"Wheeler's Anonymous"

I've run most trails about 13-15 with no issues. I only get nervous on really off-camber sections or when driving on road.

I've talked to people that go as low as 8-10 and don't have issues.

I am referencing trail wheeling though, not fast stuff.

 

I always do 15-18 psi on trails, almost feels like your power steering is going out though if you ride that low on the road after the trail lol. Air compressor solved that problem though.

 

You hit the nail on the head with off camber. Those are the times rocks and dirt can wedge in and compromise the bead. On a seedy rut those conditions can pop your tire off your wheel and boom - you're lying on your side. In the end there is no textbook answer in regards to airing down. Conditions always change and the operator has to know their rig.

As for the people regularly going down to 8-10 psi for the whole trail I say:

I have yet to wheel where 8 psi is a must for the length of the trail. Yet.

But if the conditions warrant it then I understand. Again, it comes down to understanding your rig.

 

I've heard that 10 psi is ideal for sand/desert wheeling, planning to try it out this weekend. But yeah I'd never go that low on a rocky trail

 

I'm bringing pb blaster and an extended length lighter. Should someone lose their bead I've always wanted to try setting the bead with fire.

 

I want an expo looking rig that I can take over ridiculous rock piles

If/when the day ever comes that I break something really expensive though, I might have to reevaluate my goals lol. Fortunately (knock on wood) that hasn't happened...yet. But you know what they say, with this hobby its usually not a matter of if, but when.

 

As you mentioned before, this is a year to test our rigs suspension. Next year is about seeing the U.S. by way of overlanding. I've done Cleghorn twice and I'm good with that. I need more camping in my life. Cheers to expo life! haha

 

For what it's worth, I've always ran ~12-15 psi at pismo. That was with 285/70-17 on a 9" wide rim. Being 2wd I had my fun drifting and sliding around, never had a bead issue.

 

Don't hate the rocks brother.. The rocks don't hate you.

 

Is this evolving in to the "mature" wheelers group? Are we going to start packing Metamucil?

I'm turning 35 on Friday and don't want to feel like it. Haha

However, I think I just need to let the "push it to the limit" phase run its course. This is my first true 4x4 and I'm only 4 months in.

So maybe in a couple years I'll join in with you guys on the expo over rocks conversation

 

No doubt. I always have to remind myself the original reason for my build's (purchases - haha) direction: to get to fishing holes and campsites that RV's and Subarus cannot. To see the U.S. by way of overlanding. The way the mass do not. Respek!

Very valid, Mike. Dunes are a different beast. And I know you know, as many others here, know what's up when it comes down to life in the sand. With that said: get yo asses out there with us this weekend! haha

 

And right when you beefed up that suspension too!

 

Same here. Just want to be protected in case I come across some.

 

I have a lot of practice to do before that confidence kicks in lol

 

I want to rip up the sand with you all so badly! This weekend won't work though
Not going anywhere anytime soon though, I'll be in on the next one!

 

Are the 4runners spindles as pathetic as the tacomas? When I was down at the Pelfrey shop this last Friday we got to talking about tires and spindles. I told them that I've had in my possession my TC spindle gussets for a while and need to get them installed. They were like "yes do that asap! We've all bent our spindles at some point pre gusseting." Another example of "not if, but when".

 

To the guys going to Pismo that have never been before, take it easy at first. Especially if it's windy.

I didn't know what to expect and we almost made a giant mistake. A lot of the dunes become cliffs with 20+ ft drop offs. You will total your rig if you accidentally go off one. Make sure you can see at all times, and approach tops of dunes slowly unless you've scoped out the other side. We ended up doing a route slowly, then hitting it hard after we knew it. That way you can be sure you know what is on the other side. It got fun to do speed runs that way. Let the more experienced guys on the dunes lead the pack so they know what to look for and if you have a radio, help others out by letting them know what is up ahead be it children playing in the sand (it happens amazingly...) or just a huge cliff.

Just thought I'd be sure to throw my experience in so nobody gets their truck smashed. It is a fun time overall!

 

Nope they are great. Come like this from the factory

Definitely!

Mine on my tacoma were always fine. I like having gusseted ones though.

 

Very well said!
x2

 

Yup, those are way better. Ours a puny little pieces of crap.