Safe air Pressure for non-bead lock wheels?

[AVGeek99]

I am taking a trip to Utah at the end of March. I have never aired down before, but I got a Mid-Atlantic iCuatro and compressor for Christmas so I plan to air down while I'm wheeling.

I know with bead locks you can go really low with the pressure. What is a safe low end aire pressure with normal non-bead lock wheels?

My tires are Cooper STT Pros, 315/70R17, Load Range E, assuming the tires matter.

Thanks!

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[Chocolate Thunder]

Opinions will vary greatly. I’m relatively new to off-roading so certainly no expert. What I’ve done is progressively air down lower each time when wheeling the same places. I’m down to 13 psi on non beadlock wheels and haven’t had any issues yet.

 

[Philly_]

I typically go down to about 15 psi. Haven’t done any rock crawling, but this hasn’t been a problem in mud/sand/gravel with any of my vehicles.

 

[BDinTX]

15psi is what I go to play with my 315/70r17 BFG KO2 C rated.

 

[Jhawth]

When I went wheeling on the OEM wheels and 33" BFG KO2s I would go down to 12 psi.

 

[Jmos4]

Hi,

You didn't mention rim width, but stock 7.5 inch wide, I would imagine 10-15 psi vs if you're running a 9-10 inch wide rim 15-20 might be all you can get away with.

Regards,
Jim

 

[Zandcwhite]

I've gone as low as 10psi without losing a bead, but that is low enough that a large rock will burp air out if it pushes against the sidewall just right. Not a big deal if you pay attention and carry air. Stop and air that tire back up to 10 and wheel on. Traction is so good in moab that 15-17psi works great and then you can drive from trail to trail on pavement without airing back up.

 

[Gaffer]

I can play all day at 8 psi on the snow but bust the beads at 6 psi. I usually run 15 on trails because it gets the job done and I can do highway speeds if needed.

 

[AVGeek99]

Thanks for all the responses. My wheels are 17x9, didn't think to include that in my original post, but it does make sense that a narrower wheel would allow a bit lower PSI. I was thinking right around 15 to start with and then go from there. I'll definitely keep an eye on tire pressure on the trail. I have a Mean Mother compressor to air back up or if I need air on the trail.

Thanks again all!!

 

[BradyW]

15psi is what I go to play with my 315/70r17 BFG KO2 C rated.

Exactly the same. No issues. Been at 13/14psi a couple of times because I was too lazy to air back up to 15psi, with no problems.

 

[Drytellsr]

When I'm in Moab for about 10 days i will air down to between 18-20 and leave it there the entire time and air up before headed home. You can drive on the highway up 60mph as long as your not being reckless.

 

[GATORB8]

Another vote for 15, can always drop it a little more if they aren't spreading.

That was my go to for our 35x12.50 E Load KO2s, and our 37" Ds.

 

[J0E]

Hi,

You didn't mention rim width, but stock 7.5 inch wide, I would imagine 10-15 psi vs if you're running a 9-10 inch wide rim 15-20 might be all you can get away with.

Bigger tires also can air down more without breaking a bead.

When I went wheeling on the OEM wheels and 33" BFG KO2s I would go down to 12 psi.

OP has bigger tires so should be safe at 15 PSI. I'm on stock treads on my JLR and air down to 16, but I'm conservative.

• Why you need beadlocks youtube.

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