Idaho BS thread in the PNW

I'm surprised my shitty built controller mounts lasted this long. You've seen me, they are crap! I remember being able to dislodge then by hand during install, but miraculously they have stoo the test of abuse lol.

 

Haha right, when I contacted them when they first broke smittybilt said they were backordered so I imagine it’s a common thing. There’s a company that makes a winch controller mount on the upper rad support. I like that better then on top of the bumper in direct elements. The guys at 4wheel parts weren’t sure if my wireless remote will still work with the different controller… but it’s got the wired backup just in case.

 

Jenson/M3, I have a newbie question for you guys. I have searched the forum trying to find an answer and although I have read a lot of different things, I am still not clear on how to do it "right" or at least as close to right as I can get so I just figured I would ask you guys here.
I am obviously new to a lot of "off-roading" and trail driving and I am trying to learn about what PSI's I should be running my tires at while on different types of terrain. Mainly, washboard trails, rocky trails and mud and sand.
On my Tacoma, I am running BFG KO2's 265/70/R17 and I am trying to find a "general rule" to follow as far as letting out tire pressure and then adding air back in when getting back on pavement. Do you guys have ANY suggestions? I know some of it is personal preference and what "feels good" to an individual but I just didn't know if there is something else I should be looking at or trying to find?
Since you guys obviously have experience off-roading, I just thought I'd ask. I appreciate any input you guys could give me.
Thank you!
I did email BF Goodrich and asked them what their rules/suggestions are to follow but I really don't expect to hear back from anyone anytime soon lol

 

Easy. Go to 20psi and feel it out. Safe enough to not lose a bead but the tire will be nice and squishy. Tire size, wheel width and truck weight play a role so you may find tune it more but like I said, start at 20. I say this assuming you can air up before hitting pavement. You don't wanna be rolling on the highway at 20psi, tires build heat and you have problems. That said, full disclosure I'm at 16psi on the street but that's a different story

 

Funny tire pressure got brought up. My tire pressure light came on this morning (cause cold) which made me wonder if my tires are even aired up to what they should be. I usually run them at 36psi (they've always been in that range) but the tires say max is like 80, seems like 36 is pretty low if max is 80? I'm running 265/75/16..

 

Yeah but your truck weighs less then a golf cart so you barely even squish them at 16.

For most soft trails I drop down to about 25 but I do get some good squish cause I weigh a lot and I don’t want to be airing up forever. If your going to be going to be really needing the traction (rocky/sandy) you’ll benefit from lower pressure but if your going to be doing more fire roads and higher speed stuff you can keep at a higher pressure. It’s really really personal preference and terrain specific. But just experimenting is how you learn.


For reference I run 35psi on the normal and I’m on 285/75/r16 toyos and I weigh just over 5,500lbs. I chalked my tire and found I got the best wear pattern at 35psi.

 

This is true. The beast I air down to 55 psi. But again the two trucks are opposite ends of the spectrum and shows how much of a variable it can be given the difference in setups.

 

Airing down is all in perspective. Your not airing down the van for traction more so to keep the plates in the cabinets on washboards.

 

Load range of the tire makes a big difference. I typically start at 15psi and go from there with a 5500lb truck on E range tires. I've not had any issues driving pavement for 45 minutes in Moab at 13psi. I'm not concerned about blowing a bead until I'm below 10 psi. It's really just something you will have to play with and decide what you like.

 

I appreciate all the information fellas! I will start around the 20-25 psi and go from there. I figured it would be a learning curve and what feels "right" to me but I wasn't even sure where to begin....so thank you!
I just got a cheap 12v 150 psi air compressor from Harbor freight that I like because it fits into my decked drawers but I am not sure how reliable it is so I am going to be getting something else eventually.

Are any of you open this weekend (preferably Sunday but either day works for me) to hitting some "moderate" trails? I was thinking about heading out towards Murphy and doing some out there assuming the weather just stays cold and doesn't rain anymore. Figured I would at least check with you all?

 

I don’t know if I’m going anywhere got family coming over but I know c.wheelin is going.

 

Jenson, thank you for the information. I might have to go and check it out, looks like it will be fun.

 

I doubt I'll escape for any wheeling this weekend but I am going camping tonight after work to enjoy the cold.

That local group is fun, bunch of young guys.

 

Good to hear it's a good group of guys M3. I'm seriously considering showing up and checking it out. I figure worst case, I'll look like a total moron but there is only one way to learn and that is to get out there and actually do it.
I don't have a lot of "recovery gear" as of yet. Do you think that will that be an issue for me? The last thing I want is to cause someone else a headache by having to help me but I am completely new to this.
Haha, it's funny you mention camping. I was supposed to go this weekend but, as is usually the case, my friends bailed on me due to the cold. I asked them if they had ever heard of something called fire, that is capable of keeping people warm but apparently that isn't enough for some lol

 

Most of the guys only have a pull rope and some shackles. I wouldn’t be too worried about having any special gear, a radio would be my first recommendation and you can pick up any frs (normal walkie talkie) at any sports/outdoor store for <30$. After that just go wheeling and find out what you want next. Every one of the regulars are happy to help get you out and loan some gear for a recovery.

 

The group should have enough equipment to recover a truck although sometimes I wonder if they have the knowledge of how best to use it

A nice warm fire helps, but even more so I'm spoiled and have a furnace in our setup so should be able to be comfortable no matter what. We are still testing it's cold capabilities of the van.

 

Jenson, thanks, that helps put me at ease a bit. Sounds like a good group to go out with. I have a recovery strap and a shackle at least lol
M3, that is badass bro! I saw a video yesterday of the top 5 Tacoma's at the overland expo 2021 and a guy who ended up putting a sailboat fireplace in the bed of his Tacoma (he obviously had the money and the complete overlanding/roof top setup) but it was pretty cool to see. He said he went camping in 17 degrees and it kept his tent at 70 the entire night.
Here is link to the video; skip to about 31:41 and it will take you right to the point in the video.
Top 5 Tacomas at Overland Expo West | 2021 - YouTube

 

Equipment and knowledge are two very different things… they double winched that 3rd gen Tacoma on 35’s when only his rear end was in a hole. Could have gotten out with some boards and good driving.

 

I was going to say to keep the pillows on the sofa.

 

I've got two different diesel heaters in the van. Been camping around freezing but had no trouble staying warm. Went a couple weeks ago and had to keep turning the furnace down it was too warm. Tonight will be a test as it will be the coldest night so far and it will be with the top popped which loses heat and is more volume of space to heat. We shall see. A wood burning/pellet furnace would be really cool but just seems like a higher risk to burn yourself down in the middle of the night.

I think there's the thrill and excitement about pulling out a stick truck they jump in without doing a full assessment of options and risks but that's just my opinion. A good example was trying to pull the 4runmer up hill when it was clearly bellied out and your best bet is to not fight gravity. Gravity always wins lol.