PSI

[MidwayJ]

Hello friends-

I wanted to ask what some may consider a dumb question. I do all of my work solo and am not sure what is the lowest safe psi in the tires to drive the Bronco Raptor on paved road?

Sometimes I encounter stretches of pavement between trails- highways, etc. I'm wondering if it's necessary to fully re-inflate my tires for these sections, or if driving at 15-18 psi is safe for shorter paved distances. Hoping to reduce my air ups/downs if possible.

Thanks in advance and happy wheeling!

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[Aonarch]

We just had this thread under General I believe, search tire pressure, PSI, etc.

 

[MidwayJ]

Won't let me delete it - oh well.

 

[BleednBlue]

Lots a variables in play. Couple to consider:
Cargo Weight?
Tire Load Rating?

 

[MidwayJ]

Lots a variables in play. Couple to consider:
Cargo Weight?
Tire Load Rating?

I do everything solo so it's probably 75-100 lbs. of gear max + me and I'm not a big guy. This is with the stock 17" bead lock wheels and 37" tires. I'm inclined to believe I do not need to air up as often as I do but I'll just keep doing it until I have reason not to as I've had no problems at all it just gets annoying sometimes. Appreciate the response.

 

[TerryB]

I run at 15psi. For short/mid length sections of asphalt I stay under 40mph when going straight and when turning go very slow, to the point where I don’t feel any lateral pressure. The thing that will lose a bead is sharp turns at higher speeds.
if you want to feel real safe i’d go with 20psi.

 

[MidwayJ]

I run at 15psi. For short/mid length sections of asphalt I stay under 40mph when going straight and when turning go very slow, to the point where I don’t feel any lateral pressure. The thing that will lose a bead is sharp turns at higher speeds.
if you want to feel real safe i’d go with 20psi.

Appreciate the response. This will be a lot easier - just keep it around 20 with speeds down if I leave the dirt temporarily. Sometimes being solo I'm just not sure so hearing others experiences is very helpful.
Thanks again, bud.

 

[jzweedyk]

The only reason to air up on pavement is for heat. If you stay under 40, unless it is 110 degrees outside, you will be fine. If you left it that way the outside of the tread would wear more, but it would take many hundred miles to show.

 

[TruckCamper]

Most highway catastrophic tire failure is due to tire pressure (too low). This is why TPMS sensors have been mandated in vehicles.

If you remember the 90s Explorer with Firestone Tire recall... this was a combination failure (primarily in the HOT Southwestern states) where the deeper AT tire tread (which generates more heat than shallow tread), a "heavy" vehicle Explorer SUV and higher speed limits combined with tire PSI rating being too low from Ford. Essentially the tire would overheat and come apart (blow out).

You can monitor the tire heat and see for yourself. Traveling on asphalt will generate additional heat. Speed will generate additional heat. Everyone has their opinions; however it's good to understand the physics on what is happening and exercise caution.

We have traveled the entire state of Idaho off road @ 30psi front / 35-40psi rear (Super Duty w/ Truck camper). Travel speed under 45mph. It was on dirt and gravel (for 30 days). We would air up anytime on pavement. Our pressure was based on tire manufacturer pressure charts for our actual load (front/rear axle) and exact tire (not general info).

It is safer to error on the side of caution. Or get a heat gun and TPMS sensor with temperature reading and monitor.

You can also call the tire manufacturer and ask them for recommended tire pressure for your exact tire. They will input your vehicle and look up the specs for the pressure based on the OEM weight capacity ratings for the vehicle and tire. Nitto and Toyo are great help. This is handy when running tires not intended by the manufacturer (oversized or different load rating).

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