Airing down tires on 22" wheels for off-roading

[SublimeHiPpOs]

We're taking a family trip to Utah in a few weeks and I'm hoping to hit up a couple mild trails with the Expy. I also have a Jeep that I've done a bit of off-roading in as well and will typically air down to around 12-14 psi. Obviously the Expy with it's 22s shouldn't be aired down nearly as much, and I'm not planning on any crazy rock climbing or anything, but there will likely be some steep ascents and bumps, so just looking for a little extra traction and comfort for the family. Does anyone have experience off-roading with the stock 22s/Hankook tires and airing down? I was thinking maybe 25-30 psi as a starting point... Obviously I don't want to risk damaging the wheels and tires or popping a bead.

 

[Calidad]

I know the Rover guys on big wheels typically don’t air down then again most of them are packed full of stuff which case they sink either way but at least they don’t pinch a tire lol.

I have thought about this my self I have stock 22’s. The stock tires are junk regarding durability they are soft squishy comfort tires, so from that aspect I wont air them down. If I had more durable 22 tires then yes maybe 5-8lbs but likely only if I’m running light if your heavy probably 5lbs max

 

[ManUpOrShutUp]

Am I understanding this correctly? You're going to off-road with the stock, low-profile tires and you want to air down?

 

[SublimeHiPpOs]

Am I understanding this correctly? You're going to off-road with the stock, low-profile tires and you want to air down?

Good point. I'm definitely planning on keeping it to easy trails. I'm just coming from the Jeep world where airing down is pretty much a given when going off road.

 

[expeditiondriver]

I’d run 32 psi to 34 psi (cold) and call it a day. They won’t perform on much of anything no matter what you do, and you’ll run the risks you’ve already considered. Just nudge them down to smooth it out a bit, give slightly more grip and hopefully avoid any punctures. Your primary mission is going to be avoiding rim and tire damage, which means dirt roads while taking it easy.

 

[Jeka]

I’ve done some unmaintained roads/light trails driving. It’s not pleasant at all. Did not air down. OEM Hankooks **** in any road condition.
Just remember - one hand on the steering wheel, second hand hold your sunroof from falling down on you

 

[Deadman]

I just don't see where a little traction advantage is worth ruining a tire/wheel on your trip? The benefits are minimal and the possible problems could ruin your trip if you couldn't find replacements immediately. Its not worth the trouble. Just let them at 39 and call it a day.......

 

[NukeLife]

Am I understanding this correctly? You're going to off-road with the stock, low-profile tires and you want to air down?

 

[NukeLife]

Yep. I would just leave them as is. I would only attempt airing down a LITTLE if you were in deep sand and stuck.
Having just spent a few weeks out on trails and primitive roads, I’ll just say I was very thankful for my 10 ply Nitto’s. Even the sandy trails have rocks waiting to jump out and ruin your day.

 

[Expedition Dave]

The fact that it "low profile" will make it less likely to pop the bead due to less leverage when on MILD terrain. IDK what your door pressure says, but any tire on mild/moderate terrain should have no problems -10 pounds. How many times have you looked at a low profile tire 10+ pounds low in air and can't even tell? You will get no "ballooning" and more not geting the !#$$ knocked out of you with ever bump and undulation. YMMV and it may be possible that there is a sweet PSI comfort spot with those things. If you are really concerned make sure your spare is aired and you know how to get at it and have some means of stabilizing your jack.

 

[Fozzy]

Keep them at full pressure. Even the paved roads have razor sharp small rocks that will slice a 10 ply tire if hit them right. Also if you have the CCD’s. Try SPORT mode out. I find it wheels the best with the firmer suspension setting. Like mentioned above check your spare and have a way to change it. Grab an inflator and plug kit. It’s kinda like having a winch. You only need it when you don’t have it.

 

[tommyddsr]

You don't have enough sidewall to air down. Definitely looking to mess up a tire or two.

 

[Expedition Dave]

He will be fine -10/-15 psi if he is slow rolling on dirt. And I mean less than 10mph.
If he is bombing around like he has RAPTOR spray painted on his side, has 2,000 pounds in the truck, etc. different story.
Looking forward to the AAR and pics.

 

[expeditiondriver]

Did you go on the trip?

 

[rick619]

I would worry less about the tires and more about scratching up your wheels and paint from small rock chips.

Agree that you can't air those low profile tires much. Maybe drop 3-5 psi and stick with the fire roads. Definitely better off in your Jeep.

 

[mr_dave]

The TFL Truck guys go offroading in their new LR Defender with 20" wheels.

Bronco vs Wrangler vs Defender: We Drive Them Off-Road Up A Mountain, But Only Two Make It Back!

Plan your next big trip with onX Offroad today — Download now! Available in the AppleApp Store or Google Play Store. Click the link to use promo code “TFL” a...

youtu.be

 

[JasonH]

The TFL Truck guys go offroading in their new LR Defender with 20" wheels.

Bronco vs Wrangler vs Defender: We Drive Them Off-Road Up A Mountain, But Only Two Make It Back!

Plan your next big trip with onX Offroad today — Download now! Available in the AppleApp Store or Google Play Store. Click the link to use promo code “TFL” a...

youtu.be

I watched the other day. They almost rolled the Defender

Off topic, but their Jeep 4xe video was pretty cool too. I can't fathom why people take expensive vehicles off-roading. Seems like it would be more sensible to get a beater and build it up.

 

[Shutterbug57]

You might want to look at the TFL YouTube review of the Wrangler, Bronco and Land Rover. They were on a moderate trail and the LR was on 20 or 22” rims. It punctured 2 tires and they had to load the flats in the Bronco and get new tires to retrieve the LR. Low profile tires and off road don’t really mix well.

ETA - I guess I should have read the whole thread prior to posting.

 

[Artie]

I have ran down forest service roads a ton and I never air down and I’ve never had any issues. However? I have had both my front wheel bearings replaced following a spirited trek down said roads… thankfully they were done under warranty.
My vote is don’t air down.

 

[tommyddsr]

Like I've said before, difference between 22's and 18's is do you want to look pretty or go off road?