Questions on airing down tires. - Page 2

**nkybrad** · 01-29-2013, 08:56 AM

Quote:

iwashmycar previously said:

You can air down quite a bit, especially with an E tire. I usually go 15 and you cant hardly even tell by looks.

X2. Exactly the pressure i usually run at.

No-Jeep-Jarrod · 01-29-2013, 12:25 PM

I know you asked about airing down. I have 265/75R16 BFG's and usually go down to 18 PSI. I know others go lower. You have to decide for your self how much ground clearance you want to loose. If I don't air down I really notice how bumpy the trails are. I've had my FJ since 2010 and mounted a compressor under the hood on the right finder, as seen in photo. Sweet talk some vendors and see who can get you a good deal. Mounting a compressor is a lot of work. FYI I built the aluminum tray myself for the compressor and the winch control box. As seen in the photo this is a tankless set up. With a wife,dog and seven year old, the rear cargo area is full enough.

David Beale · 01-29-2013, 02:25 PM

Hmm, well I have found over the years that you DO NOT air down for snow. Sand yes, snow no. The tread won't clear very well (snow will get trapped in it if aired down).
I guess it depends on the tyres?
We also air down for muskeg (floating kind especially) in an effort to not break through.

tsy87 · 01-29-2013, 02:44 PM

I got stuck in the snow, after airing down to 10 psi, I didnt get stuck anymore.

What it really boils down to is the type of snow you are dealing with.

**FJess** · 01-29-2013, 02:57 PM

There are really no rules here that work perfectly for every situation/tire size/tread type. Experiment with your setup and whatever terrain you find yourself on and see what works best.

fj4M&E · 01-29-2013, 04:15 PM

found an okay video that covers airing down.

TeraFlex Wood Tips: Why do we air down? - YouTube

They seem to be more in the sand but it applies to wheeling in the snow as well. They hit on much more comfortable ride, better traction, tire conforms to the terrain rather than bouncing over everything.

If your running a DOT wheel I would be Leary airing down past 15 psi. I typically run between 20 and 25 depending on what I am doing

Once you are aired down you will not be able to travel at highway speeds it is unsafe and hard on the tires

also you will need a way to air up but it looks like you were working on that

should help

Mike

FJX2000 · 01-29-2013, 05:44 PM

Yeah for me, I air down to 25 from 36 usually to go wheeling, and that's what I've always done and it's what I'm comfortable with.

However, I know for Cruise Moab, they require you to be aired down to a maximum of 15 when they do your vehicle evaluation.

This scares me.

So what do you guys think about my setup being aired down that much?

iwashmycar · 01-29-2013, 05:46 PM

Are they E rated? 15 is still very sufficient. I wouldn't worry.

Tire beads are pretty stout

FJX2000 · 01-29-2013, 10:48 PM

Quote:

iwashmycar previously said:

Are they E rated? 15 is still very sufficient. I wouldn't worry.

Tire beads are pretty stout

Yes they are E rated, so that's good to know!! Thanks iwashmycar!

Also, on a side note, I recently saw a picture of your engine compartment and was admiring how clean it is!! So I was wondering, could you wash mine? I still have mud from when this happened in November of 2011!!!

iwashmycar · 01-30-2013, 05:21 AM

And that is why I dont touch mud if possible. Not worth it!

My engine bay had gotten covered and that was just driving through a 5' wide gulch of muddy water., albeit maybe a little too fast. Stuff was dripping out around the headlights and all that mess.