Old timer at the gravel pit said to run my tires at 18 PSI off-road

I was out at the Bighorn National Forest last weekend with my 4Runner and that guy Mike from the local 4x4 club told me to drop my tire pressure way lower than I usually do. He said run them at 18 psi on the trails and I thought he was nuts since I always kept them around 25. But after getting through two muddy sections without spinning out and a way smoother ride on the rocks, I'm wondering if I've been missing out this whole time. Anyone else had a tire pressure recommendation that completely changed how your rig handles on trails?

3 comments

3 Comments

gavin69225d agoTop Commenter

Jumped out of my truck to air down once and forgot my gauge in the cupholder, so I just guessed and let some air out until the tires looked squishy. Ended up around 12 psi by accident on a trail full of babyheads and that thing rode like a Cadillac compared to my usual 28. Never would have believed it if I hadn't felt it myself. Mike sounds like he knows his stuff same as the guy who told me to stop being stubborn and let some air out. What kind of terrain do you run most up there in the Bighorns?

mary_martin2225d ago

Man, that accidental discovery is always the best kind.

susanm5620d ago

Heard a story from a buddy who ran into the same thing up near the Tetons. Forgot his pressure gauge somewhere and ended up at like 10 psi on a nasty rock garden. Said his rig floated over stuff that usually had him bouncing all over the cab. He was pissed at first but now he purposely runs lower than he used to. Said it totally changed how he looks at tire pressure now.