Off Road PSI

I purchased a 2022 4runner TRD Off Road back in April. At age 53, my dream vehicle is FINALLY in my possession! I am not an experienced off roader by any means. I do not currently have any plans of ever getting to that level of actual Rock Climbing etc, however I will be heading out to Ouray Co in a few weeks. I have been looking at some fairly low key drives (Last Dollar, Cimmaron, Owl Pass) and am curious what is a good PSI to run my KO2's while making these drives? I am thinking around 23-25. Thanks in advanced for any input!

 

Welcome and good looking truck!

 

On moderate short trails i do 25psi but it may be more comfortable to go lower.

 

I run 20psi in my 2nd gen.

 

I've dropped to 20 psi

 

20 psi (easy) or 17psi (moderate) is the sweet spot for me in terms of comfort.

If it is a technical trail and I know I really need the grip I go down to 15 psi

 

I drop to about 20 on any tire.

 

17 for the win

 

Try different ones, it may vary depending on terrain, conditions, how much you time you want to spend reinflating, load range, etc.

Heck, I've tackled some at street pressure just to see how it was.

 

I run 24psi up front and 19psi in the rear all day every day, whats this "airing down" nonsense you guys are talking about

 

Thank you all! Looks like 20 for the win!

 

This, but I typically default to around 17psi if unsure of obstacles on the trail

 

23-25 sounds like a good starting point. When I had stock size tires, I generally ran 20-25 depending on the terrain. I'd run as low as 18 in rocks or sand.

I run 12-15 with my current tires. But, I'd never consider running that low on pavement for any real distance.

 

Welcome

 

I run 34.

 

14PSI non pavement only

 

20 psi for me....but I think my lower back will feel better it i go to 15psi. I am just honestly worried that I might pop or mess something.

 

Some of this info might apply, especially the optimum flat foot print. Based on my roughly 50+ years of driving on deep soft beach sand around Cape Hatteras.


1. Airing down



Some folks think airing down (lowering tire pressure) is not really necessary and while that is true for some vehicles, there are reasons why you may want to air down regardless of your thinking on this, even if you have nitrogen in your tires.
A vehicle aired down properly to a nice flat optimum tread footprint rolls more easily mostly over the sand rather than mostly pushing down into and thru the sand with hard tires. Thus less torque is required to move the vehicle and less strain on the engine and drive train.
Additionally hard tires tend to give short way less than a full revolution spins as they push thru the sand. This kicks back a little sand forming a washboard / speedbump affect in the sand. The ride is thus more uncomfortable for you from the spins and very uncomfortable for those following.
Now some don’t want to air down because they worry about tire damage / wear on pavement and many carry portable pumps to air up immediately after coming off the sand or at least as soon as they can get to an air station. This really is not necessary if you are at the optimum flat footprint. I air down upon arrival and sometimes stay that way for weeks, only airing up if say I’m going to go from Salvo to Nags Head area. Over the years and many sets of tires I’ve seen no appreciable difference in tire wear than what I would expect at full street pressure.
Now that said there are things to consider when aired down. More sidewall heat is generated as the sidewalls flex more, but if speed is kept reasonable (even 55 mph or less) for the short distances you would travel around the beach area on pavement, it would not be a problem. Also handling, especially in sharp cornering, is affected as the tire tends to “roll” more to the side of the rim in a turn. But again, reasonable speed and avoiding sharp cornering should give no problems. Gas mileage is slightly affected as it takes a little more effort to move the vehicle.
Now you can air down “too much”. When you go below the optimum flat footprint the center of the tread tends to concave in toward the rim and even in the sand you tend to ride more on the tread edges and the hump of sand in the middle adds to the torque required to move the vehicle. While not as bad as hard tires in the sand, it will tend to result in more “digging” from just the edges and pushing thru the sand. And it will cause excessive tread wear on the tread edges on pavement, plus way more heat in the sidewalls.
In addition sharp turns at very low pressure, as in trying to move over out of ruts, can result in breaking a tire to rim seal. Plus if torque is applied when you start to bog down the low pressure can result in the rim spinning inside the tire if the edges “grab” the sand again breaking a seal. I’ve seen this happen on a couple of occasions, one having two seals broken, thus no help from the spare.


I learned years ago from some desert rats the optimum footprint for sand. It is not a one size fits all so you will have to experiment a little to find what fits your setup. Your vehicle should roll rather easily “over” the sand and not require a lot of extra power (torque). And remember street pressure is not necessarily exactly what is on the door placard. The placard is nominal for a nominal load (usually indicated on the placard). Both street and sand pressures are load dependent (including passengers, gas, etc) and may vary front to back, depending on how you are loaded.


General rule is with vehicle loaded like it will be on the sand and vehicle on level pavement and tire pressure at recommended street pressure, measure the height from pavement to edge of rim. Then lower pressure until the height is ¾ of street pressure height.


When driving in the sand, slow steady progress is best. If you start to bog down, stop. Back up a few vehicle lengths in your tracks and then go forward again with slow and steady. Try to avoid spinning / gunning it as this will generally dig you in.

 

For easy trail rides you can go down to 9 psi with no risk of popping a bead, though some tires (like Copper ST Maxx) become prone to debris ingress at the bead area. I usually go down to 15 psi. Lower pressure = more comfort and more puncture resistance.

A tire is the most puncture- and cut-resistant at 0 psi, which is why it's advisable to completely deflate the spare on harder trails.

 

8

 

I go 17-18 in my 4th Gen. Whatever you decide, I highly recommend Over-Sand deflators. They’re solidly built and provide exceptional precision in choosing your pressure. Terrific customer service too.

 

it looks like there has been some good feedback.

previous related conversation:
https://www.4runners.com/threads/wh...uld-i-deflate-the-tires-to.30937/#post-439289
https://www.4runners.com/threads/tire-deflation-recommendation.40532/#post-632842
https://www.4runners.com/threads/ne...driving-with-stock-limited.18734/#post-225569

then you need to air up:
https://www.4runners.com/threads/hand-held-air-compressor-opinions-please.43634/#post-697854
https://www.4runners.com/threads/ez-flate-game-changer.28861/#post-404441

Ive gathered a bit of this in the knowledge sharing document .. but for ease of reference here

Air compressor HOWTO
https://www.top4runners.com/ja/2007/air.html
ALL-TOP Dual Cylinder Air Compressor Pressure, 150PSI 12.35CFM

$210 ALL-TOP Dual Cylinder Air Compressor with Digital Pressure Gauge Tire Inflator Kit, 12V Portable Inflator 12.35ft³/Min, Offroad Air Pump for Truck Tires, Heavy Duty Max 150 PSI for 4x4 Vehicle & RV

https://www.amazon.com/ALL-TOP-Cylinder-Compressor-Pressure-Inflator/dp/B0CJ2M4Y8C/
ARB CKMTA12
https://store.arbusa.com/twin-motor-onboard-air-compressor-ckmta12/
Buffalo Tools Black Bull AC150 (Superflow MV-50)

$96 Buffalo Tools AC150 Air Compressor 150 Psi - Auto,Red

https://www.amazon.com/Volt-Air-Compressor-Portable-Pump/dp/B07QLND35M
https://www.4runners.com/threads/hand-held-air-compressor-opinions-please.43634/page-2#post-706487
EZ Flate M.O.A.B

EZ FLATE M.O.A.B. Auto Air Compressor w/LCD Display, Set Target Pressure, dual air compressor, 10.6 CFM Offroad Air Compressor 4x4, 150 PSI, Inflator With Pressure Gauge

https://www.amazon.com/EZ-FLATE-PORTABLE-CYLINDER-COMPRESSOR/dp/B0C9CCGLB3
https://www.4runners.com/threads/hand-held-air-compressor-opinions-please.43634/page-2#post-713111
Heavy Duty Portable 12V Air Compressor Kit Inflate 6.35CFM (generic)

$100 Heavy Duty Portable 12V Air Compressor Kit Inflate 6.35CFM (180L/ Min), Max 150PSI, Off-Road Air Compressor Kit for 4x4 Vehicle RV, Air Pump for ATVS Tire, for Car and SUV Tire, ROAD2SUMMIT

amazon.com/ROAD2SUMMIT-Portable-Compressor-Inflate-Off-Road/dp/B09NFCZBBT/
https://www.4runners.com/threads/hand-held-air-compressor-opinions-please.43634/#post-697863
METOWARE Offroad Air Compressor 10.6 CFM (M.O.A.B clone)

$140 METOWARE Offroad Air Compressor, 12 V Portable Air Pump with 10.6 CFM, Dual Cylinder Tire Inflator for Car Heavy Duty, Max 150PSI for 4 × 4 SUV Vehicle RV ATV Truck

https://www.amazon.com/METOWARE-Compressor-Portable-Cylinder-Inflator/dp/B0DFCHVGJ9/
NAPA Heavy Duty 12V Horizontal Electric Air Compressor 300 LPM
https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/BK_MTWM10215C
https://www.4runners.com/threads/air-down-up-tools.22127/#post-311923
Noco AX65 (air compressor + jump pack)
https://no.co/ax65
https://www.4runners.com/threads/hand-held-air-compressor-opinions-please.43634/#post-698389
Oasis DC air compressor
https://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/Oasis-Manufacturing-XDM3000-12-Air-Compressor/p3942.html
https://www.4runners.com/threads/hand-held-air-compressor-opinions-please.43634/page-2#post-706295
ROAD2SUMMIT Air Compressor Kit, 12V Portable Inflator 6.35CFM (generic)

$100 Heavy Duty Portable 12V Air Compressor Kit Inflate 6.35CFM (180L/ Min), Max 150PSI, Off-Road Air Compressor Kit for 4x4 Vehicle RV, Air Pump for ATVS Tire, for Car and SUV Tire, ROAD2SUMMIT

https://www.amazon.com/ROAD2SUMMIT-Portable-Compressor-Inflate-Off-Road/dp/B09NFCZBBT/
https://www.4runners.com/threads/re...y-brand-w-a-screw-on-valve.34004/#post-537049
SMAOUT 12V Air Compressor, Portable Inflator 7.06 CFM (generic)

$240 SMAOUT 12V Digital Air Compressor, Offroad Portable Inflator 12.3 CFM, Air Pump Max 150PSI for Heavy-Duty Tires, with LCD Control Panel to Preset Target Pressure, 4x4 Vehicle, SUV, RV

https://www.amazon.com/Compressor-Portable-Inflator-Heavy-Duty-Pressure/dp/B0CHB4FCGQ/
SmittyBilt AIR COMPRESSOR 5.65CFM - SB2781

$172 SmittyBilt AIR COMPRESSOR 5.65CFM - SB2781

https://www.amazon.com/SmittyBilt-AIR-COMPRESSOR-5-65CFM-SB2781/dp/B004K25GMG
SSW Offroad
https://sswoffroad.com/products/ssw-digital-dual-air-compressor
Thor's Lightning air compressor
https://thorslightningairsystems.co...thors-lightning-bolt-true-dual-air-compressor

Thor's Lightning Air Systems Bolt Portable 12v True Dual Air Compressor 10.6 CFM with Digital Pressure Gauge, Single-Tire Inflator/Deflator Air Gun

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BPZMBR96
VIAIR 300P

$175 VIAIR 300P - 30033 Tire Inflator Portable Offroad Air Compressor for Truck & SUV, 12V On/Off Road Tire Pump Air Compressor Portable Heavy Duty 150 PSI

https://www.amazon.com/VIAIR-30033-300P-Portable-Compressor/dp/B000X90YUO/r
https://www.4runners.com/threads/hand-held-air-compressor-opinions-please.43634/page-2#post-706244
VIAIR 400P

VIAIR 400P/40045 Automatic Portable Compressor, Tire Inflator Kit, Air Compressor for Truck, Jeep, SUV, and Car Tires, Portable Air Pump Kit, Car Accessories, 33% Duty Cycle, 150 PSI/2.30 CFM

https://www.amazon.com/VIAIR-400P-Automatic-Function-Portable-Compressor/dp/B000X9B32M/
https://www.4runners.com/threads/hand-held-air-compressor-opinions-please.43634/page-2#post-706300
VIAIR 88P

$87 VIAIR 88P - 00088 Tire Inflator Portable On/Offroad Air Compressor for Car, Truck, SUV & RV | 12V Heavy Duty Pump 120 PSI, Alligator Clip, Twist Chuck

https://www.amazon.com/Viair-00088-88P-Portable-Compressor/dp/B005ASY23I/

Self-Locking Air Chuck

$8 Audew/EPAuto/AstroAI/JACO/DBPOWER/Mbrain Car Tire Inflator - Rubber Hose, Self-Locking Air Chuck, Standard Tire Valve, Fine Thread for 0.305" x32TPI Air Compressor Pump

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B088BKBKYG?
https://www.4runners.com/threads/re...y-brand-w-a-screw-on-valve.34004/#post-495196
Toolwiz Lock on Air Chuck Inflate Locking with Clip

$6 Toolwiz Lock on Air Chuck Inflate Locking with Clip, 1/4" Brass Portable Tire Inflator Nozzle Presta Valve Adapter Tire Chucks Air Compressor Attatchments Hose End with Barb Connector,2pcs

amazon.com/Toolwiz-Inflator-Straight-Compressor-Connector/dp/B07YWWHCHN
https://www.4runners.com/threads/re...y-brand-w-a-screw-on-valve.34004/#post-537040
Ozark Trail 360 Fishing Tackle Bag (air compressor bag)
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Ozark-Trail-360-Fishing-Tackle-Bag-with-Tackle-Boxes-Black/662134525

Tire deflators
Over-Sand adjustable
https://over-sand.com/
https://www.4runners.com/threads/off-road-psi.45790/#post-744547
Adjustable Auto-Stop Tire Deflator kit 10-30PSI(4PCS/Set)

$23 ROYWEL Adjustable Auto-Stop Tire Deflator kit 10-30PSI(4PCS/Set),Air Down Tire Deflators Offroad Accessories Suit for Cars.Trucks

https://www.amazon.com/ROYWEL-Adjustable-Auto-Stop-Accessories-Cars-Trucks/dp/B0DQ823F5P/
COYOTE Vortex V2ADJUSTABLE AUTOMATIC TIRE DEFLATORS
https://www.coyoteents.com/product/set-of-four-coyote-vortex-v2adjustable-automatic-tire-deflators/
https://www.4runners.com/threads/coyote-tire-deflators.29196/#post-410611
Slime 20459 Tire Pressure Gauge

$12 Slime 20459 Tire Pressure Gauge, Dial, Analogue, Brass Tire Gauge (5-60 psi)

https://www.amazon.com/Slime-Brass-Dial-Tire-Gauge/dp/B0B6CGRPWK/
https://www.4runners.com/threads/coyote-tire-deflators.29196/#post-410644
ETENWOLF Tire Pressure Gauge for Cars

$10 ETENWOLF Tire Pressure Gauge for Cars 0-75 PSI, Air Pressure Gauge with Large Glow Dial, Calibrated to ANSI B40.1 Grade A(Plus-Minus 1%), Tire Gauge for Tire Pressure Car Accessories (Vivid Orange)

https://www.amazon.com/ETENWOLF-Pressure-Calibrated-Plus-Minus-Accessories/dp/B0D423MCCJ/
JACO ElitePro-X Tire Pressure Gauge with Lightning Chuck

$50 JACO ElitePro-X Tire Pressure Gauge with Lightning Chuck (60 PSI)

amazon.com/JACO-ElitePro-X-Pressure-Gauge-Lightning/dp/B0DHHKBQW2/
AstroAI Tire Pressure Gauge (its a mini tire, how fun!)

$10 AstroAI Tire Pressure Gauge, 6-170 PSI, Certified ANSI B40.1(1%) Accurate with Large 2" Dial Easy to Read Compatible with Cars, Trucks, SUVs, Motorcycles, Bicycles with Schrader Valve

https://www.amazon.com/AstroAI-Pressure-Certified-Compatible-Motorcycles/dp/B0CS2VDG9H
Boulder Tools Tire Deflator (gauge; auto deflator; valve stem caps)

$18 Boulder Tools Tire Deflator - 80 PSI Air Pressure Gauge - Adjustable, Automatic for Cars, Trucks and Motorcycles - Ideal Offroading Accessories

https://www.amazon.com/Boulder-Tools-Deflators-Pressure-Gauge/dp/B01M0L7JS2/

 

Follow up, just got back this week from being out in Ouray Co. Drove three different trails and aired down to 22 from 33. Sure I could have gone lower, but I have to admit @ 22, it was smooth. Thanks again all for the info. I did buy a VIKING 1700 battery jumper/Air compressor from Harbor F. It worked like a champ as well getting the tires back up to 33 once I hit pavement. Sure it took about 8 minutes total to get all 4 back up to snuff, and yes I know, really need to just invest in the 4-way contraptions. But for now, this all worked well!

 

oh goodness TODAY only 8/13/2025 30% off this device and was that 8 minutes per tire or all tires in 8 minutes from 22 to 33 PSI?

 

It was probably closer to 10 minutes, but that was for all 4, not per tire and I will add it did it all on one charge. Took about 2 hours to charge it back up from down to 35% capacity to full 100%

 

Some of the roads I drive have a limestone base, which can contain sharp chert stones. I have always been a bit concerned that airing down too much exposes the sidewall to the road surface and could result in a higher chance of a sidewall puncture.

 

FYI
There is hard limestone that is mined out of deep, shaft mines. This is used in concrete.
There is soft limestone that is mined in shallow pits. This is used for those gravel roads.
https://www.quora.com/Why-is-it-sai...s-is-good-for-your-tires/answer/Brian-Wheater

If your tires are 6ply or better you will be fine. Airing down to half highway pressure (18PSI) is not going to flex the sidewalls to drag or otherwise grab the stones. Don't over think this.

 

No, this is not limestone gravel brought in as road base. These roads are graded in a geologic limestone formation. Chert nodules are common and get broken up by traffic. They are sharp. I have encountered vehicles with two flats. Once a pickup pulling a trailer with a flat tire on both. I have had two flats, one running 8 ply tires. So, overthinking? While changing tires I think how can I keep the sidewall higher off the road

 

I was on some really nasty uncomfortable trails paved with sharp, football sized rocks in Colorado on the section between engineer pass getting closer to Lake City. Same stuff on a section of the Cinammon pass towards Sliveron. Maybe it was this stuff you’re taking about.

It was the worst surface ever! Maybe it’s fine for mining trucks with 10 foot diameter tires, but it was very slow going on the 4runner due to the vibrations it would induce. Best I could do was about 5miles an hour, often less.

I also stayed at a disperse campsite in the Uncomphadre forest that was about 30 min down a road paved with similar rocks. A guy in a 5th gen pulled in to a spot near me. He had a flat tire. In the morning, he noticed another tire that had gone flat. He had k02s load C tires, pretty decent tread depth. I didnt ask him what pressure he was running.

As for me, I was running low to mid 20s during for most of a week long trip that included Imogene, engineer pass, mineral creek trail and also lots of paved highway, and fast gravel roads. We were doing so much mileage across different surfaces, I had to pick a middle ground pressure. I certainly worried about punctures on those nasty sharp stone rocks, but got lucky. They didn’t even get that chunked up.