Tires....what psi do you use? Do you let out air off roading?

Roughstock11

May 09, 2023

This came up in another thread. I did a quick search and nothing came up. If there is an old thread that would be great as well.

My dealership had the tires at 30 psi and they had no real reason for it. They said they do 30 psi for all their vehicles. I put them to 39 as soon as I could. It was a Saturday and the vehicle was in another building because it was raining so I didn't get them to do it. I have 35" tires (KO2's) put on after the Ford build and 39 psi, as per the door, seemed reasonable. Tire max is 45 psi.

I will only let out pressure if I need to get out of a rough spot. I don't lower tires on my large enduro bike (BMW 1250 GSA) as well since it is a lot of weight and I don't want to damage the rims. So I plan on doing the same with my Bronco. My experienced Baja racing friend only lets out tire pressure to get out of a rough spot also. I found that interesting. He had the same concerns.

I am wondering what everyone else does. There is no right or wrong way to do it. Just a personal preference from what I see.

23 Bronco Raptor, code orange belts, keyless, lux, leather trim/suede seats, carbon fibre, shadow black

johnnycardosi

Last edited by a moderator: May 09, 2023

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May 09, 2023

I run at around 35 PSI on the street. For long road-trips I will air it up to the recommended 39 PSI to maximize fuel economy.

Off-road I typically will drop it to around 20-25 PSI. If circumstances require it... I'll go lower. Sand or light/fluffy snow, for example, often requires you to go pretty low, and I can comfortably go to ~12-15 PSI in those situations. As a last resort, I'll drop it to 10 PSI. But anything below 10 PSI gets really iffy without beadlocks.

2022 4dr Badlands, 2.3L Manual, Mid pkg
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StayWild, JoergH

May 09, 2023

RagnarKon
I run at around 35 PSI on the street. For long road-trips I will air it up to the recommended 39 PSI to maximize fuel economy.

Off-road I typically will drop it to around 20-25 PSI. If circumstances require it... I'll go lower. Sand or light/fluffy snow, for example, often requires you to go pretty low, and I can comfortably go to ~12-15 PSI in those situations. As a last resort, I'll drop it to 10 PSI. But anything below 10 PSI gets really iffy without beadlocks.

Thank you! Good to know

23 Bronco Raptor, code orange belts, keyless, lux, leather trim/suede seats, carbon fibre, shadow black

May 09, 2023

There are multiple reasons to run lower pressure off road. The sidewall flexes more, so you have a "softer" ride. It helps a lot, especially on washboard or rocky terrain. It's worth it just for that.

It also increases the length of the tire touching the ground/road surface, which can increase traction.

You probably don't want to decrease pressure much at higher speeds, but if you're off road, and not racing Baja, there is almost no reason not to lower the pressure. There is a right answer, and that's to lower the pressure in almost all cases off road.

39 seems high on road too.

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Red Squatch, Rydfree

May 09, 2023

AcesandEights
There are multiple reasons to run lower pressure off road. The sidewall flexes more, so you have a "softer" ride. It helps a lot, especially on washboard or rocky terrain. It's worth it just for that.

It also increases the length of the tire touching the ground/road surface, which can increase traction.

You probably don't want to decrease pressure much at higher speeds, but if you're off road, and not racing Baja, there is almost no reason not to lower the pressure. There is a right answer, and that's to lower the pressure in almost all cases off road.

39 seems high on road too.

I guess it is how you off road. I was at some pretty high speeds bouncing down a rocky road the other day. As well, from here I am on dirt roads, then perhaps highway then dirt and rough rocky logging roads. There is a lot to hit. If I was doing low speed off roading than yes I would probably lower my tires. So I am not sure there is a right answer. I would have to come up with a comfortable pressure and leave it there since I live in an off road area and just going for a drive you can end up pushing it hard. I tend to like my tires hard but perhaps I should re think it. Not for the bike but for the truck. A 600 pound bike you can damage the rims easily.

Perhaps 35 all round would be good?

PS. I road with my friend a few weeks ago. It may as well been the Baja....He's quick and hits pretty hard.

23 Bronco Raptor, code orange belts, keyless, lux, leather trim/suede seats, carbon fibre, shadow black

May 09, 2023

Still driving the OEM Goodyear "Territories" (a.k.a. Wranglers) on my BL Sas 4Dr, now 20K miles
39 road.
20 trail.
10-12 sand.
My winter was fairly mild--nothing worse than snowy slush in Boston and east-central New England, so I haven't bothered adjusting for snow. I usually stay at my 39 psi road for country and county dirt roads.

Worth noting on the "Territories:" When new, they really pick up rocks, and have been called "rock chuckers." That contributed to a number of flats I experienced on maintained & graded dirt roads in Utah. I was advised to air down to prevent that, but didn't have compressor gear then, so I curtailed a lot of my off-pavement ambitions. I understand this problem decreases with tire wear.

Xpathf1nderX, TK1215

May 09, 2023

I roll on 39psi Ride seems fine for me, the 1000 miles we put on it this weekend was very comfy, I like a firmer ride. Off-Roading I usually air down to ~20psi

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TK1215, WeakNinja

May 09, 2023

I run 39 on the road. The ride is fine and I am able to get over 20 MPG on the highway. I run 15 to 25 off road.
I attached a pic from our weekend outing to show 20 MPG is obtainable with the 2.7.

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IMG_1014.jpeg 4032 x 3024 · 690.23 KB

2DR Badlands, Iconic Silver, 2.7/10 speed, Mod. bumper, MIC, MID, Tow.

WeakNinja, Roughstock11

May 09, 2023

Roughstock11
I guess it is how you off road...

Horses for courses, as they say.

BTW, there are times a softer tire (lower pressure) is better for the wheel. When at highest pressures, more impact is transferred to the wheel, because there is less sidewall give.

"At a higher pressure, tires have a tendency to push away from obstacles instead of absorbing them, resulting in a jarring ride and poorer off-road performance...

...it also removes some of the force transferred to the driveline, steering and suspension parts..."
https://www.xoverland.com/overlandi... the,driveline, steering and suspension parts.

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WeakNinja, Roughstock11

May 09, 2023

I was at the Nevada Bronco Off-Roadeo a couple weeks ago & they had all the tires at 20 psi (no beadlocks). A few days later, I made the pilgrimage to Bronco Knoll & aired down to 22 psi (no beadlocks). No problems at all, and it made the very washboarded road much more comfortable to drive at 25 - 30 mph. And I also can get 20 mpg on the highway at the recommended 39 psi (BadSquatch w/2.7).

Patience has payed off...

Badlands or Bust, Roughstock11

May 09, 2023

#10

AcesandEights
Horses for courses, as they say.

BTW, there are times a softer tire (lower pressure) is better for the wheel. When at highest pressures, more impact is transferred to the wheel, because there is less sidewall give.

"At a higher pressure, tires have a tendency to push away from obstacles instead of absorbing them, resulting in a jarring ride and poorer off-road performance...

...it also removes some of the force transferred to the driveline, steering and suspension parts..."
https://www.xoverland.com/overlandi... the,driveline, steering and suspension parts.

I have a good quality compressor for a trailer I can throw in my truck. I will try some lower psi's and see how it goes. I need to find a nice all round psi for hitting the trials and the dirt roads.

Anyone have a one size fits all tire pressure they would recommend? If at anytime I can be in rough terrain, dirt roads and paved roads. I know that is what people are not recommending but that is what will work well for me. Thanks

23 Bronco Raptor, code orange belts, keyless, lux, leather trim/suede seats, carbon fibre, shadow black

May 09, 2023

#11

Roughstock11
I have a good quality compressor for a trailer I can throw in my truck. I will try some lower psi's and see how it goes. I need to find a nice all round psi for hitting the trials and the dirt roads.

I have this compressor it works well ( I can air all 4 from 20-39psi in about 8 minutes) and doesn’t take up much space in the back and I can put it in the pickup when I am pulling the travel trailer. Not a bad deal at $150

Magic Raptor, WeakNinja

May 09, 2023

#12

I run at 40PSI. I don't air down on the trail. I don't do that type of runs, and with the Badlands I get the bars releases I hope I will never have to.

WhiteWalker, Roughstock11

May 09, 2023

#13

For the road, definitely 39 psi. Off road, really depends on the terrain and the type of soil, sand, rock, snow etc...

JoergH, WeakNinja

May 10, 2023

#14

Lots of compressors to chose from. ARB is the Cadillac of compressors, and will run you about $1,000 for the two-cylinder install. People swear by them, and imagnative installs are discussed at great length on the threads. The Trickflate (above) is one of several variants of the NAPA 2-cyllinder 300 lpm (liters-per-minute), and is very popular. Check Tricky Dick Enterprises (Washington State) on the other forum, where he's a sponsor. I have the ThorsLightning variant (located in Colorado), also a NAPA 300 lpm, a little faster, which has perhaps the only (so far) permanent install mount for the Bronco (4DR hardtop only). They'll be having a Memorial Day sale soon. Another variant is the MorFlate.

Jakob1972, Deano Bronc

May 10, 2023

#15

BostonBadlands
Lots of compressors to chose from. ARB is the Cadillac of compressors, and will run you about $1,000 for the two-cylinder install. People swear by them, and imagnative installs are discussed at great length on the threads. The Trickflate (above) is one of several variants of the NAPA 2-cyllinder 300 lpm (liters-per-minute), and is very popular. Check Tricky Dick Enterprises (Washington State) on the other forum, where he's a sponsor. I have the ThorsLightning variant (located in Colorado), also a NAPA 300 lpm, a little faster, which has perhaps the only (so far) permanent install mount for the Bronco (4DR hardtop only). They'll be having a Memorial Day sale soon. Another variant is the MorFlate.

Great info. thanks. I am running off road at about double the speeds mentioned. About 60 mph at times. Since I am on dirt roads and then one lane paved highway for about 15 minutes to get to my destination I perhaps will keep my tires where they are now. Sliding around a corner at 50 mph at 20 psi I am not sure about. Perhaps someone could comment on that. It seems most of my off roading is rough roads at higher speeds currently. I like the idea of having a permanent install for when I am running at lower speeds and doing more serious off roading. That seems to be the way to go. The compressor I have is a good one; however, not a permanent install. Thank again, I will definitely look into it!

23 Bronco Raptor, code orange belts, keyless, lux, leather trim/suede seats, carbon fibre, shadow black

WeakNinja, Calgecko

May 10, 2023

#16

30 is low for daily driving .. 39 is way too high for my comfort level, I like mine at 34 for daily driving. For off roading, if it's just a dirt trail, I'll go to about 18psi to help smooth out the ride .. if it's a dirt trail with some obstacles or puncture risks, I'll go to 14-15psi ... for deep snow, also around 15psi (some guys are comfortable going to 12psi without bead locks).

I have the ARB Twin compressor with the under-hood mount kit from @4x4TruckLEDs.com and absolutely LOVE it. I bought it last year when it went on sale - either a Memorial or Labor day sale, I can't remember, but it was less than $800 shipped with the mount kit, and worth EVERY penny.

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Nminus1, Deano Bronc

May 10, 2023

#17

Roughstock11
Great info. thanks. I am running off road at about double the speeds mentioned. About 60 mph at times. Since I am on dirt roads and then one lane paved highway for about 15 minutes to get to my destination I perhaps will keep my tires where they are now. Sliding around a corner at 50 mph at 20 psi I am not sure about. Perhaps someone could comment on that. It seems most of my off roading is rough roads at higher speeds currently. I like the idea of having a permanent install for when I am running at lower speeds and doing more serious off roading. That seems to be the way to go. The compressor I have is a good one; however, not a permanent install. Thank again, I will definitely look into it!

at my local off road park they have a 'track' that's used for Ultra4 racing , and when it's not in use for that, it's open to anyone to use, it's got some high speed areas (I've hit 74mph on it), sharp turns, banked turns, a jump, etc ... I've done NUMEROUS laps on it at high speed at 16psi with no issues (I don't have bead locks)

Deano Bronc, Jakob1972

May 10, 2023

#18

Both posts Calgecko real good to know. Thanks

Sounds like fun!!!

23 Bronco Raptor, code orange belts, keyless, lux, leather trim/suede seats, carbon fibre, shadow black

Calgecko

May 11, 2023

#19

The correct way to determine tire pressure for road use is to warm tires by driving a few miles.
Then measure tire tread temp on the outside, center, and inside.The correct pressure will have equal temps across the tread.

This will maximize tread life and have a full contact patch for traction.

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WhiteWalker, BostonBadlands

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