casual wheeling as well as the harder stuff. Here in Lousiana no such luck..

[@whereru43]

Thanks Master Blaster! Super timely for me and my family. The 3 of us head to Utah (from Wisconsin) on Friday! WOO HOO!!!!

[@TrailRecon]

Have fun!

[@skeeterbug9875]

Thanks!

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you so much! I truly appreciate your support!

[@CM-xb6rb]

Comfort, comfort, comfort. Even on easy trails. I typically run 10 to 15 psi.

[@CarlosAguilar-cs7ef]

What I tend to do is to use different psi depending on the trail... easy would be 22 - 25, getting harder gets lower (JLUR with 37s), another thing is that for example, dunes or lose sand... no beadlocks is normal to go 10 psi

[@joearbuckle817]

Heat is built up due to the sidewall flexing, not from the larger contact patch. Except is extreme circumstances, the ground will be cooler than the tires. A larger contact patch will actually help dissipate the heat by having a larger surface contacting the cooler surface. Small but important point. If your tires are getting hot, you need to stop working the sidewalls so much. Air them up a little or slow down.

[@HolidayForTwo42]

Love your channel and videos! Suggestions for future videos (unless you already have covered it) What gear do you like use (or think is easier to use) to air up/down while on the trails (what compressors work the best etc.)? 2. Tips on getting the most out of your Gaia map app. I've been using it the last couple of months over my old map app and like it - but it was some weird quirks that I'm have trouble with still (finding the best maps - they have so many! lol) setting waypoints? Anyway, great stuff Brad!

[@jeffcombs8237]

Great advice, think about your setup. Make good decisions.

[@G500expedition]

I love your videos !