The HARD TRUTH About Airing Tires Down

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?
Full length tire pressure video: • I Wish I KNEW This Bef...

[@becomingabetterhuman.2994]

Start at zero and work your way up BE a Man..

[@thomaswilson4441]

I seriously laughed out loud at this thank you

[@angelcastro8352]

I like that

[@TrailRecon]

LOL!

[@GentleGiantFan]

LOL! Boss right there.....

[@chrishaddad5362]

Ha ha that’s the spirit

[@blackXhawksXkickXbut]

Generally I’d say start at 15 psi. If that’s still too rough, or if you’re sinking on soft sand then go lower. Probably don’t go below 10 unless you have bead locks

[@TehButterflyEffect]

I've gone as low as five PSI and never blown a bead. I HAVE spun a tire on a wheel going that low though in a high traction environment. 15psi is a good starting point, but 7 is where I normally go. 10 should be safe unless you wheel with a lead foot like an idiot.

[@aesthetic3616]

​@@TehButterflyEffect 10+ it is for me then 😅

[@U.s-epa]

8-10 is ok on e rated without beadlock. Just be easy taking corners.

[@elixtido1448]

For the roughest conditions I run my tires in vacuum.

[@lol123321123321]

Not sure if you're joking or not but some heavy duty tires are so god damn stiff you can run them at 0 psi. Pull valve stems and install caps to keep debris out. Wouldn't run this unless you have double beadlocks though. Even single beadlock a few psi helps keep the inner bead set. Done plenty of wheeling at 5 psi with no beadlocks but after trying 3-4 psi and blowing 2 beads I decided to buy beadlocks. Airing down for deep snow is the only time I Need single digits. Rocks I prefer 6-10 psi as the additional height is helpful.

[@vitorbarradas4298]

I had a BJ 40 whid Maxxis Mudzilla and use 1.0 psi or less in severe condicions... Measures 33.13.5 r15

[@briankearn6991]

@@lol123321123321 0 psi tires usually have an insert.

[@ekuryluk]

Just don’t be that guy, 10 minutes into the trail ride, that announces on the radio you need to stop because you forgot to air down. 😂

[@humorss]

Be the guy that air down too much and 10 minutes into the trail announce on the radio that you need to change the tire because the bead popped.

[@miltechmoto]

15psi maximum for most rock crawling. 12 or 15 psi for front and 9 psi for the rear in sand.

[@daveisnothere]

I used to tell my buddies to air down 'til it looked half flat. As the video says, every vehicle, driver, terrain,etc will cause the best pressure to vary a lot. I drove a 67 Jeep CJ5 with 33s on 10" wide wheels and i only ran 7-8 on the road and went as low as 2-3 offroad in the sand. My Jeep was light so this is what I needed. Heavier vehicles would need more. Over the course of 45+ years I never popped a tire off the bead.

[@TehButterflyEffect]

Yep.

[@lifehackcoach4746]

I run 18 on the road and about 12 - 14 on the trail. 73’ Scout II 7 inch lift 33” tires 17” rims. Southern California

[@jdev232]

Arrive at moab, immediately down to 10, air up a week later.

[@MustardTiger95]

This is the way.

[@josephburleton9758]

Depends on the tire construction, tire size, wheel size, beadlocks?, vehicle weight, and the terrain. Too many variables for the manufacturer.

[@Chineli09]

I like 20/15 on some fire roads or easy mild trails but for rock climbing trails I like 10psi especially if it’s a rocky road

[@bobbyurbina4488]

what if u dont have any buddies :*(

[@TrailRecon]

Maybe consider joining a local offroad or overland group

[@will.green.]

if you dont have any buddies how will you guys duck each other?

[@rustyjeep2469]

@@will.green. there are apps for that purpose... 😂

[@rickdavis524]

I find about 15 to be the sweet spot on my 37” Nitto ridge grapplers on a JLUR.

[@LOCALNOMAD909]

@@gottons9748why not

[@vernvartdal6479]

I’m an 18er with my stock 4 runner. I tend to run faster than most per my buddies. While 15-18 would crack and chunk out the Cooper Maxx’s I used to run, the Falken Wildpeaks hold up just fine. It’s a comfortable soft ride without losing too much clearance which I really need along with fresh shocks & bump stops in a stock vehicle. I was a hesitant to air down guy until I got beat up on the trail and took in some data points. Part art/science. 18 general purpose air down. Never lost a bead.

[@socaloutdoors7355]

I have Falken Wildpeaks 70R/17 265’s and my Stauns were preset to 18 psi…seems to work great as I’m usually just fire road cruising with the occasional rock crawl here & there. I was curious what others use as well.. #tacoma

[@smileyguyz]

​@@socaloutdoors7355 On my Frontier with 265/70r16 highway tires, I've had good luck with 20 for fire road blasting and some mildly articulate sections of trail. Before I had a Honda Element on much smaller 235/70r16 tires, and I'd be dropping down to 15 regularly. I think the specific tire you're running makes a huge difference. The highway tires I have on my Frontier have a very soft casing, allowing me to get similar results to the 6 ply tires I had on the Element with a higher pressure.

[@zapcodeknock4503]

​@@smileyguyz I got some 235/70/R16's to swap my current setup on stock 15 in. 90's Toyota, i hope they're a good pick. 265 seems to wide but is standard on many trucks

[@smileyguyz]

@@zapcodeknock4503 you could do 235/85r16. Roughly 33" diameter but the same width.

[@zapcodeknock4503]

@@smileyguyz i have an old work truck 2wd no lift and when looking for lifts for it basically found nothing. But i know people have lifted T100's though. I like pizza cutters... If anything atleast leveling the truck and taking away the "rake" look would be great. I'll build up an offroader later in life. I have some heavy Geolandar tires that are barely worn out on the truck. And the cooper tires that are on the 16's are lighter weight as well as the wheels lighter weight so i got a good price and it should ride more comfortably than a really heavy tire.

[@Hainero2001]

Man, I love that red Jeep. I've got a silver JKU. I love it, of course. But, your Jeep just looks great.

[@TrailRecon]

Thanks!

[@coolchewschannel3674]

I got into a sticky situation with no way out other than back up a steep hill and ended up popping the tire off the bead when I went down to around 10 psi and maybe lower. I then repeated the procedure popping the bead on the spare as well. In addition to discovering the lower limit for air pressure, I also took a crash course in using a fire iron to put a completely flat tire onto the bead. The moment the thing went pop after trying for quite a while was super satisfying but little did I know that was only the beginning of an ordeal that was more than 24 hours being stuck. No cell service until the wheel was fixed only to make it up half way which is when we really got stuck as far as I remember it. I look back on the ordeal fondly as a character building triumph of the will of sorts but my gf thought we were going to die for real and has less than a positive characterization of the experience. In my defense, she was the one navigating which got us into the mess.

[@will.green.]

any real man would blame the woman

[@ickess]

It’s like you read my mind. I had this exact question. I aired down to 15psi when I drove on the beach. Always wondered what to go to if / when I started doing some trail riding.

[@zsi]

I prefer filling my tires with the very earth I traverse-nothing says 'desert-ready' like sandbag tires.

[@SHOOTRIDELIVE]

This are Milestar Patagonia M/T's. My favorite tire. I've had them on both my trucks for years.

[@GentleGiantFan]

I'm a light off roader since my Jeep is my daily driver. I'd guess 20 psi would probably be a decent starting point, especially if one is relying on a buddy's air compressor or the nearest gas station to air up. Just a guess.

[@slowcountryboy476]

Many years ago I lowered down to 5 psi on on a 1980 Toyota short bed pickup with 31s on on 8 rims and popped a front bead on a rock. After that I lowered down to 8 psi. Then I ran 33" mud terrain radials on the same 8" rims which performed extremely well on rocky stream beds, mud, snow, and sand. Like Brad said, it's trial and error. A caveat is that if you pop a bead it tests/enhances/builds your offroad recovery/repair/survival skills. Always, always, always EXPECT something to go wrong with your rig or someone else's rig, and use the experience to gain skill and knowledge. When stuff goes wrong be glad you have an opportunity to improve the above mentioned skills.

[@zapcodeknock4503]

In May i think it was this year i got stuck on a forest road when i sunk in to snow and got stopped on ice. I had to use rock for recovery and traction

[@crosstif2159]

Hey Brad. I was wondering if you could let me know or even make a video about what aftermarket seats you’ve used in your Jeeps? I’m considering replacing my OE seats in my JK. Looking at some Corbeaus or PRP.

[@helmutgress5284]

Thank you for the Information that you gif specaly for beginners ( sorry for my english its Not the best, i am german)

[@TrailRecon]

You're very welcome!

[@jamesfoureight9879]

Dry sand 10 works great

[@justinbiondi]

One rule of thumb, no less than 10psi without specialty beadlocks, and keep your speed equal to or less than your psi (If your psi is 15, keep it to 15 mph or less.)

[@will.green.]

thats a good rule. i run 80psi on the highway

[@justinbiondi]

@@will.green. ngl, you got me at first, but yeah, only applies to off-road, and it's just a rule of thumb

[@Shamano37]

If you ain't going below 20psi, are you even wheeling?

[@miltechmoto]

For real. All these rich overlanders don't know anything.

[@michaelmyers3892]

Ugh unfortunately I can't are down the tires on my 48 Dodge power wagon LOL but my 78 Dodge power wagon I'm running 31 by 10/15 Goodyear's and I never go below 15 I'm probably doing it wrong but this is what's always felt comfortable considering I have ARB lockers front and rear mild suspension lift not built for major rock crawling or stuff but just built for fun

[@radcardad]

Anyone that has ridden a dirt bike, motorcycle, or mountain bike at low tire pressure knows that at the extremes you end up with too much traction on harder surfaces and that leads to poor handling, poor cornering, poor braking and generally poor driving characteristics (aka steering lag). Tire manufacturers will almost never tell you to air down your tires because 99% of the time it is unnecessary even in low traction conditions. I've driven hundreds of thousands of miles in deep snow etc. and nearly every circumstance where airing down might potentially help had additional circumstances like a RWD/FWD car, steep slope, high center, etc. If your suspension is tuned properly already low tire pressure in general will cause handling and performance problems. So even if you're driving dunes you will be a lot better off with sand tires or larger volume tires (i.e. a 50 vs a 40 or a 40 vs a 34 etc.) than trying to do it with low tire pressure + high speed. That doesn't add up to better performance.

[@anibalbabilonia1867]

I usually don’t air down my tires! Besides! I don’t drive fast on trails!

[@NateUSMC]

It just takes a little trial and airer

[@jeffclark5024]

Wait… people drive these off road?

[@troylunn496]

It's just a matter of trial and air... 😋

[@ben2687]

Simple. As low as you can go without blowing a bead or side wall. There.

[@MKlukowski]

Perhaps some of the latest vids that have popped up using a fairly scientific approach to airing down? (they did tests with tire prints on paper and measured actual surface area)

[@Kevin-sr8yx]

PSI depends on too many things. I roll onto a plank of 2x4 and then deflate until it sags just below the top of the wood. 19psi for me.

[@tenncutt]

Plank of 2x4? Lol

[@jefftenhave8038]

The chalk test you may think to be archaic but it is the most accurate way of finding the right pressure, for your tires, on your rig, with the weight you carry. There is no formula as accurate as the simple chalk test.. A formula can put you into the ballpark but the chalk test tells the true story.

[@harris_h24]

I run 35s on my JKU at 37psi on the street and I run 10-15psi on the trail

[@lancec3509]

Several books give very good advice on this subject. "The Four-Wheelers Bible" is a great one.

[@LivingTheDreamUSA]

16-18 ❤

[@questadilla]

KZbin give me more trailrecon

[@Burke_Motorsports]

I drop down to 9psi on my Baja Bosses on TJ Canyon rims.

[@cakeisfun1]

I look at it a little differently... Paved roads - 100% of normal Gravel and hard packed dirt - 75-80% of normal Rocks, roots, etc. ‐ 50‐60% of normal Sand - 40‐50% of normal, lower if you are stuck or if the sand is super soft. Mud ‐ Turn around or around 50% of normal With this method, you'll have a good starting point with any vehicle...unless it has rubber band tires,min which case you probably shouldn't air down. Just bear in mind the further away from normal, the slower you can (safely) go.

[@Jbarb777]

But 14 is the right answer

[@twilighthan2140]

My Mercedes manual states lowest pressure should be 17psi. And that wasn’t a g wagon. It was an AMG GLE63S coupe. Still I had them around 12. No problems on the sands across Arizona.

[@osaul64]

I worked for the Forest Service for 10 years of drove every type of road imaginable, and never once aired down my vehicle now as a civilian wheeling around Northern California I still have not once aired down my jeep wrangler or my Gladiator

[@AudioFreqx]

No bead locks. I run 20-25 due to not wanting to blow a bead. Just rock trailing in CO. Blanca Peak caliber. not crawling. Did run 15 psi at sand lake Oregon with no 'immediate' issues on 15" 31x10.50's (three door, V6 Montero) Medano pass in the Great Sand Dunes: 25 psi is fine on a 2000 4runner or Cherokee when dry. At my age, skill far outperforms any HW I could buy. Getting back is more important than getting there when you're retired.

[@philsweet9727]

I've gone down to 3 psi in snow crawling situations, no bead locks, have never lost a bead. 35x12.5" tire on a 7" rim, poor mans bead lock. I also never run higher than 15 psi in my rig, makes for a plush ride, mostly trail driven.

[@alexs1972]

I forgot the youtuber but he did a really good scientific test of A/T and M/Ts and basically you gain nothin untik youre sub 10psi regardless of size

[@dannymeilan1220]

I been running 5lbs in my Jeep for years with no bead locks, bfg KM2’s, never had one pop off the bead

[@jcg702]

Always ran 10 without bead locks, no issue. My jeep was also quite a bit heavier since it was far from stock.

[@MyCentsTX]

Simple, the lower the better. Going below 9 means you'll need bead locks

[@Montyhugo]

My rule? Air down only when necessary! That being said? I only take my Jeep wrangler places I need too or want get too👊

[@johnnyboi5661]

Tbh with you, the only time you need really need to air down is driving on the beach or any sand area. Any dirt road or even rocky trail, you can still run full psi, just drive with more caution.

[@Quechuladaasadero]

DO NOT DO THIS!! Full pressure PSI off-roading on sharp edgy rocks etc is a quick way to puncture a hole or pop the tire. 🤦🏽‍♂️

[@manny45629]

Also super bumpy and uncomfortable. Just air down.

[@RustyShakleford1]

​@@Quechuladaasaderook I 100% agree less than 25k dort road new tires punctured from a rock I had a feeling I'm sure it's because I was running full 45psi instead of 20

[@chriscubbernuss3288]

I've aleays heard keep dropping a psi every trip until you pop a bead. Go with one more than more than that.

[@kennethwadejohns8561]

Crossed the Sahara on 6 PSI with tubes. Repaired 42 pinch flats.

[@will.green.]

it doesnt matter how much air you run. the point of having a jeep isnt to drive offroad. its to look good to other jeepers so you can duck each other

[@DENVER-tu2gt]

I run 15 psi on 35s no beard locks

[@TehButterflyEffect]

15 is very safe. You could go much lower.

[@marklee6538]

I read a rule of thumb years ago. It said measure from your rim to the ground, subtract 25% from that number. Air down till you hit that number, and that is a good starting point. No idea how accurate it is, but its supposed to help you find max contact patch quickly.

[@ccclaw13]

From where on your rim? Top, middle, or bottom?

[@marklee6538]

@ccclaw13 bottom. So if it's 4 inches you air down to 3 inches.

[@patrickbuick5459]

I wouldn't get there. I run Toyo M55s on my TJ and they are so over spec that I have had 3 PSI and they didn't even look low on pressure. They work great, though since I need snow rated and mud tires amd can use these all year.

[@triman95]

@@patrickbuick5459 Yea I was thinking the same thing. I air down to 10-12 on my Explorer (LT tires) and I'm not sure I lose even an inch of height. They definitely get softer however.

[@will.green.]

metric or standard?

[@jaboff-road1776]

I run 12 or 8

[@U.s-epa]

15psi right away. 10 if you are getting stuck or want a soft ride on washer boards.

[@iblongshia]

20 psi is a good number to start with. You can either work up or down from there.

[@craighandley7535]

Where are your tires manufactured?

[@TehButterflyEffect]

Patagonias are Chinese.

[@mikezadow4208]

Is this video necessary? if you can’t figure this out on your own don’t go off-roading

[@jeremyzhang2504]

If you have a JK/JL with basic armor/bumpers, 12-15 is fine

[@davidk6668]

This has nothing to do with tire pressure but do you or anyone out there know how to fix the speed sensor issue that JK’s are so prone to?

[@TexasBliss]

If you have the Nag1 trans, it’s the molded lead frame plate on the trans valvebody

[@davidk6668]

@@TexasBliss​​⁠ The issue I was wondering about are the speed sensors at each wheel that either seem to go bad or are usually contaminated with dust or brake dust or if the bearing goes bad the sensor and sprocket go out of alignment. I was told by a mechanic that it is a bad design. I was hoping there is a third party fix or something that would improve at least the dust dirt contaminant situation? Thanks

[@bikerssupportingcountrytow6904]

Everybody is their tie down to suit the terrain where and when possible and this is a excellent idea but unfortunately it's not all the truth for the correct airing down. You let your toys down so you can get more traction and better footprint but unfortunately your tires are not all the same with the weight of your vehicle or in the back of the vehicle including any trailers you might drag behind you. Here is the correct way of letting tires down for the same footprint. Let your front door down to whatever air pressure you want. Now measure the length of that footprint from the front and rear of that tyre it might read 30 cm long don't worry about the PSI that could be 25 who knows. Now you let the rest of your ties down to the same footprint. All four tires on your vehicle are now 30 cm long now your vehicle is balanced. You do the same thing with your caravan or trailer whether it's single axle or tandem you run your trial as the same length of tread on the ground as your vehicle. So you should have four six or eight wheels with the same footprint but yes they will also be different air pressure's that is not what you worry about it is the overall footprint. Now your vehicle and it's running gear will love you for this so will your engine and fuel tank and most of all your wallet will thank you to. Because everything is balanced and running smooth. Thank you

[@IvyCon]

35” Patagonia m/t w/16” wheels on a JKU, I go down to 14.

[@macgyvernetwork1437]

Always run half the max air pressure or lower when airing down.

[@steveeab2364]

That Rubicon could have used 1 less PSI in each tire

[@JonFox1945]

Like the other gentleman with the 4runner i go 18 to be safe

[@JarradDRS]

15 psi as a starting point, and go lower from there.

[@NukeCult666]

22 lbs at 4800 lbs of chev seemed to work well.

[@jessejordan3228]

Whatever you run! Don't run patagonia's LOL weak sidewalls so🤷🍿 have fun

[@jaredlancaster4137]

Uhh no its not working how it should be working if you cant hit 15 mpg. I have 3 4x4 xjs and about 17 is the worst ive ever got. 20-21 highway.

[@jaredlancaster4137]

Granted all 3 are 5spd manuals, but again, if your auto is costing you 5-6 mpg there's something wrong with it.

[@bradboatner5904]

I find airing up to 45 works best. Try it.

[@Jc-bo1uu]

I have a 3500 diesel truck. And when I’m in snow and ice I’ll lower my tires to between 60 and 35 psi. When I go off road in mud and sand or soft rocks I’ll lower them from 80 psi to between 60 and 20 psi. And I also run on my truck the new Toyo open country R/T trail tires. And I absolutely like them. I think they are a grate tire for all driving conditions. I honestly think they’re better than all-terrain tires on traction and durability. But for those that, like a quiet tire, these tires are just slightly noisier than a all-terrain tire. But with these tires even in the rain I think they get better traction than all terrain tires at 80 psi. And I live in the north west so I get snow in the winter and these tires perform very well for a R/T tire.

[@Jc-bo1uu]

@@xmo552no I have a single rear wheel.

[@TehButterflyEffect]

There are better tires for a lot less money. Toyos are overpriced.

[@will.green.]

i also run between 0 and 1000 psi

[@Krytzum]

Between 0 and 1000 is perfect for me too. I never go out of that range ​@@will.green.

[@happyhearts7675]

💯 Thank you

[@TrailRecon]

You're welcome

[@joshmyers8399]

One time I had 2.5 psi on 35s with my old yj, from looking at it you’d guess they where at 10psi those coopers where wayyyy too stiff😂

[@cdsmit27]

Yep I hear that all the time. Coopers are not offroad friendly. I wouldn't run em

[@bosshog7790]

Thanks for nothing…no advice given here.

[@TehButterflyEffect]

It's kinda hard to take tire advice from a guy running those awful Patagonias.

[@821702feb]

I did 20psi and did pretty well last weekend

[@thegiant573]

Seat of the pants always finds the sweet spot.

[@MustardTiger95]

10psi in the 37x12.50-17 Pataguccis on my 80 series is right on the money for just about everything between Tijuana and Rapid City. Super plush, plenty of grip, and can still deal with 20-30mi of highway to/from camp, between trails, or getting down to a reasonable elevation to not torture my compressor while airing back up. Running basic moto metal 17x8 wheels that were on it when I bought it, have yet to pop a bead. No beadlocks - just paying good attention to my lines / tire placement, and steering timing + force... And a good bit of "pleasepleaseplease" when I do lose a line in the wet and start sliding sideways down a slab 😆

[@TehButterflyEffect]

Get some good tires instead of the terrible Patagonias and stop sliding as much. 😉

[@MustardTiger95]

@@TehButterflyEffect hardly terrible. I got KM3s at the end of October and they slide in all the same places so far.

[@Point71v]

Ram 1500 with 3" lift. 30 front, 27 rear. That's a cold pressure, after they warm up add 3-4 psi to those numbers. I don't rock crawl. All backroads and deactivated roads. I run 42/40 on pavement. Makes the ride much more enjoyable. Don't get beat to crap on washboard.

[@omarobeso1456]

15 psi it’s good enough for starters

[@colinarner790]

12-14 treats me well, 0-4 in snow

[@Savage_Thinker]

Jeep dude speaking jeep dude

[@jorgenunez7608]

Depends on terrain I suppose

[@robertsteele8875]

3 important factors to consider, 1) wheel type, 2) terrain being driven, and 3) your vehicle weight. If you don’t know the answer start high and work your way downward. Imagine?

[@ldnwholesale8552]

Running a tyre much under manufacturers specs will leave them open for fractures. And if so you will be told so. Yes they can give more grip. BUT when back on the road will build up heat and pressure rapidly. Low pressures and low speed are generally ok on sand. But reinflate them before you go back on the bitumen. I see too many tyres with 'rubber balls' inside them when removing them and you can feel the sidewall damgage

[@DB-yj3qc]

On my XJ i think I ran 25 psi on roads with 33x12.5-15 rims that was almost "under sized for the tire width, off pavement that was probably 10-15 psi if that never really ever popped the bead. For example my 4wheeler I've ran 3 psi if any only popping the bead 1-2 times.

[@rs4race]

1997 TJ, stock wheels and 35x12.5r15 MTR's. I air down to 10psi. I think I lost a bead at 2psi. I'll experiment with lower pressure in the future.

[@paulkleinkramer5065]

Years of wheeling across several Jeeps and SUVs (all without bead locks) had shown me that 10 psi is TOO LOW and 20 psi is TOO HIGH.

[@JeepUSMC]

7-tons air down to 7psi in mud and sand settings. Mrap was around 15 psi Mat-v is around 10. Military trucks are usually ran now with a ctis system. Thats what I would use if it's applicable on a jeep let's say.

[@miketuggle9273]

To be honest I never could figure out the best pressure. I even ran them under a vacuum with no success. So finally I just go wheelin' minus the tires.

[@bryandoncaster6639]

This is my Rig, there are many like it but this one is mine. It's like a dope card for your tires on different loads and set ups. What if you wanna bring the tin boat? The Lego motor guy does a good job showing this.

[@jlautomotive6349]

Absolutely love your content, always informative especially for beginners and people new to Jeep life and off roading!

[@johnmadsen37]

12 is always good.

[@devanwheeler3426]

The hard truth is that you should be running much thinner tires, sizes that hmmv run or 2 1/2 tons run are generally what most off roaders should be aiming for

[@sharathraj7906]

Why did you do this video 😂

[@bohunt8113]

I run 15-18