How low can you go without beadlocks? I normally run 30psi on my GY Wrangler M/T with Kevlar. Sidewalls are 6 ply. I've had them down to 20 psi and still standing straight up on the sidewall.
Tire Pressure
- Thread starter JMT
- Start date
OP
Your tires sound like they have the inappropriately too-stiff Load Range D or E which means you have to air them down further than you would with the more appropriate Load Range C tire.
Even taking a more appropriate Load Range C tire down to 20 psi isn't helping at all, that's really not even airing them down at all. For any Jeep size tire, you have to get them lower than 15 psi before the tire can flex enough on uneven terrain to improve traction. I regularly took my previous 33's down to 10-12 psi and I took my 35's down to 7-8 psi without bead locks. You can take them down to 2-4 psi with bead locks.
JMT, I'd be taking your tires MT/R tires (essentially 31's) down to 10-12 psi without worry that they'll unseat. And Chris I don't know what size tires you're running but don't be afraid to go lower than 15 psi. You'll see a dramatic improvement in traction once you get below 15 psi.
It's harder to unseat a tire than most would guess. I've yet to have a tire unseat in 20 years of offroading.
Even taking a more appropriate Load Range C tire down to 20 psi isn't helping at all, that's really not even airing them down at all. For any Jeep size tire, you have to get them lower than 15 psi before the tire can flex enough on uneven terrain to improve traction. I regularly took my previous 33's down to 10-12 psi and I took my 35's down to 7-8 psi without bead locks. You can take them down to 2-4 psi with bead locks.
JMT, I'd be taking your tires MT/R tires (essentially 31's) down to 10-12 psi without worry that they'll unseat. And Chris I don't know what size tires you're running but don't be afraid to go lower than 15 psi. You'll see a dramatic improvement in traction once you get below 15 psi.
It's harder to unseat a tire than most would guess. I've yet to have a tire unseat in 20 years of offroading.
Ted
TJ Enthusiast
Without beadlocks I have been to 5 psi.
With beadlocks gauge to 0 snow wheeling
28 summer highway
20 winter highway. It makes a huge difference on slick roads
With beadlocks gauge to 0 snow wheeling
28 summer highway
20 winter highway. It makes a huge difference on slick roads
I'm running 33" tires. Good to know though, next time I'll try taking them down below 15 psi in that case!
You need to get off that odd-size 16" wheel so you can get inch-sized tires so you can get more appropriate Load Range C tires.
That 16" wheel is not a popular or common size, that's why it's much harder and more expensive to find the tires you want. Jeep went with that size as a compromise due to the current style being larger wheels. You'd be better off with a 15" size wheel where you could run the inch comparable size of 33x12.50xR15. That's an easy size to find Load Range C tires which will also be less expensive.
derekmac
TJ Addict
Listen to what Jerry said. You'll be much better off selling your 16" rims, and getting 15's. For pressure, I run my 33's at 10psi off-road.
Ted
TJ Enthusiast
I likely will follow Jerry's advice but have one issue......just bought brand new tires. Lol
And the TJ is not a DD so from an economic standpoint, it may be a little bit but will happen.
OP
brokeasstj
New Member
xxdabroxx
TJ Addict
I have 10" wheels and I have aired down to 10psi without issue. Once I get some sort of OBA I wouldn't be afraid to give 8psi a try. Lower is definitely better.